How to: Switch Airgybe

Published on 9 May 2021 at 08:00

Are foiling transitions no longer special enough for you? This might be the time to try some jumping transitions. The switch air gybe is the easiest one to learn. 

 

Tips:

  • Do not use a board with a very low volume. You will be landing on your board without any power in your wing, so the board will need to carry your weight without completely sinking. 

 

Ensure you are foiling comfortably along. Power in the wing is good, but do not be over powered. Spot the place where you want to make your move. Make sure you look around you and that you won't be interfering with anyone. Have a quick glance up wind to anticipate for any incoming wind gusts.

Make sure the water is deep enough. You will be landing on the tail, pushing your entire foil fully under water. Avoid damage to your board and/or foil by pushing it into the ground.

Push your board downward, without it touching the water. This will allow for a little more room to increase the speed before your foil exists the water.

Move your weight back to tilt the board up. This will initiate your jump. At the same move the wing more forward and above you by extending your arms.

The board now exists the water. Stay centered over the board. Pull the wing toward you with both hands. This will generate additional lift as it acts like a parachute. 

Pull the board towards you by pulling in your legs. This will result in a little more air. It also ensures you set up for the landing properly. 

Initiate the turn. You can do this by looking over your shoulder. As you only need to turn 180 degrees be gentile to avoid over rotation. 

Spot the landing area by looking down. Extend your legs to absorb the impact of the landing. Your weight is still centered above the board. 

Keep your wing in the wind. It's not providing any kind of lift, but ensures stability. Extend your arms to create some room for the landing. 

Touch down! If there is any moment to crash, this is it. Keep your wing in the wind. It is vital to give you that little bit of stability. Bring the wing closer to your body by pulling it in. This gives it just a little bit more power. 

On impact bend your knees to soften the landing and keep you weight forward to counter the forward momentum. 

Recover from the landing. Balance your weight as your board floats back to the surface. If your board is too small it will sink. 

Keep your wing in the wind. Keep your hands above from each other. You now need to switch hands. Your bottom hand needs to become the top one and vice versa. 

The direction has been changed. You are now heading the other way. Your hands are switched. Look forward, power up the wing and pump it back on the foil. Mission complete!