ChristoffM wrote:I can't see the race boards surviving too long. Hydrofoils are so much more fun that they perform much better as a free-ride category for non competitive riders. And now that they are proving to be faster already (with improvements surely to come with development), I cannot see why anyone would want to stay on a 70cm wide raceboard anymore.
Are there anyone here that can ride both types of boards well, and still prefer a race board for general cruising? I'll be surprised to find anyone.
Correct
It seems that several intermediates has ditched their raceboard (sold it) and jumped on a foil now.
And those really good at both, have their raceboard(s) collecting dust now.
Others, who are raceboard "top" riders, but havent got a foil yet - are pissed because they've obtained excellent skills and equipment - and right now the focus is totally gone (away from raceboards).
I understand that feeling - but again, it is simply (r)evolution and new things.
Just like kitesurfing has almost totally swept windsurfing away in most parts - except for some small areas where windsurfing is "at its best".
At first when we all did both, it was with mixed feelings - but now we hardly ever look back
I dont know where Hydrofoiling is gonna end up - I just know that it is a "craze" that has taken each and everybody by surprise around the world lately - leading to an exponential growth in interest !
Eventhough some has done it for years - but the last half year or less, the interest has exploded
The fact that it seems to be a bit or way faster on any course now, has stabbed the raceboard scene
It is not practical, it is not easy (but eventhough expensive - it is the same as raceboards though, no difference).
But having a "craft" that is so much faster, has made raceboards obsolete for many riders now
Some wont admit this, others have seen the light - I just look at what is happening and dont care myself - but think it is awesome that something new and extremely fast and exiting has emerged.
Yes, I think raceboards will fade out pretty fast - not dissapear fully, but somewhat be history when taking the "global" glasses on.
NOONE racing in the "good" class, want to use a huge part of their life, on something a lot slower than what exist, no matter how established the competion scene is nowadays
Peter