Reaching lift-off velocity on a wingfoil is an achievement in itself—once you’ve mastered this key sequence you’ll be able to foil sail in the lightest of winds! Before hitting the water, it’s always a good idea to learn the physics of how your Aquilon foil works. In practice, getting your board/foil combo up to planing/flying is going to require a lot of energy and physicality for “pumping” your Alize wing to generate speed and lift. It also requires a certain level of finesse in your wing control and the right kind of pressure and flexibility in your feet and legs. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds. 

AFTER THE KNEELING HASE

Once you’re on the water, and you’ve got past the “kneeling” stage, you’ll be standing on your board ready to go. Your feet should be positioned on the central lengthways axis of your Aria board, with a balanced stance that helps distribute your weight and foot pressure.

Generally, the rear foot will be positioned on the central axis, above the position of your foil mast. Your Alizé wing should be under control with both hands holding their respective control handles, still positioned just above your head. 

To build up forward momentum, you need to start “pumping” the wing—begin by steering yourself and your board directly downwind.

The goal is to be “pumping” (pulling hard on both control handles, then releasing and repeating) with plenty of energy/effort while coordinating the movement of your wing with the movement (flexing/straightening) of your legs.

Start by pulling gently downwards with your rear hand. As soon as you feel the wind filling your Alizé wing, slowing bring it into a vertical position. In order to raise your wing, power it up by pulling with your rear hand, then start making the push-and-pull pumping movement so that you begin to feel the “propulsion” you need.

At the same time, to get your board moving, you must push forward with your leading leg while pushing down vertically with your rear leg. Then, inverse the movement by releasing the leg pressure and repeat the whole sequence numerous times to enable your board to progressively rise up.

As soon as you feel the board moving forwards, accentuate the « pumping » action with your legs while simultaneously pushing and pulling the wing.

A common mistake at this point is to have moved your wing too close to fully vertical the risk is that one of the wing-tips will snag on the water surface, effectively applying the brakes and bringing you to a dead stop!

Pay close attention to the position of your Alizé wing during this phase. Make sure it’s not too vertical and not too horizontal; you need to feel the wing pulling you upwards but also forwards at the same time.

Once you’ve got the board moving forwards with some speed, your Aquilon foil should start to exert its leverage effect. You should feel the board rising up on the foil, with the nose of your board going upwards this is often a moment when people fall, surprised by the speed of the foil’s lift-off!

To prevent this from happening, be ready to quickly apply pressure with your front/leading foot to keep the board and foil in a horizontal plane this will also help you pick up more speed and rise higher above the water.

To help beginners, we decided to fit our Aquilon foils with a 75cm mast, so you won’t be panicked by finding yourself too high up on your first flights. Regardless, if you’re still not high enough above the water, continue with the board/wing “pumping” movement, alternating your front and rear foot pressure.

To help beginners, we decided to fit our Aquilon foils with a 75cm mast, so you won’t be panicked by finding yourself too high up on your first flights. Regardless, if you’re still not high enough above the water, continue with the board/wing “pumping” movement, alternating your front and rear foot pressure.

When you’ve reached a good cruising speed, your foil will be well established and you’ll be high above the water with your board parallel to it. From there, you can concentrate on controlling your Alizé wing using the two long, rigid control handles that give a very direct feel and solid point of contact. Remember to pay close attention to your wing’s tips—don’t position it too vertically or you’ll dip a wing-tip in the water! 

While you’re up and flying, always make sure your Aria board is horizontal, not pointing down or up. In order to maintain a horizontal position, you must constantly adjust your foot pressure to ensure stable flight, forward speed, and good clearance above the water. TAHE Aquilon foils were designed for delivering in-flight stability at a comfortable height that will give you instant confidence!