Do you think we’ll be seeing big changes in board design and philosophy or is the way ahead looking fairly settled for now?
Everything is pretty new so we think that there will be plenty development in some areas. That being said, we believe that the boards used for SUP foiling need to be versatile and should not limit the rider using them just for that purpose. Which brings the designs that we’re offering to the table which essentially provide the biggest versatility for the dollar.
When one sees videos of Kai Lenny downwinding on his prone paddle in 5’7 shortboard, or Austin Kalama flat water foiling and pumping – not paddling – to maintain momentum once he’s up, they’ve just about negated the paddle. Being that you can prone paddle in to catch a wave or glide, do we still need our paddles?
How to get up on the foil is everybody’s own choice. Being on the SUP still gives the advantage of an elevated point of view, the power through the paddle and the ability to easily paddle longer distances to a break with little effort. Foiling with a surfboard is as legit but it also requires a higher skill level. Above all it is important that anybody foiling stays away from other ocean goers and avoids endangering others. The foils have the advantage of making un-surfable waves really fun and rideable. So at least in my opinion, it would be nice if the respect and etiquette that is needed in surf breaks can stay intact and respected at all times. Pumping around a busy line-up might be fun for the guy who is pumping, but it certainly is not very respectful to the rest of the guys and girls out there.
