Trimming tips for iQFoil and coHow to increase your wind range when foiling

Stephan Gölnitz

 · 12.10.2023

Loose leech up to the fourth batten, very long harness lines (36 to 48 centimetres sag from the boom - a little less or even longer depending on your height) and a trimming device on the boom are the basics for a large usable wind range.
Photo: Nicholas Slijk
DSV coach Daniel Slijk reveals the most important tips and tricks for maximising the wind range of the iQFoil. These tricks also work with any other foil material.

Incorrectly adjusted foil set-ups, with the tip of the board pointing steeply downwards like the beak of an angry swan, are quite common. There is actually a simple remedy, which is a matter of course for iQFOiL racers. The angle between the board and the foil mast ("rake") can be changed. A digital inclinometer (from around 25 euros) or a mobile phone app is used for the adjustment. The board must be stable, then the measuring device is set to zero on the planing surface directly in front of the foil box. You can then measure the angle on the fuselage.

The sliding surface is selected as the reference plane using a digital inclinometer.
Photo: Nicholas Slijk

Foil tuning through different angles

It is important to always measure your own foil in the same way. This is because the Starboard foil, for example, has a kink of one degree further forward, between the front wing and the mast mount. "In the best wind range - between ten and 15 knots - the ideal angle is between one and two degrees," explains Daniel. In flat water, a smaller rake would also be conceivable "for more speed", he adds. In waves and strong winds, on the other hand, you can set a maximum of one degree more "for a higher nose and more safety".

The power of the foil is adjusted via the back wing ("stabiliser"). The iQFOiL system comes with inserts between the back wing and fuselage that allow different angles. A larger angle provides more power, a smaller angle provides more control and speed. Some other manufacturers also work with precisely fitting washers, while others only allow the angle to be changed with simple, very thin, round washers between the fuselage and stabiliser (on one of the two screws).

The stabiliser is trimmed with adapters, with other foil systems only washers are used.Photo: Nicholas SlijkThe stabiliser is trimmed with adapters, with other foil systems only washers are used.

Trimming tips for the Severne Hyperglide

While some hobby foilers with small sails surf with almost no loose leech, the Severne Hyperglide has clearly visible loose leech starting at the fourth batten. "The extension is set so that there is still a finger's width of space on the roller block. In very light winds you can slacken the sail by a centimetre, in strong winds you pull it all the way down." The outhaul tension can be adjusted with the trim adjustment - not only for the wind strength, but also for different courses. "The outhaul is tightened on upwind and downwind courses. On downwind courses, you leave it loose. The deep part of the sail profile moves forwards, which gives you more control on this course."

Loose leech up to the fourth batten, very long harness lines (36 to 48 centimetres sag from the boom - a little less or even longer depending on your height) and a trimming device on the boom are the basics for a large usable wind range.
Photo: Nicholas Slijk

The base plate position is also determined by the expected wind and the course: "In stronger winds, the base plate is moved one or two lines forwards from the rearmost mark, as well as for slalom races with half wind and downwind." This keeps the bow down better. For maximum upwind running, on the other hand, you can move the base plate one centimetre behind the last mark for more lift and power.

The base plate is based on the rearmost marking.Photo: Nicholas SlijkThe base plate is based on the rearmost marking.

The trainer is particularly fond of harness lines: "With long, easily adjustable ropes, you have more control in all conditions. You can shorten the ropes for upwind courses and leave them really long for all other courses."

Harness line length 36 to 48 cmPhoto: Nicholas SlijkHarness line length 36 to 48 cm

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