Flat water pumping is the best way to train for downwind foiling. It builds your pop-up technique, timing, and balance — all essential skills for linking bumps out at sea. In this guide, Trevor Tunnington break down how to set up your board and improve your pump technique, so you can take off earlier and fly longer.
Find the Right Foil Setup
At Starboard, our boards are balanced for pumping when the foil is mounted in the center of the foil box. But your setup can change based on foil size:
👉 Smaller foil → Move the foil forward for more lift and maneuverability.
👉 Larger foil → Move it backward for more pitch control and slightly less lift.
Pro Tip: Mark your foil position relative to the top of the board — this tells you where your back foot needs to be during the pop-up.
How to Pop Up Smoothly
-
Start Strong – Lean over your front leg and paddle with power.
-
Use Compression – Push down as you stroke, then release upward.
-
Feel the Rebound – The board should bounce and begin lifting.
-
Stand Tall – Once flying, reduce compression and shift to a neutral stance.
-
Adjust Your Stance – Begin with a wide stance, then narrow it to maintain longer, smoother pumps.
“The taller you stand, the higher your foil will be out of the water.”
Quick Pumping Checklist
-
✅ Paddle over your front foot
-
✅ Time your bounce with paddle stroke
-
✅ Use a wide stance to pop up, narrow to maintain
-
✅ Stand tall once foiling
-
✅ Keep your momentum through the first few strokes
Flat water pumping is the key to becoming a confident downwind foiler. Practice these steps consistently, and you’ll notice smoother takeoffs and longer glides.
Explore Trevor's gear set:
