SUP foiling – can it help downwind foiling?

SUP foiling in waves is seeing a renewed interest just lately (as of 2023). Whilst there have always been fans of the discipline (including us here at Foilshop UK) it’s never been quite as popular as prone surf foiling. Globally at least. Yet you can’t argue, there are benefits. One big plus is how SUP foiling can help riders refine their technique for downwind foiling.

How can SUP foiling help DW?

Downwind foiling is one of the trickiest areas of foiling. There are many elements that make it prohibitive. One particular area is the paddle and actually paddling.

If you come from stand up paddle boarding, and have numerous hours swinging a blade under see your belt, then you’ll be in good shape. If not, perhaps it’s time to look at your defining piece of kit.

With any paddle sport it’s the paddle that’s most important. And none more so than with downwind SUP foiling. Your paddle strokes need to be bang on point.

The media hype surrounding downwind foiling shows effortless takes offs and seriously long flights (you have to admit the additional tropical backdrop of the above vid also makes it look blissful). Boards are radical and the froth is tangible. But be under no illusion the riders in these vids and pics have a wealth of paddling experience.

So do I need to SUP foil first?

Stand up paddle surfers may naturally migrate to SUP foiling. It’s a natural progression. SUP surfing is poised to make use of gutless, softer waves and help pilots access out of the way spots. SUP foiling is like SUP surfing on steroids. Even more speed, much longer glides and the ability to shred even lesser quality swells.

Those seeing the aforementioned idyllic images of downwind foilers may wish to unlock the ‘game’ but without some prior SUP experience, it’ll be an uphill battle.

A few sessions aboard a stand up paddle board in waves is a good call. On fin no less! SUP surfing is total fun in its own right. And it’ll help you sort out any balance issues. You’ll also get a feel for the paddle. Having ticked that off you can progress to SUP foiling.

SUP foiling time!

SUP foiling waves, unlike downwind foiling, allows you time to accurately position yourself. You can see the wave coming, sort out your stance and get ready to paddle hard.

If you still have a bigger volume foil board (which some may have learned to wing on) this is your time to reach for that. Higher volume and more width will aid stability at rest. Your take off will also be more efficient than starting on something too low volume and narrow.

That now common-place Baracuda style downwind foil board (originally conceived by Dave Kalama) will certainly work for SUP foiling mode. In fact, there’s plenty of evidence these shapes work exceptionally in super small surf. But they’re pretty technical to use. A prohibiting factor is their narrow widths which make standing and waiting for waves often tricky. Using a more conventional SUP foil board will allow riders to work on their paddle strokes, take offs and riding will a lot easier to start. Once dialled in these skills can be transferred to your DW or hybrid sled.

Note: whilst downwind foil boards are designed to release early there’s no accounting for solid paddle strokes and using the right foil. A good, efficient SUP paddle stroke will help early flights as much as the board. And with the best will in the world if your foil’s not suited to quick take offs and smaller conditions then you ain’t going nowhere. Pros make things look easy because they’re pros. Don’t get sucked into the hype and fall before your first hurdle.

Reading water states and surf conditions.

If you come from other foiling or watersports disciplines you’ll probably be fine with reading water states. That said being stationary, waiting for waves, gives a different perspective.

Learning how to ‘read’ swells, wind and tide from a SUP foiling point of view is essential. This is another skill which can be transferred to downwinding when you’re ready.

Summing up.

SUP foiling is a super fun discipline in its own right. In some locations, it’s the best option based on typical surf conditions. It may also suit the rider in question better than the likes of prone.

Whatever your circumstances there’s no question downwind foiling requires on point paddling technique. If you don’t have this paddle strokes need to be worked on. And with foiling froth in mind SUP foiling is a great way to unlock these skills whilst keeping those flights going. In fact, you may fall in love with SUP foiling in waves in its own right. And why not? We love it and you will too.

For more info regarding SUP foiling and downwind foiling get in touch. Head over to the webshop where you’ll find a selection of awesome SUP paddles and all the other essential foil gear you’ll need.