Prone Foiling
Words by Shane Bracegirdle
Every time we paddle out somewhere new, we have a chance to leave a positive impression.
Foiling is still a relatively new sport, in an ocean that's already bursting at the seams with different disciplines. With this in mind, it's important that we approach new waves with awareness and respect.
In some line-ups, foilers are welcomed, respected and encouraged. At other waves, we're seen as a pest, an annoyance or even a danger. It's important to keep this in mind when approaching a new wave and do your part to build a positive reputation for foilers around the world.
One of the great things about foiling is that we generally don't mind sharing waves. I often encourage other foilers in the water to paddle for waves I'm already riding. However, if you've dipped your toe into the world of surfing, you'll quickly realise that this isn't necessarily the case with surfers.
With this in mind, I encourage you to approach new waves respectfully and positively. Below are a few guidelines that have helped me when figuring out new spots to foil. Next time you turn up somewhere new, consider these before paddling out.
01
Chat to Others
If you don't see anyone else foiling, try to find out a little more about the spot. Ask around to see if other people foil there. The general response you get from others will usually give you a pretty good indication of how welcome foilers are, or if anyone has even foiled that spot before.
02
Observe the Ocean
Spend some time watching the waves and figuring out whether foiling is possible. Can you find a suitable take-off zone with enough space away from other surfers? Is it safe for you and those around you? Does it look deep enough? What's the tide doing?
Make sure you're capable of handling yourself in the conditions, and don't let your keenness to foil outweigh your ability.
03
Know When to Walk Away
Not every wave needs to be foiled. If the conditions aren't quite right, the line-up is too crowded or the atmosphere isn't particularly welcoming, it's okay to try somewhere else. Don't force yourself into a situation where you might create unnecessary tension.
04
Find the Most Appropriate Place to Foil
Don't head straight for the busiest section of the beach or point. Sit wide, find a peak with fewer people or start on a section of the wave that's less crowded.
Ease your way into it. Don't show up and start demanding waves or hassling others (actually, never do this).
If there are other people surfing the wave, find your place away from the main peak. Give surfers plenty of space and look for opportunities to chip in further down the line.
05
Link Waves with Caution
There's a bit of a grey area when it comes to linking waves. Be wary when linking waves, and never call other surfers off a wave just because you're pumping onto it. Other surfers don't always know where you're going or what you're planning to do, and their priority needs to be respected.
Rather than calling someone off a wave, flick off and look for another one, or simply come off foil and wait for the next opportunity.
Occasionally, I'll sit wide on the same wave as a surfer and travel down the line to stay out of their way, only moving towards the pocket once they've finished riding. However, this is at my local wave, where there's a great relationship between surfers and foilers. There is already a shared understanding of how we use the wave.
06
Give More Waves Than You Take
One of the great things about foiling is that we can make the most of waves that traditional surfers might not even consider riding. Don't try to catch everything just because you can. Let sets go through, give others space and be selective about the waves you paddle for.
You might be surprised how quickly the mood in the line-up changes when other surfers realise you're not there to compete for every wave.
07
Be Predictable and Communicate with Others
As foilers, we sometimes forget how unpredictable our movements can look to others. What might feel completely controlled to us could look dangerous to someone else.
Keep this in mind when sharing a line-up. Give people plenty of space, make your intentions clear and communicate with others. Sometimes a simple conversation can go a long way in helping surfers understand what you're doing.
If you accidentally get in someone's way or create confusion about whether they could have paddled for a wave, acknowledge it and apologise.
08
Remember You're Representing More Than Yourself
Whether you like it or not, when you paddle out with a foil, you're representing the wider foiling community. For some surfers, you might be the first prone foiler they've shared a line-up with.
How you behave could shape their attitude towards the next ten foilers who paddle out.
That's worth remembering, particularly as the sport continues to grow.
Be nice, smile, say g'day and have fun!
One of my favourite things about foiling is the freedom it gives us to explore waves that we might have previously overlooked. We have an incredible opportunity to enjoy the ocean in a completely different way, often without needing to compete with surfers for the best waves.
Every time we paddle out somewhere new, we have a chance to leave a positive impression and make it easier for the next foiler who comes along.
Reflecting on my own experiences exploring new waves, I've generally had really positive interactions with other surfers. I hope that continues, and that over time, more people become open to the idea of giving foiling a go themselves.
New wave. New line-up. Same respect.
Say g'day and have fun.