Foiling advice

stringp · Joined: 20 Aug 2000 Posts: 176

So 2 to 2.5 less. For Friday's east winds I went out on a 4.7 on Dale's advice and ended up doing the walk of shame after an hour or so. Tried again on a 5.1 and did the one reach WOS. I'm trying to make something work from an old Seatrend. Tony Logoz was at the beach and said I needed to move the distance from the front mast bolt to universal to the magic 43". Then I could generate more speed and drive the thing upwind without over foiling. Even at that I don't think I could make a 5.1 work which would be a 7.1 to 7.6 equivalent. Going to have to take the damn footstraps all off and get a pair of tennis shoes. Inches seem to make all the difference.

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

East winds bump up the sail size, and use the bigger wing, if you have it. River is going with the wind, subtracting a few knots. Just like in windsurfing, if it's east wind, you need at least a full meter bigger sail, at any sailing site, compared to W winds. Don't want to waste upwind by pumping downwind to get into a plane then a foil.
And remember, Dale and Bruce are pro level windsurfer's, so they can use a smaller sail than you, even if they weigh more than you. Their pumping technique is outstanding, is yours?

stringp · Joined: 20 Aug 2000 Posts: 176

I have no idea how to pump it onto a plane unless there is an enabling gust. How would one pump it from a slog to foiling without having Super Human strength.

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

You should read the thread on pumping, in the top section of the forums.
Learn to pump, it's good for at least 3 miles per hour of wind when you're slogging, and it can also dump a few MPH wind when you're overpowered and trying to jibe.
Especially for foil riding, its vital so you don' sail around overpowered when foiling, and so you can pump onto a plane, then foil, about the same time that the pros are doing, which is what the advertisement's keep talking about.
Of course, it's part of technique improvement, so a worthwhile endeavor.

hilton08 · Joined: 02 Apr 2000 Posts: 506

westender · Joined: 02 Aug 2007 Posts: 1288 Location: Portland / Gorge

On Fri. one of the Pro's was foiling within minutes on the LP and working on jibes a few laps later. Tony suggested using whatever sail you needed to power up onto the foil when you are first learning if you can't make the pumping thing work. Sailworks has a demo board and foil, use your rig StringP.

sailworksman · Joined: 26 Jul 2000 Posts: 58

stringp · Joined: 20 Aug 2000 Posts: 176

I agree it's captivating, in an ass kicking way. I appreciate the developments in the technology. The $$$ can really be prohibitive.
Tally:
LP foil, 2000
Board, 2000 if you can buy one
Sails, not sure what Sailworks charges but let's say 700 each. Need 2 1400
So, 5400 to get started with a dialed setup.
Unless you're an anesthesiologist that's a lot. Which leads one to McGyvering with old stuff.
Seatrend deep Tuttle, garage
Northwave surflites, garage
Slingshot foil 1000.
Problem is there is no manual for mast track, footstraps, harness lines, boom height, sail size. Which leads to ass kicking.

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

When you start at the leading edge, there is no manual.
The fun is the discovery, but trial and error.
I was involved in the longboard to shortboard revolution, surfing in the mid 60's thru 80's, working at a surf shop most of the time. Went thru all the different designs, from twins to quads, bunker's to guns, and everything in between.
I was involved in the motocross suspension revolution, from '73 thru '83, when suspensions went from 4" to 13", which is current.
I was skiing first when skis for my size was standard at 207cms, now around 160cms.
If you need a manual, wait for evolution to slow down, then get on the bandwagon.
But to answer your question, you have not provide WHAT Seatrend you have, but assuming narrow at under 70 cm, you are in for a somewhat tough ride.

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

I"m not being a jerk, although rereading my post, it appear's so.
You have not provided info on specific windspeeds, which is key to the whole setup, or your body weight, or your skill level in windsurfing.
Basically, you want to pump the board onto a plane, then shift weight slightly to backfoot, to foil and release the board. Any more power from the sail, and you will have a hard time maintaining a foil.
There is little load on the hands when up and foiling, so longer lines are generally used so you can sheet in and out depending on the power of the sail for the wind conditions. Since you foil with little load, you can lower your booms to shoulder level when foiling, or about upper chest when slogging, much lower than for windsurfing.
Mast track usually back from windsurfing setup, some guys set the back straps forward, but that depends on where your finbox is located besides the location of your straps, your body weight, and your rig setup.
Just too many depends, and you did not provide specific info.