Is Foil Drive the cheat code for Downwind Foiling?

[@leapnlarry]

I like the way you did the videos, progressing and giving tips along the way, to power upwind for a downwind sunset session. Kiting or winging with the sunset is my favorite, usually in the keys, but OBX is amazing. Larry

[@mattgarrett5399]

Awesome Matt! Thanks for sharing the experience!! I’m thoroughly inspired. !!

[@jsibleytube]

FoilDrive advises against letting the propeller slam onto the pod magnets like at 8:25 - doing so will shatter the forward ceramic bearing. Best to grip tightly and slide on in a slow, controlled manner. Great vid, stoked!

[@yaberdr1515]

Thanks Matt

[@hisurf4688]

What size u reccomend for 6’ 200lb /91kg 54yo that wants to surf near shore waves, surf offshore reefs, and downwind. Pumping goals in surf would be to stay on foil to pump to next wave behind and maybe the next one. Been foiling since 2018, Armstrong gear since January ‘23…. Rule out winging, just surf, commute to outer reefs, and downwind. Thank you Nuzzo.

[@REALmattnuzzo]

You can ride the 75 or 85 L midlength. The 85 L would be a bit easier to start and get things figured out but I think 75L would be the right call for long term.

[@hisurf4688]

Thank you..!

[@joekrause851]

When would you use the glide 220 over surf 205, with ha 1180 v2 or APF 1350 for Dw? Compared to when you used glide 220 for lw winging?

[@REALmattnuzzo]

The 205 rolls better on the big wide spans foils so it is a bit better for turning. The 220 is more effect but a bit more locked in. For going straight in light air, I think that the 220 has better light wind lift and speed. I ride the 205 blue shim and the 220 no shim.

[@byroncrawford8624]

Awesome Matt..couple of questions..I have the same board and set up but with the HA980..would DW be doable with this front wing? And what number was the mast position in the tracks..thanks

[@REALmattnuzzo]

Killer. Yes you can DW with that HA980. I use the 980 and the 1080 most often when on the FD and they both feel good for DW. I prefer the 1080 for DW as you can get a little more glide and connect the bumps a bit better, but you can just squeeze the trigger if you fall off the back of a swell so no stress. I have found that the 220 Glide tail has been pairing great with these two front wings for FD. I ride the mast at 6.5.

[@yaberdr1515]

Hello Matt, What is the length of the Foil Driver motor cord ? 20 cm ? 25 ?

[@REALmattnuzzo]

20cm. On the performance mast it is slightly shorter as there is a radius at the back of the mast

[@TerryMcdowell-qk8sw]

How is your connection going with the Armstrong board? Thx!

[@REALmattnuzzo]

No connection issues with the midlength 55L and gen 2 foil drive. Not using the antenna either. If I run the board under water for 3 -5 seconds it will disconnect but that is pretty rare. Haven’t had any issues getting started. Loving this shape form the e foil drive too. Super efficient take offs.

[@jhasiant]

What is the main danger which requires a helmet?

[@REALmattnuzzo]

Hitting the water.

[@jsibleytube]

Most lethal is the blade of the foil, but a concussion on the board is possible too