Slingshot Alien w/o Foil setup?

wylieflyote · Sun Aug 16, 15 6:00 am **Slingshot Alien w/o Foil setup?**

Anyone ever tried the Slingshot Alien Foil setup in the not-foil configuration? I spend winters 60 hours south in Mexico and I'm wondering if it's possible to get away with a one-board quiver for both foil & non-foil days. At my age it seems that life, and knees dictate almost zero twin-tip, and all surf or foil. Thank You
You can mount twin tuttle-box-like fins apparently:

Sella · Sun Aug 16, 15 9:39 am

Kip, I don't think that board would work as a convertible.

It might be a bit smallish, no fins, etc but here is an article and videos about the Alien tech that will help give you some more insight.

http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2388253&p=881270

We decided to convert my Bellacera, mainly for strength to handle the foil, but also because if traveling it converts to a surf, skim, and hybrid light wind killer as well. Is it the best board in each category.......nope......but if you wanted to get your Che on and Motorcycle Diary it all the way down to Mexico the same type of set-up IMO is a very versatile legit travel companion. Very Happy

dcfordo · Since 19 May 2011 60 Posts The Dalles

I would go look at one for yourself at a shop to see what you think, but my impression is that it would not work at all. Not even close, really.

It has all kinds of design aspects that makes it ideal for foiling and not for a surf board. It is extremely thick and high volume. The bottom and rails are very rounded, as not to stick or catch on the water. It really just isn't a surfboard at all.

Additionally, you probably can put two fins where the mast mounts, but they wouldn't be in the right place.

wylieflyote · Sun Aug 16, 15 12:35 pm

Thanks, I see common sense applies. I guess I'll just carry my NP Smile

Sort of a pain as anywhere in Mexico (and the US) all boards and bikes come off the car each night, and keep me company in the dive motel.
My favorites in Mexico are the "No-Tel Motels". With these you are handed only a garage door remote at the front desk. Car and all (including your sneak girlfriend) get to hide all night. Added plus?.... Mirrored ceiling, and free porn.

TMI

Smile

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 787 Posts Opinionated

Agreed, even though the Alien Air deck is based off of the Alien Twister surfboard from Slingshot, there are a lot of differences (most notably the lack of regular fin boxes) that make it not ideal for use as a surfboard.

The Liquid Force Kite Fish and the new Cabrinha Double Agent Foilboards should both work much better as regular kite surfboards without the foil.

http://www.cabrinhakites.com/surfboard/double-agent.html

windwatcher · Since 18 Aug 2005 26 Posts B.C. Canada

Hi Kip, If you want to unsell your other board, I'll let you pay me back. But I've got a better idea. If by Mexico you mean La Ventana, I keep a liquid force DV8(no straps), and a mako 140 twin tip down there for guest so they don't need to bring a board just their kites. I've got the mako spoken for, for a number of weeks but no one, is coming so far that want's the DV8 directional. Get back to me with your choice. cheers Bruce

dwaynej · Since 09 Sep 2013 207 Posts Stoked **CGKA Member**

I think its easier to add rails/tuttle box to a good surf board than to adapt a foil board to surf. I like what Vulcan have been doing and am considering adding rails to one of their boards to support foiling.

http://www.surfvulcan.com

Alpine foil also have a selection of boards built for surfing/foiling. My own board has fcs fin inserts as well as a box for my foil.

Dwayne

wylieflyote · Mon Aug 17, 15 4:08 am

I like my 2013 North whip conversion-to-foil. Don't really know why I'm switching other that OCD and possibly reducing "swing weight".
Bruce.. If we end up in a Hot springs down-winder and I change my mind about the Whip, I will bring some pesos & beer. Smile

You will love it. I'm gear loco.

Met a person at KB4C this year from Jacksonville. He was in the hobby of converting small surf designated boards into combo setups. He was wrapping the entire board in a super strength diagonally setup Kevlar cloth to reduse serious flex issues. My guess is that 5'6" and smaller would work better for simple fun factor. The goal here is to have a two-purpose board, so maybe the coast you want a longer board but the consensus is smaller is better in foil mode. (guessing)
When we (Joe, Stringy, myself) first went out on my Whip, it was astonishing just how much scary flex was in the Whip after installing a foil setup.

That's why I glassed in the 4 strips of oak, and added 3 layers of cloth. Flex solved, board still reasonably light:

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4907 Posts Portland Unstrapped

The bamboo model of the slingshot 5' wakesurf Space Pickle has been fun - stringy added small 8" by 10" reinforcing layer of glass

Super forgiving foilboard and really good light to stupid light wind

Board surfs fun behind boat - prob fun for shoulder high waves and u can paddle in out - 4 for price of one!

C Johnson · Since 17 Apr 2009 853 Posts Seattle Opinionated

apologizes in advance for how many times the narrator says "um"

I'm pretty sure you can get the deck only and bolt it straight up to your stringy foil.

Link

I'll have one when they start shipping. You're welcome to try it Kip.