State of Play: Small waves, double the fun!

As a relatively recent surfing-to-foiling convert, Donovan Wichmann is in the perfect position to relate why the rush of getting up on a foil in the waves is so damn addictive…

Photos: Mitchell Doyle Markgraaff (unless stated)

Growing up just five minutes from Muizenberg Beach, the ultimate learn-to-surf spot and arguably one of the best prone foiling waves in the world, has profoundly shaped my love for the ocean. As groms, my brother and I spent every day there honing our surfing skills.

As I got older, Muizenberg was no longer challenging enough, and it lost all of its appeal to me. Before I discovered foiling a little over a year ago, you’d be surprised to see me in the water there. The gentle, slow-breaking waves aren’t really great for anyone but beginners. However, nowadays, it would be surprising not to see me in the water at Muizenberg every day.

Foiling in small waves can be a lot of fun, more fun than bigger waves in my opinion! With the advancement in hydrofoils, even in small waves, I am able to use a very small foil and still get plenty of lift, but with the added turning ability from the smaller foil. The slower pace of smaller waves offers a more intimate connection with the water, making it a truly rewarding experience.

Prone foiling has allowed me to utilize the days when I wouldn't have even looked at the waves, and made them arguably my most enjoyable days on the water. Even when the waves are solid, I still choose my hydrofoil over my surfboard, which has started gathering lots of dust in my garage. On the smaller days, I end up having my most fun on the foil. With the endless gliding capabilities of a hydrofoil compared to a surfboard dragging on the water, it’s obvious to me that prone foiling beats surfing in small waves every time.

Before, I would travel across Cape Town, quite a trek, just to find a wave worth paddling out for as a surfer. Now, I have the best sessions right in my backyard at Muizenberg. It’s amazing how foiling has changed my perspective and made my local so much more enjoyable!

At Muizenberg, being a predominantly beginner wave, foiling is generally accepted by the other surfers. I guess if you keep your distance and don’t ride meters past the other surfers, we’re not really bothering anyone. If you act recklessly in the water and have close calls with the other surfers, I don’t think they’ll be too pleased – although I wouldn’t blame them, it is terrifying having a foiler flying in your direction.

One of the main reasons why I’ve fallen so in love with prone foiling is the amount of riding time I get when in the water. Compared to surfing, I spend more time up and riding rather than sitting and waiting for waves. Surfing often feels like a waiting game with long lulls between sets, while foiling allows far more continuous riding. This added riding time makes each session so much more fun and exhilarating!

Although prone foiling is by far my favorite foiling discipline, I’ve also learned the various other disciplines so that I can make the most of any conditions. When there’s no wind, prone foiling will always be my first pick. When the wind picks up, you’ll catch me winging either in the waves at Muizenberg or at the local vlei. Living just five minutes from the beach and right on the water at the local vlei makes it easy to enjoy all kinds of foiling right in my backyard. The only discipline I haven’t tried yet is eFoiling, and I don’t plan to, considering pumping is now my primary form of exercise. That being said, I am excited to see what the future holds and what other disciplines emerge in this fast-growing sport…