Day 3 had a moderate forecast which turned up a fair bit lighter than predicted - it seemed like my fortunes weren't changing much in the wind department! The wind initially was so light the kiters tried and soon gave up, I was able to at least ride reasonably and make the most of the gusts as they came through.
The wind was ever so slowly picking up, and before long I was able to get up and foil most tacks with my left foot forward. Right foot forward was a whole other ballpark as there was some swell to make matters more complex, and I think in general its my weaker side, with my weaker arm and leg on the rear of the board and wing.
After another 30mins I committed to really go for it on my weaker side, and before long I was flying - definitely not as easily to get it out of the water, but once up on the foil it was really comfortable and pretty easy.
The wind was ever so slowly picking up, and before long I was able to get up and foil most tacks with my left foot forward. Right foot forward was a whole other ballpark as there was some swell to make matters more complex, and I think in general its my weaker side, with my weaker arm and leg on the rear of the board and wing.
After another 30mins I committed to really go for it on my weaker side, and before long I was flying - definitely not as easily to get it out of the water, but once up on the foil it was really comfortable and pretty easy.
Having done a lot of foiling in multiple disciplines, I was really impressed with how easy it was once you're up; the AK 1600 foil is so predictable, and barely ever stalls unless you're going crazy slow or pitch the board up way more than you should at slow speeds - as a first foil its incredible - so easy to use and forgiving, I've not ridden a foil quite like it before - it seems so forgiving with your front/back balance and never feels like you need to force it down.
As the day drew on, the wind picked up and up, to probably 20mph gusting a fair bit stronger; by this time i was foiling on every tack and getting probably beyond the top end of the 6m Shinn wing. Despite that, I was still pretty comfortable; I just had to sheet out a bit more and all was good. The wind was coming off the land a little and varying up and down, and despite the strong wind, it was good to have a 6 in my hands for the lulls - it was never a problem.
As the day drew on, the wind picked up and up, to probably 20mph gusting a fair bit stronger; by this time i was foiling on every tack and getting probably beyond the top end of the 6m Shinn wing. Despite that, I was still pretty comfortable; I just had to sheet out a bit more and all was good. The wind was coming off the land a little and varying up and down, and despite the strong wind, it was good to have a 6 in my hands for the lulls - it was never a problem.
I spent probably 5 hours on the water, it was the first properly windy day, and felt I'd got it properly nailed - foiling with ease in both directions, and gybing with the board on the water every time. I tried some foiling gybes, they felt good but its fair to say they didn't work out ;-)
With my arms telling me I'd totally overdone it, I called it a day - I felt like it was now a sport I could 'do' in comfort, but was eager to crack on again on the next session!
(Pics by Michael Fawcus)
With my arms telling me I'd totally overdone it, I called it a day - I felt like it was now a sport I could 'do' in comfort, but was eager to crack on again on the next session!
(Pics by Michael Fawcus)
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