I was tempted to get an inflatable board for learning since we live in an rv and storage space is an issue but dont like the stickiness so i am going hard. Larry
I briefly (just a few sessions) learned on a super big inflatable, then moved quickly to a slightly big hard board. Was night and day. I later got an inflatable board of the same size for traveling. I felt take offs were fine, foot pumped ok, but incidental touch downs were like a giant brake. One of best wingers in my area rips on his inflatable (he travels a lot). I figured I would just sell my hard board, and get a lower volume hard board for stronger winds and stick with the inflatable as my big light wind board. I eventually caved and got another big hard board. I agree with set-up pain, and especially the carry to and around the launch site with the foil attached. I have the Fanatic which has the handle recess in the carbon plate, but your fingers cannot get a good enough grip to carry it long distances with the foil attached.
@@scardenas9512 This was a while back. I used to review and test for MACKite. I think it was a fanatic? Maybe an F-one? It’s been a few years now. Since this video, I’ve locked down on my stance. Inflatables just have more drag. But I know some mobile schools that use them for transportation and there is a place for them.
A lot of your video is in pretty rough water. As an experienced windsurfer, I tried to learn in such conditions. I only got up on foil after I found a flat water spot. The flat water helps get the board up to speed in a controlled manner while you adjust your balance and board position. You can even maintain the board in a half foiling attitude, half speed. In rough water it was all or nothing, couldn’t adjust fast enough.
Great insight David! I agree 💯 on this. We had to put in time in the flats to get on foil and learn the fundamentals. Later we started practicing in rough conditions so we can ride more difficult locations and waves later. 🤙🏼
Agree with your point about inflatable “grabbing” water… in lighter wind conditions this can really slow learning…and limit ability to get up on foil. I’ve seen at sailing sites, experienced windsurfers go 8-12 sessions in a row on inflatable without getting up on foil much…because winds are marginal for learning but enough for experienced foilers or beginners on hard boards.. Seems like they would have progressed much more quickly on hard board. So in areas where you have a lot of 10-16 mph I’d go with hard board when in learning phase.
Coming from windsurf…I guess I prefer the hard board; the point is that the inflatables are smaller to storage…but not so much!?!, and for sailing/flying, the rigid one it looks more efficient: am I right??! As a beginner: should I choose de hardboard (100 l.)…!?!
Excellent video and the comments/discussion was super helpful. You are on to something with your channel. Good luck with the journey!!
Thanks Jerome! Yeah, aiming to turn this into a forum / conversation type channel. Makes it fun for me to learn as well. ⚡️
I was tempted to get an inflatable board for learning since we live in an rv and storage space is an issue but dont like the stickiness so i am going hard. Larry
Hard is the way to go. If you’re currently in hood river, Pure Stoke should have some killer AK Durable boards in stock. 🤟🏻
I briefly (just a few sessions) learned on a super big inflatable, then moved quickly to a slightly big hard board. Was night and day. I later got an inflatable board of the same size for traveling. I felt take offs were fine, foot pumped ok, but incidental touch downs were like a giant brake. One of best wingers in my area rips on his inflatable (he travels a lot). I figured I would just sell my hard board, and get a lower volume hard board for stronger winds and stick with the inflatable as my big light wind board. I eventually caved and got another big hard board. I agree with set-up pain, and especially the carry to and around the launch site with the foil attached. I have the Fanatic which has the handle recess in the carbon plate, but your fingers cannot get a good enough grip to carry it long distances with the foil attached.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I agree with you on the inflatable touchdowns. Oof. 🤘🏼
Lots of beautiful sandy beaches in this video. As someone who rides lots of challenging rocky launch spots from OR to BC I appreciate inflatables.
That is an excellent point my friend.
What brand of inflatable boars you use?
@@scardenas9512 This was a while back. I used to review and test for MACKite. I think it was a fanatic? Maybe an F-one? It’s been a few years now.
Since this video, I’ve locked down on my stance. Inflatables just have more drag. But I know some mobile schools that use them for transportation and there is a place for them.
Thank you. Best regards
Thank you too!
A lot of your video is in pretty rough water. As an experienced windsurfer, I tried to learn in such conditions. I only got up on foil after I found a flat water spot. The flat water helps get the board up to speed in a controlled manner while you adjust your balance and board position. You can even maintain the board in a half foiling attitude, half speed. In rough water it was all or nothing, couldn’t adjust fast enough.
Great insight David! I agree 💯 on this. We had to put in time in the flats to get on foil and learn the fundamentals.
Later we started practicing in rough conditions so we can ride more difficult locations and waves later. 🤙🏼
Agree with your point about inflatable “grabbing” water… in lighter wind conditions this can really slow learning…and limit ability to get up on foil. I’ve seen at sailing sites, experienced windsurfers go 8-12 sessions in a row on inflatable without getting up on foil much…because winds are marginal for learning but enough for experienced foilers or beginners on hard boards.. Seems like they would have progressed much more quickly on hard board. So in areas where you have a lot of 10-16 mph I’d go with hard board when in learning phase.
Boom! Thanks for sharing your insights. ⚡️
I am learning on an inflatable board... and I kind of regret... I hardly get up on foil...
@@jeanbedohow many liters over your weight?
Coming from windsurf…I guess I prefer the hard board; the point is that the inflatables are smaller to storage…but not so much!?!, and for sailing/flying, the rigid one it looks more efficient: am I right??! As a beginner: should I choose de hardboard (100 l.)…!?!
I prefer hard. It’s a good move.
As a beginner I chose an inflatable one... I think that was a mistake....
@@jeanbedo I wouldn’t sweat it! You’ll do fine. 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻