Dock starts and pump foiling: launch technique and the gear that makes it click

Posted by WingFoil Admin on 2026-10-07

Pumping is the skill that keeps you flying through lulls and gets you back up without the wing. SURF Magazin ran a detailed how-to with pump specialist Benjamin May.

Key takeaways from the SURF Magazin article "Pump foiling: Benjamin May shows technique and tricks for starting": • An ideal dock is about 10–70 cm above the water with room for 3–4 big steps. Avoid docks with posts under the edge that the front wing could hit. • Start crouched, hands on the rails, front wing just under the surface. Take one small step to get water flowing, then 2–3 strong steps, pushing off the very edge with your forefoot. • Keep weight over the front foot during the jump, land on all fours, and get your feet into position fast. • A 1600–2100 cm² mid-aspect front wing can work, but a dedicated high-aspect pump wing glides much better. Pair it with a 66 cm fuselage (60 cm feels livelier), a small tail and a 70–82 cm mast. • Example for an 80 kg rider: 1700–2100 cm² pump wing, 66 cm fuselage, 75–82 cm mast, 10–15 L board around 3'4". • No dock nearby? A ladder, a plank and some straps can make a DIY launch platform.

If you have learned to dock start or pump between gusts, which front wing and fuselage combo finally made it work for you?

Source: Pump foiling: Benjamin May shows technique and tricks for starting (SURF Magazin) — link below.