Foiling Injury

[Darbonne]

There is a picture circulating on FB of a mangled foot said to be a foiling injury. Not sure if it was a freak accident of there is an increased risk for injury while foiling. Obviously foils have a lot more edges than regular fins. Don't click the link if you are squeamish.

https://www.facebook.com/worldofwindsurf/photos/a.107610682595294.10761.107073829315646/1486290521393963/?type=3&theater

[dllee]

For most sailors, foiling is a light wind sport, so there should be little panic and scrambling of the feet to quickly waterstart, plus foiler's should be aware there's lots of stuff under the board.
With that huge mast afoot, waterstarting should be easier than ever even in the lightest of breezes (under 8mph), and most boards are big enough to uphaul without major hassles.

[Darbonne]

Looks like today is foil injury day on FB. Don't know the details. Keep some distance might be a good idea.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153532959462131&set=a.10150269436987131.322743.695237130&type=3&theater

[gregnw44]

[dllee]

You're lucky you sail in a light steady wind area.
I sail in Berkeley, the lightest of all the Bay Area windsurfing spots, but it can get quite a handful for foiler's when the wind is windsurfable.
Take today....15-23 mph breeze with heavy close chop. I'm on a 5.2 and 78 liter bump board, Foilers on Formula board and 5.7's.
I took off from the dock at the same time as 3 of the best foiler's did, we all got planing (them foiling), about 50 feet off the end of the dock. I'm heading downwind on a broach reach, pumping and not in the straps. They're heading UPWIND, foiling and IN the straps. We leave each other at about 90 degree angles, them at Formula angles, me at freeride angle. I'm going much faster, they're going much higher upwnd.
For sure, they could be using a 4.7 sail. But they're riding 160 liter Formula boards, while I"m on a 78 liter Roque Wave bump board.
Our sailing season never get's to light 12 mph breezes, as when transition season is upon us, the winds for from 12 to opposite direction in an instant.

[skyking1231]

ok...i didin't need to see that first picture. I don't know....something seems BS about the photos....(not everything yousee on the net is real)

[grantmac017]

Is it just me or does going for a light wind, hard kicking waterstart on a board you can easily uphaul just seem like a bit of hubris?

[hilton08]

I think it says both of those injuries occurred in the shorebreak, i.e. the force of a breaking wave slammed the foil into the body.
Regardless, some wings (like fins) are sharper than others and it is smart to choose one with blunt or rounded ends.

[dllee]

Obviously, some rider skill, knowledge and caution needs to be applied.
I've seen some stupid things windsurfing for 33 years, including friends jumping and slamming into the back of Blue@Gold tour boats, and injuries windsurfing can easily be had when lack of common sense or knowledge get's added the a sport where you're practically naked and moving at 28 mph.
I've mentioned I windsurf where at least 8 other windsurf foiler's are rigging and launching, so I've seen some, and heard lots of stories.
I think, if you person converting to foiling is smart, somewhat conservative, and a decent windsurfer, then foiling is a viable option for light wind fun. There is hardly more danger than learning to windsurf, but there IS more, since the foil adds another dimension to the equation, besides the height of the ride.
For gusty winds, stick with windsurfing, unless you have skill foiling.
For learning, find smoother waters and clear wind upwind of you.
And ALWAYS, use a small enough sail that you have to PUMP to get planing on the board, which is plenty for foiling.
Once you're expert, use what you want.

[kevinkan]

the story on the first photo was that the guy was launching and got caught in the shore break, which flipped the board over and the foil attacked his foot.