As you surf, the foil fin will lift you above the water line, catching the attention of those around you. The foil board will make you stand out if you like to be in the spotlight. There’s no doubt conventional hydrofoil board won’t be happy to see you, but you’ll certainly be riding high above them. It’s like galloping into a stadium on a horse while everyone else runs.
Getting good at foil boarding takes time and dedication, but with practice, you can do a whole host of maneuvers you wouldn’t be able to do on a traditional hydrofoil board. It is being brought to the new platform by people like Kai Lenny – see the feature image above – who perform high-performance surf moves, like aerials.
As well as surf tricks, the elevated position above the surface allows for a wide range of movements that are not possible on traditional surfboards, which directly displace water. The foil board industry isn’t one-dimensional, and Finbin offers a wide selection of models and designs.
Several top professional surfers have reported having difficulty getting used to foil boarding’s elevation and movement, which can have a big learning curve. The speed at which foil boarding can be learned will be fast, however, since it does not require much wind – or even waves. Due to the board’s wing-like design, you can ride it in conditions that would not suit conventional surfers or kiteboarders.
Many new foil board users find this to be a strong selling point. Whether you have a kite attached or not, it feels like you’re taxiing for take-off. The increased elevation provides an elevated perspective and a smooth, cushioned ride, like a mini-hovercraft. With an increased field of vision, you can better sense your surroundings, stare SUP riders in the eye and enjoy a magical experience.
An elevated foil board allows you to surf without many prerequisites that traditional surfers require. The increased elevation of the foil board provides another bonus. Surfing has suddenly made locations previously off-limits to surfers viable surf spots. To explore places few others dare, riders can ride small swells to awkward locations, ride long distances, and don’t have to worry about wind conditions.
Foil boards are challenging to learn, and many find maintaining stability the most challenging part of the learning process. Many reports that once they become accustomed to the flow of the motion, they find that riding becomes more stable than traditional surfing. This may, in part, be because there are fewer obstacles at eye level when riding.
