SUP foil board - Flatstart

Foils have become a staple in almost every water sport — from Vendée Globe racing yachts to kiteboarding, surfing, and of course, Stand Up Paddle (SUP).

If you’ve been into SUP for a while and now feel confident in SUP surfing, it’s only natural to start eyeing the foil — maybe even losing sleep over it. While SUP is known for being very accessible (which largely explains its popularity), SUP foiling is significantly more technical. But with a bit of practice, the right tips, and suitable gear, it's absolutely achievable.

The key? Choosing the right setup from the start.

SUP foil is totally accessible — as long as you make smart choices at the beginning. And since surf foil and SUP foil share many similarities — such as foil characteristics and riding environments — you'll notice plenty of overlap between the two disciplines.

We offer premium leashes that we use daily, whether with a surfboard, a SUP, or a foil. Their length is selected based on the size of the board—your leash should be the same length as your board.

For example, on a Flint FSP Pro 5’10, we recommend a 6’0 leash, which offers the right balance between performance and safety.

We advise using only straight leashes for SUP foil boards since they’re designed for surfing. The diameter may vary depending on the board size and the waves.

In smaller waves, a thinner and shorter leash will reduce drag. But keep in mind: thinner means more fragile. In stronger or bigger conditions, it could snap unexpectedly. So, make sure your choice matches the conditions you usually ride in.

The leash is at once the lifebelt of the SUP ride and at the same time the insurance to keep its gear near to them. Fixing it well to the board is key. Here is a pedagogical tutorial to know how to fix well your leash:

• First, check the knot in the leash cord and tighten it perfectly. This knot is your lifebelt! Then, thread the loop of the cord through the leash plug, so that there are two equal loops on each side of the metal bar. Be careful, the lark’s head on the leash plus is not a good alternative to this technique because it extends the cord too much and risks damaging the rail of your board.
• Pass your rail saver leash strap through the two loops formed by the cord.
• Close your rail saver velcro up properly. It’s in the strap’s fold that the two tips of the cord must pass. As the name suggests, the rail saver is a portion of the strap that must be the only one to press on the tail of your board.

Then, tie the other part of the leash up on your body. Ensure that the leash is comfortable and reassuring by tightening it at your knee or at your ankle, depending on the type of leash you choose. Don’t forget to point the rope towards your back, this will prevent you from getting it in your feet and missing waves ?

After many uses, watch out for the wear and tear of your leash. If the velcro pills, it means that you need to change it!

Use foot straps!

Whether it's your first session or you're an expert, foot straps are undeniably a valuable asset.

If you're just starting out, the front strap will serve as a precise reference point to ensure your front foot is always correctly placed — and that's crucial, since this foot provides about 80% of your balance. The front strap also improves control, allowing you to adjust small mistakes in foil trim. Later on, it lets you press harder into your turns.

Straps are also a big advantage for pumping: instead of just lifting your foot, you can push forward more effectively, making your pumping more powerful and efficient.

For your first sessions, just use the front strap. Don't worry if you don’t place your back foot in the rear strap right away — that will come with time.

Some highly advanced riders never take their feet out of the straps, whether while flying or paddling. Forget that approach for now — it’s only suitable for very experienced users.

Get a board bag

Most damage to your board happens on land—during transport or storage. That’s why it's essential to get a protective board bag for your SUP foil.
The key is to choose one that fits your board. A bag that’s too big won’t protect as well from everyday impacts.

Car transport

If your car trunk isn’t large enough to fit your SUP foil, don’t worry—you can transport it on your car roof!
Foam roof racks are a great option: effective and stylish. They feature reinforced fabric, using the same high-quality material as our GONG board bags with 15mm foam padding.
Setup is super easy, these racks come with a Velcro system that’s quick to put on and take off. And to make sure your board doesn’t end up in the middle of the road, don’t forget to strap it down. Some straps, like those from Kanulock, even come with a locking system so you can leave your gear on the roof worry-free.

Getting from the parking lot to the spot

Carrying your gear all the way to the beach can be tiring. Our trolleys make it way more comfortable! These handy transport carts can handle large dunes or even be towed by a bike. One thing’s for sure—with a trolley, you’ll still have enough strength left to paddle out to the peak.

The secret of your gear life expectancy? Its maintenance. This board will still be in your quiver for 20 years if you take care of it! As show the pictures of our clients that surf with boards that disappeared from our catalogue a while ago!

Protect the board from paddle strokes

Pads and wax naturally protect your SUP’s deck from paddle strokes. On the other hand, the rails are a prime target for paddle related abuses inside the water but also outside on rocks or in the parking.

That’s why we advise you to put rail savers on your board. They are auto adhesive strips that will protect rails of your board from your paddle and to increase its lifespan, however without decreasing its ability to glide. These strips will cushion paddle strokes on your SUP and then keep your board in a better state longer! They will save you from your aquatic misfortunes.

Before fixing your rail savers, remember to clean the rails with alcohol or Coleman fuel.

• The small item is for boards up to 8’5. Sold by couple, dimensions: 161 x 05 cm.
• The large item is for boards longer than 8’5 and race SUP boards. Sold by couple, dimensions: 191 x 06 cm.

To plug a water intake, having a repair kit to hand will avoid you having to wait several days before going back to the water. After you sanded the hitch, put the repair kit on the wound, then let it dry in sunlight (UV rays are key for it to work!). Sand it again when everything is dry to keep a smooth surface of your board. It’s a quick and efficient intervention to go back in the water quickly.

The time you spend on the water with one board will enrich your skills on other types of boards. Nothing replaces experience: time at sea, varied weather conditions, and connecting with the elements.

In addition to your SUP foil board, why not explore other disciplines to spend even more time on the water? Wing foil or kite gear to make the most of windy days? A SUP board for cruising and training? A surfboard to better understand waves and the ocean?