Dockstart

Everything you need to know to get started with pump foiling!

If the weather is perfect but there's no wind or waves to get on the water, dockstarting is the perfect solution! It's fun, pressure-free, and great for your fitness. We highly recommend giving it a try, ideally with friends, because someone has to film your first questionable attempts!
 
But don't think dockstarting is only for balance masters and pros. In the right conditions and with the right advice, most beginners manage to cover respectable distances during their very first session, after around thirty attempts on average. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Pump foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, riding the Kluber HDCC V2, HM70 mast and Sirus setup.

Choosing your gear

The size of your front wing is naturally the key factor for successful first sessions. You need a foil that generates plenty of lift at low speed because, apart from the momentum from your running start, you have no outside assistance. The wing also needs good glide to carry you farther and make pumping easier.

High aspect wings are therefore the best option (although practicing on more moderate aspect wings such as the X-Over can also be very educational):

• The Trail is the most accessible front wing thanks to its outstanding low-speed forgiveness and easy handling. Its relatively high aspect ratio for a beginner-oriented wing provides excellent glide.

• The Sirus is a benchmark for pumping efficiency, accessibility and exceptional glide. Its outstanding glide gives you valuable moments of recovery while keeping your pumping smooth and perfectly controlled. On the Sirus, your eyes naturally look farther ahead, and your ambitions grow as you fly effortlessly across the water!

Keep in mind that a thick, high-lift profile will be more forgiving during takeoff because it performs well at very low speeds. However, it will be harder to pump over long distances. As always, your gear should match your level. If your wing is too small, you won't generate enough speed to achieve flight, even briefly, using your own momentum, especially when you're starting out. We therefore recommend at least an XL for average-sized riders. If your goal is to break pumping distance records, 3XL and larger sizes are naturally worth considering regardless of your weight.

Pump foilers: Louis and Malo, GONG staff and team rider, riding the Kluber.

Pump foil mast length

The most efficient mast length for pumping is around 70 cm because you're directly connected to the foil. A longer mast gives you more margin for error but is more technical to control. The extra energy spent controlling it cancels out the benefit of the additional length.

Pump foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, riding the Kluber HDC, Alu V3 mast and Trail front wing.

Pump foil board

You don't need a bulky board that would get in the way while pumping. The less volume you have, the more efficient your pumping becomes thanks to a more direct and instinctive connection with your foil. You need an ultra-stiff board that transfers 100% of your movements and pumping effort to the foil. The Kluber has been specifically designed for this discipline. That said, it's not reserved for experts. It's one of the few boards that suits every level. On this compact shape, finding the right stance for controlled flight comes naturally.

Kite foil boards such as the Kiwii HDCC, or even surf foil boards, can also work well for your first sessions. Surf foil boards have the advantage of being easy to paddle if you fall far from your starting point. However, they're significantly less efficient for pumping. That loss of performance dramatically reduces the distances you'll be able to cover. That's why we recommend a dedicated pump foil board if you want maximum fun and steadily increasing distances.

Choose a board built in HDCC or PVC sandwich construction because impacts with the dock are frequent and can be severe.

Kluber HDC, Alu V3 mast, Trail V3 front wing and stab.

Choosing your spot

The ideal location is a floating dock sitting close to water level, allowing you a few metres to build speed. A floating dock lets the front wing tip pass underneath the dock during the launch. Being close to the water also makes it easy to manage foil depth, ideally with the foil halfway down the mast while leaving enough clearance for the wing passing beneath the dock. And of course, stay away from swimmers and boats, a foil can travel a surprisingly long distance on its own...

Ideally, choose the end of a dock that lets you launch in a straight line without having to turn immediately after takeoff to avoid the dock. Avoid seaweed at all costs. Getting stopped dead after a perfect launch is incredibly frustrating...

Don't have access to a dock near home? We offer the BLISS, an inflatable dock that's easy to transport and can be shared with friends.

Pump foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, riding the Strada HDCC, HM V3 mast and Sirus V3 setup.

Dockstarting

This is where everything happens. The very best riders can launch with almost no run-up, but you greatly increase your chances of success by building speed so you can fly on your momentum during the first few metres.

Give yourself at least 2 to 3 metres of run-up. Naturally, you launch with your back foot trailing (so the board is on your right if you're regular, and on your left if you're goofy). The challenge is building speed while keeping your mast perfectly vertical. This is essential. Jump onto a board with the mast leaning just a few degrees and you're almost guaranteed to crash.

As you move along the dock while pressing on the board, your foil pushes back against your hands. For those few moments, your hands are steering the foil just as your feet will once you're standing on the board. The goal is to be as precise and smooth as possible during this acceleration phase.