Winging with Foil DriveUpdated an hour ago
For many new riders, learning to manage a wing and a foil at the same time can be a challenging task. There is a lot to think about — controlling the wing, maintaining balance, managing the foil and learning how to generate enough speed to get up and flying.
With a Foil Drive installed, you can learn the fundamentals of foiling first.
Once you're comfortable riding the foil and controlling your board, you can introduce the wing and focus on learning how to handle and power it without having to learn everything at once.
This can be particularly useful when using smaller boards, smaller foils and smaller wings in lighter wind conditions.
The Foil Drive provides the extra propulsion needed to get moving and onto foil, allowing you to concentrate on developing your wing skills and becoming comfortable riding the foil.
Why Use Foil Drive for Winging?
One of the biggest advantages of using a Foil Drive for winging is that the motor can take care of the initial acceleration needed to get onto foil.
Rather than relying on the wing to generate enough power to get a larger foil and board moving, you can use a short burst of motor power to get up on foil, then switch to riding under wind power.
Once you're flying, you may not need the motor at all.
This means you can potentially ride with smaller, more efficient foils and smaller wings, while still having the confidence that the Foil Drive can provide assistance when you need it.
Smaller Gear, Less Wind
Using a Foil Drive can make it easier to ride smaller equipment in lighter conditions.
A smaller foil generally requires more speed to get onto foil, while a smaller wing produces less power in lighter winds. The Foil Drive can bridge that gap by providing the initial acceleration needed to get flying.
Once you're up, you can release the throttle and let the wind and wing do the work.
This setup can be particularly useful for experienced riders who want to keep their equipment smaller and more manoeuvrable without being limited by marginal take-off conditions.
Winging in Light Wind
Once you're comfortable, the Foil Drive can also be used to get up and riding when the wind is too light to easily take off using the wing alone.
Use the motor to build speed and get onto foil, then reduce or release the throttle and let the wing take over.
If the wind drops during your session, the Foil Drive can also provide a useful safety net. Rather than being stranded offshore because there isn't enough wind to get back up on foil, you can use the motor to assist your return to shore.
Always make sure you have enough battery power remaining to safely return to shore. Don't rely on the Foil Drive as your only means of getting home — plan your session around the conditions, your equipment and your remaining battery capacity.
The Safety Advantage
Having a Foil Drive fitted can provide an additional level of confidence when winging, particularly when riding further from shore or in conditions where the wind may change.
If the wind drops, the Foil Drive can help you get back onto foil and make your way towards shore.
This doesn't mean you should venture further offshore than you otherwise would. Always assess the conditions, your experience, battery level and ability to safely return to shore before starting your session.