3rd session, still struggling to get up in the chop and on shore waves. Very unstable, maybe my board at 26.5” wide is too narrow? I am controlling wing better and standing up but struggling to get centered and even if I get going I tip off. Also struggling with both leashes, I have the board leash on a waist belt but it’s still going round the foil, the Naish wing leash also seems way too long, so might make a shorter one?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Hopefully 4th session later this week.

Mike

Hi Mike
I know Gunnar has advised that 26" is not too narrow, and I freely acknowledge that he is one awesome foiler who is MUCH better and knows a hell of a lot more than me, but I thought it might be useful to hear from an average foiler who doesn't have the natural ability and TOW (time on water) that he has - if you have the chance to try a wider board I would strongly advise you try it. My local conditions are also VERY choppy so although I can handle a 26" wide board when conditions are flat, I found that when in choppy/messy conditions the extra 5" width made all the difference. I started with a Naish Hover which is 6'5" by 31" wide, and I have also used a friends f-one board that was the same length but 26" wide. The f-one was literally unmanageable for me in chop (acted like a bucking bronko!) but the Naish was super stable and allowed me to progress fairly quickly. I have no doubt that if I used nothing but the f-one to learn in my local area I wouldn't have made the progress I have. Now I am of a reasonable standard I can handle a much smaller board, but to start I would strongly recommend you at least try a wider board and see if it helps.
I just want to add that I'm not disagreeing with what Gunnar is saying about stance & technique etc - he knows what he's talking about!!!!!! I just know that from my own experience a wider board can make life a hell of a lot easier in choppy conditions.