Thanks good video

SUCH A GREAT VIDEO! As ways, you are the most informative on foiling! Curious, now that you've tested the mast spectrum from 46-90, what do you feel is the optimal overall mast height for and advance foiler (which I'm not, but curious). I've read the 71 is a nice mix (and I believe wake kit from Slingshot) as it gives you the elevation for effortless transfers, but enough stability that you are not too wobbly + enough speed (as the deeper below, the more drag, yes)? THANKS! Assume that is and Inifinity 84 wing as well?

@HALFLIFEVIDEO

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Justin - Thank you for the kind words! You may or may not like my answer......it depends. I really like all the lengths for different reasons. For clarity - wave transfers have less to do about mast height and more to do with technique. Both John and I can execute effortless transfers (left right/right left/2nd to 1st/etc) with the 46cm w/ the 68cm, 76cm, 84cm, or 99cm wings. It's more dependent upon the ability to read the wave. That said, 'travel' provided by mast height absolutely can and will help pumping to the extent that you need it. This could make up for less aptitude in reading the wave AND/OR could open up new transfers (2nd to 3rd wave -- around the front of the boat) which are very difficult to do without strong pumping skills and the extra mast length (61cm or 71cm). With the power of the wave in wake foiling the 90cm (solely for the sport of wake foiling) isn't necessary....but it sure is fun and is great cross training for the other foil sports (prone surf, SUP foil, Wingfoil, Windfoil, kitefoil). Also - underpowered boats and small wakes will benefit from longer masts as well so they have increased pumping travel to make up for less power in the wave (even then technique and reading the wave trumps all :-). Ultimately, the mast is a relatively inexpensive part of the foil setup so I'd recommend rocking the 46cm until you hit a limit, then add to your equipment with either the 61cm or 71cm.

@Justin-bw8zi

4 жыл бұрын

@@HALFLIFEVIDEO Makes a TON of sense. Thanks for taking the time to explain in detail!

@Justin-bw8zi

4 жыл бұрын

In addition to the incredible step-by-step videos on how to wake foil, in my first session (in addition/supporting what those videos teach) three things really jumped out at me (figuratively and literally :): 1. As Tim calls out, for a beginner its all about foot position on the board. If you spend the entire first session just figuring out foot position relative to your board and the wing you are using, that alone is time well spent. As with any form of testing, you have to remove variables to arrive at winners/losers. By "removing" one of the highest beta variables in foot position, it allows you to focus on form, turns, etc. 2. Initiate out of the water as you would wake surfing. There are ALOT of videos insisting you should use one hand to keep the board on its side and the other to hold the rope. This didn't work for me for two reasons (thanks to Tim's council): a. It creates even more variables making the lift out of the water much more complicated than necessary b. It prevents you from fully committing heal pressure and making the board do the work getting out of the water. Once I was taught to go back to a pure wake surf start (heals floating on the board in the exact position that is ideal for you on your board and your wing), it all takes off (again, horrible pun). If you do have to hold the board for whatever reason, immediately commit both hands to the rope the second you feel tension/the boat powering-up. 3. So many instruction videos teach to first learn by following directly behind the boat. This works as there is little wake/wash, etc. However, once you get the hang of it (at least for me), I "forgot" how to get up on the side of the boat in the clean water (as you would wake surfing) and back into the wave. Instead, you find yourself following directly behind the boat and having to turn out to the wave and either climb over its back (which is tough for a beginner) or go around and drop-in (also a bit tricky). Starting off to the side and targeting clean water from the start which to turn back into the wave is much easier if you're looking to practice getting into the wave to drop the rope (which I have not pulled off yet). My 2 cents, from a total beginner

That was an awesome video for us learners. Much appreciated! I would say 60cm to 90cm is a big jump. Are there anything in between like 75cm or 80 for example, or is the change felt very minimal? Also if you had a choice of mast size for this size wake would you go 90 or 60cm? Thanks

@HALFLIFEVIDEO

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Serge, 72cm is the length to go with for Armstrong. 71cm for Slingshot. Behind the boat - that's the length that will put a smile on your face! Feel free to call us at (909) 698-0401 to discuss. Cheers, The Half-Life Crew

Just discovered your site. Love it. I'm a SkySki rider getting into stand up now. :) For a beginner what speed should I have the boat. I surf at 11.2mph, but your wave looks really small, so I'm thinking your going a little slower. :/

@HALFLIFEVIDEO

2 жыл бұрын

We mostly ride at 11.2mph but it depends upon the boat. We test foils and ride them on a variety of waves to get a good feel and to be able to give folks good advice on their set ups. Welcome from the sky ski! Cheers, The Half-Life Crew

Have you noticed a difference in the power of the wave at low altitudes on the long mast? In other words, does the long mast ever put the foil below the wave you are riding?

@HALFLIFEVIDEO

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Leighton -- great question - for me it depended upon the wave. When I was behind the tournament ski boat (small wave) I had to work more to maintain speed at low altitude and it was more efficient with altitude. However, with a bigger wave - I didn't have the issue. It was quite interesting at times when I felt I should have lost the wave, I didn't. It would be interesting to see a wave pool to know exactly how deep the power of the wave goes but I had no problems even at low altitude. I hope that helps.

@Justin-bw8zi

4 жыл бұрын

@@HALFLIFEVIDEO That's really interesting and would seem to make intuitive sense. The larger wave would have a deeper profile and thusly you could be lower in altitude above the water on the 90 and still catch the power of the wave as due to it being deeper, the wing is still in the wave's strength. What was interesting as on the smaller waves of the ski boat, you appeared to never come close to breeching - so to your point using mast depth to match wave strength would seem key.

Do you have the mast attached on tha A slot (over the wing) or the B slot (over the fuselage)?

@Doom_Head621

4 жыл бұрын

When the board pops out ot the water it looks like b slot

@HALFLIFEVIDEO

4 жыл бұрын

Hi John -- With the 84cm and 99cm B Slot. For 76cm, 68cm go with the A slot.

@HALFLIFEVIDEO

4 жыл бұрын

B slot for 84cm and 99cm.

Do you think that it is worth upgrading from the 24 inch to the 36 inch mast? Is it more fun, better feeling, etc?

@scot3176

3 жыл бұрын

I use my hydrofoil behind a jet ski so never really drop the rope - more just use it for a bit of fun!

@HALFLIFEVIDEO

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Scot -- What wing do you use? In general -- the more options you have, the better. When you ride a 90cm mast and then go back to a 46cm mast, it makes it seem easy and stable. A 24inch (~61cm) is a great place to start. I'd look first at what wings you're riding so that you have a chance to drop the rope. The other thing that is REALLY fun is to have the jet ski driver tow you into other peoples waves (safely and at an appropriate distance) so looking to optimize your setup for pumping and riding is the first step. 90cm in general is long behind the boat. Some people like it but it's more for the Wing Foilers, kite foilers, windfoilers than it is for the wake foilers. The sweet spot is the 72cm for most riders.

@scot3176

3 жыл бұрын

@@HALFLIFEVIDEO Thanks for the reply! I ride the The WAKEFOIL Surf Series AK Complete Wake Foil, with the carbon surf wings (the front surf wing measures 250mm from front to back and 610mm from left to right and the rear surf wing measures 124mm from front to back and 367mm from left to right). What would you recommend for optimal pumping size? That makes sense regarding wings vs mast upgrades - my inexperienced line of thinking was “higher up = more fun feeling”. Thanks again for the reply!! Very helpful!

@HALFLIFEVIDEO

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Scot -- The setup you have right now is fun behind the boat (arguably more fun on the first wave then the second wave) and rides well. Liquid Force has a Horizon 160. I'm not positive that this is compatible with your AK package so you should reach out to your dealer to make sure. The larger size is your best bet. All of that said - I've found the Liquid Force setup to be fun to ride behind the boat. For pumping and glide, it doesn't match Armstrong or Axis. For behind the jet ski -- I'd lean more toward a high aspect Axis foil setup. If you were going to tow into yacht waves (or passing wake surf boats) my top choice would be Armstrong SKT311 board (stiffer than the AK you're on) with the HS1850 (mid aspect giving you fantastic pumping as well as carving performance). I know this may not be the answer you're looking for....I realize how expensive these setups are. That said, most foilers will progress through gear - for the time being Armstrong is the gold standard. Best, Tim

2:58 Coiling the rope in your hand is a horrible idea, particularly to teach to people learning to foil. If you want to be further up in the wake shorten the attachment to the boat.

@HALFLIFEVIDEO

10 ай бұрын

You are absolutely correct - if you're in a scenario where you can shorten the rope or have someone on the boat manage the length real time - that's even better. It's not always possible so if you do coil, coil large in a controlled manner and be sure to cleanly toss it away. The risk is getting yourself caught in the rope - be careful and safe. Cheers, Half-Life Crew

It’s a good time till you crash! Digging my 38cm

@HALFLIFEVIDEO

3 жыл бұрын

90cm mast is definitely for intermediate + riders. Totally agree. However, once you're ready it is a fantastic mast to help you dial in your foiling. When you drop back to the 61cm or 71cm, you feel like you're on a short mast with big time stability! Enjoy - let us know how your progression goes from the 38cm!

@chassdesk

3 жыл бұрын

HALF-LIFE longer mast help reduce porpoises? I have the wing at 90% forward, using the space skate wing 4-7 board.

@HALFLIFEVIDEO

3 жыл бұрын

Perhaps - it's all a trade off. That said, the key to avoiding porpoising is about getting balanced on the board. Starting with feet position and then ensuring your front to back foot pressure is appropriate for the board. I would move the mast back in the track (from 90% forward to ~20% forward) - try that and see how you like it. You'll want your back foot roughly above the leading edge of the mast. Let us know how that goes.

@chassdesk

3 жыл бұрын

HALF-LIFE went back to the 60cm mast and the foil tried to kill me! The space skate wing when it gets on the edge side to side it’s hard to save. Back to the 38cm. Should have also waited for the ballast to be full to get that better push, definitely better pumping on that tall mast.

@HALFLIFEVIDEO

3 жыл бұрын

@@chassdesk No harm in riding the shorter mast until you're ready. Get on it - maintain a height. Once you go back to the 61cm mast, maintain that same height as on your short mast. Then slowly increase and decrease height to get a feel for it.