This high dock start is very similar to the frog start. I think this is easier because it gives more speed to the board but there are people who think the opposite. Actually the easiest high dock start is the drop start, releasing the board in the air. But the drop start can be a little scary at first so I think it is a good intermediate step to learn this high dock start starting with the foil in the water.
The steps to follow would be:
- Find a space under the dock where to put the stabilizer.
- Submerge the foil but no more than 1cm of water above it.
- Grab the board with your left hand in the middle and with your right hand behind it (a little off-centre to the right). I am goofy (pumping with the right foot forward), if you are regular you should do this and the following steps in reverse.
- Place your left foot on the corner of the dock, and the right one a step back.
- Lean your body back a little to gain momentum.
- Jump forward by pushing off with your left foot (if you’re goofy) and looking at the point on the board where you usually put your front foot.
- During the jump, your left hand will be released quickly, but your right hand will be held for a few seconds to push the board forward while your body also moves forward to make the jump. This is the key point and where we tend to fail (see example video failing), by not giving the board speed.
- The front foot touches the board first, but you have to remember to push the first pump only with the back foot, otherwise the board will go straight into the water.
Alternative stepping with the back foot first
You can do the same start but stepping with the back foot first. It may be even easier, although this depends on the individual. Here’s a demonstration.
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