The Wingfoil flying foot switch Jibe

Average wingsurfers with a windsurfing and/or kiteboarding background should be able to do their first touchdown jibes after a few sessions. However, the flying jibe is more challenging and technique-demanding.

Introduction

A jibe is a turn with the wind behind, in other words, away from the wind. The jibe is a basic transition in kiteboarding and windsurfing, so you may want to nail it as soon as possible. Before trying your first flying jibes you must be able to ride comfortably downwind, upwind and toe-side.

The flying foot switch jibe. The basics and training on land

In a flying foot switch jibe you invert your foot position before pointing the board downwind or after the turn. The most rewarding and efficient way to jibe is to switch foot position before initiating the turn. Before heading into the water, you may want to practice switching your feet on land whilst keeping the wing exposed to the wind on the opposite side.  

Time to hit the water!

Once you have practiced the foot switch on land, it’s time to hit the water. Unfortunately, we do mean that, as you will fall every which way in your first attempts. That’s why we strongly recommend to wear a helmet and an impact vest trying your first flying jibes. 

The flying foot switch step by step

Head slightly upwind, bring the back foot a bit forward while staying low on the foil.

Sheet-in the wing getting some lift and switch the foot position. This is by far the hardest part of the maneuver!  

Now you are flying toe-side. Time to commence the transition. Put your weight slightly on the heels, sheet-out the wing and look out of the turn. In strong wind conditions, you may want to depower the wing by letting go the rear hand in the first half of the turn.

Switch the hands on the handles or the boom and sheet-in the wing.

Inverting the feet after the turn

Inverting the feet position after the turn is easier as it is more intuitive to switch from the toe-side to heel-side than vice versa. Again, speed and balance are the keys! 

Tips

• Speed is your friend. Do not be afraid to initiate the maneuver fast! Yes, it is a little scary at first but going fast on a foil means more stability and more momentum when you, case in point, depower the wing while turning.
• Widen the arc of the turn: the wider the arc the easier the turn.
• Always keep your weight balanced over your front knee.
• Keep your body in line with the foil mast as much as possible.

Conclusions

The flying foot switch Wing Foil Jibe is a fun and rewarding maneuver that will open the doors to the Wing Foil tack that we will cover in one of our next tech related features. Stay tuned on ww.wingsurfmag.it

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