Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Wing Foil Technique
All in the Prep
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’re most likely aware that recently there have been a few well-off gents flying up to the edge of space, dressed as Thunderbirds, who have then returned to earth with big grins to pop corks and shower their teams in Champagne. Your Wing foiling journey will have many similarities. You aim to leave...
First Foiling Foot Switch, Heel to Toe
As the title suggests, this is intended as your very first foiling foot change. We say this as there are a myriad of methods and possibilities, both simple and more advanced. However, we rate this technique and order as one of the simplest and most useful which will stand you in good stead. We’re assuming that you have already changed...
Foiling Foot Switch, Toe to Heel
If you’ve been following this Wing Foil series, you’ve likely been through the heel-to-toe foot switch. Now, ladies and Gentlemen, it’s time for the other one! The Toe to Heel. This member of the family is equally useful. You can call on it any time you’re toeside to return to heelside. Whether after a gybe or tack, you’ll have the...
Get Up on the Foil
If you’re reading this, we hope that you’ve already had a chance to watch our Wing Foil #1 All in the Prep video on the Tonic Mag channel. This issue we’re going to get up on the foil. We’re looking to have enough wind, so that getting up on the foil is doable without pumping the wing or the board....
Riding Toe Side
Riding Toe side is a key skill that will unlock a whole world of moves and possibilities. A good solid toe side will help you stay up on the foil, will improve your gybes, is essential for tacks and will come in handy for an absolute plethora of tricks. It’s a foundation, an essential part of your armoury. Whether you...
Tack Off The Foil
Today’s the day, Ladies and Gents! Your first foray into the world of tacking. If you’re unsure what a tack is, think of it as changing direction 180 by steering up into and through the wind. It’s the opposite of the gybe. The tack has a few advantages over the gybe: if you’re trying to make ground upwind, you won’t...
Wing Foil Gybe Part 1 - Heel to Toe Gybe off the Foil
We know that many of you are keen to move onto riding and pumping, but before racing off into the grand bleu in a flurry of youthful exuberance, we thought it both prudent and wise to have a look at turning around, and more specifically the heel to toe/switch off the foil. So yes, today is about woffing (winging off...
Wing Foil Gybe Part 2 - Steering on the Foil
We said it in our first Wing Foil technique, and it holds true through every stage, you’ve got to put in the preparation work. Everything needs care, love and attention and your future foiling gybe is no different. As such this issue is all about the second stage of your foiling gybe prep, nurturing it towards reality by steering on...
Wing Foil Gybe Part 3 - Foiling Heel to Toe Gybe
It’s on ladies and gents, it’s on! If you’ve been following this Wing Foil series and the videos on the Tonic channel, your prep for the foiling gybe is done, the foundations are laid, you’ve never been more ready:) We write this with utter conviction because you’ve got a feeling for wind direction, a solid first position, a balanced dynamic...
Wing Foil Gybe Part 4 - Toe to Heel off the Foil
It is time to tackle the other gybe! Even if you haven’t mastered the foiling heel to toe gybe, getting yourself acquainted with the toe to heel winging off the foil gybe will give you a skill that you’ll call on more often than you’ll care to imagine. We all have a better side. You may be happy riding left...
Wing Foil Gybe Part 5 - Foiling Toe to Heel Gybe
Just when you thought you could enjoy sitting on your laurels, the latest Tonic drops and you’ve been gifted yet another challenge. There is of course a carrot dangling here, as the toe to heel foiling gybe is another step towards staying up on the foil for longer, whilst also doubling as an extremely effective method of turning around. And...
Featured
Adho Mukha Svanasana Variation -Three-Legged Downward Facing Dog
A little more challenging than the regular downward facing dog, this pose requires core strength, flexibility and courage! Start in downward facing dog with your navel positioned over the centre of the board (over the handle). Spread the hands on the board to cover as much board surface area to ensure a strong foundation. Slowly lift one leg, keep the...
Hanumanasana/ Splits pose
This is well and truly an advanced Yoga posture, so don’t attempt this if you have tight hamstrings, hips or any injury to the pelvis, knees or ankles. Begin in a low lunge with the right leg forward making sure you are central over the handle/middle of the board. Pressing the palms into the board, slide the right foot forward...
Wing Foil Gybe Part 2 - Steering on the Foil
We said it in our first Wing Foil technique, and it holds true through every stage, you’ve got to put in the preparation work. Everything needs care, love and attention and your future foiling gybe is no different. As such this issue is all about the second stage of your foiling gybe prep, nurturing it towards reality by steering on...
Purvottanasana / Upward plank pose
This is a great SUP Yoga pose for tight shoulders and chest and to build core muscles. Initially try it on the long else of the board facing the nose and for an added challenge try it on the short edge. Begin seated with your legs extended out in front of you. Place your hands behind you with fingertips pointing...
Ustrasana / Camel variation
A chest and back opening SUP Yoga pose require spine flexibility. With both knees on the board, hip width apart, lift one foot towards your glute and find your balance. Once you have found stability, raise the opposite arm, push the hips forward and start to lift the chest upwards. Don’t simply lean back; think more about opening the front...
Introduction to Board Selection
Given the ever, “exponentially expanding” variety of products available on the current market (the list seems to be growing, almost on a fortnightly basis) you'd be forgiven for being confused when it comes to choosing your first board. Disciplines range from yoga, long board vs. short board surfing, touring, flat water, open water race, downwinder, river, foil and group SUP...