วีดีโอ

@@ironphil62 she’s a beaut! Let me know how it goes 🤙🤙

@@damien130970 I havn’t notice any drag differences but I’ll keep an open mind to it, thanks. Are your experiences referring to using the 1250? The 700 pairs very well with the 40 skinny! It gains a much softer overall feel as your inputs seem to get dispersed more evenly or not evenly… I find the 60 or 56 fuse has very little give and creates a very firm feel under foot. I would like to re explore some progressives and see if I can come up with a use for them! I’m sure they are still great if you’re not needing efficiency, like bigger waves or conditions or such. Thanks for sharing the stoke!🤙🤙

I’m using spitfire 1180 and 999 Art V2 when flagging out a wing. I find the 600 fuse with 40 skinny is a bit unstable with my very inefficient pump. Easy to miss a pump and it’s over. The progressive gives me a bit of grace while I learn a better pumping technique.

@ sounds like you’ll get what you’re after with the 700, you won’t likely notice drag 🤙🤙

@@YossiSheba 🤙😎🤙

I can’t remember but it doesn’t make any difference really, as the bolts never end up in that spot. The north tracks are good. You couldn’t have the bolt being used at the entry point, for the north or any other tracks that I know of. It’s a non issue though. Have you purchased a north?

Yip The biggest 8’4 the mast is about 1/3 from the front The smaller 7’5 the mast is about 1/3 from the back. It all works as it should for the a+ 🤙🤙

@@AlexBarker-m1z tough one… I’m 83kg and love the 110L I don’t feel much cork going to the 120L Two of my friends are mid 90’s kg and both enjoyed the 120L The Frank board is the most stable board I have felt 🤙🤙

@@downwind_drifter thanks, it is indeed. What kind of level rider are your friends on the 120L? Sounds like I could run either but might grow into the 120L but have a bit more success on the 130L initially.

@ I’d recommend the 120 over the 130 for you. Friends are learners 🤙🤙

@@slappysurf Sam has a parawing they are not quite as reliable just yet for this sport of thing… I think they need a touch more bottom end. With a wing you can still create good pumping thrust and apparent wind. The drone has been playing up with recording… that was all the footage we got unfortunately! I used every second of what we had. I’ve purchased myself a parawing 🤙🤙

@ nice, I have a 4.2 and 3 m Flow arriving in 2 weeks myself

@@slappysurf it’s fun having something new to learn!

@@christomo we keep replacing the lens’s but they rust and corrupt so fast… I take it off when I see it fogging up as there is no other remedy on the water by that stage. The 1350 is great for low end stuff, it surfs very well for its size! We are well thanks, about to do some more travels!! 🤙🤙

@downwind_drifter just so you know the lens is covered by warranty and I've had at least 10 for free from gopro just went on customer service used live chat it's very slow so I do it while editing. also I use wd40 to clean rusty parts and clean up fine . Just if you did not know of the service it's been very good in UK

@ excellent beta thank you!

@@aquilesmasdmd 🤙😎🤙 This became more adventuress the more I neared the island and realised it was in the lee of the mainland 😅

@ yeah. We learn with every outing don’t we.

@@aquilesmasdmd indeed 🧐🤌🤌

@@SamKynmanCole I mean maybe… Or we can fill the day with normal downwinders 🤌

Thank you Ha! I didn’t even see that much seaweed! Matt might be traveling as fast as me, he’s about 10kg heavier. I’d say, 1250 feels like it has much more top end than the 1350. For me the 1350 is a 16-20kph foil, 1250 is more like 18-24kph That’s a lose idea ^ about the comfort zone. Fireballs turn great compared to the artpros and are much more user friendly! They are much easier to use. The fireballs have basically replaced the artpros for linking bumps. 🤙🤙

@@downwind_drifterDo you always measure in kph in terms of wind? Or is that 16-20knots for the 1350 instead of kph? 🏄‍♂️🏄‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️

@@michaelkihn8311 I always measure the wind with knots and speed with kph. That’s foiling speed that I’m mentioning above not wind speeds. 🤙🤙

@ Great! And what would be approximate windspeeds to make you pick 1350 above 1250 and 1160? This video's run could have worked out on the 1160 you think?

For sure I could have used the 1160. It’s tricky though as this run is varied throughout and I feel like the 1250 easily covered all the parts. The 1160 might have been a bit soft towards the end. And maybe even the start. It just would have ment I’d have to work a bit harder in those parts. Wind speeds… it’s a bit tricky as there are so many factors that go in to my selection process. 1350 Onshore ocean 12kts-15kts ish Bay 15kts -17kts ish 1250 Ocean 15-18kts ish Bay 17-25kts ish 1160 Ocean 18kts+ Bay 25kts + 1070 ocean 18kts+ as well Bay, likely never as to fast and soft for me. Bay runs = under 20km fetch ish for an idea 🤙🤙

Nice thank you, I re watched the end. I was thinking it could have used some background music… Jones is beautiful, it’s mostly government park land and not overly typical of the area but it shows what we could have around here (what’s underneath) I think a safety vid might be important, there’s a few realities that might be getting glossed over. Thanks for hanging 🤙🤙

@downwind_drifter yes I'm thinking about a parawing just for back up . Thanks for all the great videos and advice .

@ I just purchased one, I took it out for the first time and got a good tow across the wind line. I’m looking forward to some lighter days where there’s no bumps to tempt me and I can practice with it!

@@downwind_drifter class look forward to you thoughts on it, I'm looking at the new takoon one . Have an awesome day 😎

@@zenji1 hey mate, so so good. No favourite as like you said, it all depends on conditions. If I could only own one foil though it would likely be the 1250 🤙😅🤙

Slacker So many runs! And even better conditions coming too! And some worse… but what a find this run has been. It has been cool to be a part of your downwind journey. I think this was your last learner run… every run since has been a new level, well done 🫡🤙

@@elbastos3rd 🤙😁🤙 I have definitely made some gains, or at least gained confidence in my abilities which goes a long way! Traveling has done me well, and entering those few races in Perth. I got to see the best in action and what level they were. You just led me to the thought, I should hit up Dylan Bez for a dedicated pump lesson 🧐 Thanks for sharing the stoke!

@@watermancallum yip. I love it! It was done as you’re thinking, fuse connection is rebuilt around the cut mast after removing 4cm. New inserts are needed and difficult to drill/line up when drilling carbon… (I’m told) 🤙🤙

This is Alison’s droning 🤙🤙

@@mattcade2156 but can it handle being droned! 🧐

​@@downwind_drifterTrue there is the drone effect, something I've always struggled with!

@ I used to struggle with it too when Sam would drone me! Now it makes me foil harder… more dynamic. You could start training up your daughter to drone! Win win! Would be a cool job.

@@smotruns Alison is an excellent pilot 🤙🤙

@@slappysurf 17kts cross off with 6km of fetch from memory, also I just read the description! I havnt ridden the 1350 in actual waves yet, I’ve ridden the 1250 and it was excellent even in shoulder/chest high waves. That day that used the 1250 warranted a smaller foil, I had also paired it with the 50skinny… Dylan hated my setup that day! He was on the 1160 sillyshort 25skinny 😵‍💫 What do you struggle with in regards to the 1401?

@@downwind_drifter Turning and pumping, I find myself pumping up hill way too often.

@ interesting 🧐 What do you prefer and why?

@@nordstau2251 good to hear! 75hm most likely. Some off this gear is getting too a point where there should be some second hand bargains to be had! The problem is with axis… all the old gear continues continuing on! You can still happily use gear from a few years ago! The people foils 🤙🤙

I’ve discovered a pocket on my wetsuit trousers luckily! No more long run lens in mouth. We’ve had some amazing weather here recently! Sun and wind 😎 Matt is making huge gains currently! He did 2x 20km runs back to back with me recently. I think it has clicked for him. And yes! Axis is focused on us downwinders, we are very very lucky. Woop Woop 🤙🤙

If/when you show different foils, consider laying a piece of masking tape parallel to the fuse so we can see the differences in top and bottom wing profiles for the various foils. Don't know if it'd work but the shapes are hard to see when it's black. I'd love to see your staples: 1350, 1401, 1201, 1180 Once again, drone footage adds a lot. Love the waves, lines and the amazing shores you navigate along

@ good idea on trying to show more foil detail. My 1401 and 1201 have been sold. I still have the 1180 but mostly for Alison. My quiver is now basically all fireballs plus the 1099v2. I have a ~1300v2 type pump and glide for tragically small days and flat water. Thanks for the ideas 🤙🤙

Pleasure, happy to assist. I do prefer the 110L for normal - non deflate - downwind. Writing that I realized I haven't actually tried the 110L for deflates! I just went with bigger must be better and have been using the 120L You have a tough decision... But the good thing is you'll more than likely be happy with either and both probably have their own pros and cons. Being in a 6mm makes it a tougher decision, Id have said 110L if your the same as me weight wise but given the 6mm wetsuit and all that comes along with it mobility wise a part of me thinks 120L... In Fiji I was using a 115l 8' 20" and was often struggling a bit... that was mostly due to bottom shape being awkward to deal with. Coming back to NZ and switching to the 110 frank was very easy, more stable, just more everything good! That makes me think that the downsize in liters will be ok for you too. I don't think you'd find the 120l corky given what you are on currently, and practically the 120L is likely to be your safest bet. The 110 is a slight gamble but as you were thinking I do think the length makes up for some lost liters. Again you have a tough decision! Stabs wise I haven't tried the progressives with the fb. I have been enjoying the 50 skinny though for surfing the two biggest sizes on shorter fuses. Im in the middle of trying a bunch of combinations currently and just purchased an ultrashort which I haven't had.. I'll keep trying combos and will capture what I find. Im not likely to try many progressives but I'll try at least one due to you suggestion! hopefully I can borrow one from someone! Be good, hope this helps more than hinders!

@@dcharlton07 just so happy with my setup! I’m chomping to get out there!! 🤙🤙

I am, unashamedly! I guess they are faster somewhat than when I was using the spitfires and similar... they feel the opposite of fast though. I have a feeling that the feeling of speed comes from instability! The thickness of the foil isn't written on it and I have no way to measure it sorry, I did look. Thats good news in regards to the shokz, im loving mine too. I've started taking mine into the sauna so that will be a good test for the longevity... saunas are very hard on equipment! Take care! 🤙😊🤙

1201 is old technology comparatively, the 1250 is better in every way besides not being available second hand for a good price. 1201 is still great and obviously works but the 1250 is better in all ways besides maybe peak speed... but the peak speed where the 1201 tops out isn't usable anyway. You should buy one.

@@wsurfn take it to a professional! You can chop off the fuse end of the mast and rebuild the fuse connection. The mast continues into the fuse connection as normal for full stiffness and no joins. I’ve likely ruined the resale value somewhat but not necessarily… and the extra value to me is so good! I’m stoked with it, I don’t even think about it now… it’s just my mast and it works. Maybe my perfect length! Not for the front of heart! 🤙🤙

@@downwind_drifter I appreciate the explanation. I was afraid to ask, but did anyways. Keep sharing your opinions.

@@wsurfn best to ask and learn than to never know. I get made to feel the same way sometimes. I’m an asker… I like to actually understand something rather than just nod my head along with everyone else. What often ends up happening is others also didn’t understand but didn’t want others to know. There is a big difference to understanding the concept vs understanding the words! I find a lot of others understand the words but not the concept and they often act frustrated and incredulous that I should have to ask! But then it turns out they have no idea themselves, they can just repeat the words in the right order but wouldn’t be able to adjust anything or explain it. Anyways… feel free to ask for any clarity wanted 🤙🤙

@ also for your information, I typically fill up the description text section under the vids.

@@aquilesmasdmd I often feel like a kid and go with that feeling out on the water! And it comes with me back to land too. If I’m on land a few days I start stress organising my foiling gear and do long awaited life chores… Thanks for the great message 🤙😎🤙

@@aquilesmasdmd yip it is a very versatile foil for real world conditions, from bay runs to ocean style. It stays mostly usable throughout the speed range and doesn’t lock out as you said. It’s a great pairing with the 1160 for when things get chunkier. I’ve been trying to use less effort on purpose with the paddle ups, I’ve had some reoccurring shoulder inflammation… I’m trying to get up with minimal power output. Sometimes that well force me to paddle a bit longer as I’m not tugging my way up. It has been good for me. 🤙🤙

@@Fjordjumper I seem to have a natural ride height that I default to. If my mast is too long I end up just riding my Foil deeper and inefficient. Also if my mast is too long I feel a disconnection from my Foil. Having the 76 means my natural riding height stays efficient and I can ride securely still, without as much worry of breach when using an even shorter mast… prior to the 76 my go to was the 72. I almost forgot the main difference is ease of paddle up between say a 76 and 85. I find the 80 mast harder to paddle up let alone in 85. I’m sure one can get used to what they have! Thanks for the great question 🤙🤙

@@downwind_drifterIs your mast 76cm in total or "wet area"?

@@michaelkihn8311 I think from point to point. I havnt got a tape handy. I removed 4cm

@@downwind_drifter I am always im pressed by your long and thoughtful reples. Thank you!

@@Fjordjumper well… might as well say something thoughtful than just spamming the usual words 🧐 I appreciate the comment 🫡🤙

@@promosub4257 likely, it depends mostly on the conditions. If I could only own one foil it would likely be the 1250 🤙😅🤙

@@mariposa-de-ola I’m loving my board! Scott is a beast! He did paddle up and rode across the bay 😅 We had such good SW winds here I didn’t get away over the holidays… I did many wenderholm to jones runs instead

@@michaelshepherd9780 perhaps in theory . I size my gear to riding the bumps . It doesn’t matter what method I used to get on Foil I still pick the same Foil . That’s in regards to Foil anyway . I always hear people saying but I can use a smaller Foil! But I think , why would you do that and be under Foiled? There is some weird ego selection process that happens when it comes to Foiling gear and other surf craft… As if somehow smaller was better. Board wise a smaller board could be better! But also I’m quite happy with my boards as they are… And I can’t help but think what is the wind drops and I have to paddle home!? So in that case I would have to do runs closer to land so that I could prune paddle home if needed… Long story already Long but to link bumps you need to use the correct gear. Also to be honest if it’s too easy I get limited satisfaction. 🤙🤙

@@IanClark-u2q great question. That’s likely to be your Foil travelling faster than it is intended to do. I’ve experienced that plenty of times, I personally combat it with stance… I bring my front foot back far enough to take a lot of the foil pressure and I push my back leg further back also towards the rear of the board. This would likely take some dialling in. When I’m in that stance and it dips I can more easily ride it out. I think the goal with that stance is to de weight and help leverage your back leg. Equipment wise if using the same front foil you can experiment with fuse length. A shorter fuse will give you more leverage over your system but with more instability especially at speed. A long fuse will dull the inputs and might allow you to explore your stance easier. Your best option though is to downsize that front Foil, sounds like it’s difficult to make the first half of your run … hopefully a happy medium can be found. Let me know how it goes 🤙🤙

@@petercookfoils I think it’s one of the narrow GoPro handlebar mounts, it has since warn out and broken so I superglued it closed and over taped it 😅

@@AdamsHadEnough yea mate. If I’m going offshore a long way I take a pump, I use the ppc travel pump. My friend uses one called “k pump” I think, which is even smaller and lighter. I’d never take the pump with me just to reinflate on land as it is a pain in the backside carrying the pump… if I wanted to reinflate on land I’d just leave the pump on the beach. 🤙🤙

@@drytransfer1939 yea, I’m enjoying the 50 skinny for surfing with the 1350 and 1250 on slightly shorter fuses. 1350 sillyshort a+ 50s 1250 crazyshort a+ 50s ^ that’s for small conditions If I size to the 40skinny I’m lengthening the fuse to compensate. If I don’t, it gets too loose for me. I’ve enjoyed the 1250-1070 with the 40. I’m interested in getting a 30-35skinny for higher performance and will be using them on the 70cm fuse most likely with the 1250 and under foils, maybe not even the 1250… just the 1160 and under. The rear foil make a major difference with the fireballs and most other foils too. 🤙🤙

@@nice2care quite similar boards. For me the north horizon kind of won between the two. I think the horizon has more forward projection through the water vs the kts and also more stableness. The horizon is also a clear winner in durability. I liked the concave deck of the kt but would change it to a flatter shape if I could… I like the cut out but wish it was a flatter surface, comparatively the horizon feels a bit more on top of the board vs in the board??? I don’t think the cut does anything good for you, besides giving the mast somewhere to sit. I fell like it robs the board of potential continued board dynamics. Instead you have something that is flat and non dynamic. 🤙🤙