%20(2)/small-wind-waves-like-here-on-lake-garda-are-enough-to-fly-long-distances-on-the-foil- "Small wind waves like here on Lake Garda are enough to fly long distances on the foil.")
%20(2)/small-wind-waves-like-here-on-lake-garda-are-enough-to-fly-long-distances-on-the-foil- "Small wind waves like here on Lake Garda are enough to fly long distances on the foil.")
%20(2)/michi-schweiger-even-paddles-onto-the-foil-without-a-wave-if-necessary- "Michi Schweiger even paddles onto the foil without a wave if necessary.")
%20(3)/length-runs-only-the-long-downwind-boards-reach-enough-speed-to-get-onto-the-foil-with-the-thrust-of-a-small-swell-wave- "Length runs! Only the long downwind boards reach enough speed to get onto the foil with the thrust of a small swell wave.")
%20(4)/fast-but-also-wobbly-downwind-boards-need-some-practice "Fast, but also wobbly: downwind boards need some practice")
Michi, what do you find so fascinating about downwinding?
I think part of the fascination is certainly the feeling of endless flying, just with the board. For me personally, it's technically challenging and an extremely good work-out. The great thing is that you can get this feeling of freedom in the middle of the sea or on a large lake.
SUP downwinching sounds like a very difficult thing for many people. Or is it also doable for hobby paddlers?
You can't say it's easy. But the feeling of success once you've mastered it makes you forget the difficulties of the beginning. The material development of the last few years, which has led to longer boards and foils that offer a lot of glide, has definitely made this sport easier. The best prerequisites are if you have SUP and foil experience from windsurfing, wingfoiling or pump foiling.
In which conditions should you ideally start? Is it only possible on the open sea or are large inland lakes also an option?
With the new material - long downwind boards and high-aspect foils with lots of glide - both lakes and the sea are suitable. It is important to bear various safety aspects in mind: You start with the wing and let it drift, surfing the waves only over the foil. As soon as you want to start without a wing, it is much easier with a stronger tailwind than when there is no wind. With a bit of practice, you can really get the wind limit down very far. I would say that 10 to 15 knots of tailwind is enough with large foils. Another thing that helps a lot is to take the time to practise paddling in flat water. Once you've got that down, you have the confidence to really get back on the foil anywhere, even if the tailwind is no longer ideal.
What equipment should a reasonably experienced paddler (e.g. 75-85 kilos) start with in order to learn the sport?
I would say a board with around 125 litres and a foil around 1800 High Aspect with a mast around 75 centimetres are ideal. A paddle with a relatively large blade helps - I use a 110 blade, for example. Personally, I think vario paddles are great because I can then choose a shorter length when paddling to achieve a higher frequency. When I'm on the foil, I make the paddle longer - then I can help out with the paddle from time to time to get from wave to wave and don't have to bend my knees so low to touch the water with the paddle. In terms of board length, I find something between 7'8'' and 8'0'' quite good, as the length helps you to get onto the foil more easily. In terms of width, I would go for something between 20'' and 24''.
Widths like this are normally only for absolute SUP experts. Isn't that far too tippy?
A large part of the stability ultimately comes from the width of the foil and not just the width of the board.
What distinguishes pure downwind boards like your Hover Downwind from other board types and why are they so suitable for downwinding?
Generally speaking, special downwind boards are simply narrower and longer. The length makes it easier to get onto the foil because you get a little more basic speed to pump yourself onto the foil. The narrower width gives the board more directional stability so that it moves through the water in a straighter line, which also makes paddling easier. Ultimately, you only paddle on one side to get onto the foil.
The choice of route is crucial at the beginning. If you try short trips along the shore, you can learn to downwind safely."
What do you need to consider in terms of safety when winching down? Do you take special safety equipment with you?
It has a lot to do with experience and choosing the right route. You should know the spot and know what the conditions are like at the start and finish. Ideally, you should start with short downwinders that are only a few hundred metres long and run parallel to the coast. The motto should be: If I can't make it to the finish standing on the board, it should at least propel me there on its own. I always have a leash with me that connects me safely to the board. High-visibility clothing is also essential, especially if you're planning longer downwinders along the coast and over longer distances. I also always have a phone with me in a waterproof case. Another good idea for longer trips is a camel bag so you have something to drink. Another idea for longer, less accessible conditions is to carry safety tools such as a Restube on your body. And of course, the number one basic rule that applies to all water sports enthusiasts also applies: always tell someone on the shore where you are starting from, where you are going and when you want to be back.
