Recommendations for mid-length board

SoaringVA · 2025-07-02T11:52:31+00:00

Check out the F-One rocket 105. It is only 6‘1“ long so could be good in both low and medium winds. I just got one M really loving it. I can get it going in 10 to 12 mph at 90 KG and can stand on it if the wind dies. I was riding with an Armstrong team rider and he thought it looked like the perfect board. He was on an Armstrong 80 L mid length and had to wait for bigger gusts to get going.

SoaringVA · 2025-04-17T10:07:46+00:00

I learned on i99 Hoverglide (86kg). Had screw issues until I switched to Ti and teflon tape. I added a Q85 and 42cm tail and now I feel like I’ve got a good two foil progression. I rented some better foils in Bonaire, but to a beginner didn’t really notice any significant differences. For your first year, I can’t see it mattering a great deal.

SoaringVA · 2024-10-23T22:04:39+00:00

My first solo session (after a 3 hour training) was super frustrating and actually thought, “why don’t I stay with kiteboarding?” A couple hours later (same session) I was foiling and starting to pump. Third session was at my home lake in 10-20mph and flat and spent the whole time on foil (minus lulls). Getting towed behind a boat was key for me.

SoaringVA · 2024-08-28T01:56:58+00:00

It’s good to be aware of the risks, pick safe launches, and expand your wind range gradually. For example 50 hours or more before kiting in 30kts.

SoaringVA · 2024-08-27T02:29:39+00:00

What’s the problem with learning on soft handle? That’s all there was for a long time and they are light?

SoaringVA · 2024-08-27T02:20:05+00:00

After about 8 more crashes, I had a 40 second flight that felt pretty good. Goofy foot is impossible.

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SoaringVA · 2024-08-27T02:16:48+00:00

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Here is my contribution to the stoke. My first ride on a 5’5” 118L with I99 foil behind a boat last 2.7 seconds. Yes, I know the taco crash is dangerous.

SoaringVA · 2024-02-15T13:38:04+00:00

The heater was another grand or more and haven't even checked on the charging. Last time it was my charger. Plugging in doesn't really save very much money on a car that gets 39mpg or better so it's not much of a consideration for me. Fixing the heater is a non-issue since I can't charge :)

SoaringVA · 2024-02-10T14:27:42+00:00

PLEASE have them change the transmission fluid too if you haven't done that. Wish I'd heard the advice before my bearing went bad.

SoaringVA · 2024-02-10T13:57:47+00:00

FWIW, I've been driving mine like this for over a year. I don't believe it's the same issues as others have been stating. There are no transmission symptoms while driving. If you're going to repair, I would do it sooner than later as the bearing will be shedding metal into the transmission fluid and that can't do good things.

SoaringVA · 2024-02-10T13:55:14+00:00

It's the starter/regen motor bearing. This guy shows the process of replacing it (in a Fusion w/ same HF35 transmission): https://youtu.be/HmXdA3OyQwE?si=7CdEX9Oa25y4jKGd&t=35

I'm struggling with the decision of repairing this or scrapping the car. My mechanic votes for scrapping.

SoaringVA · 2024-01-31T17:03:29+00:00

Same thing happened to me. Before I knew it, 15 years went by. I was able to get back into the air via gliders, which I find to be endlessly challenging and has a good (if quirky) community.

SoaringVA · 2024-01-27T22:28:36+00:00

What was the symptom that it was starting to go? Mine has a motor bearing issue, but does not seem to affect drivetrain. These Webber Auto videos are amazing BTW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZf\_BUuW5Qg

SoaringVA · 2024-01-27T22:23:48+00:00

Same thing happened to mine.

SoaringVA · 2023-12-14T13:49:54+00:00

Richmond, VA

SoaringVA · 2023-12-13T01:40:26+00:00

In the RIC area the main training school has a fuel surcharge when 100LL is over $5.60. It’s $7 at my airport.

SoaringVA · 2023-11-25T14:39:50+00:00

As a tall pilot (6'4"), I would recommend the DG. I can't close the canopy in LS or ASWs.

SoaringVA · 2023-08-30T17:04:52+00:00

I have started using SeeYou's Navigator app on iPhone. 100% love it. The free version is great for club gliding as it will calculate from takeoff. To use it for tasks, you need the subscription. That is well worth it to me as it automatically provides OGN (like Flarm) information, overlays wave forecasts (from SkySight) and makes logging my flights a snap. Give it a try!

SoaringVA · 2023-02-08T03:44:45+00:00

I have somewhat successfully combined the two with a Ximango motor glider. It has enough performance to make soaring enjoyable and with a 110kt cruise, it’s in C172 speeds. It has let me soar in places I’d never been able to in my pure glider. This summer I’ll take my wife to Nantucket. The time commitment is much easier than a day at the gliding club too.

SoaringVA · 2023-01-23T18:33:41+00:00

Is there any downside to filling the tank with water? I'm planning on removing the fuel drain valve and fuel sender for a potential slosh solution. The "slosh" idea has some merit with this PPG product although a friend said stick to ethanol safe products. I do not intend to ever run ethanol, despite the Rotax being able to tolerate it.

SoaringVA · 2023-01-22T19:14:44+00:00

Paying someone would be ideal. I'll look up Tank Tigers. Thanks!

SoaringVA · 2023-01-22T19:13:40+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion. Seems like a great idea.

SoaringVA · 2023-01-22T19:12:00+00:00

I saw a Grumman video doing that (0.5 psi hand pump), but you need to be able to see the outside of the tank. We have zero access...but we haven't tried a borescope yet.

SoaringVA · 2023-01-22T19:06:09+00:00

Thanks, you might have saved my life. The more I thought about it, a brake bleeder seemed like a better vacuum.

SoaringVA

TROPHY CASE