​Foilboarding intermediate transitions: Jibe w/ stance change

The Gybe with a stance change is the second transition you should work on in your hydrofoiling journey. It's not the most difficult transition but this one is going to take some practice on your end. Don't get to discouraged and have fun with this one. As with all hydrofoil tricks, don't try to recover from a fall. Go with it and commit to the fall.  

Before you try you should...

• Nail the heel to toe and toe to heelside transition - see previous videos
• Ride both natural and unnatural stance comfortably
• Practice footwork on land/sand
• Decide when during the transition you want to change stance. Before, during ,or after
• Wear a vest and Helmet - this one can be tricky
• Rig your large wings - more stability and less speed needed
• Strapless or foot hooks will be the easiest way to start

Get the stance change

• Decide when you want to do your stance change. Most find that before the transition is easiest. Although, I find that when riding unnatural stance I prefer to transition after
• Find the sweet spot on your board
• Come in with adequate, but comfortable speed
• Bring your stance close together, stradling the sweet spot
• Bring the kite high
• Practice this the gybe with the board on the water or low to the water first. Then, progress higher and higher on foil when you gain confidence.
• Pull in on the bar - kite takes your weight so your movements do not affect the foil movements as much.
• Move rear foot forward to match your front foot
• Move your other foot back

Complete the transition

• Pull downward on your leading hand to perform a downloop or... lightly on your back hand to swing your kite in a 10-2 (2/10) movement if you are too powered or intimidated by a down loop. This will take some practice. The correct timing is key to performing this maneuver on foil without touching down or getting yarded off your board.
• As soon as you initiate the transition to the other side, you will need to start your carve downwind, then in the opposite direction. Get ready for some acceleration, as your kite is probably in the power zone by now.

Tips:

• If you mess up, commit to the fall and do not make a bad situation worse by overcorrecting.
• This is a difficult one to get right away. It requires a certain level of comfort with riding on foil, perfect timing, and light footwork. Get your mind ready to “fail it before you nail it”. Then fail a lot more until you can master it.

Check out our latest gear at the shop

Written and produced by Ryan (Rygo) Goloversic Blake Olsen and Tucker Vantol

Tucker Vantol

Mackite's resident surf and "Hydrofoil junkie." You can either catch him on the phones or on the water at dawn testing new gear. He is proficient at a myriad of sports, a shaper and passionate about getting his water time. When he discovered kiteboarding it took over as his predominate sport. The same could be said about hydrofoiling.