GEAR: BUCKING DOESN'T MEAN LIFT !!!

Asked about the relevance of combining a small front wing with a large stab to vary the range of use, our shaper recalls some key points on the role of the stab.

“Hello,

This combination is not a good idea. The stab stabilizes. Its action is to limit oscillations and compensate for the nosediving profile of the front wing. It must therefore absolutely be the reflection of the front wing because it acts as a mirror with it.

On the other hand, if a bad stab is used, it will be necessary to compensate everything with body positioning. The foil will fly, but it will be totally unbalanced. With a powerless stab, the foil will nosedive from the speed at which the nosediving profile of the front wing shows this effect, so it will be necessary to press strongly on the back leg, thus reducing the general balance of the foil which will be too solicited on the back. And the reverse with a too powerful stab.

I see that more and more people confuse a foil that bucks for a foil with lift. The first changes the attitude of the board and raises his nose to the sky, while the second raises the board into a flattened out flight. It is obviously the second solution which is the best, in particular in lightwind, because it is the one which favors the speed which is itself the key of the flight.

Conversely a foil that bucks is one that needs to be controlled in order to overcome it and transition into a flattened out flight. This is often where the foil suddenly drops and you have to start all over.

And that’s why I formally advise against advancing your foil in lightwind. You will artificially change it to a foil that bucks and lose your speed and your bearings. No, the position of the foil depends on your stance and your center of gravity.

Thank you.”

Patrice Guénolé, Shaper & Boss GONG Galaxy