Jumping while wingsurfing - only for cracks?
Even if you have only just started wings and are not interested in jumping at first, the topic of jumping will inevitably come up as your riding ability increases, your footstraps improve and you may soon have a slightly smaller, more manageable board! The good thing is that wings are an excellent way to approach jumping slowly and carefully, without taking any major risks or going into extreme technical details. So jumping is by no means just for cracks! In principle, you're always carrying your own take-off ramp around with you on the foil. It would be a shame not to use it!
Requirements for jumping
Suitable equipment makes things easier - the smaller the board and the shorter the fuselage, the higher you can jump and with less effort. However, you don't need a lot of speed or big waves for your first jumps. Your usual board, but with well-adjusted and well-balanced foot straps, will suffice. Ideally, your straps should be set at least large enough so that your toes are completely visible. As far as wings are concerned, there are no restrictions at all for your first jumps. A helmet is generally advisable for wingsurfing. If you are looking for one, you will find HERE a test of eight models.
In principle, you're always riding your own take-off ramp with the foil. It would be a shame not to use it!
Preliminary exercises:
If at all possible, find a free spot on the beach on a day with a reasonably constant, not too strong wind, take your wing and simulate your first jumps. In both of the following exercises, you should slowly increase the wind and wing size and make sure you have enough space to leeward!
- From a standing position: With the wing above you, bend your knees and jump over your back hand while simultaneously powering up the wing. You should feel some lift, then land back in the same place and stabilise yourself.
- With take-off: Walk or run diagonally to windward, with the wing in the flying position, then steer it up and jump off at the same time, fly a few metres and land slightly offset to leeward.
"Foil Hop" - jumping with the wing
If you feel confident with the preliminary exercises described and you can control your foil safely in a straight line, there is nothing to stop you from taking to the air on the water.
You can find out what you should look out for in the following picture gallery. Click through!
To summarise, here are the most important sticking points for the first jump:
- Gain momentum and aim for a small chop
- Reduce altitude so that the board almost touches the water surface, steer wing to 12 o'clock position
- Trigger jump impulse by pressing on the tail
- Maintain a compact posture during the flight phase (pull-up, legs pulled up)
- Upright posture when landing
Have fun practising!
Michi Rossmeier is the author of the Wingsurf-Tricktionary, which will be published soon. You can read an interview with him HERE
