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Eric 'Big E' Mihelbergel
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 28 มิ.ย. 2008
Eric Mihelbergel is an intermediate/advanced level windsurfer, kiteboarder, foiler, and fitness enthusiast living in the Great Lakes Region who enjoys sharing about windsports and fitness. There are so many INCREDIBLE days in front of us and behind us to enjoy our extreme sports that I just can't stop talking about. I wake up everyday so STOKED about our sports. So, I hope this TH-cam channel helps to add to your stoke and information.
WWF Handwork for Sail Flagging
A brief video explaining the most efficiently handwork for flagging the sail as you carve onto a wave.
มุมมอง: 190
วีดีโอ
WWF - Lisa Sunset Bay
มุมมอง 293ปีที่แล้ว
Lisa getting wave rides on 3.8m MicroFreak sail and 112L Top Gun Maverick.
Foil Wings for Windsurf Wave Foiling
มุมมอง 5552 ปีที่แล้ว
In this video I compare foil wings for windsurf wave foiling. Each foil wing has its specific purpose. Let's look at those different aspects.
Windsurf Wave Foiling on Lake Erie, Oct 1st and 2nd 2022
มุมมอง 2.9K2 ปีที่แล้ว
Two great days of windsurf wave foiling on Lake Erie. Watch Casey Treichler slay the waves.
Rigging Faster!
มุมมอง 3762 ปีที่แล้ว
How do some sailors get in the water so FAST, while others take forever? Here is how I do it, and it gets me in the water Ninja quick. Be a Ninja!!!
Sails For Windsurf Wave Foiling (MicroFreaks Rule)
มุมมอง 8242 ปีที่แล้ว
This video discusses differences between sails for windsurfing and sails for windsurf wave foiling.
Windsurf Wave Foiling Updates
มุมมอง 7982 ปีที่แล้ว
It's been a year and a half since I've made a video, so this is long overdue. Windsurf wave foiling has progressed a lot in that time. Here are some of the updates.
Windsports: Learning How To Learn
มุมมอง 3913 ปีที่แล้ว
Do you want to improve faster? This video will help you reach your full potential. Learn how to develop a process of learning for success.
Do I Still Need My Big Windsurfing Sails?
มุมมอง 3.9K4 ปีที่แล้ว
Gear has changed so much that many riders now question if they still need their big windsurfing sails. What is your experience?
Is There a BETTER Way to Learn the Windsurfing JIBE?
มุมมอง 2K4 ปีที่แล้ว
The windsurfing jibe can take a long time to learn. Is there a better way? Can you learn it faster, and improve quicker. Do you have a PLAN??? Watch this video to learn how to do it.
CRASHES 2020: Lake Erie and Lake Ontario
มุมมอง 9384 ปีที่แล้ว
Bam! Splash! Kerplunk!!! Windsurfing, kite boarding, wing foiling, and wind foiling. How times have you crashed this year? Hundreds of times for me. Funny to see it on video! Enjoy!
Will WindFoiling Improve Your Windsurfing?
มุมมอง 5894 ปีที่แล้ว
Yesterday, I got to windsurf for the first time in 4 weeks. Why so long? Because I've been windsurf wave foiling instead. But, without windsurfing for 4 weeks my jibes improved tremendously. Foiling is helping my windsurfing. Watch the video to learn why.
Top 5 Foiling Tips For Beginners and Intermediates
มุมมอง 6K4 ปีที่แล้ว
Learn these Top 5 Tips to progress more quickly with your windfoiling and windsurf wave foiling. Here is a link to the Balz Muller tutorial on "pumping" that is mentioned in the video: th-cam.com/video/vrupMZ1qyrk/w-d-xo.html
Windsurf Wave Foiling - Beginner to Session #50
มุมมอง 1.2K4 ปีที่แล้ว
This video shows the progress that an average windsurfer can expect when learning Windsurf Wave Foiling. Be patient, stay focused, and HAVE FUN! www.ericthebige.net/
Has Windfoiling REPLACED Windsurfing???
มุมมอง 4.2K4 ปีที่แล้ว
Has Windfoiling REPLACED Windsurfing???
Where is the Industry on Windsurf Wave Foiling???
มุมมอง 2.5K4 ปีที่แล้ว
Where is the Industry on Windsurf Wave Foiling???
Buffalo Harbor Sailboats and Sailboards - September 2020
มุมมอง 1754 ปีที่แล้ว
Buffalo Harbor Sailboats and Sailboards - September 2020
Lisa Getting Lake Erie Action near Sturgeon Point
มุมมอง 2054 ปีที่แล้ว
Lisa Getting Lake Erie Action near Sturgeon Point
Hey Eric! Great video! I am wondering about adding a RS 1300 or similar higher aspect foil for my riding on lake huron. Currently have the 280 & 200 on casey's 140l board. 185lbs; usually on 8.0; 6.7 & 5.2 when foiling. Looking for something faster for offshore flatter water, higher speed type days... (usually wind of 8-15knts). What do you think - RS1300 or just keep riding my 200? Joe
@@yboolj Hey man! The biggest sail for the RS1300 is 3.8m fur me. I've tried it with my 4.7m many times and it sucks. The wing is too fast. The big sails won't flip on jibes because they blow back in your face. You can't slow down enough because the wing comes off foil. I would stick with the 200.
@ great advice - thanks! Another question - how much faster is the iwa than the 200 & how much more wind does it take to get going?
@@yboolj I generally use the Iwa in wind over 16mph and the 200 in wind under 16mph. The Iwa turns much much better. It's more fun because of that in my opinion. Maybe you need an extra 2mph of wind. Not much.... just a little more to get it on foil.
Great Job Eric !
Great video Eric. Keep em coming. I still just tack for wwf (because I'm lazy!). I'm going to try this for jibing & wave riding. Joe
Looking like a Pro Lisa!😀 😎 🏄 👍
My oldest daughter, 15 yo, has the same sail, same size...
Another great Eric "The Big E" Top Gun WWF video! Love how that little 3.2 Microfreak powers you upwind so well!! Cool views of wingers & windsurfers & WWF'ers all sharing the stoke!!
Thanks Chuck! We had a good couple days.
Perfect explanation, thanks!
Don't you call it "hydro-foiling"? When they turn upwind, the board takes over.
Hey Eric- New fan here from Australia. I just stumbled on your channel and videos and love them. Your advice is great, videos are good quality, your enthusiasm and passion makes watching very enjoyable. I am working my way through your playlists. Keep it up.
Thanks for the kind message. I'm stoked that you're enjoying the channel. I originally started writing short articles just for myself so that I could refer back to the information from time to time. Then my wife said I should put those articles on a website. And someone else said I should start a TH-cam channel. So here we are. We are in winter now, and I'm not very motivated to make new windsport content, but hopefully I'll get inspired in the next few months. Here is my website if you're interested: www.ericthebige.net/ In the top menu go to "more" then "Articles" then "Windsurfing", and I think you'll find some stuff you'll like. Cheers!
@@mihelbergel Thanks Eric- I'll check out your website. How cold does the water get in your winter? Over here (South East Australia) water temp gets to about 13 degrees Celsius for the coldest months. Its cold but manageable with just a 4mm wet suit. I am guessing your water temp gets closer to zero degree Celsius?
@@redgum78 Most winters, Lake Erie of the Great Lakes (where I live) is completely frozen by February and does not thaw until end of March or early April. We snow kite, sail on ice, or snowboard during that time. It's cold from late November until early May, so we get about 7-8months of nice water time. This winter, however, Lake Erie did not yet freeze, and the next week looks extremely warm, so I think it will be an early start to the season.
@@mihelbergel Yikes, that's proper cold! It would still be pretty fresh even in the summer. I did a bit of reading on Lake Erie, I had no idea it and the other great Lakes were so massive! I guess that why they are "Great" Lakes. I windsurf in our local Lake system which is the Gippsland Lakes- a decent Lake system but nothing compared to even 1 of your Great lakes!
@@redgum78 They are big lakes. I've windsurfed in 15+ foot swell many times.
Hello, What are your ideas on using a windsurf freewave or freestyle board for foiling? like JPs foil ready boards.
Windsurf wave foiling requires more of a modified SUP foil board shape. A windsurf freewave or freestyle board will be far too narrow to carve hard and to balance while uphauling.
Great info , Nice real world info, Really Really well done!
Thanks Big E! So what we really want is a thinner foil like ez1600 with some dihedral or anhedral curve for grip?
I think you're right on! If I could request a particular design it would be like you just said.
Fantastic info, thanks for making it crystal clear!
Hello. What's size board and Sail? Speed wind? It's a custom board?
It's a custom made modified SUP foil board. 112 liters, 6 foot long. Sail size 2.8m HotSails MicroFreak, and wind 25 knots. Here are the boards: www.reefwarriorsboards.com/foilboard
I've windsurfed the Great Lakes for 40 years and I have to say that's the best display of fun on mush burgers I've ever seen. Great skill making it look easy.
Better than wing foil !
Answer : Wing foil
Looks like some good Iwa time.
Holy Moly that looks fun! hahahaaha
was that the bigger wing or iwa?
@@coreydunn4202 EZ1600 which is IWA size. 👍👌
Great stuff!
Did you foil with the ezzy hydra sport before? Just wondering if so how you compare with the hot sail ?
Yes, I had an Ezzy Hydra Sport in size 4.7m. It is much more similar to the Ezzy Taka than the HotSails MicroFreak. In fact, it's almost the same sail as the Taka, except the clew is slightly extended and the boom cut-out is higher. I sold it because the boom cut-out was too high for my wife who is short, and I did not like the extended clew for waterstarting. The Taka is much better for my purposes. But the HotSails MicroFreak is another level way beyond both sails for the purposes of windsurf wave foiling.
Great video Eric! Excellent description of the differences between windsurfing wave sails and the significant benefit of using Hotsails Microfreak sails over them for WWF. Can't wait for a windy day to get first rides on my new 3.8 & 2.8 Microfreaks!!!
Hoping you get lots of wind very soon!!!!!!!
May I ask what are the harness lines used at the Freak? Otherwise I am a fan of Ezzys wave sais for WS, but I honestly understand You and and have also received a huge positive feedbacks of the Hot Sails from a good WS sailor...Really nice vid..
I'm using the same harness lines on all 3 sails in the video for foiling purposes. They are 22 inch mono-lines from Chinook. I found that the lines need to be slightly more rearward with HotSails MicroFreak due to the longer boom.
@@mihelbergel thxx
Great video Eric! Wondering how you liked your Ezzy Hydra's from last year. I'm considering going with the new Ezzy Cross sails to use as advertised - foil and bump and jump. I have (and really love) the Reef Warrior Goose; but I sail more powered up wave riding/carving than your wwf style. Thanks and have a great fall! Joe
I replaced the Hydra with the Taka. The boom cut-out on the Hydra is much higher than most sails which excluded my wife from using it as she is short, plus we foil with very low booms. Also, I found the extended clew of the Hydra to be more difficult when recovering the sail from the water for waterstarting. David Ezzy explained that the Taka and the Hydra are nearly the same thing with the two differences I just mentioned. I'm using the Taka for both foiling and wave windsurfing/bump and jump, and it works well. I still like the Zeta better for the more direct response in onshore windsurfing conditions, but the Taka is a great sail to cover both disciplines. If I had to choose between the Taka and Cross to cover both disciplines I would choose the Taka because I think the benefits of the 3/4 batten for WWF outweigh the benefits of the 5 battens for windsurfing. But an argument could be made the other way as well.....just my personal preference and experience.
Stupidest video I've ever seen. Do you need to keep big sails? "If you'll use them, yes" 🤦♂️
great video , just what I needed ¡
I can say that I did smash the nose of my board when I was crashing. Partially because in the beginning I was using bigger sails, also the length of my foil mast is 90cm. By session 4 I had to do a nose job on my board.
Windfoiling for sure has improved my windsurfing. Big time.
Thanks so much for your comments on the true good and bad of what to expect of foil v standard windsurfing. I spent many years trying to master windsurfing and still not great, but I can blast and have mega fun, then switched to kite surfing and was great, but find that windsurfing is something that you master and get a great enjoyment from, but now looking at getting a windsurfing foil board and would like to master that, so I can enjoy slow windsurfing. I guess its like comparing skiing to snowboarding, it takes years to master, like playing a violin, you master it or don't. Many thanks for the video, and I get everything you say, very true, cheers.
One more comment Eric. A friend suggested that I go with the Ezzy model Cross, which is a freeride-foil sail with 5 battens. I think this sail is suited for traditional upwind foiling and not for WINDSURF WAVE FOILING SAIL; do you agree? A second recommendation has been the Goya Cypher Pro in sizes 3.8 and 5.9 for my local conditions specified below. What other sails are out there that you recommend???
Hi. Thanks for the comments. Windsurf wave foiling is so fun. Our season here is just starting. I'll be on the water soon. Here are my thoughts on sails for your purpose, which is very similar to mine. To start, I'm a dedicated Ezzy user for regular wave windsurfing and love Ezzy. But the Ezzy Cross is not going to do what you want. I actually bought an Ezzy Hydra Sport (specifically designed for foiling) and it was not good for the purposes of windsurf wave foiling. The Cross is not going to depower the way you want. It is going to have too much shape. And it's going to be heavy. The Goya Cypher would be better with its flatter shape, lighter feel, and ability to depower more. Most freestyle sails work pretty well for WWF. However, I just ordered 2 sails from Hot Sails Maui specifically for windsurf wave foiling. They are actually kid's sails....the MicroFreak in sizes 3.8 and 2.8m. My friend Casey is probably the best windsurf wave foilers on the Great Lakes, and he got 2 of these sails last season and they worked incredible well. They SUPER light weight in your hands. They depower great with the 4 battens, and there is plenty of power to get up on foil. Unfortunately the largest size they make is 3.8m. We are hoping to convince them to make a 4.8m size. I should have my 2.8 and 3.8 next month. I can let you know what I think of them. In the meantime, freestyle sails are probably the best option. The older version of the Naish Lift was a good option, but the new design is no good with its full shape and 6 battens.
@@mihelbergel Thank you Eric. I already have the RRD Pocket 180 (120 lts) and a North foil with 1850 low aspect or 1450 high aspect, and fuselage 60 or 70cm long (which might be too short !?). Giving my local spot conditions, and reading your comments, I might to with the Cypher 3.4 for higher winds (18-26 knots), and the Cypher 5.9 for lighter days (10-17 knots). Any last advice or comments to this setup?
Great video Eric… right on spot. I am looking for the right sail. I will be using the sail only for foiling…not regular windsurfing, I will always be foiling. I am not interested in foiling upwind or racing; my main interest is SMALL wave foiling and DOWNWIND swell foiling. Therefore I need a sail that has ease batten rotation, and that I can easily be flagging out the sail with one hand when FOILING DOWNWIND on a swell. I want to choose a sail that allows the sail to luff, meaning that it de-powers when sheeted out or rotated into the wind, making the sail go completely neutral in maneuvers. Also, one sail that it can easily go from full to flat. I have a RRD Pocket 180 120lts board (I weight 175 pounds) for easy uphauling in light wind days, and I am looking for 2 sail sizes for my local spot: 1) strong winds (18-26 knots); 2) light days (8-17 knots). I would very much appreciate your advice. What sail model and sizes do you recommend?
Nice!
Thanks man
I’m sailing a 156 Gecko which I love but I want to sail smaller boards with smaller sails. Aside from ‘just going for it’ - my usual mode of doing things - is there a ‘learning curve’ or should I just get a 100 litre board and (eventually) learn how to use it? I’m 85kg, in straps, planing happily. Water starting. Age 60 (hence prefer smaller kit). Newly invigorated after 35 years out (was worse then!) All comments welcome. Thanks
Sounds like you are progressing nicely. I think the next step would be a 115 liter freewave board. Learn to ride it, and then in a year or so get something like a 95 liter freewave board. That will give you a nice quiver from big wind to light wind.
Really interesting video, I am loving windsurf foiling carving swell and all that but the wind wing really does all the things you list i.e slow, surf waves, easy. Plus is very compact and simple. The problem with all windsurfing is the gear, it gives me the shits. I’m thinking about getting a smaller sail a 3 something but it looks like I’ll need a new mast to fit so gotta find a matching one, rdm or Sdm, carbon content, is my boom gonna fit such a small sail? Christ and why is everything so expensive. Maybe I’ll just buy a one or two wind wings and have a massive wind range which I can fit in the back of my small car. It’s a shame as Windsurf foiling is the most fun I’ve had learning in ages!
Eric, I grew up Windsurfing on Lake Erie, especially at Angola on the Lake. My parents windsurfed too, so we went to Hatteras and the Gorge. I moved out to the Finger Lakes and continued to sail, but with out the waves. I typically used a 7.5 to an 8.8 on a 150 to 180 liter board. I barely every used smaller than a 5.1 and never used my Gorge boards. In 2019, I got a Slingshot Dialer 130 with the fwind1 foil. I have foiled in winds from 8 mph up to 20 mph. On one 20+ day, I put the fin in and tried "Wind surfing" again. It was so bumpy and loud, I had to use my harness constantly and I was getting worn out after 4 runs. On the foil, I can sail 4 hours or more, and barely even hook in. If there were waves to surf, I could see loving windsurfing again, but foiling is like riding a magic carpet, and windsurfing is like getting dragged behind a truck going off-road. Foiling for me!
Mostly out on big slalom gear (85cm, 135L) on 8.6m2 and 44cm Z-fin. We just don't have so much wind here in Baltic.
There are a few brands that push windfoiling in waves or freestyle. Slingshot, MB boards, SAB foils, Horue. Check out these eg Slingshots new Phantasm foil promo. Also JP freefoil and NP have a new freefoil sail for foiling. I think too few pro sailors that are good enough at windfoiling in waves.
Hi it is mini cena real name Reillen last name Mihelbergel
Hi I’m mini cena you know me I’m Reillen my dad is your cousin you can’t see me
Very nice video. Pls do more
Thanks, those are brilliant tips!
Great tips and love your enthusiasm. Ive only had 10 sessions foiling so still a beginner. I'm short (5'4) and light (64kg) , would you still recommend a large front wing and what volume board do you recommend? Foiling fairly slowly with small sails is what I'm looking for. Any tips on set up would be great
Hi Simon. My wife is also short, 5'3" and 57kg, and she uses the same front wing as me, GoFoil Maliko 200 which is about 2000sq cm. It's great for her in wind up to about 20knots, at which point she switches to a wing about 1500sq cm. We both ride the same board which is a modified SUP foil board designed for windsurf wave foiling. It's 120 liters. We think this is the perfect setup for riding slow on small and medium size waves.
Hi Eric thanks so much for your reply. The type of wave foiling you do is exactly what I aspire to so it's great to have that advise. I windsurf mostly in the choppy the waters of the English Channel and on a windy day it looks exactly it does in your video!
sorry about the typos, my dog was climbing all over me!
Yes, your analysis is brilliant!!! I completely agree!! Thanks for sharing your amazing insights!!!
I'm thinking about selling all my high-wind windsurfing gear after 30 years of practice. Wingfoiling is so much fun.
First session windsurf foiling today, great tips!
Hi I am reillen Mihelbergel you know who I am i am Adam Mihelbergels son I have a TH-cam channel too
Oh my gosh!!! Reillen! How are you? You and I are like second cousins. I like your TH-cam channel, especially your soccer video. I can hear your dad's voice and your grandpa's voice in the background. I will subscribe to your channel. You can send me an email if you want to talk more. My email is emihelbergel@gmail.com Say hi to your mom and dad.
Awesome, where on Lake ontario was this?
The market is small imho cause it takes too much effort to enjoy wave foiling. Yesterday I was the only windsurf foiler with 3-4 regular windsurf and about 20-30 kiters. It takes me 2-3 more time to bring it all to beach and rig, and same effort after, compared to kiters. So most surfers choose less effort. It really takes a lot to rig-unrig, buy all the gear, fight waves on the way in, way out shorebrake, etc'. Learning time is very long. Waving demand more atletic surfer, agility, less weight. So naturally it is more sport, less recriational - hence smaller market. So producers don't look that way.