Backwind Jibe

Foiling a jibe backwinded

A backwind jibe is a jibe performed while standing on the leeward side of the wing. This type of jibe is initiated on a run while foiling in a switch stance (toeside).

The wing must be lifted into the wind, so you first bear away slightly (switching to a light downwind course) to reduce the power of the wind in the wing. Then, the front hand lifts the wing into the wind. On the windward side, the wing is pulled downward and rotated slightly so that the lower wing tip points slightly backward.

The wind is now blowing from above onto the wing, so it pushes against your body rather than pulling. You can relieve excess pressure by either continuing to go downwind or rotating the wing further back and leaning more into the wind.

The goal, however, is to initiate the turn. By riding away from the wind, the power of the wind in the wing decreases. This makes it easy to push the trailing edge through the wind halfway through the turn. From that point on, the wind begins to hit the wing from the normal side again. The wing is rotated back into the normal riding position, and the final section of the jibe is completed.

Tip for learning the movement: Stand on the beach or in a field on a light breeze and practice lifting the wing to windward. This is a great way to practice controlling the wing in this position and will help you apply it more quickly on the water later on.