ANTOINE ALBEAU
This year’s foil races have been way more extreme already. We are more racers with a better level. It reminds me of Formula windsurfing with more speed and acceleration. It is super exciting to race but the race we did when the wind picked up was super intense and could have been dangerous. I was amazed because while you are racing you can talk to the guys behind you without raising your voice. We were so much in control at the marks that you could speak to the guys around you and let them know the lines you were planning to take to avoid collisions. It was really easy to talk to the other racers with no sound from the foils. I think the racers are going to push more, but at the same time they are aware when it can get dangerous. They play safe when they are on the edge.
I am using the new Neil Pryde carbon foil. We have changed it a little bit with a bigger front wing. The fuselage is a bit longer as well. Last year we were the first ones in production, the foil was really good but was missing a lot in the super light wind, so this year we worked on the light wind side. The racing foils are quite different. For experienced racers it is not hard because we adapt easily, but if a newcomer wants to try he will struggle with this foil and will have problems. Especially if they have not foiled before on a surfboard or a SUP. We have been working a lot with Neil Pryde on our recreational foils and the first aluminium foil we made is amazing. It is for beginners with big wings and a big profile. You can try and learn without footstraps. It is so easy! You don’t need a wide board even, they work with all boards.