Wake Foiling | How to Handle Your Foil In and Out of the Water

Wake foiling has gained substantial popularity in the world of towed water sports. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just a beginner, it's essential to understand how to properly handle your hydrofoil both in and out of the water. In this blog, we'll provide a comprehensive guide on how to avoid unnecessary injuries or damage to your equipment.

On the Land: How to Carry Your Foil Safely

Before getting into the water, it's crucial to understand how to carry your hydrofoil on land. The best method to follow involves one arm over the board and the other hand securely placed on the fuselage of the foil. This allows for full control over the board while minimizing any chances of hitting something or someone around you. It's strongly recommended to avoid certain holding positions that can compromise your control over the equipment and potentially lead to accidents.

On the Boat: The Best Practices

When it comes to handling your foil on a boat, the best approach is to carry the foil with the wings straight up. This orientation not only provides a secure grip but also prevents the sharp wing tips from damaging the upholstery. It's also advised to place covers on your wings to keep the edges from causing any harm to your boat.

For storage, the most suitable locations in the boat are the back, front, or board racks (if available). The key principle here is to keep the board away from where people are sitting to prevent injuries or damage from unexpected movements.

The Right Way to Get In and Out of the Water

The process of getting the board into and out of the water can be tricky, but with a bit of care and attention, it can be done safely.

Into the water:

Place the board on the back of the boat with wings pointed away from the boat. Go slow during this process to avoid hitting anyone with the foil. Once the foil is in the water, jump far from it to avoid landing on the hydrofoil. Swim to the board using only your hands, to avoid accidentally kicking the foil, and flip the board over to get ready to ride.

Out of the water:

The principle of not using your feet near the foil also applies when you're getting out of the water. Instead, push the board towards the boat and lift the foil out of the water with care.

Wrap-Up: Being Safe with Your Foil is Crucial

Understanding how to handle your foil correctly both in and out of the water is vital for your safety and that of those around you. Whether you're on land or in a boat, the principle of moving slowly and maintaining control over your equipment applies universally.