Learning to windsurf foil brings the gliding into light wind: where classic windsurfing has long been bobbing about, the foil lifts you out of the water and you draw your lines silently. You know the rig from windsurfing, board and foil come on top. Here are the first metres.
Prerequisite: windsurf basics are solid
You should be able to windsurf confidently: water start or beach start, hold height, turn. Then the step onto the foil is easy, because the rig handling stays, only the board behaves anew. Anyone still right at the beginning learns normal windsurfing first.
Gear: large foil board, calm sail
For getting started the rule is: a large, tip-stable foil board and a high-lift front wing that lifts off early and slowly. Add a light, calm freeride foil sail that makes pressure even in light wind. Which sizes suit your weight is in our windsurf foiling packing list with a weight table. Helmet and impact protection belong with it.
Step 1: set off without lifting
Ride the first runs quite deliberately without lifting off, just glide, keep the board flat and dose the rig. That way you learn how the foil works before it lifts you. Stand rather in the centre, not too far back.
Step 2: lift off gently
With a bit of speed and gentle pressure on the back foot, the foil lifts. Stay calm, do not overreact, the rig gives you stability. If the nose rises too high, weight slightly forward. The first flights are short, that is normal, with practice they get longer and calmer.
Safety and care
Helmet and impact vest are a must, a fall onto the foil hurts. Keep your distance from others, the foil reaches far under water. After the session rinse foil, mast foot and screws with fresh water, then the setup stays safe and free of play. You will find the right day with light, steady wind using the wind check.