Dock Start Foil: the new wave of pumping

Over the past few seasons, dock start foil – also known as pumping foil – has established itself as a discipline of its own in the world of foiling. No wind, no waves needed: all it takes is a dock, flat water, and a bit of cardio. The concept? Run along the dock, jump onto your board equipped with a foil, and maintain glide only through the pumping motion of your body. A pure flying sensation – physical, fluid, and highly addictive.

Born from the curiosity of passionate riders, this practice now attracts more and more foil enthusiasts — from wingfoil and surf foil riders to downwind fans. The emergence of dedicated events like the Piouz Ladder (Europe’s first pumping foil ranking) shows how fast the community is growing and organizing itself.

A demanding yet accessible discipline

Dock start requires coordination, strength, and endurance. But unlike other foiling disciplines, it doesn’t rely on wind or swell. That’s what makes it so accessible — a calm body of water, a solid dock, and the right gear are all you need to progress.

The physical aspect is real: your heart rate rises quickly, your legs burn, and long sessions call for the right outfit – one that’s flexible, breathable, and protective. That’s where the choice of your neoprene equipment becomes crucial.

Why the right neoprene gear makes all the difference

Many riders still practice dock start with classic surf wetsuits. But those models are designed to withstand full immersion, duck dives, and wave pressure — not for a repetitive, dynamic, and aerial activity. The result: too warm, too stiff, hard to put on, and unnecessarily watertight.

For pumping foil, priorities are entirely different:

• Total freedom of movement: every pump requires full upper-body amplitude.
• Thermal regulation: as the discipline is cardio-intensive, it’s essential to open or remove a layer easily.
• Fast drying & comfort: riders often switch between water and dock.
• Easy dressing: no need to struggle with a sticky fullsuit between runs.

That’s why our Rivage neoprene jacket + pants set is perfectly suited for this practice.

The Saint Jacques jacket + pants set: the perfect gear for dock start

Originally designed for dynamic water sports, this set quickly found its place among dock start foil riders. Why? Because it ticks every box this discipline demands.

🔹 Easy to put on

With its ergonomic cut and ultra-flexible neoprene, the set goes on and adjusts effortlessly. Perfect when alternating between runs and breaks on the dock.

🔹 Freedom & flexibility

No unnecessary knee reinforcements or thick panels that restrict movement. The stretch neoprene follows every motion of the rider.

🔹 Smart thermal control

The zip-up jacket lets you open it partially during intense phases, then close it back up when the temperature drops. A level of modularity impossible with traditional fullsuits.

🔹 No need for extreme waterproofing

Unlike surfing, you’re not diving under waves. Comfort comes first: a low collar, breathable cut, and smooth neoprene that protects without trapping heat.

Riders’ testimonials

“Super easy to put on and take off between runs. You really feel the freedom of movement.”
– Pierre, Piouz rider

“I open the jacket when my heart rate goes up — it makes a huge difference on long distances.”
– Juan, pumping addict

“I used to hate wetsuits that were too sealed. With this one I stay warm without overheating.”
– Ludo, pumping expert

Piouz x Saint Jacques: a shared passion for free glide

Partnering with Piouz, the association behind the renowned European Pumping Foil Ladder, Saint Jacques supports this new generation of riders and contributes to the evolution of the discipline. This collaboration perfectly illustrates the brand’s philosophy: offering technical, elegant, and forward-thinking gear for emerging water sports.

Conclusion: modularity, comfort & performance

Dock start foil isn’t just a trend — it’s a true experience of pure glide. To make the most of it, choosing the right neoprene gear is essential. Forget heavy, sealed surf wetsuits. With the Rivage jacket + pants set, Saint Jacques delivers a modular, lightweight, and high-performance alternative tailored for demanding riders.