3 yrs of Downwind Foiling, My Thoughts

Looking back at the past 3 years of Downwind Foiling. Its been amazing. Still frothing like day 1 one. I really love this sport. Its challenging, provides a sense of adventure, connecting with water in a way its hard to explain.
#downwind # SUP #loyaltothefoil #foilsurf #foiling #hydrofoil #greatlakes #lakehuron #downwindfoil #watersports #lakesurf #riversurf #bluemind #flowstate #liftfoils @liftfoils

[@davewestfoils]

COULD NOT AGREE MORE!!!!!!! Like you - I"ve done every extreme sport and Downwinding is the most addictive of all of them. It's the most satisfying and challenging. Congrats a 1k subs!

[@greatlakeswaterman]

Hey Dave. Thanks man! Something special that’s for sure. So many different conditions. Progression never ends. Looking good here today. Ahhh so good

[@IRWE905]

Looking Forward to your ParaWing videos ;)

[@florentcattaneo3830]

Very interesting. I am at the beginning of the journey. It’s very gratifying to learn but also challenging. And the logistics are a big limitation. Sometimes I wonder wether the extra pleasure is really worth the logistics.

[@greatlakeswaterman]

Ya I hear ya. I’ve spent a lot on taxis. Cost money but no planning required. I look at it cheaper than a lift ticket and no line ups. Cheaper than drinking When it’s good. So worth it.

[@leebonfiglio]

I thought the parawing was going to make the sport even more amazing but it can't compare to the feeling of a paddle up session. Its great for getting laps in and working on skills but i still love the feeling of the energy as it passes under my board and then the paddle up to tap into that and surf away

[@greatlakeswaterman]

Interesting just started playing around with the parawing. Mixed thoughts about. Another “tool” toy in the “toolbox” toy box. Life is good 🤙

[@bborjd]

Michael, new hip is in place and pain free. Can't wait for another season on the water. Thanks for this video. JR

[@greatlakeswaterman]

Ah excellent news, glad ur back together…Water is healing. C u out there

[@JonasHiller-u9h]

Totally agree… the beginning is tough but just so rewarding and always different even if you doing the same runs over and over again… also agree on the adventure part which is a big part of sup downwind foiling in my opinion... keep it up 👍🏻

[@greatlakeswaterman]

Thanks. So many different runs and styles. Ocean to “hood river” style. Definitely have to adapt. Fun to see if you can pull it off.

[@mattlanzi1058]

Captured it so well Mike, got me stoked to get in the water ASAP! Make the swell look so fun 🤙

[@greatlakeswaterman]

Hey bro, thanks!!! Go get some! 🤙

[@supericeman2222]

Another nice video Mike. Sharing the stoke. I have never done it but i can feel the sense of solitude from your vids. Maybe when I grow up ill try it. I will say that kitefoiling has now eclipsed TTing for me now. Love it!!!

[@greatlakeswaterman]

Thanks bro! It’s a magical feeling flying above the water in any discipline. We are lucky to have this in our lives.

[@Fart-b2s]

Amazing video!!

[@greatlakeswaterman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jeromesurffoil7033]

Awesome perspective! I haven't started my learning journey yet; I'm just prone and wing foiling at the moment. I'm doing some recon and hopefully making DW attempts soon.

[@greatlakeswaterman]

A journey it is for sure. But so worth it! It’s ultimate for me.

[@bmrbca3658]

Have you tried a foil assist? Would be interested to hear your thoughts on foil assist vs parawing vs paddleup.

[@greatlakeswaterman]

Been playing with the parawing. Stayed tuned I’ll share my 2 cents… Foil drive I haven’t tried yet.

[@adlbh]

Definitely not the best spot for a beginner but looks amazing foil surfing under the Blue water bridge. Great video! 🤙🏄

[@greatlakeswaterman]

For DW under the bridge is a good spot to learn. Because there’s a back Eddie of current. Check this out if u want more info. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWexdWdtiMdgq7csi=m2NOgoamliSQRKVM

[@shanestimac4340]

Not sure if you have done much prone foiling, but if you have wondering how you may rank that compared to DW foiling, since DW foiling requires a much bigger board is the fun diminished compared to a small 40/50 ltr board. I am still debating wether to go the DW route or get into prone foiling.

[@greatlakeswaterman]

You’re right there will be a loss on performance. But what you gain is more waves. Catching waves earlier. Prone foiling. I’ve done a little bit of it. I found by the time I’m on my feet and on foil, I’ve missed the section I want to ride. Or wave has closed out. Ultimately I’d love to ride a short board in perfect waves. In my opinion the DW sup foil is the right tool for the job around here, given our conditions. With a SUP DW you can DOwnind with it, Ride shore break, and wing with it. Also a 7’ board doesn’t feel long. You’re standing right in the middle of it. Either way you choose you’ll have fun!

[@drbfitk366]

Terrific video,thanks for sharing your journey. You’re pretty awesome DW foiled btw! What Great Lake are you riding on this video? It’s really challenging & windy out there 🙂🏄‍♂️

[@greatlakeswaterman]

Hello thanks!! This was actually the St. Clair River. Which Lake Huron drains into. The wind opposes the current and you get some nice wave action. I usually stay on Lake Huron, and occasionally Lake Erie. A lot of potential here 10,000 miles of coastline!

[@yuriybilous9560]

Hey I’m in same boat but 3 years behind you. What parameters you describe front foil for down wind For Great Lakes for your weight? I found myself in spending lots of cash to find right gear . Ended up on FD its help a lot but 3 year experience i think help better! 😅 thanks!

[@greatlakeswaterman]

For me right now I try and match the foil to the conditions. Biggest size I use is Lift 180HAX (1161cmsq), for small days. Then down to Florence 110 (710cmsq), big days 30 knots with lots of fetch. “Daily drivers would be Lift 150 HAx (970sqcm). Using the Florence 130 (860sqcm) more and more. It has taken me a lot to figure it all out. I usually choose the right foil, maybe 90 percent time. It’s knowing the spot the run and conditions. A lot of looking at the water and thinking and riding. Winging is a great way to learn the feels of a foil. When I started I was using LiFt 200HA. (1290sqcm)

[@yuriybilous9560]

@ thanks for sharing!! That’s i learned too …. I will need lots of foils(( . Will starting use wing to learn read waves. If you would have just one board, what kind you would choose if you take look back ?thanks!

[@greatlakeswaterman]

A downwindboard. Approx. 30-40L above your body weight in kilos. U can wing with it. SUP surf in shore break, and downwind. Wing in very light wind.

[@yuriybilous9560]

@@greatlakeswaterman thanks !🤝

[@walterbunso3675]

How long a board you riding now?

[@greatlakeswaterman]

Lift 7’2” flying cat or 8’8” barracuda on big days with small foil. Like Lift florence 110