SUP foiling progression

Words: Tez Plavenieks
Photos: Oli Lane-Pearce & Tez Plavenieks

SUP foiling has fascinated me for a while now. Recently, the discipline has evolved to incorporate three distinct areas: SUP foiling in waves, downwind SUP foiling, and flat water paddle-ups. For any experienced paddler in open tidal water, SUP foiling is more accessible than you think.

SUP foiling types
You can split SUP foiling into three distinct areas. SUP foiling in waves is an evolved form of SUP surfing. Using breaking waves to ride on foil and ‘surf’ albeit in elevated form. Downwind SUP foiling is a step on from downwind SUP. Chasing bumps and using wind and rolling wave power to ‘drift surf’ along the coast has caught the attention of many flyers.

SUP foiling paddle-ups is perhaps the trickiest thing to master. Paddling flat out from a standstill, riders aim to generate enough speed and momentum to pop up on foil before pumping around until their bodies give up. Learning takes a while, but it is no less possible with the right gear and paddle technique.

Paddle technique is everything
As the title suggests, SUP foiling is all about paddling technique. There are ways to bypass this, such as using electrical foil assists like FoilDrive. But for the purist, there’s a challenge to SUP foil sans additional propulsion.

By default, any long-time stand-up paddler will have developed enough technique to SUP foil. Paddle-ups require more refined strokes and power. With downwind SUP foiling falling just behind. SUP foiling in waves, meanwhile, isn’t quite as susceptible to bad paddling. But still, you’ll need your ‘chops’ sorted and be able to call on a variety of strokes. Seasoned got this – over and above those wanting to learn the art without prior paddle-boarding experience.

SUP foiling kit
Gear for SUP foiling has evolved considerably. High-aspect foils now offer an efficiency not previously available, while ‘Barracuda’ style downwind foil boards (used for all types of SUP foiling and light wind winging) deliver super early release and the ability to get the job done.

Quality paddles, meanwhile, are available to all riders and have been for a few years. A paddle defines stand up paddle boarding as a whole, which is still valid when discussing SUP foiling. So, the best paddle you can lay hands on is always worthwhile.

SUP foiling in waves
If you have any SUP surfing experience, foiling in waves is a logical step. Paddle boards have always offered the opportunity to exploit lesser-quality surf. Foils now lower the threshold even further and turbo-charge the experience.

You may choose to ride a longer, thinner downwind style foil board for the earliest release possible. Combined with the right foil, this can result in takeoffs from unbroken waves. Alternatively, a stubbier foil board will also work fine for those who have a crumbling or breaking peak to play with. Foil size is dictated by wave power. Although you don’t need anything big or with too much oomph.

Downwind SUP foiling
Catching wind-blown bumps and riding for miles along the coast is extremely addictive. And with a foil beneath you, wind strengths and bumps sizes don’t need to be excessive. There’s a period of learning that can be frustrating at first. But stick with it, and you’ll get there.

In time, you’ll be zooming atop the chop with the best of them. Logistics do need to be considered every time you do a run. This is why some riders favour wing foiling upwind, packing down their wing before downwind SUP foiling back to base.

Flat water SUP foiling paddle-ups
Ideally, you should have a solid foiling technique before attempting flat water SUP foiling paddle-ups. You’ll need to know how to pump your foil and time it correctly with paddle strokes. After that, it’s about choosing the right venue and investing the time.

Sheltered flat water will help massively. A stretch devoid of chop is a lot easier than wind-blown spots. And then it’s practice, practice and more practice. It took me a while to unlock the flat water paddle up. And still, to this day, it can catch me out. But it’s worth the hassle when it comes together.

Following on
Having gotten to grips with all these areas of SUP foiling, the next step is to challenge yourself further. So bigger waves with surf environments in mind, longer downwind runs, and quicker pop-ups are all goals that can be aimed for.

In each instance, you may need to address your gear. For instance, a small, more performance-orientated foil is needed for bigger waves. Or a narrower, downwind board for paddle-ups that’ll release even earlier. However, this presents further challenges also. To be honest, foiling never stops being a challenge. But that’s part of the appeal.

Summing up
I’ve always chased the performance end of stand-up paddle boarding, away from recreational SUP. And for me, foiling ticks all the boxes. Super versatile, and like paddling on steroids, it encompasses all the skills learned on fin over the years and ramps this up. 

If you’re thinking of getting involved, I’d urge you to do so. While there’s certainly a period of learning required, it’s a quicker process than you’d think if you commit. Take the plunge and learn to fly!