Peter_Frank wrote:Mossy 757 wrote:plummet wrote:
your probably right on both counts
I can't escape the thought that you might be at a bit of a plateau that you need to push through. You mentioned that your maneuvers aren't 100% yet, that might be something that changes the way you feel about the discipline. You're also riding a homemade hydrofoil with a very large wing, you might discover that there are some inherent issues in your setup that have capped your progression or the flexibility of your kit in a way that a racier, cruisier, or just production-made foil wouldn't present.
Agree fully with you Mossy and was thinking the same - it sounds very "different" that you Plummet after 3½ months only, has reached your limit and asks "what next" - as this takes several years for most skilled riders even if out a lot I would say, and some never get to that point
Even the really good always finds something to get better at.
Or maybe you need someone to ride with on occasions even if far away - it changes EVERYTHING hugely in terms of progression and skill and objectivity of what you can, and what is possible and how different gear performs
You will find some amazing things, both in terms of speed and agility - videos are worth nothing, compared to riding with others no matter if freeride/freestyle/wave/race/speed - it is truly a "gamechanger" if I were to use this overused word.
And will also say like others - too much "compromise" will dull every board down to being boring and a short fad only - which is why I dont think the hydrofoil TT got a chance, just as an example
It could also be the point you say that you are "not enjoying the journey" Plummet, that is REALLY different from many others ?
I think, that most really love the journey - learning new skills even when crashing whilst doing it, is awesome and the very motivation.
Especially when so difficult and different - it gives even more satisfaction, the very journey, seeing how you slowly can get better at some both big and small things, till they suddenly click - OR they suddenly succeed but you have to find out how to get it to click so not just a one shot
And knowing you can go on and on and get better, so there is nothing stopping you from progressing for years and years to come !
PF
PLummet my man... you're a long way off losing the stoke Brother
PF and Starsky say it well.
1- 3,5 months in nothing regarding learning a new skillset
2 - you are doing really well - pat yourself in the back
3 - you may indeed now need to try and get a production foil - try for something wave specific as I don't think you're a race man, each to his own..
4 - back off trying new stuff for a while. Go out and enjoy a foil, then put it away and take the SB out and go play.
5 - next challenge: take the foil to waves bro, that's where the real kick is. Put the kite onto a drift and just ride the undercurrent. When you get that 'kick' the smile on your gob will be so big you'll forget all about the plateau
We all have such a way to go. I have been on it a bit longer than most, I am older than most, and I still enjoy challenging myself every time. Don't get me wrong, I have my moments of reflection 'is that it?' but usually when the conditions are crap for foiling and I get 'bored'. But then again I go out from 10-30 knots LOL. I just bought a 4m Reo, oh my what fun.
I am guilty of going out on the foil when I should really be on the surfboard and I get told ALL THE TIME by my mates, but if I don't challenge myself to ride in all conditions how would I know what's good and possible?
I know I keep beating the drum about foiling waves.. damn I've been on that 'ride' since day one about 3 years ago. Only now the dedicated foils are surfacing
but I still think we've still got a way to go on the 'perfect' machine. My goal is to learn as much as I can on what I have tried to customize and then when the real stuff comes out I'll be smiling from ear to ear, even more than now.
So, I guess I'm just trying to say.. back off the 'trying too hard' a bit. Sit back and enjoy the huge achievements you already reached, stop and smell the coffee. Then drop in and face an 8" peeler and shit yourself for a bit LOLOLOLOL
Cheers Bro, so glad you joined us.
V