The angle at which the foil is mounted on the board is normally predetermined. Nevertheless, changing the angle can influence the riding characteristics. The foil mount trim system is one way of changing the angle. In this interview, Peter Metz explains how the system works and who can benefit from it:
Peter, who developed the Foilmount trim system and what are the general benefits of the system?
The system was developed by the companyFoilmount from Texas City/USA. I discovered the company when I was researching T-slot nuts made from VA steel. With the foil mount trim system, the angle between the foil or fuselage and the gliding surface of the board can be adjusted. This is done using wedge-shaped plates, which are placed between the double rail on the board and the mounting plate of the foil and screwed into place. The bottom line is that this changes the inclination of the mast and therefore also the angle of attack of the foil in the water. Changes are possible in 1-degree increments. The great advantage of the foil mount system is that special screws have been developed at the same time that can compensate for the angle created by trimming (up to five degrees). In normal screws, the angle could cause tension and possibly breakage. Someone has really put some thought into this.
What sports can the system be used for?
For all foil sports where the foil is mounted on the board via a double rail: Wingfoiling and windsurf foiling and, of course, pump foiling, kite foiling and SUP or surf foiling.
What can be the concrete advantages of a customised angle on the water?
An optimised angle between the foil and the board can have an influence on how early you take off and how well you planing. For example, you can trim your board so that the bow comes free earlier and gets caught less in the chop. You can also influence the way the nose of the board touches down on the water in the event of unwanted touchdowns. Depending on the setting and type of sport, it may also be possible to increase the top speed.
How much does the system cost and where can I buy it?
In Germany, for example, you can order it via my shop order. The complete foil mount trim system costs 69 euros. The scope of delivery includes
- 3x angle plates (stackable), each with one degree inclination
- 4x sliding blocks made of VA steel
- 8x VA steel screws in three different lengths
- 1x ring ratchet spanner for quick assembly
Thank you for the interview!
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
Manuel Vogel, born in 1981, lives in Kiel and learned to windsurf at the age of six at his father's surf school. In 1997, he completed his training as a windsurfing instructor and worked for over 15 years as a windsurfing instructor in various centers, at Kiel University sports and in the coaching team of the “Young Guns” freestyle camps. He has been part of the surf test team since 2003. After completing his teaching degree in 2013, he followed his heart and started as editor of surf magazine for the test and riding technique sections. Since 2021, he has also been active in wingfoiling - mainly at his home spots on the Baltic Sea or in the waves of Denmark.
