How to kite foil | The Basics

[@kiterJ]

The upwind to downwind walk of shame is called the walk of 'FAME' 😁😎 👌🤙

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Yea buddy! :)

[@blooskyy7]

How awesome is foiling! I had my first successful foil flight today thanks to the brilliant advice in your video, thanks for sharing Damien

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

These messages are why we do this! Thank you!

[@andyrogers2578]

I’ve watched this video a few dozen times, but this week was my first chance to try foiling. Your words were ringing in my ears as I got in my first flights and then proceeded to have mile long runs. ❤️

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Congrats buddy! So awesome... This is why we do this. Have a great week!

[@MrTlebl13]

Thanks. I can’t wait to start foiling ! 😎

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

You will love it.....Thank you

[@andywolin5164]

Damien....you are a fantastic teacher and your excitement for this foiling sport ( whether winging or kiting) is so infectious. Can't wait to try it out..will be in Hatteras this summer...i am stoked..thanks so much

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Andy!

[@windsurfsnow]

Great video Damien, thanks for pushing me over to the foil side.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you friend! You will love it enjoy the learning process....

[@lionelbougain]

Thanks damien for this video. 2022 is the year i will begining foil. Your enthousiasm really push me to go for foil Thanks again !!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

So happy to hear! Enjoy the ride...

[@santiagogarcia-eh8rm]

Damien! Thank to your tips and amazing video I successfully foiled!! Followed every stept. First, took two “cable” sessions to get the feeling. Then, attempt with the kite. It was a bit hard at the beginning, but then started taxing and finally foiling 😃🤩. Thank you very much!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Santiago! This is why we do it, thank you for making our week!

[@simonm7776]

Superb and sensible advice for anyone at the early stages

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Simon!

[@antoineharel6923]

Great video...just learned to Kiteboard and now looking into kitefoiling....thanks for this video....loved it

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you!

[@LuigiSimoncini]

Great content delivered in a funny and engaging way. Thank you Damien!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you!

[@13Davba]

Great tips! Feel more confident now to start kitefoiling. Thx Damien!!! Keep the momentum!!!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you for the kind words! Gwen and I will keep the videos coming....

[@turntup4906]

Ready for part II. First sesh went super far up wind then had to body drag with the foil back home.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Yep that is the normal! :)

[@DavideLungoni]

Hi Damien! Thanks a lot for all your tips, I have learnt fastest than my buddy😂…You’re not only my kitefoiling instructor, you’re my English teacher as well 😁. I’m waiting for you to Italy. Stay cool, ciao!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Appreciate you friend!

[@blooskyy7]

Thanks for your great advice, super excited to give foiling a go!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

You will love it! Take your time and enjoy the learning process....

[@camdenheynck]

Wow boutta go ride my foil for the first time tmrw great video man!~

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Enjoy friend!

[@brunoperez2974]

Very very good tips for beginners, right on Damo

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Bruno thank you brother for the kind words!

[@WakeThief]

I just discovered your channel. Fabulous! Really enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MatiaAna]

Can you do a video of just waterstart with the foil? I’m really struggling and I’m not sure if I’m putting the pressure in the right foot/place

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

We will put it on the list! Matia thank you!

[@JonathanInsermini]

What a great video. Thank you so much for this great tips

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Jonathan! We appreciate you!

[@Just4FunGER]

Thank you Damien, nice video, greetings from northern Germany

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you friend....

[@MrAlexandr561]

really nice video, thank you!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you! We appreciate you.

[@kevinbradley9601]

Damien-- thanks for the great video. Going thru the foil learning stage now. Question- bought a Cabrinha da850 starter package. Some guys on the beach mentioned the 850 front wing may be a bit small for learning. Would you recommend a larger front wing for learning?

[@dr.franciscotorresmarquezc7352]

Big thanks from Chile 🇨🇱

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you friend!

[@hansgans658]

Thanks a lot vor this video!

[@IloJoyBuchner]

Amazing !! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you!

[@paymon.m]

Love your videos, recently discovered your channel. Not sure if you've covered this topic, but would be great to see the difference and recommendation for foil kites vs. inflatables for foiling.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

We have it friend.... Here you go.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmG7dYebmqepe9k

[@vhb4302]

Great tutorial thanks ! My big issue is body dragging to the board which can drift as you said. In deep water we have to develop this basic skill. Can you add this part to your next Kitefoiling tutorial.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Vincent, You are wondering about proper body dragging tips?

[@vhb4302]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin - Yes, we never really mastered upwind and downwind body drags. Most spots around St Pete and Sarasota are shallow for TT .

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@vhb4302 Vincent thank you we will put it on the list... :). Have a wonderful week.

[@4hoolie]

Oh man I so want to kite foil I’ve been windsurfing best part of 30 years. kitesurfing 2 years started riding a twintip then half way through the season I got a shinnster enjoying riding both still loads to learn am I better sticking with them or adding a foil as well?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

You can do it! It is time you will love the foil!

[@mackmc]

Great video! Lots of golden points here i am eager to incorporate! I know you talked about the double agent, but how was the special agent (newer cabrinha board) for learning? When would one think about angling the front foot straps? Thanks!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

The special agent is great as well, not a wide in the noise so I like personally the double agent a little better for learning but 100% you can learn on the Special agent as well. The multiple foot straps in the front would only be needed when you are ready to jibe or tack. If you chose to have them its all personal preference, 2 or 3 straps....

[@mackmc]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin Thank you for the info! Much appreciated :)

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@mackmc No thank you!

[@KevinBradley-l6q]

Hey Damien, thanks for the great vids. They are extremely helpful. Been kiting for years and finally want to start foiling. Adventure Sports has a PKG deal on a Special Agent board with a da850 foil. Do you still think this is a good first setup? I believe you said it was in one of your vids but after looking at foils I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the models and types of foils out there. And I can't find the mast height listed on the da850 anywhere so not sure if it's short. Thanks-Kevin in MI

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Kevin, Thank you for the kind words! Yes I still believe it is a very user friendly learning foil. The only downside would be if you get hooked it will be more of a beginner set up and not 100% sure if they have upgrades for it you would likely have to buy a new complete e set up. 100% it will foil and be fun. There are just newer options that maybe could be better all around for the later part of foiling. I still love it and recommend it. Just depends on the learning process and time.

[@KevinBradley-l6q]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin thanks so much Damien. Goal is just learning and light day cruises so I think it'll work. Thanks for being so responsive. You're a great ambassador

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@KevinBradley-l6q Happy to help! Have a great weekend.

[@KevinBradley-l6q]

​@@DamienLeroyKZbin thanks again Damien. All of your advice was spot on-- short mast, front foot pressure, smaller movements, staying on the water to start). Got up on my new foil on my first day. Such a cool experience. Just a bit Disappointed it took me so long. The Cabrinha setup (Fusion 850, Special Agent 125) worked great. Trying to decide if I want a one strut Contra now as there are killer deals out there

[@yellowcub86]

This only makes me want to learn foiling much more. Finally getting the hang of my twin tip. What would recommend for a set up? I’m 200l bs guy. Would the set up you showed earlier work for my weight?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Sure would! Double agent is a great set up to start with.....

[@yellowcub86]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin thank you for taking the time in replying.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@yellowcub86 Thank you!

[@alejandrophillips8281]

very good video in which beach you make your videos it would be good a vacation there, here we had a lot of snow

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Jose, We ride mostly at Juno Beach, Florida....

[@totococozza]

Ciao Damien, Compliment for your video. If I buy the foil board what size of kite I need for light wind condition 10 knots average. My weight is 100 kg. My height 1.88 cm. Best Toto

[@buenacloud]

I would suggest to have the first 15 minutes on the board with only the mast and without the foil to get used with the side to side movements of the mast. Hope it helps you guys 🤙

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Very great info thank you Cezary!

[@SimcoeAce]

Footstraps. Are you really suggesting 2 straps: front & back? Front strap definitely helps with positioning the board for water starting, but I can't see the point of using a rear strap when you're learning. It increases the likelihood of getting caught in the straps when you fall which can lead to dangerous torque on your ankles & legs.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Yes everyone has opinions here! I recommend front and back yes... You are right about the increases likelihood of getting caught in straps, and added twisting of your ankles. But you are locked into both solid so I fall front or back. With one strap you have a higher risk of your back foot slipping off the board and putting more issues on your front in the strap. Just my opinion.....

[@SimcoeAce]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin I'm not sure how your back foot would slip off the board? To me it seems when you lose the balance of the foil you need to bail immediately - there's no point in fighting it. The less attached to the board you are the better. Personally, I use two front straps very tight. I had some nasty torqued falls while learning to jibe with the straps more open & my foot being caught in the strap ... but I know some people like to have the straps lose.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@SimcoeAce Thank you Simcoe everyone has something they like and prefer. A lot of things work and I just hope some things we share can help someone enjoy this great sport! Thank you for your thoughts it helps everyone... We appreciate you!

[@gamechanger-o5t]

Hola Damien, Amazon ss always. Please tell me what is the name this lovely beach that is in the clip? Cheers.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

The palm Beaches!

[@blooskyy7]

Hey Damien, I'm interested to know your thoughts on having an offset foot position, I've heard it may help with better control of the board?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

It all personal preference... Honestly.... It can feel more comfortable and a lot like it. Nothing wrong with it......

[@royfigueroa9210]

If this video is addressing “kite foiling “. What do you call it when you use a foil kite like the Flysurfer Soul or the R1V4 foil kite?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Roy the

[@jmkrejci2000]

Thanks!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you!

[@shawnli9258]

Does the kite foiling work in 5 knot wind? 12 knot wind here are those blessed "20 mins of strong wind" moment in a good day 😀

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Wing Foiling is probably a better option for those kind of conditions. Not fun when the kite falls out of the sky haha Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKKUZJ6sppZ-pqssi=TTT7hrvuc6xcGEid

[@tomlindberg8001]

Well down Damien!!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Tom!

[@tomlindberg8001]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin Looking forward to progressing to foiling. I'm an intermediate twin tipper now. I'm 215 pounds...in a 12-15 mph wind (which is sort of pre-twin tip wind speed) can you recommend a set up to start with? I have 9m, 11m and 13M kites but don't have a clue on good board or board size.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@tomlindberg8001 I would recommend a 150 Stylus from Cabrinha as it will help in the lighter winds. It should get you more time staying up wind.... Or you can do the 152 spectrum, a little more of a normal shape and you can process in to more advanced riding, won't be quite as good in light wind but very close. The Stylus is more meant for light wind only riding... Thats my 10 cents friend... :)

[@tomlindberg8001]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin HI Damien, I meant a foiling board. I already have a large CrazyFly for light wind twin tipping.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@tomlindberg8001 Sorry friend a CrazyFly is great! I would go with a double agent friend board and foil.. honeslty its very user friendly... www.cabrinha.com/collections/foils/products/fusion-da-series

[@nickohkay9125]

If I can kitesurf on a twintip quite ok, would you say it's easier to start with a wing or a kite? (After I tried foiling behind a boat a little, to get a basic feeling...)

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Foiling will be hard either way! I would say if you already kite, I would say start kiting as you already have the kite dialed. Why not but you can always try a new sport like winging. :)

[@jimmyjames1411]

With edging, is there a difference between TT and a Foil board? Are jumps peformed the same way, edge hard and pop?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Concept is the same easier to edge on a foil as its a blade in the water but you have to lean back to have the foil rise up to leave the water for the jump. TT is a little harder to hold the edge but same concept with the kite. Its the same edge hard and pop but on a foil edge and you rise up to leave the water....... Hope that makes sense....

[@TylerHolowell]

I’ve been keeping the kite parked low and just easily cruising downwind with controlled power in the kite.. is this because I’m flying the drifter and on a large lifty wing? I hear to keep the kite high but for me going downwind has been easier with the kite low

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thanks Tyler for the advise and yes as you get better the kite lower is easier as you can have the pull off one area and lean against it. Bad news is when you are new you may get going to fast and your only option is to bail or edge against it and bring your kite up to slow down and that's when the beginner foiler blows up and has some bad crashes. In the beginning kite high is safe as you get better you are spot on! Hope that make sense.... Thank you for your feedback....

[@TylerHolowell]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin thanks! your channel helps and inspires me!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@TylerHolowell You made our day! Thank you!

[@Donamijes]

Fun

[@jordywetzel8374]

Definitely upwind difficulty!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

You will get it....

[@ofk3290]

I scored a Craiglist foilboard deal last summer and have about 50 hours on it now. I say 'Amen' to your observation about kite wanting to go low and getting DOWNwind being the strange new challenge to deal with. The only thing that got me a little riled was the kite size section. Granted you did say what 'you' would pick, but still IMO glossed over the fact that a 230 lb rider is still going to need something noticeably bigger than a 150 pounder regardless of riding a foilboard or not. I say this as an oversensitive big rider.... weight matters ! Newbie perspective : kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaq0n3yqq66Vlbc

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

OFK, Yes size can 100% change things you are right.. Remember with a kite you have power so you can still foil on the same size foil as a smaller rider.... Where it really matters would be in prone foiling or wing foiling as you are reliant on the wave, or wing in your hands for power, which is not that much..... It will not hurt you to have a little bigger foil at all if you are bigger. I am sure a 15m for you in lighter winds is perfection as well. I sure hope you are loving the 50 hours! yeewwwww. enjoy friend....

[@florence46398]

How many hours of lessons does the average kitesurfer need to learn foiling please? :)

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

All depends on someone's ability but usually 3-9 hours and then a lot more practice on your own.

[@toddn4813]

Primacy of learning: You shoudl've edited this to correct your verbiage. Its a MAST. Not a shaft or strut:)

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thanks Todd, You are right we just speak freely so mistakes happen as we don't have scrips just honest knowledge as best as we can relay it. You are correct a mast or a strut are the same but to most a MAST might be better but it worked as you got the point what we meant. Thank you for trying to help us get better appreciate you!

[@tomek_kot]

Upwind walk of shame this is what i did 🤣

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

We all have done it! :)

[@richardcarlisle6692]

Efoil is the best way to get the feel for the foil. I found riding behind the boat a waste of time, almost a setback. The turbulence from the prop and directional pull from the rope are forces not present when on a wing or kite. Prop wash behind the boat make the foil kind of have a mind of it's own. Not good for beginners. If you can water start and get outside the wake right away, the boat isn't so bad.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Richard for sharing!

[@lindalakota38]

Saprised they dont strap the board on

[@SuperHyee]

Fantastic !

[@kubatoss]

Thanks!