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<\/div>\n Jeff McKee<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n
In watersports, change through progression is a constant. Ever-improving technology, mind-blowing athletic advancements, and the search for the newest iteration of water gliding go on. Foiling is the newest big thing, providing a vehicle for progression without the impact.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re interested in \u00adfoiling behind a boat, then read this \u00adarticle. In it, wakeboarding legend and early foil adopter Jeff \u00adMcKee and three-time Wakeskate World Champion\u2014and the poster child for a Red Bull athlete\u2014\u00adBrian Grubb offer five key areas you should focus on when getting started.<\/p>\n
Prerequisites: \u00adExperience and Board Control <\/h2>\n
McKee shares: \u201cI recommend that you have at least beginner \u00adexperience in wakeboarding or wakesurfing. However, the preference would be intermediate experience so that you\u2019re comfortable riding a\u00a0board \u00adsideways behind the\u00a0boat.\u201d<\/p>\n
The key here is balance. Because foiling introduces an extra layer of complexity (the lift of the foil), mastering basic board and body control is essential.<\/p>\n
Start Slow: Rope and Speed Control<\/h2>\n
McKee opines that foiling is not like wakesurfing and advises starting slow. \u201cA big mistake is to start with a wakesurf rope and a wakesurf wave, and let go of the rope and surf the foil the first day. That\u2019s \u00adjumping too far ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Instead, keep a long rope in hand, start at the\u00a0slowest speed possible, and gradually increase to around 11 to 13 mph. This will give you the time and stability to focus on controlling the foil \u00adwithout worrying about flying too soon. Treat the \u00adinitial deepwater start like \u00adpulling up a child who has never wakeboarded\u00a0\u00adbefore.<\/p>\n
Positioning: Mastering the Stance<\/h2>\n
For beginners, foot position and weight distribution on the board are keys to control.<\/p>\n
McKee uses an aviation comparison. \u201cYou\u2019re standing on an airplane, so leaning forward over and putting weight over the nose will hold the plane on the runway, and leaning or standing back on the board forces the plane to take off at a slower speed. You\u2019re flying a plane with your feet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Make sure you keep your body upright and avoid bending over too much, \u201clike you would when standing on stilts,\u201d McKee states. Stay\u00a0tall and centered,\u00a0with your chest up, bending only at the knees when necessary.<\/p>\n
Grubb adds: \u201cYou want to have your back foot in front of wherever\u00a0the mast is set up. A wide stance is not helpful while foiling, so start at about shoulder width or slightly wider.\u201d<\/p>\n
Board Setup: \u00adEquipment Matters<\/h2>\n
Start with a\u00a0\u00ad\u00adbeginner-friendly board, around 4 feet 6 inches in length, with a shorter mast and a larger wing for \u00adstability.<\/p>\n
Grubb says: \u201cStart with a bigger wing, such as a 1,000-square-\u00adcentimeter (150-square-inch) if you weigh up to 200 pounds. If you have an option to use a \u00adbigger stabilizer, or \u201crear wing,\u201d do so, because it will help stabilize the foil in the beginning. Also, ensure that the foil mast is positioned as far back as possible to reduce the amount of lift, making it easier to control the board during initial start-up.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Read Next:<\/strong> Foiling Tips and Tricks<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re flying a plane with your feet; you\u2019re standing on top of the fuselage. I always tell people, when you start flying, don\u2019t change a thing. Don\u2019t even breathe. Don\u2019t move a muscle. Be a statue and enjoy the ride,\u201d McKee says.<\/p>\n By mastering these foundational skills, you\u2019ll be well on your way to enjoying the ride and progressing as a foiler.<\/p>\n The post 5 Keys to Wakefoiling Behind a Boat<\/a> appeared first on Boating Mag<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nFlight Control: Practice Patience<\/h2>\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n