The North Learn-to-Foil Program | Step 2: Tow Foiling
North Foils, in collaboration with North Sails, has designed an innovative program to help beginners master the art of wing foiling. In this session, led by North Foil Pro Instructor Jeremiah McDonald, participants will learn the essential skills for tow foiling—a crucial step in gaining confidence and control with a foil board.
Tow foiling introduces riders to the unique sensation of flying a foil above water. It helps them build foundational skills for balance, steering, and weight distribution. Let’s explore this exciting lesson in detail.
Understanding Tow Foiling
Tow foiling allows riders to experience the sensation of lifting the foil while remaining tethered to a tow rope. This safe and enjoyable practice helps riders develop balance and steering skills before moving to advanced wing foiling techniques.
Safety First
Before you start, always prioritize your:
- Helmet: Protects against accidental falls.
- Impact Vest: Adds buoyancy and shields the torso.
- Wetsuit: Keeps you warm and protected in the water.
Determining Your Dominant Foot
Knowing your dominant foot is critical for proper board positioning. Follow these steps:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and close your eyes.
- Have a friend gently push you from behind.
- The foot you instinctively step forward with is your dominant foot.
For example:
- If you step forward with your left foot, you are "regular."
- If you step forward with your right foot, you are "goofy."
Foot Positioning on the Board
Proper foot placement is essential for balance and control:
- Front Foot: Place near the board's midline, with the heel slightly angled back at 45 degrees.
- Back Foot: Align it straight forward, slightly offset toward the board’s toe side.
Pre-installed foot strap inserts on boards like the North Seek make finding the correct positions easier.
Transitioning to a Standing Position
To move from kneeling to standing on the board:
- Begin on your knees, with your dominant knee closer to the board's nose.
- Gain speed and move your front foot into the correct position.
- Push off your back foot and rise into a low, balanced stance.
Tow Foiling Basics
As you gain speed, the foil generates lift. Controlling this lift requires precise weight distribution:
- To Keep the Foil Down: Shift hips forward and apply pressure on your front leg.
- To Lift the Foil: Shift hips backward to transfer weight onto your rear leg.
Riding the Board
Before attempting to foil, practice riding the board comfortably:
- Hold the tow rope with one hand.
- Get into a kneeling position, then move to a low-standing stance.
- Maintain a balanced posture with knees bent and body relaxed.
Tips for Balance and Steering
- Leaning on Toes: Turns the board toward the wake.
- Leaning on Heels: Turns the board away from the wake.
- Avoiding Turbulence: Stay clear of wake turbulence for smoother rides.
First Flights on the Foil
Begin experiencing lift by gradually shifting weight from the front to the back foot. Focus on these steps:
- Slightly reduce pressure on the front foot while increasing speed.
- Allow the foil to rise momentarily out of the water.
- Push hips forward to bring the foil back down.
Building Confidence
- Start with short "skims" where the foil briefly lifts.
- Gradually increase the duration and height of each lift.
- Remember, balance is key—too much weight forward prevents lift, while too much backward causes instability.
Steering the Foil
Mastering steering involves subtle weight shifts:
- To Turn: Lean on your toes or heels.
- Crossing the Wake: Practice transitioning from one side of the wake to the other.
- Riding Outside the Wake: Progress to riding smoother water beyond the wake.
Steering on the foil mirrors the principles of steering on the board during earlier stages, requiring refined balance and body control.
Key Takeaways
- Safety Gear is Essential: Always wear a helmet, impact vest, and wetsuit.
- Dominant Foot Identification: Knowing your stance is critical for proper positioning.
- Foot Placement Matters: Align feet for optimal balance and control.
- Standing Transition: Practice moving smoothly from kneeling to standing.
- Controlled Lifts: Focus on gradual weight shifts to experience controlled foil lift.
- Steering Proficiency: Practice turns and transitions to gain confidence steering the foil.
Conclusion
Tow foiling is a thrilling way to build foundational skills for wing foiling. By practicing balance, weight distribution, and steering, riders develop the confidence to progress to more advanced techniques.
Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, the North Learn to Foil Program provides a structured and safe environment for success.
Recent Posts
-
Why I Chose the Foil Drive Gen 2 Assist Max for Prone Foiling
Since Foil Drive is an accessory that can be fitted to virtually any foil setup, the options are n …6th Feb 2025 -
Why the Airush Lithium V14 Kite is Perfect for Progression
As you can tell from its "V14" designation, Airush's Lithium kite has been around a while. It's …30th Jan 2025 -
David's Top 5 Kiteboarding Accessories for the Daily Shred
We all know about the basic gear you need to get out for your session: a kite, a board, a har …29th Jan 2025