Foil Skidding 101 – Surface Control for Gusty Sessions
In the past, if your foil hit the surface, you crashed. In 2025, you "skid."
Foil Skidding is a controlled stall. You intentionally let the wingtips or mast breach the surface to bleed speed or add style to a turn. It is a technique pioneered by the MACkite and FreeWing teams for handling overpowered conditions.
The Mechanics of the Skid
When the foil ventilates (sucks in air), lift drops instantly.
- Old School: You fall off.
- New School: You edge the board flat against the water, turning it into a snowboard on slush. You slide on the surface for a second, then re-engage the foil.
The "Foil Skid" (Surface Stall)
This is the entry-level move.
- How: In a lull or at high speed, edge the rails hard. Allow the foil to rise until it breaches. The board will slap and slide.
- Recovery: Pump the foil immediately to re-attach the water flow and pop back up.
The Skid to Carve
Use a skid to initiate a sharp turn.
- Execution: Enter a turn fast. Lean the foil over until the wingtip breaks the surface. The loss of grip allows the board to drift or "powerslide."
- Control: Keep the wing neutral. Let the board slide 90 degrees, then flatten it out to grip again.
The Surface Slide (Heelside)
This is a style move for 10–15 knots.
- How: Maintain a speed of 8–12 knots. Drop the board to the water surface while moving. Slide heelside across the chop like a wakeboarder.
- Style: Tweak your body for extension. It looks like a darkslide in kiteboarding.
Wave Skid Re-Entry
In waves, use skidding to survive a late hit. If you hit the lip late, the foil will air out.
- Technique: Land flat on the foam. Let the board skid through the whitewater.
- Gear: Boards with V-noses (like the GONG 2025 lineup) excel here because they deflect water rather than sticking.
Summary
Skidding turns a mistake into a maneuver. It allows you to handle wind gusts that would normally blow you over. Practice surface touches. Learn to slide. It saves your session when the conditions get rough.