Your very first alley-oop might be done on a foiling board! Firstly because it doesn’t require specific conditions. Unlike airs on conventional surfboards, you are not dependent on the direction of the wind. No need to commit to a closing section to take off either. But above all, you have footstraps which makes a huge difference! 😉
However, your biggest asset for this maneuver is also your highest hurdle. Mastering the use of footstraps is something technical and new for most surfers. Getting your front foot in the strap is usually fairly automatic, but moving the back foot into its strap will take some practice. Nothing out of reach though.
Surf foiler : Malo, team rider GONG, en Matata FSP Pro avec un Set-up Fluid H Pro.
For the alley-oop in surf foiling you do not need to hit a section at full speed to take off as you would in surfing. An effective pop is all you need. To pop out the water, slightly sink your foil, regroup and redirect the foil upwards. As you come up, firmly apply pressure on the back leg and bend the front leg. Your foil is basically an airplane so taking off should not be a major issue 😉 As soon as you take off, in a continuous movement, turn your upper body towards the wave, helping you with your arms and your look. Where the look goes, the body goes. Turn around like a human spinning top. To facilitate the rotation, bring your body together by bending your legs.
The first 180° allows you to visualize your landing point. Stay as much as you can above your board to maintain balance for the inevitable touchdown on landing. Keep a fairly low center of gravity and control the resumption of flight as for a classic take off.
The key to success is to give yourself a good height during your pop and to be energetic in your rotation. Go for it!
