JMF wrote: ↑Sun Dec 10, 2017 6:08 am
Hi Guys,
Any suggestions as to what the alien code on North Pro-Foil means?
Jokes aside. What would be a good starting point for a beginner limited foiling experience? Have my straps in forward position, going to take back strap off I think or might take off all together. Have some Kite wakeskating background so strapless not foreign concept to me, although the foil of course adds another dimension.
I just looked at the board - the size looks "perfect" for an allround board for learning and light wind, 150 cm long quite wide and volume too, so can be used in really light wind also, and I would expect it to be quite light ?
You are spot on, straps in forward position for starters so you dont shoot out of the water.
Yes, take the back strap off, that will help finding the balance point, and less risk getting stuck.
But keep the front straps while learning, no matter how good you are strapless JMF, as you can not start like used to on a wakeskate or surfboard, not even close
The mast will hinder your easy start so it will be almost impossible
You have to tilt the board fully on its edge with your hand (and not your heels like you are used to), in order to start strapless on a hydrofoil - because the mast makes the board flip the wrong way (to leeward) if you try to start like you are used to.
A few in here brag about how they learned strapless - but IMO and everybody else here having had loads of strapless surf and wakeskate experience, it is not adviced as it will only slow your learning.
When you can foil back and fourth and have the basics nailed, THEN you can learn to start strapless.
Riding strapless is a piece of cake, it is only the waterstart that is tricky, if you are all worked up trying to get everything else together when riding for the first times
Good luck and welcome to an awesome world of new fun
PF