forum | General Discussion | Whos tried the Foiling?

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Home >> General Discussion >> Whos tried the Foiling?

Echo pretty much everything Andrew (Tijuana Taxi) wrote.

I tried the Glide Free system at Lake Conroe earlier this year. Am certainly no foiling expert, and we didn't have very steady wind that day, but getting the Aero up and out of the water was really fun! I wanted to stay out longer to keep learning, but others were in line to give it a go. As almost anyone who's learning how to foil will attest, it's exhausting at first, but one gets the hang of it with repeated practice.

As you wrote, it would be nice if the foils weren't so expensive. Understand there's a lot of engineering and precision manufacturing in the kit, and if one compares the cost of it to, say, just one foil of a Moth it seems more reasonable. Nice that the kit can be adapted to other boats as well.

I don't think a different dolly is necessary. Seem to recall launching off a Dynamic Dolly no problem.

Do keep in mind the boat wasn't engineered to foil, and the system isn't officially sanctioned by RS. One risks voiding warranty by using it.

That said, wish I could afford a set for my boat!

Marc Jacobi

28/09/2017 15:07:00
heymatey
Posts: 32

Hi Ben, I would say I you are thinking about it then get it, hang the cost, the fun you will have will more than compensate for that. You are on the right track with your thought process, or should I say, we think alike and the rationale you implied was what I applied. The small lake I sail on would be to shallow for a Moth and possibly even a Wazp (which hadn't been released at that stage).The GFF foils was a perfect option. I purchased the first set to go on an Aero, made a centre case bracket with guidance from Peter at GFF and was able to foil on my first outing, I must say the sensation was exhilarating. I did however get the pitch angle wrong, it was foiling to early and in consultation with Peter and Ian at GFF, the pitch angle has been corrected and inserts made to suit. I would also suggest getting professional coaching, all of my foiling on the Aero has been self taught with tips from Peter and Ian, (I live 10 hours by car from them) with me sending them video and photo footage for recommendations and feedback. I should also add, I had never foiled anything prior to my Aero. As you would have seen from the video footage on the GFF site, it really is that easy to foil, going upwind is harder and I'm still learning how to do this properly. I assume you are in the States? If that's the case you should talk to Marc Jacobi and /or Doug Peckover, they have both tried it at Monroe in Texas only recently, Dougs blog (impropercourse) has a couple of reports well worth reading. So in finishing, do it, you will have lots of fun, you will need to apply an open mind to the process though, foiling is not like normal sailing and the techniques you will need to apply vary, hence the suggestion for professional coaching, I assume GFF would be able to put you in contact with someone who can help. Regards Andrew

27/09/2017 00:31:00
Tijuana Taxi
Posts: 19

Hi all.... I was looking at the Glide Free foils recently, looks like a lot of fun. Who's tried them? A nice alternative to keep aero sailing entertaining.

What a great way to start foiling without having to have a dedicated rig. Those are great but requires a whole new boat/trailer/storage etc and I hear they're pretty high maintenance.

Unfortunately the foils are pricey. I wish it was closer to $1000. Maybe something for a club to buy? I hear from GFF that the same foils can be swapped out for a Laser or Aero.

Any reports from those who have demo'd or have tried foiling appreciated.

Ben

26/09/2017 17:40:00
skinnydoc
Posts: 13

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