The Dockstarter from North: Pumping Up Your Flatwater Foil Fun

Dockstarting can be a fun challenge with your foil. Just ask Pat! (Link warning: Goofiness inside.) If you love to pump on flat water, it's almost a required skill. But you do need enough dock length without pilings in the way so you can run up with your foilboard. Then you need to drop your foil into the water at just the right angle and still manage to hop aboard without losing your center of balance. North has tackled this hurdle and created something that every dockstarting enthusiast should check out.

What Is The Dockstarter?

The Dockstarter is an inflatable foil launch pad that attaches to any waterside platform like a jetty, wharf, boat transom or, of course, a dock. It holds your foilboard straight so all you have to do is run up, hop on, and start pumping. Since it's inflatable, you can pack it away or easily transport it for a day setup somewhere. The Dockstarter includes dock anchors, but you'll need to supply your own pump.

Is It Difficult to Set Up?

No, there are only a few simple steps between you and a day of pumping paradise.

1. Lay The Dockstarter out flat for inflation.
2. Rotate the valve pin into the up position and inflate The Dockstarter to 9psi. This is the recommended pressure for optimal leg flex, though you can inflate it to a maximum of 15psi.
3. Close the inflation valve cap securely.
4. Fold up the middle section with the valve coming towards the NS logos on the floating platform section.
5. Attach the side straps to hold the middle section at a 90-degree angle to the floating platform.

6. Fold the front legs down and use the leg straps to secure the front in place.
7. There are two loops for the front legs. Use the forward loops if you prefer a higher board angle, or the rear loops if you prefer a lower board angle.

8. Push the legs against the strap and pull the strap tight so the leg and base are pressed securely together. This will help keep it from moving between dockstarts.

Get Ready to Ride

Find a dock or other platform that has water deep enough for your foil without rocks or other obstacles that might hurt you or your foil. You might have to get creative with finding a way to secure your Dockstarter without causing any damage to the structure, but the included anchors will work in many situations.

The anchors are narrow enough to slip between the boards on many wooden docks, and then a quarter turn will secure it under the boards. You can attach the ropes from the back of The Dockstarter to the anchors.

**Tip** Position the anchors so that the ropes create a "V" spreading out from The Dockstarter (like the red arrows show). This will give you enough room to run up to it without having to hop over the ropes or potentially trip on them and become YouTube famous for all the wrong reasons. Also check to make sure that the anchors remain secure between launches.

It's Go Time!

1. Load your board from the front of The Dockstarter and rest the board on top of it with the foil wings underneath the floating platform and in the water. Your mast must be at least 65cm.
2. The mast should be positioned near the back of the floating platform.

3. Take a running jump and land lightly on your foilboard with both feet.
4. The Dockstarter will bend and sink enough to release the board.

**Tips**
1. Wet the underside of your board before loading it for a smooth release.
2. Plant both feet at the same time down the center of the board.
3. The foil needs to be moving through the water before it can generate any lift, so try to land with light feet and push the board forward before applying your full weight.
4. IMPORTANT: Make sure that your run-up area is not slippery. And for goodness' sake, wear a helmet to protect your noggin. It's softer than both the dock and the board.

So that's The Dockstarter! Depending on where you like to pump, it could be a real game-changer for getting more successful starts and fewer dunkin' do-overs. We'll leave you with just a few more tips to keep in mind to get the longest life out of your investment. Happy pumping!

The Dockstarter Storage and Maintenance Tips
1. Don't leave The Dockstarter inflated in the sun.
2. Keep an eye out for sharp objects.
3. After use, rinse it off with fresh water and dry it.
4. Keep the valve free of sand.
5. Fold it loosely for transport or storage to avoid creating weak points.
6. Deflate it partially or completely for storage. Don't leave it at pressure full time.
7. Don't tow it or use it as a watercraft or rescue device. It's a starbase, not a starship.
8. Don't hog the fun and make your friends run with their boards. Play nice and share.

Shop The Dockstarter

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