RYA showcase accessibility of foiling with launch of 'how to' video series

by Becky Gilbert-Wood 31 Jul 2020 12:00 UTC

The RYA has launched an exciting new mini-series of videos aimed at both aspiring and improving foilers.

The six week series hosted by foiling experts; RYA Coach Assessor, Shaun Priestley and RYA Windsurfing Trainer, Sam Ross, will cover both sail foiling and wind foiling. Each video will introduce and explain the techniques needed to get the most from your time on the water, taking viewers from their first flights, to sustained flights and even mastering those foiling gybes.

Foiling was introduced to the RYA's sailing and windsurfing training schemes last year, adding a new exciting element for sailors and instructors to enjoy.

With many of us making the most of time a little closer to home this year, learning new skills and rediscovering a love of sailing, there couldn't be a better time to give it a go.

RYA Chief Instructor, Amanda Van Santen said: "Foiling has certainly taken the industry by storm, but for many of us it can still seem out of reach and daunting - when actually foiling has never been so accessible.

"The advances in foiling equipment and adaptations are truly incredible, placing the experience of taking flight into the hands of many everyday sailors, windsurfers and opportunists. You only need to pop down to your local beach or water to see the plethora of equipment flying!

"Both Sam and Shaun have played an integral part in the inclusion of foiling within the RYA training schemes, as well as boasting years of experience and expertise. We hope the videos will highlight just how accessible and enjoyable foiling can be and would encourage anyone interested in giving it a go to contact their local centre and book onto a course."

The video series will kick off at 11am today (Friday 31 July) with an introduction to sail foiling first flights. A new video will be released on the RYA YouTube channel each Friday:

Sail foiling with Shaun Priestley:

• 31 July - First Flights
• 07 August - Sustained Flights
• 14 August - Foiling Gybes

Wind foiling with Sam Ross:

• 21 August - First Flights
• 28 August - Sustained Flights
• 04 September - Foiling Gybes

For those wanting more, make sure to check out the RYA Foiling book (G110). The popular title is the official supporting text to the RYA foiling courses and outlines all the key skills required to take flight. Covering everything from equipment and set up, to launching and landing, there's also some incredibly useful information to help finesse tacking and gybing.

For more information about the RYA foiling courses, please visit rya.org.uk/go/SailFoil or rya.org.uk/go/WindFoil. To pick up a copy of the RYA Foiling book, please visit rya.org.uk/shop. Or visit rya.org.uk/go/WheresMyNearest to find a course near you.

Or follow the series here