Mastering SUP Foiling: Progression II - THE NITTY GRITTY & INITIAL POPUPS
Progression Series by Brandon Scheid
Welcome back, fellow foilers! In our first blog post, we covered the basics of SUP foiling: getting acquainted with the gear, honing your balance, and mastering the art of paddling in straight lines. Now, we're diving deeper into the world of hydrofoiling with your second SUP foil progression. Whether you're coming from a wind sports background or starting fresh with paddle foiling, this guide will walk you through the next steps in your journey to becoming a proficient foiler. Let's dive in!
Initial Positioning: Start by positioning yourself on the board in a kneeling position with your knees slightly apart and centered on the board. Keep your hands gripping the paddle firmly.
Identify Swell or Bump: Look ahead and identify a swell or bump in the water that you can ride with your foil. Anticipate the moment when the swell will provide lift to the foil.
Head Down and Paddle: As you approach the swell, lower your head and start paddling with short, powerful J-strokes. Maintain a consistent rhythm and focus on building momentum.
Engage Core Muscles: Engage your core muscles to stabilize your body and prepare for the pop-up motion. Keep your gaze fixed on the horizon to maintain balance and orientation.
Powerful Push: As you feel the energy of the swell propelling you forward, initiate the pop-up motion by pushing down firmly on the paddle with your arms. This action will help lift your body out of the kneeling position.
Stand Up Smoothly: With the momentum from the paddle stroke and the lift from the swell, smoothly transition from the kneeling position to a standing position on the board. Keep your movements controlled and fluid to maintain balance.
Foot Placement: As you stand up, position your feet shoulder-width apart and parallel to the stringer of the board. Distribute your weight evenly between both feet to maintain stability.
Adjust Foot Position (If Necessary): Depending on the board and foil setup, you may need to adjust the position of your feet to find the optimal balance point. Experiment with slight shifts in foot placement until you feel balanced and in control.
Engage Foil: Once you're in a stable standing position, engage the foil by shifting your weight slightly forward and applying gentle pressure to the front foot. This will activate the foil and lift the board out of the water.
Maintain Balance and Control: As the board lifts onto the foil, focus on maintaining balance and control by adjusting your weight distribution and making subtle corrections with your paddle strokes. Keep your knees slightly bent and your body relaxed to absorb any changes in the water's surface.
Keep the Flow: Congratulations! You've successfully popped up on your SUP foil. Now, focus on enjoying the ride and refining your technique as you glide effortlessly above the water. Practice makes perfect, so continue honing your skills and exploring new challenges on your foiling journey.
By following these steps and practicing consistently, you'll improve your ability to pop up smoothly and confidently on your SUP foil, paving the way for exhilarating rides and unforgettable experiences on the water.
Stay tuned for Progression III: BECOME A PUMP MASTER!