Anyone who had never witnessed the act of riding a wave, gliding smoothly and beautifully on water, actually dancing on the ocean’s surface, had to think it was some kind of witchcraft. What type of enchantment was at work here? Is it even possible to be human? The foil board, formerly a futuristic instrument seemingly meant solely for Laird Hamilton or the wildest of watermen throughout the world, is increasingly showing up at beaches, lakes, and rivers all over the world.
Hydrofoil Surfboards Have a Long History
Hydrofoiling dates back to the early 1960s when it was initially introduced as a hydrofoil water-ski. Bob Woodward, an aviation engineer, patented this concept. This early concept evolved over time and eventually became a sit-down hydrofoil water ski. After a few years, Laird Hamilton began riding around Kauai’s north coast in a modified Air Chair. He accomplished this by removing the chair and securing his feet with a pair of winter boots. He was towed about like a wakeboarder after that.
What is it?
A foil board is a surfboard with a hydrofoil (or a fin with wings) attached that extends below the water’s surface. As the board goes through the water, the design allows it to rise out of the water, allowing the rider to stand a few feet in the air. Surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, bodyboarding, SUP, and wakeboarding have all utilized the design. The foil board, which was formerly completely experimental and only available to a select few top athletes, has grown in popularity, and the kits are now readily available for hire and purchase at many major watersports merchants.
Design of a Foilboard
The design of the hydrofoil is the first thing to consider with these boards. The wing’s surface area will help you determine how much lift you can obtain from the board. This is commonly expressed in cm squared. Take a look at the foil’s profile as well. When it comes to foil surfboards, a thicker profile is preferred. This is because it allows for higher lift at lower speeds while also offering more power. Foils having a narrower profile are intended to be used at faster speeds. These help you to move more quickly and with more control. They are, however, far more sensitive to tiny changes and require more lifting speed. Products with thinner profiles are more frequent.
The foil board’s wing can have a high or low aspect form. The proportion of the wingspan to the chord determines the form. Wings with a low aspect are smaller and rounder, while those with a high aspect are larger and narrower. Another thing to think about is speed. High aspect wings help pump and regulate at high velocities. At lower speeds, though, they drop faster and are much harder to control.
