A Year (Windsurfing) en Provence: North wind wingfoil

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

North wind wingfoil

The north wind continued and actually built overnight. It got cooler too. From 25c air and 17c water yesterday, to 20c air and 13c water as the north wind blew all the warm shore water out into the Bay. I put on my 5/4 wetsuit and tried to decide on what gear to take.

I decided on the 140l Fanatic Stingray board with 99cm Slingshot foil. But instead of a windsurfing sail and windfoiling like yesterday, I pumped up the 4.2 Slingshot wing. With Jen out at the island, I wasn’t as worried about not being able to get back upwind in the gusty wind - a skill I’m still working on.

I put an old harness line on the wing. I put on my vintage Gastraa harness for the first time in likely 30 years. But then I realized I didn’t have a leash for the wing. Oh well, a windsurfing uphaul attached to a wetsuit ankle Velcro on my wrist did the trick.

Thanks Jen for the photo

Old windsurf harness is great for wingfoiling

Off I went. I got two runs right near the dock. Then it was easy getting downwind and out to the slightly more consistent wind. I got foiling consistently and worked my way upwind in the small channel. Eventually I headed out SW of Germain island but there was way too much wind out there.

So I played in the channel and managed one super fun 9 jibe downwinder. I finally fell after 39 minutes getting a bit to relaxed in the harness. Definitely need some longer lines. Then there started to be longer periods with non foiling wind.

I did try working my way upwind back to the dock but upwind wingfoil slogging is beyond my skill at this point. I landed at the point and walked my gear back in two trips.

I think I’m ready for a smaller board and faster foil. Luckily I have some newer Duotone and Fanatic gear down in Collingwood so it will be time to bring that up here now that we will be spending more time here.