Foilboarding: Learn to Surf Foil - Ticket to Glide EP 01

Welcome to Ticket to Glide! Your one-way ticket to mastering any and every foilboarding trick tick your heart desires. Want to learn a new trick? Leave a comment and we'll make a video. We'll be releasing bi-weekly trick tips every Monday.
For episode one, we're going to tackle a question we get all the time here at the shop. How do I learn to surf foil? While it's not the easiest trick we'll be covering we wanted to kick off the series by teaching you how to dive into one of the most fun and unexplored aspects of foilboarding. Surfing in the waves!
Moving forward expect a wide variety of trick tips from beginner to advanced. We'll cover kite foiling, wake foiling, and surf. You can expect appearances from not only Tucker but Blake Olsen from Ride with Blake and Nathan Paterson from the shop.
Learn more about foilboarding:
www.mackiteboarding.com/hydrofoil/
Give us a call with any questions
800 622 4655
Created by Tucker Vantol and Ryan (Rygo) Goloversic

[@michaelculhane3058]

Good vid..You never mentioned how sharp that wing is. And if you don't have a boat or a kite? What's next choice? Also, I can unicycle, is that going to help?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thanks for the comment. 🤙🏽 You bring up a great point-the foil wing can be super sharp, and it's definitely something to be cautious about when handling and riding. It's always good to wear protective gear, especially when you’re learning. If you don’t have access to a boat or a kite, your next best option would be to learn behind a jet ski or electric foil (eFoil) if you have access to one. Both are great for practicing balance and getting a feel for the foil without needing waves or wind. As for unicycling-yes, that will help! The balance and core strength you’ve developed from unicycling should translate well to foiling, especially when staying centered and stable on the board. You’re ahead of the game in that department. Good winds to you! -Aaron

[@joemiller8029]

Well, 4 years after you made this video I watched it and am gonna give it a whirl!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yeah Joe, you are going to crush it! -Tucker

[@johnbridal3204]

Great intro video, you guys are cornering the market on good foil info. Worth emphasizing your point at 14:00 ... on first foil rides, when it starts to go sour, jump off and away from the foil! It's counter-intuitive, but the correction you will attempt to do, as if it's a surfboard, is the opposite of what you need, you will lean the wrong way and direct the foil into your face (the dreaded "switchblade" wipeout). That's where you can get hurt doing this. And on that note, call me Mr. Kooky (you wouldn't be the first), but I'd strongly recommend a helmet for those first few sessions. Save some pain if you happen to connect ... but also avoid the worst case scenario of potentially knocking yourself out.

[@binchicken8871]

Thanks so Much for your time On this very helpful

[@MACkiteboarding]

Glad to hear this older video is still helpful Bin. Let us know if we can help with anything else. -Tucker

[@IRWE905]

Where do you like to place the Leash when Prone foil surfing? Ankle or Knee? I have seen both. What is your preference and why. Great video!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Interesting question. Like surfing, it is kind of a preference. Personally, I always go ankle because that is what I am used to. Also, it allows me to quickly pull the board within reach by kicking my foot backward. For Longboard surfing, riders use knee leash so they can cross step without stepping on the cord. No cross stepping in foiling so that benefit is kind of void. While we are on the subject... picking a leash, you should choose a leash that is roughly your height or possibly up to 12" shorter and as thin and the conditions allow. That way it keeps the board close by and reduces drag.

[@timshepherd551]

Excellent , well done

[@sikguystg]

Whats a good beginner foil to look into? I'm 175 lbs (79 kg) trying to find a good beginner prone foil set up. Thank you!

[@MACkiteboarding]

I'd take a good look at the Neil Pryde HP. At your weight, the HP15 would be a good bet for small waves. www.mackiteboarding.com/2021-neil-pryde-glide-hp-surf-foil/ -Tucker

[@jeffdavis7001]

Tucker - love your videos. Active kitefoiler and long time surfer (but don't get out much anymore because I'm usually kiting). One topic which I never hear anyone mention is displacement / ease of paddling. I'm a bit bigger than you, 220lbs, my normal shortboard is a LOST Couch Potato 6.2" which is about 47L. I struggle to visualize paddling in on a Alien Air 4'8". I see you also on an Amunsdson (John-O?). Does the foil really make it that much easier to catch a foam ball or should I opt for a high displacement board?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Great question Jeff! Like surfing, when in doubt go with more foam. That being said, most foil surfboards hold a lot more volume for their size. On top of that, they have really full rails and flat tail rocker which makes them paddle faster. The other thing to consider is the foil. It will add a level of stability and lift when you start to paddle. Larger foils will give you natural "pearl protection"' since they lift when they accelerate. The thing that really helps me pick the right board on a given day is how long the paddle out is ;) If I am riding a long wave without a jetty or point to walk out, the larger board will seriously help you in the energy department. Riding a 4'8 is a blast, paddling it no so much. If the spot you ride starts to break then fizzles, the larger board may help you catch that wave further out as well. I've been out to a few spots that a larger board allows me to catch the wave 100 yards sooner. Not knowing your spot, your paddle fitness, or your aspirations for higher performance, I'd say to look for a board in the 45-60L range to start. You can always add that smaller board down the road if you find that you need it. You'll still want to keep the bigger board around for certain days. -Tucker

[@abraxaf]

Very helpful video! I have a 7’ 10” fun board. Is that too big to attach a foil for learning?

[@chrispewkreme]

You’ll surf it just fine but pumping may be an issue. Just snag a used, dedicated foil board.

[@SANTACRUZDRONES]

Thank you!

[@ArthurKite]

I'm 6'0 tall and 190lbs. Is it possible tô surf foil in a 4'6 33 liter board that I use to wing foil in strong winds?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yes, that shouldn't be a problem if you are an accomplished surfer. If you are still learning, having a longer board with more volume will make your life a lot easier. -Tucker

[@HadrianBourdon]

how tall of a mast do you recommend?

[@MACkiteboarding]

It depends on the wave size and water depth but the most common is 70-80cm. -Tucker

[@HadrianBourdon]

@@MACkiteboarding Sweet thanks!

[@KramarD]

great video! thank you!!

[@thetube4p]

Hey Tuck, what is that extra layer/padding you wearing on your upper body at 6:55 ?

[@ondasports]

Hey Tuck, which foil wings are you surfing on this video?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hey Onda, This was the Lift 200 and Delta Mega Surf. Lately, I've been riding the Armstrong HS1550, Gofoil GL180 and GL140 a lot. Just getting a feel for the fresh new stuff, loving the faster designs. -Tucker

[@chrispewkreme]

I don’t think you necessarily need to learn to surf. Surfing is all back foot heavy and you get stability from the water itself. If you learn to foil, it could be the same as learning to surf. It’s ok to ride a bigger foil board and plan to downsize in the future. Knowing how to surf helps, but I wouldn’t say it’s mandatory. It will just add lots of time to the learning process and isn’t necessary.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Perhaps it's not necessary but for sure helpful. Getting up on a surfboard is challenging to learn, let along doing so on a much smaller board with a foil underneath tossing you off. -Tucker

[@aaronjohnson311]

Yeah, Tuck Daddy! 🤙🏽Hey, man-are you the leader of the RPG? 😂

[@MACkiteboarding]

It's been a while since I rode the RP so I'm probably shunned. Too busy catching the wrap around on foil.

[@aaronjohnson311]

That's my boy! #RenounceTheBounce 😂

[@Lissten1xx1]

I am a kid wut wold I get

[@apriliarsvfour2029]

reel leash, or no leash?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hi Aprilla, We prefer a lightweight surf leash like a 6' procomp or coil leash. -Tucker

[@petervanmeerem3835]

kinda sucks that step 3 is "buy a fucking boat" :D