Catch and release your lowkite

Switch to freefly mode or full downwind with a single-skin lowkite.

Experience the pure joy of gliding effortlessly over endless distances, fully immersed in the swell, with a 360° view and freedom of movement. Once the exclusive domain of SUP foilers, this sensation is now within reach thanks to lowkites—offering the added bonus of a possible way back upwind.

To enter freefly mode, you have two options:

• Pull the front lines to bring the lowkite back to you while fully loosening the back lines/brakes.
• Or do the opposite—pull the back lines and let go of the front lines completely.

The first method is the most widely used, but we recommend trying them all to see which works best for you. Switching techniques based on your stance in relation to the wave or the wind direction can be a smart move.

Keep in mind that the second method keeps more power in the lowkite when pulling the back lines to put it away, making it trickier to execute. Plus, the bridles are more likely to tangle around the bar’s end, which can be a real hassle when relaunching.

Foiler: Patrice Guénolé, GONG boss and shaper, with a Cruzader Diamond FSP Pro, HM85 mast and Fluid H XL foil.

The trick to getting it right: slightly bear off as you pull the lowkite in.

Your goal is to cut the lowkite’s power as fast as possible without getting thrown off balance. A gentle downwind drift will help depower it and keep you in control during that key moment when you shift from riding to pure surf mode on the foil.

Be careful not to bear off too much. If you catch your lowkite and it completely stalls before you can grab it, it may end up going under your board.

How to pack your lowkite:

• Whether you're using the front or back lines, once the bar is fully depowered or sheeted in, grab the bridle with your back hand when surfing frontside, and with your front hand when surfing backside.
• Pull the lowkite in with the hand holding the bar while your other hand gathers the lines up to the leading edge. Only once the leading edge is fully tucked in

If you pull the lowkite in using the back lines, the trailing edge will reach your hand first, which can let air into the leading edge and cause an unexpected relaunch. To avoid this, keep pulling until the leading edge fully wraps around your hand.

Along with hand movements, precise foil control is key—bear off slightly as mentioned earlier while keeping an eye on the swell section that will keep you flying. When stowing your lowkite, be mindful not to lose lift by straying too far from the wave’s crest.

Packing the lowkite… or not: 

If you're heading for a downwind, a rashy or a small bag is a good option to store your lowkite. But if you’re staying on your spot, switching between short waves and upwind runs, keep your lowkite in hand. This makes redeploying it after a wave much smoother and helps prevent unwanted tangles.

Foiler: Patrice Guénolé, GONG boss and shaper, with a Cruzader Diamond FSP Pro, HM85 mast and Fluid H XL foil.

Relaunching your lowkite:

While cruising smoothly on a swell, check your bar to make sure there are no tangles in the bridle that could mess up the relaunch. Avoid launching your lowkite while riding upwind, as it would act like a sudden parachute and send you flying off your board. Instead, position yourself crosswind or slightly downwind—the best approach is to exit the wave with a jibe-style turn.

Make sure to throw your lowkite well ahead so it can fill with air—dropping it at your feet is a guaranteed wipeout. Avoid launching it straight overhead too, as it might backwind or you could end up underneath it. If needed, cut your turn upwind to tighten the lines. And you're back in action!

Foiler: Patrice Guénolé, GONG boss and shaper, with a Cruzader Diamond FSP Pro, HM85 mast and Fluid H XL foil.