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Flying through the air at a rate of knots while standing on a board is an incredible sensation that many experienced paddleboarders and surfers are keen to try.
Foiling on a standup paddleboard (SUP), surfboard or while kite surfing has been possible for quite a few years, but according to SUP Shed owner Nik Sams, the technology has got more reliable, cheaper and now easier to use. Interest has also grown this season inspired by watching the America’s Cup boats fly along up on their foils.
Foils from leading brands such as Go-Foil, Naish and J-Shapes can be purchased for around $1500 upwards and attached to SUPs or surfboards as required.
Nik learned to foil while kite surfing and now also foils on his SUP. He says that even for the experienced board riders who take up foiling, when you first leave the water, it can feel a bit unnerving – particularly given the speed you are moving at.
The technique required can be tricky and includes having your feet and body in just the right position, pumping the board and, on a SUP, holding the paddle out to the side to aid balancing.
It’s best to learn in small waves, behind a boat or jetski. “Once dialed in, you can take it out in small waves for the ultimate glide,” Nik says.
He says there is something addictive about foiling. “There’s no friction or noise, it’s super smooth and you’re really flying.”
