Pump spoilers are conquering Germany's lakes. At the same time, a separate community is forming, completely independent of wind sports. The demand from manufacturers is huge, because pump foiling is possible everywhere, not just by the sea. From Berlin to Bavaria, people are pumping hard. The first official competitions took place in the capital almost two years ago. The alternative versions such as wake foiling, prone foiling or SUP foiling are also becoming increasingly popular. Pump foiling provides a very solid foundation for all foil sports. But as simple as it may seem, getting started can be quite a challenge. The right set-up and the right technique are very helpful, but practice definitely makes perfect. One thing can be said in advance: you won't just climb back up the bridge soaking wet once. In the following, I'll share my best tips and tricks with you. Have fun pumping.
The right jetty for pumping
Unfortunately, not every jetty is suitable for pumping or launching. The jetty should not be too high, but also not too low. The perfect height for a pump jetty is between 10 and 70 cm. A run-up distance for three to four large steps is helpful. Ideally, there should also be no stilts on the edge under the platform that could get in the way of the front wing during the run-up and cause damage to the foil. Ideally, the wing can glide along nicely under the footbridge.
You often have to look around on Google Maps for the first time if you have no idea where to start. Sometimes a little bit of driving is also involved. Suitable jetties in Germany are often located on private property or are cordoned off. Quite a lot of criteria to find a suitable jetty in the first place.
If you can't find a suitable jetty in the immediate vicinity, you can also build a small approach using a ladder, a board and a few tension belts.
The right (starting) technique
Benjamin shows you the right technique for starting and the basic movements when pumping in this picture gallery.
The right material for pumping
If you have started wingfoiling with large front wings (between 1600 and 2100 cm², with a medium aspect ratio), for example, you can also use them for pumping. However, if you want to know more and don't want to compromise, you should buy a special pump wing. These have the advantage that they offer a lot of stability and particularly good glide.
Unlike the mid/low-aspect foils, the high-aspect wings are easier to accelerate and, above all, glide longer, like a glider with a large wingspan. However, they are not quite as manoeuvrable. With increasing skill, a smaller wing can be used, which increases agility and often also speed due to a flatter profile.
If you are looking for a little more reactivity and want to make more effective pump shots, a short fuselage (60 cm) is a good choice. However, how the wings behave in relation to the fuselages always depends heavily on the brand. There can be big differences. The back wing should generally be kept as small as possible when pumping in order to generate as little drag as possible. Efficiency plays a major role when pumping.
In addition to the underwater aeroplane, you also need a mast. It is advisable to use a slightly shorter mast than for wind sports. Ideally, it should be between 70 cm and 82 cm long, rather a little too short than too long. If necessary, you can also start with a longer mast, but you will soon realise how much more direct a short mast is. For wind water sports, choose a mast that is 80 to 90 cm long so that you can avoid choppy waves and glide over them more comfortably. When pump foiling, it should generally be as calm and flat as possible, so you don't need any extra centimetres here. A short mast also has the decisive advantage of providing a very direct feel. This makes it easier to control the wing.
10 to 15 litres are sufficient for a pumping board
We recommend combining the foil set with a special pump board. These are reduced to a minimum. This is because the larger and, above all, longer a board is, the more ineffectively it can usually be pumped. 10 to 15 litre boards are perfectly adequate. Ideally, it is also not completely flat, but has a small amount of scoop (bend in the nose) to make it more forgiving of mistakes. If the nose is completely flat, you will quickly stick to the surface of the water in the event of a small bounce and find it difficult to get back into the air.
The industry already offers a wide range of different foils. It is not easy to find your way through the jungle of materials. My recommendation for the start: 80 kg person = high aspect pump wing between 1700 and 2100 cm2 with a standard fuselage length of 66 cm and a mast between 75 and 82 cm. Ideally a small 3'4'' board.
