Mastering Downwind Foiling: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to Appletree’s mobile office, the Astro Van, where we’re diving deep into the art of downwind sup foiling! In this how-to video, I’ll walk you through the basics and provide key tips to help you improve your sup foiling skills. Whether you’re a beginner or already a seasoned rider, this guide will offer valuable insights to help you break through plateaus and level up your foiling game.

We’ve filmed this Step-by-Step Downwind Foiling Guide at the Washington Hatchery, one of the best places in the world to learn set foiling. In the video, Bria—an experienced rider—takes on the task of popping up onto the foil, and we break down each stage of the process to give you a detailed explanation of what works and what doesn’t.

Step 1: Generate Forward Momentum Before Standing Up

One of the first key aspects of downwind sup foiling is to ensure you have some forward momentum before you stand. It’s easier to maintain stability when there’s already some flow over your board and foil. By doing this, you avoid the challenge of going from zero speed to full acceleration all at once, which can make the board unstable.

Step 2: Wave Selection and Timing

Catching the right wave is crucial. In the video, Bria attempts to pop up on a wave but realizes early on that there isn’t enough energy in the water. Wave selection can be tricky, especially when conditions are marginal. It’s not just about spotting a wave; it’s also about timing your paddle to match the energy of the wave.

Here’s a pro tip: Start paddling when you’re just about to be thrown down the backside of a wave, as this puts you in the perfect position to catch the next one. By maintaining a smooth paddle, you’ll accelerate to the right speed before the wave lifts you onto the foil.

Step 3: Keep the Board Quiet for Stability

When starting out, it’s important to keep the board “quiet,” meaning don’t try to pump or twitch the board too early. If you start pumping too soon, you’ll stall the board and disrupt the flow over the foil. A flatter platform, like Bria’s downwind skipper board, benefits from gaining some speed and flow before engaging in more dynamic movements.

Step 4: Paddle Through to Full Foil Engagement

In one of Bria’s successful attempts, she maintains forward momentum while paddling, even after getting on her feet. By keeping the board quiet and paddling efficiently, she builds up to foil speed and successfully pops onto the foil. This highlights the importance of continuing to paddle and maintain energy even when you’re close to being up on the foil. Don’t quit the paddle too early!

Step 5: Maintaining speed

Once you’re on the foil, it’s time to think about maintaining speed. When you spot the next bump or wave, start pumping earlier rather than later. It’s much easier to maintain your speed through pumping than it is to gain speed by pumping too late. The earlier you begin, the smoother your transition to the next wave will be.

Navigating the Foil: Working with Waves

Once Bria is up on the foil, she demonstrates how to ride the waves effectively. Rather than gliding straight and running out of the wave, she turns left and right, maintaining her place in the wave’s pocket by making turns. This not only helps maintain speed but also allows for smoother, more controlled rides.

The Learning Curve

It’s important to remember that not every attempt will be successful, and that’s completely normal. Even experienced riders like Bria have failed attempts due to a variety of factors—such as wave energy or early pumping—but these setbacks are part of the learning process.

Final Tips for Success

Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• Build forward momentum before standing up for better stability.
• Time your paddle with wave selection to catch the best energy.
• Keep the board quiet at the beginning to avoid stalling.
• Don’t stop paddling too soon—continue to paddle even when you’re close to full foil engagement.
• Start pumping early to maintain speed and catch the next wave.

We hope this Step-by-Step Downwind foiling Guide was helpful. By following these tips and practicing consistently, you’ll improve your downwind sup foiling skills and overcome the plateaus in your progression. As with any new skill, patience and practice are key. Keep pushing through, and soon you’ll be popping onto the foil with ease!

If you have any questions or want more tips, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help you. 

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