How to Downwind Foil: Lesson 1 - Equipment and Paddling Technique

The Foil Project

Lesson 1 of a downwind foiling series for complete newcomers: choosing foil, mast, fuselage, tail, board and paddle, then learning to paddle straight on one side through drills sitting, kneeling and standing. It ends with a flat water paddle up. The coach shows the brand of gear he rides.

Key points

• Foil: heavier beginners (80–90 kg) go as big as possible; lighter riders a bit smaller for less drag. Mast 75 cm, medium fuselage, a larger tail wing
• Board: volume 20–40 kg above body weight, width no more than 21" (about 20" is a good start), length around 8 ft
• Paddle: about head height; an 85 sq in blade is a good middle ground
• Stroke: enter as far forward as you can, bury the full blade, exit at your feet; keep the shaft vertical by moving the top hand across your body
• To stop turning: open the blade slightly toward the board, keep it close to the rail, use a J-stroke. Practise sitting, then kneeling, then standing

Creator says it's for People completely new to downwind foiling (e.g. from surfing or wing foiling)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izi8HVgZA-4