Hydrofoiling in Cabarete: how to use a prone foil board.
It is very obvious that Wing Foiling is the most trending extreme water sport in the whole Cabarete Bay.
We at Liquid Blue have been practicing and exploring this discipline since the beginning, about three years ago.
Today we focus this article on the Prone Foil technique, as many of you have been asking for tips for professional and pro wingers. Enjoy the reading!
PRONE FOIL SURFING aka HYDROFOILING
WITH LIQUID BLUE CABARETE
Prone foil surfing, also called Hydrofoil surfing, is a progression for many wing riders that are reaching the Pro-Level of wing foiling and that are practicing in order to expand their skills.
Before you head out into the water, here are a few tips to help you get on a prone foil board and start riding like a Pro.
ABOUT PRONE FOILING
Prone foiling is about laying on the foil like a surfboard and paddling into a wave. Basically, you are lying prone instead of standing up. With prone foiling, you are going to paddle into a wave, get up on the board and glide through the water.
WAIT FOR THE RIGHT WAVE
Make sure that you select the right wave for your level. The best wave for any beginner is to be found in Cabarete, as the waves are not too big and intimidating. The local wind conditions will help you during the learning process, so don’t worry about anything else but practice, lots of it.
First step of learning to prone foil is catching a wave slowly, so that you can control the board and take your time to stand up.
PATIENCE
When paddling into the wave, take your time to analyze it, and don’t catch it too early. Let the water pull you forward until you get in control of the board and you are confident enough to get up and stand to find stability.
BODY POSITION
When you’re catching your wave, you want to be further forward on the board, as if you were on a surfboard but a couple inches towards the top of the board. This position helps the foil underneath your feet work as an anchor that won’t be lifted by the water and won’t make you slip off, and will help you keep a good balance when standing up.
Your arms and hands should also hold the board a little further up. This will help you keep the balance when getting up. are moved up an inch or 2.
RIDE THE WAVE
Before you get up, you want to make sure you are stable and following the wave’s movement. Now, paddle towards the beach while catching the right wave. Wait until your board is stable and then get up and ride your wave.
NOW STRAIGHT
After finding stability on the board, you’re going to stand up on the foil and go straight. Avoid quick movements or sharp angles in order to go faster than the wave.
KEEP YOUR WEIGHT FORWARD
When you stand up, you want to make sure that your weight is forward. Your front foot will control the board. Remember to go straight and enjoy the action!
WHEN YOU FALL
When the foil gets parallel with the wave, the water could push the foil up and the board will probably launch you, making you fall. In case you fall, simply make sure you get out of the way of the foil and swim behind the board. Get back up and keep trying.
SUMMARY
Topic: How to get started with a prone/sinking board.
Location: Cabarete Beach, Dominican Republic.
Gear: Small 33 L Board for more freedom when riding + 12×80 Phantom Rocket surf.
Wind conditions: 4.2 wing 20 knots of wind.
Techniques on how to get out of the water:
1. Place your knees on the board to find the balance to sit in the water.
2. The nose of the board should be out of the water.
3. Grab the wing for stability and bring it above you.
4. Stand up on your feet and get ready to get your board out of the water.
Tutorial video:
CONTACT INFO
Liquid Blue Cabarete provides wing foiling lessons and equipment rental services, making sure that you get the most out of this extreme water sport! You can chat with us via WhatsApp at +1(849)201-8694 or email us at [email protected].
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
Website
#wingfoil #wingfoiling #cabarete #dominicanrepublic #prone #foilboard #liquidbluecabarete #lbcabarete
Share this Post
