Downwind sailing is the practice of sailing from point A to point B in the direction of the wind. In other words, sailing on the open sea and downwind, using the swell, currents and wind at your back. You can do this with a wingfoil or SUP foil.
Downwind sailing is not a recent phenomenon, but it has been revolutionized by the arrival of the foil. Combined with a wing, parafoil or paddle, the foil allows the rider to generate the propulsive force needed to take off and let the elements carry him or her along. During downwind, the sensation of gliding is amplified… It’s simply incredible!
Before embarking on a downwind, make sure you’re comfortable with foiling. Be it wingfoil, SUP foil, windfoil or kitefoil. It’s also important to be well prepared, both physically and in terms of equipment, to avoid unpleasant surprises. If you’re just starting out in downwind, it’s best to test yourself on a short course before going for the long haul.
For downwind Stand up paddle foiling, the ideal first experience is to have a fairly steady wind between 15 and 25 knots, blowing in the same direction as the swell. The latter should not be too tight to promote glide and speed. With more technique, practice and pumping mastery, you’ll then be able to go out in lighter wind conditions.
In SUP foil (with an oar and without the wing), opt for a stiff, long and narrow board, specially designed for downwind. Generally speaking, these boards measure between 7′ and 9′. This depends on the type of water you’re used to riding on. Their shape makes take-off quicker and easier than with a standard wingfoil board or a mid-length, which is a little less taut and wider. On the other hand, for a downwind wingfoil, these two types of boards are perfectly suited and even recommended.
If you want to learn how to downwind with a SUP foil, it’s best to choose a front foil with a large surface area to support and promote take-off. And avoid fatigue too quickly. This is both the most important and the most technical part of this type of discipline. Then, once you’ve got the hang of it, you can concentrate on the glide – in other words, a fluid glide that allows you to accelerate, refine your trajectories and make nice curves over the water.
For beginners, we recommend a front wing between 1400 and 2000 cm², depending on your size and the weather conditions. As you progress, and after you’ve completed several downwind runs, you’ll be able to move on to a more high-performance, glide-oriented foil with a higher aspect ratio. Like the Pure range from AFS, for example.
For the foil mast, the recommended size is between 75 and 85 cm, which reduces drag in the water and optimizes take-off. For the fuselage, prefer a medium-length model, around 65cm, to ensure greater stability when you start out. The shorter the foil, the more responsive it will be, but the aim is to stay on the board as long as possible. Finally, the stab shouldn’t be too small either, to be comfortable in flight.
Efficient take-off requires practice! Start on flat or slightly choppy water, always rowing on the same side and trying to keep as straight as possible, in the same trajectory. This gives you more power to lift your board out of the water. On the other hand, position yourself slightly sideways, in surf mode, and row on the side of your toes. This helps you to better control the inclination, direction and trim of your board, and thus to catch the swell more easily. Finally, accompany your rowing strokes with pumping: your legs push up and down on the board rhythmically and evenly, without sudden movements. This will help you generate speed.
In downwind, the choice of starting bump is crucial. It’s a small wave or micro-clap that’s straighter than the others. Not always easy to visualize when you’re just starting out. Bumps often appear as small series of waves or swell trains, with a more pronounced thrust than the marine environment around you. Although short-lived, this push is quite powerful and is accompanied by a suction effect followed by a “push” lasting 2 to 3 seconds. To take advantage of the power of this famous “bump” to reach the speed needed to take off, you need to row continuously and explosively during this suction effect.
Safety is paramount in long-distance downwind sailing. Every rider should inform his family and friends of his outing (place and approximate time of departure and arrival + itinerary + number of people), and why not also notify the CROSS (Centre régional opérationnel de surveillance et de sauvetage). And don’t ever go out alone – at least two of you!
Safety equipment should not be neglected. It is highly recommended to take the following additional equipment:
The VHF
It’s a marine radio that lets you communicate directly with the shore or other people at sea.
The Sécumar belt
This belt includes a lifejacket containing a CO2 cartridge + a distress flare.
Fluorescent Lycra
It makes it easier to see from afar.
The impact vest
It protects against knocks in the event of a fall, and helps you float more easily when you fall.
The helmet
It’s undeniable protection for your head.
Water
Because it’s important to stay well hydrated when you’re sailing for a long time.
To make a downwind accessible and start it, of course you have to go upwind! And it’s clear that using your wing is much less tiring than rowing. So why not strap your paddle to your wing handles and don a waterproof backpack? Once you’re far enough out to sea, you can stow your wing in the bag, unhook the paddle and do the SUP foil downwind! And if you’ve overestimated yourself because it’s your first time, there’s always the option of freeflying back down. A word of advice: use a relatively large board (minimum 85-90 liters, so you can stand up comfortably on the water).
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