Launching / Landing foilboard in surf

[d0uglass]

Any tips on launching and landing a windfoil setup in ugly onshore surf?

I've been doing it here in SW Florida, but none too gracefully. Using a formula board and a Slingshot Infinity 76 with 90 cm aluminum mast and sails from 3.5 - 8.0. It's just a huge, awkward, heavy, sharp-edged beast with too many parts sticking out in too many directions for me to keep them from smacking into the the waves, the bottom, each other, my body, etc. But it's so fun once I make it out that I keep doing it.

[swchandler]

A new sport sometimes requires embracing a new launch site that is more favorable to you and your gear getting in and out.

I saw it with the kiters in Santa Barbara. The old windsurfing launch was totally abandoned for a more favorable launch for them which is actually less favorable for windsurfers. Nothing worse than derigging a wet sail in the sand, yet unbelievably, many remaining windsurfers have foolishly followed the kiter's path.

Maybe it's a social thing.

[dllee]

Seen it same as wave board, but more muscle.
Rightside up board leeward, sail on head windward, walk to lower chest deep and jump on.

[d0uglass]

[dllee]

Not me, I'm a 70 year old.
You didn't state wind direction, the most important factor.

[us85]

The Balz Muller video recommends carrying it on your head. Haven't tried it myself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrupMZ1qyrk&feature=youtu.be&t=876

[dllee]

Balz is a young pro with a 15 lbs board and all carbon foil.
Try it with a old Formula board and alu foil.

[jlooby]

Been there James and it's tough. I've actually busted my mast bolts and bent the fuselage after getting caught in the shorebreak (Coming in).
Going out - I don't find it too bad going out. Walk out backwards, flip board and pull mast, hold sail at boom head and try to lift over waves.
Coming in - This is where the carnage happens. My solution - use a mechanical joint and disconnect the sail just before the break (I'm in lake huron so it's sandy and the depth is manageable).
Either shove the foil into the sandbar (to hold it) or flip the board and the waves will push it to shore or where-ever. Carry the sail in and go back for the board.
Next year I may bury a float and tie the board off just before the break.

Good luck!
Joe

[dcharlton]

I'm finding it easier to disconnect the rig before coming in, rushing my foil board in first and then getting my rig. It's just to darn heavy and awkward otherwise. The other option is using the glass panel suction cups on the bottom of the board. That works well but carrying the suction cups while windfoiling can also be a hassle.

DC

[dllee]

Suction cups stay on the bottom of the board.
Just 2 fingers worth of drag, something you overcome with 1/2 pump.
Bend over, get under foot of sail, stand upright and walk to shore....unless it's all sharp rocks.