A dock start lets you practice pump foiling without wind, waves or a boat. You run along a dock, jump onto your board with the foil already in the water, then pump to keep flying. This guide covers how to pick your dock, the gear we recommend and the usual mistakes. You will find all the boards, wings and masts on our dock start gear page.
What is a dock start?
A dock start is one way to start pump foiling. You leave from a platform instead of being pulled by a kite, a wing, a boat or a wave. Once you are up, your legs are your only engine. Whether you ride wing foil, surf foil or SUP foil, the pumping technique remains the same.
This article focuses on the start. For the pumping itself, read our guide Mastering the art of pumping foil.
How do you choose the right dock?
The dock matters as much as the gear. Check it before your first jump.
Clear above and below
Your foil sits under the board while you run. Nothing must be in its way under the dock: posts, floats, ropes, ladders. The run-up on the dock must be free too.
Water and safety
Check the water along your whole line, not just at the dock. Keep the zone around you clear of swimmers and boats.
What gear do you need for a dock start?
For a dock start, pumping efficiency and lift matter most. Speed and agility matter very little. Here is the setup we recommend to learn.
| Part | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Foil | Enduro GLT Foil Full Set | Enduro GLT 1600 front wing, UHM 80 mast, short fuselage and Ultra Glide 43 stabilizer, in one set |
| Front wing | Enduro GLT 1600 | 1,600 cm², 1,323 mm span, aspect ratio 11, 1,400 g (3.1 lb). Efficient take-off at low speed and a long glide |
| Mast | UHM carbon mast, 80 cm (31.5″) | We recommend an 80 cm mast for dock starts |
| Board | SK8 | 2.3 kg (5.1 lb), 95 x 44 cm (37.4″ x 17.3″). Compact, stiff U shape, designed for dock start pumping at all levels |
The Enduro GLT was developed with rider and coach Gwen Le Tutour. Its bumps help prevent stall, which is key when you leave the dock at low speed. To compare our masts, read how to choose the right AFS carbon mast.
Front wing size by weight
Here is the front wing area we recommend for a dock start:
| Rider weight | Front wing area |
|---|---|
| 65 kg (143 lb) | about 1,490 cm² |
| 70 kg (154 lb) | about 1,560 cm² |
| 75 kg (165 lb) | about 1,630 cm² |
| 80 kg (176 lb) | about 1,700 cm² |
The Enduro GLT comes in one size, 1,600 cm². It suits riders from about 70 to 80 kg (154 to 176 lb). Outside this range, book a free call with an AFS expert. You can also use the foil finder and pick dock start as your practice.
Which board for a dock start?
A dock start board is small, light and stiff. To learn, we recommend the SK8. Its U shape keeps it rigid and brings the foil closer to your back foot. The mount slides forward and back, so you can adjust the position of your foil.
Before your first jump
- Your foil is screwed tight.
- Your spot is clear above and below the dock.
- Nobody is swimming in your line.
Common dock start mistakes
| What happens | Fix |
|---|---|
| You run out of energy after a few pumps | Make wider, slower strokes, in tune with your gear |
| The foil touches something under the dock | Check the space under the dock along your whole run before your first jump |
Dock start FAQ
Is a dock start the same as pump foiling?
No. Pump foiling is the practice, the dock start is one way to begin. You can also start from a beach, a slipway or a boat.
What mast length for a dock start?
We recommend an 80 cm (31.5″) mast for dock starts.
What size front wing for a dock start?
It depends on your weight: about 1,630 cm² at 75 kg (165 lb), about 1,700 cm² at 80 kg (176 lb). See the table above.
Can I buy used dock start gear?
Riders sell their AFS gear on our marketplace.
What warranty do I get?
All our products come with a 2-year warranty. For returns, see our terms of sale.
Where are AFS foils made?
We make our carbon foils at our factory in Brittany, France.
Ready for your first dock start?
Find a clear dock, set up a big front wing on an 80 cm mast and take your time over the first sessions. Not sure about your setup? Book a free call with an AFS expert, or browse the full dock start range.