1st day attempt with a DW SUP

[Erwin777]

May 1, 2024
completed my first SUP session at Cabrillo inside bay ... here are some notes from the first time ever paddling

Equipment:
1) the longer boards will help with pitch stability (7-8ft)
2) you will want to place the RSPRO rail tape to prevent damage along the board rails, since you will occasionally hit the side of the board with your paddle
3) the heavier Boost foil-assist mounted lower on the mast including a large span front wing, will help with stabilizing the narrow 19inch boards

Technique (will change as we develop):
1) do at least one tack of each as you paddle for the first time (use the paddle techniques in steps 2-6)
a) sit on your first paddle out (1 tack)
b) then on both knees (1-2 tacks)
c) then drop-knee stance (1-tack)
d) then both feet on the board with a squat stance/bending at the knees while lowering your waist
2) try to keep the paddle vertical when reaching out and squat-stance at the same time (observe your top elbow in front of your face)
3) scoop the water slightly in an angle toward under your board (instead of parallel), as you stand more erect
4) lift the paddle when reaching the short distance to your legs (try to keep the paddle from passing your leg since the angle of the paddle will push the board down)
5) feather the paddle towards the front across the surface of the water, to help steering and maintain balance as the smaller wave-chop rocks the board
6) Do NOT give up, and focus your thoughts only on the techniques

[Hdip]

Nice job. First few days of learning balance are rough. The larger foils and longer masts help balance for sure.

[Banjohead]

Great tips!!! That is the coolest paint job I’ve seen on a board 😍

[Erwin777]

my first attempt with DW paddling/foil-assist on waves today at SBJ (no one else out), and felt so out of balance with the smaller/lighter Lift 150HAX foilset when encountering all the side chops (felt like a washing machine) … https://www.instagram.com/conscious_col ... 7kysHLhZT/

[Hdip]

It get's easier. I still fall off a lot. But I also can paddle up on tiny unbreaking waves now. So there are benefits.

[Erwin777]

June 21 2024

completed my first legitimate DW run from La Costa to Topanga today (approx 4 miles total in under 2 hours with 7-12kts)
here are some quick notes:

1) stay hydrated (drink water before heading out)
2) wear colorful clothing (I was able to keep Ryan in my sight since we were the only 2 people out in the beautiful ocean)
3) a radio is not really necessary since the conditions are really safe and doable less than a mile out
4) DW SUPfoil feels like an entirely different sport compared to all the other hydrofoil disciplines
5) take your time and rest when you need to (do NOT over-exert yourself)
6) there are often multiple bumps behind the one you were attempting, so do not get discouraged
7) I found more success when your board feels like it is floating backwards behind a bump, as the proceeding bump seems steeper and will help push your board forward
8) bring a set of dry clothes and a plastic bag for your wetsuit/gear for the return back to whoever shuttles you to the top of the run
9) parking is free and easy access from PCH
10)you may also want to keep the lifeguards informed so they can look out for you by calling them at 310-394-3261 ... we met about 5-6 of them at Topanga, really cool people

[Wingman]

June 21 2024

completed my first legitimate DW run from La Costa to Topanga today (approx 4 miles total in under 2 hours with 7-12kts)
here are some quick notes:

Awesome @Erwin777 ! Stoked for you and great tips. I especially like the change of clothes tip. Especially when it's winter and cold.