RRD WH-FLIGHT ALU 85 User manual

RRD WH-FLIGHT ALU 85 HYDROFOIL &
WINDFOIL BOARD
OWNERS’ MANUAL AND ASSEMBLING INSTRUCTION
- ENGLISH MANUAL -
French, German, Spanish, Italian version online on:

SAFETY
READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING YOUR ‘’RRD WH-FLIGHT ALU 85
HYDROFOIL” AND KEEP IT STORED FOR FUTURE READING
RRD strongly recommends to follow windsurfing lessons in a specialized school before using a
hydrofoil for the first time. The use of a hydrofoil involves inherent risks and can cause severe
injuries or, sometimes fatal, accidents if misused.
To find your nearest school, please check online on the www.robertoriccidesigns.com website
under the tab <schools> . When using a hydrofoil, you agree to take full responsibility for your
own safety and those of others. This includes informing subsequent users/owners of your
equipment of the risks and responsibilities involved. Before practicing, make sure that you
are properly covered by an insurance for any damage or injuries caused to third parties while
practicing windsurfing sports. Please refer to your national windsurfing body or federation to
get more information on insurance and responsibilities.
Be aware that the design and construction of the hydrofoil involves sharp and stiff edges that
could easily cause severe abrasions and/or cuts. It is very highly recommended to familiarize
with the dimensions, weight, behaviour of the hydrofoil both assembled and unassambled to
the board while carrying it to the water and/or keeping it on the beach. Never leave the hydrofoil
unattended on the beach. Any wind changes might cause the hydrofoil to move, fly away and
cause severe damages to you and/or the others around the hydrofoil.
SAFETY TIPS:
Constant care and caution remains the best way to avoid any problem but specialized equipment
contributes to your own safety as well. Please keep in mind that wind and weather can be
unpredictable and that no-one can be in full control of the hydrofoil at all times.

• Rule N°1: YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY
It is strongly recommended to practice in the company of other users who could eventually call
for assistance or help in case of emergency. You should never ride alone.
• Rule N°2: PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Helmet:
It is strongly recommended to wear a helmet to protect you in case of a fall or any other
unexpected situations.
Wetsuit :
Choose a full-length wetsuit (water T° <19°C[66°F]) or a shorty (water T°>19°C[66°F]) depending
on the water temperature. But be aware that you will use more energy when you are cold.
Impact vest :
The impact vest can be a critical piece of equipment if you take a hard crash and will become a
true asset if you ever have to swim back to the shore.
• Rule N°3: CHOOSE YOUR SPOT CAREFULLY
Choose your spot depending on your level :
The choice of a good spot is an essential decision for safe learning. To choose your place of
practice, it is important to select a spot suited to the practice of hydrofoiling. Using a hydrofoil
requires a deeper water depth than other windsurfing disciplines. Favor a spot without reefs or
rocks and avoid overcrowded areas. Observe local laws and regulations regarding windsurfing
and in the area you plan to use the equipment.
Wind direction :
Don’t ride in offshore wind. The wind can die at any moment or you could have an equipment
failure. In offshore wind it is harder to swim back to shore, the wind and the current push you
away from the beach.
It is not recommended to ride when the wind is directly on-shore, especially for beginners, as
the wind will push the rider directly onto the beach. Choosing the wrong wind direction will make
your learning harder. Always ride while the wind is side or side-on shore. These wind directions
will let you go downwind while maintaining a safe position in case of an emergency.
• Rule N°4: KNOW THE WEATHER FORECAST
Be up-to-date with the local weather forecast, (apps, radio, web, harbor crew, local schools).
What strength is the wind and from which direction? You must know how the speed of the wind
and the direction are going to develop during the day. Because the hydrofoil enables you to ride
even in marginal conditions, keep in mind the wind can quickly die completely. You should not
ride during stormy weather. Also check on the tides schedule and the areas for rip currents.
• Rule N°5: HELP OUT OTHERS AND SHOW RESPECT
Help out others:
Keep a constant eye on your surroundings, and pay attention to others. Do not hesitate to help
out or go after a struggling windsurfer. But make sure you don’t bring yourself in danger.
Respect bystanders :
Never lend your equipment to a non windsurfer. The windsurfing board is dangerous when
left unattended on the beach. Inform any people or spectators close to the windsurf board and
hydrofoil that there might be an accident risk in case they collide with the board and /or the
hydrofoil.

•Always familiarize yourself with all applicable federal, state and local laws, the
waterways, the area, and the proper use of the equipment.
•Always read your owner’s manual and understand your equipment before using it.
•Always inspect equipment before each use, including all components of your foil,
your board and the connections between components and the board mount. Never
use an equipment with missing, damaged or defective parts.
•Use caution when transporting your foil, both for the safety of yourself and others
and for the longevity of your equipment.
•Always wear protective equipment appropriate for the environment and conditions in
which you are using your foil and your foil board.
•Always use a helmet.
•Always use a State/Country Marine department approved boating vest and protective shoes.
•Always ride in control, away from hazards, and at speed appropriate for your ability.
Do not foil in shallow water or near shore, pilings, docks, rafts, swimmers, other
watercraft or other obstacles.
•Falling and the injuries or death that may result, are inherent risks in the sport.
•Do not operate any watercraft, windsurf, or foil under the infuence of alcohol or drugs.
•The warnings and practices set forth above represent some common risks
encountered by users.
•This list does not purport to cover all instances of risk or danger. Please use common
sense and good judgment.
•GET TO KNOW THE RRD WIND-HYDROFOIL (WH-FLIGHT HYDROFOIL)

The front and rear wings of the hydrofoil work as lifting devices. The wings create
a lifting force from the flow of water that travels across them at speed. This is the
reason why they are built with a specific sectional profile:
The shape of the wings’ profile shall not be modified, filled and sanded. Doing so
would alter the balance and prevent the correct operation of the hydrofoil.
In order to guarantee the correct behavior and performances of the hydrofoil, the
rear edge (trailing edge) of the wings must remain very thin, thereby making this part
more fragile in case of impacts. During handling and use of the hydrofoil, the user
should be particularly cautious with these sharp areas in order to avoid any risk of
injury.