Michele proved impressively that you can surf really fast with the Aeon Foils at the PWA World Cups. Nevertheless, the Aeon Foils are not just for regatta pros, are they?
Henning:In principle, the Aeon Foil System is fully performance-orientated. However, because a competitive foil has to deliver more than just top speed, our design approach goes far beyond this aspect. We also want to achieve a maximum average speed, because in a slalom or course race you only reach the absolute top speed in brief moments. The Aeon Foil system therefore shines in terms of acceleration and manoeuvrability and gives the rider a great deal of confidence, because you can only approach the limit with control. Because the control is so good, it also encourages amateur foilers to push their own speed limits upwards and have even more fun racing.
What are the most interesting features of the Aeon Foils?
Henning: It offers interesting features such as the patented self-locking fuselage. The connection between the mast and the fuselage is designed in such a way that all the forces are borne by the connection itself. The screws don't actually have to hold anything and are only there "for safety". Masts and front wings are always available in the uncompromising World Cup version and a more favourable design. At 11.3 millimetres, our DIM-S 95 mast currently has the thinnest mast profile on the market.
Is the Aeon Foil also conceivable on a normal freeride foil board like a Fanatic Stingray, Severne Alien or Starboard Foil Freeride? Or should it be a combination of a very wide foil slalom board plus foil sail?
Michele: It's mainly down to the rider. With the front wings currently available, the system already has its strengths in the sporty freerace and competition sectors. The Aeon Foil is ideally combined with freerace foil boards and foil sails. However, a short windsurf freerider with a width of at least 70 centimetres and a "foil ready" fin box can also work as an interim solution. Further freeride front wings and fuselages will follow so that you can also turn foil 360s with the wave sail.
It is a modular system, which can also make the choice difficult? Which set-ups would you recommend for different target groups?
For freeracers with a focus on early take-off, lots of control and relaxed foil manoeuvres, I would recommend: DIM-M 95 mast, 650 DNA-M front wing, 195 back wing, 100 aluminium V1 fuselage.
Ambitious freeracer with a focus on upwind and downwind performance up to 15 knots of wind: DIM-L 100 mast, 900 DNA-H front wing, 195 back wing, 110 aluminium V1 fuselage.
The backwing can be tuned to change the riding characteristics. What is the procedure for hobby surfers who want to slowly progress from a maximum controlled setup towards top speed?
Henning:The backwing can be moved forwards and backwards in position and the angle can also be adjusted using shims (shims for angle adjustment, ed.). The core idea lies in the low "angle of attack", because the angle of attack of the backwing actually brakes and pushes the foil upwards more and more as the speed increases. We can adjust the riding behaviour without changing the angle of attack, which means that the foil remains more neutral at top speed and pushes up less. I recommend starting with the rearmost position as this offers the best control. These setting options are especially beneficial for advanced riders who have the time and desire to fine-tune the foil to their conditions.
- Info under patrikinternational.com
