Backwinded Winging ?

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1804 Posts XTreme Poster

I'd like to practice this over the winter--I think. When one gets pasted downwind with wing on top of you, does the foil typically roll over and pierce your wing/body?

Thanks,
Eric

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2575 Posts The 503 METAL

I am so spooked to try this but everyone who does it says it's easy.

Shocked

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1804 Posts XTreme Poster

Yes, I hear the same...

I would like to avoid a foil through the wing as much as possible, especially since I run a longer mast. One tip I was given is as you get pitched leeward jam the front foot to bury the nose.

Love to hear from folks who have learned recently.

Eric

Kay · Since 11 May 2009 211 Posts Portland Stoked

Hi Eric

Last time I winged and practiced this move I was past the 65-75% success rate of doing backwind riding. So take this advice for what it is. I’m no expert!

I had a similar concern when I first started, that and tangling with the two leashes … so after researching I ended up with a 5’ kaohi double coil leash attached to my calf and a ozone belt with bungee leash attached to my wing. This for the most part creates enough of a distance between the wing and foil. Most falls where I suspected there might be a collision I fully dropped the wing to give it more room to escape flying above my head.

I think it also helps if you’re at a point where you can ride a smaller size wing which doesn’t push you off as violently. I wasn’t there yet and so usually I got tossed in violently, luckily no punctures that way. I do ride a 80L with a 93cm mast so perhaps the physics of my setup make it tough to get the foil to actually become airborne.

I know you’re diligent in learning your moves throughly so best of luck with this one, practice makes better. See you out on the water one of these days.

-Kay

DownWindRun · Since 15 Mar 2010 45 Posts Vancouver

It seems to take me forever to learn any new move on foil. Spent most of the summer learning to tack and still don’t have heal side goofy locked down. I rode every day there was wind June – mid September.

Started to play around back winding in late August and it is by far the quickest move I have learned wingfoiling and I have not put any new holes in my wings while learning it.

Watch the Kitesurf College videos on riding backwind and also the one on Brief-Backwind Jibe (race jibe). I would recommend learning the Brief-Backwind Jibe first as it gives a fast and easy way to bail out of riding back winded. Amazingly it only took me a couple tries to get the Brief-Backwind Jibe dialed in and after a couple sessions I was riding back winded and even got some back winded 360s.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1804 Posts XTreme Poster

^^^

Great information for me guys. Thanks so much. And yes, I am an athlete of 10,000 hours on new moves. My practice methodology often reminds me of the famous "Again!" scene from Miracle on Ice....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uBZ76jH4xk

Eric

Thatspec · Since 17 Mar 2008 115 Posts Ptucky Stoked

Been working on it, so far no damage to myself or gear. Like the idea of jamming the nose in if you're gonna crash. I learned the carving backwinded 360 first but that ends up being the easiest and safest escape from the BW-ed position. Just go into it with plenty of speed and come out on a very broad reach. LET that back hand sheet the wing out. Use a wave to keep your speed up initially and/or pump the foil.

I don't see or feel much of a point to LE downward facing when backwinded. Be prepared for lots of re-starts Laughing