Mike Murphy has been hydrofoiling for more than 50 years, and has been at the forefront of foil design for several decades. Mike was one of the original patent holders for the first sit down hydrofoil, the Air Chair. He later went on to found Sky Ski in 1998. Along the way he has been a driving force in new product development. He has set world records and been crowned a Big Air World Champion. Years of foiling success have lead to his best products ever… How to Hydrofoil Series by Mike Murphy (Click for YouTube Playlist) Mike has been riding and teaching foiling longer than anyone else. Here’s his series of videos taking you through learning to ride, step-by step. Here’s the intro from Mike… The sit-down hydrofoil, first developed in the late 1980s, is a variation on water skiing, a popular water sport. When towed at speed, by a powerful boat or some other device, the board of the hydrofoil 'flies' above the water surface and generally avoids contact with it, so the ride is largely unaffected by the wake or chop of the water and is relatively smooth.
The air board is a modified hydrofoil where the skier stands up. Hydrofoils date back the early 1900s, however they were not part of a recreational sport. While the first hydrofoil boat was created in 1906 by Italian inventor Enrico Forlanini,[1] the first waterski hydrofoil was invented in the early 1960s by Walter Woodward, an aeronautical engineer, with two skis attached to a bi-wing hydrofoil.[2] In 1972, Mike Murphy and Bob Holst added a bi-wing hydrofoil to a surfing kneeboard, then reduced the bi-wing to a single wing.[2] Murphy and Bob Woolley then applied the concept to sit-down hydrofoil, with Woolley riding the first "Sit Ski" in 1984.[2] After various material changes, including the addition of a seat belt to keep rider and ride together and prevent separation collisions, they sold their first "Air Chair" in 1990.[2] Advancements in materials and hydrofoil design have created stronger rigs, gentler rides (shock absorbers in the seat), more maneuverability, and boards that combine sit-down and stand-up (air board) for surfing.
Sit-down hydrofoil rider performing a jump Unlike water skiing or wakeboarding, a hydrofoiler's body and the board rise above the water, supported by a pair of front and rear hydrofoil wings which are still under the water. This reduces the drag of the water, allowing for both a smoother ride on rough water and a lesser need for strength. The rider sits on the seat of the hydrofoil and is strapped in with a seat belt; their feet are strapped into bindings near the front of the board. When the rider is ready the boat will start to tow the skier. The water flowing past the hydrofoil wings generates lift, which can be controlled by the rider to move the board up and down or side to side above the surface of the water. The rider must be centered over the post of the hydrofoil; small body movements will cause great reactions with the hydrofoil. In order to "float" upward the rider leans back while maintaining balance to avoid pitching forward unexpectedly. To go back down the rider leans forward or pushes down with the feet.
Turning is accomplished by pointing the knees in the direction desired; the hydrofoil will follow. To jump, the rider leans even farther back. This will give the rider a somewhat stable base to perform aerial tricks for example. Submerged hazards such as trees can be struck by the hydrofoil as low as 3 feet below the surface of the water, causing the rider to fall without warning. Such a fall can be the same as colliding with an object, with the rider impacting the water or the foil. The tow rope can get tangled around the skier or equipment, creating a hazardous condition. After a fall the skier remains strapped to the board; while it will turn upright quickly, there is always the possibility of drowning. ^ a b c d e additional FootStays, are very easy to install and hold your feet to the board for the most secure ride yet. Footwraps replace the rubber bindings and overlays and save about a pound on your overall Ski weight. nylon covered neoprene pads add a measure of comfort as compared to standard bindings.
The Foot#Wraps will make your feet 'giggle' around the lake! Beware of 'knockoff' FootStays. doesn't say CINCH Hydrofoil Products on the label, it's not the 'original' FootStay. mind off your equipment and concentrate on your ride! Your 1 Stop source for Original CINCH Hydrofoil andSafety and Customer Service are Top Priorities at CINCH! CINCH, we know the difference between activity and achievement! been instrumental in keeping CINCH on the cutting edge of Price Point andWe listen very well and are constantly striving to introduce products that will enhance your Hydrofoil/KneeboardThank you for helping make CINCH Products the most popular aftermarket items for your Hydrofoils and Kneeboards! exciting additions to the existing Product lines during 2016! are excited about the sales this past year. Hopefully 2016 will be a Great year for all of you. Thanks to you all for being Great Customers!Have a safe and 'high flyin' 2016!
CINCH Release with Manual Release function. Stainless steel manual Release and swivel. ____________________________________________*The CINCH 'Max'® aftermarket watersports strap is being used by more Hydrofoil/Kneeboard riders than all other straps combined. We appreciate that!*CINCH 'Max'® is a 2" wide, heavy nylon webbing that is compatable with all Hydrofoils/Kneeboards having footman loops, swivels or Angled Footman Brackets.*CINCH 'Max'® allows you to get your mind off your equipment and concentrate on your riding.*CINCH 'Max'® is the ORIGINAL 2:1 watersports strap. In production for 25 years! but never done just right!*At CINCH, our mission is 'quality construction', 'rider satisfaction' and 'prompt delivery'.... PERIOD!*CINCH products are manufactured in the USA for Hydrofoils, by Hydrofoilers, to exacting specifications using the absolute best materials available.*Click on the CINCH Product/Prices page for more information on Ordering.