End of the Rope:
Ben Ferney , aka, DarthFern
Ben Ferney has been hydrofoiling since 1999 and is known for his amazing skills as well as his extremely humbled approach to helping other foilers learn and getting better. Here for all to enjoy, is some of the story of DarthFern:
Great Lakes Photography
Great Lakes Photography
Can you tell me about the first time you saw a foil in use? In 1999 my friends bought a 1994 Ski Nautique and a classic Air Chair came with it.
First time you rode one? One ride in 1999 but bought an Air Chair Stealth in 2000.
Hooked immediately? I knew when I bought one I was committed and had no idea what I was doing. A long line dynamic rope, no helmet or ankle straps, rode pretty fast, but I did ride away from my first invert within a month of owning the foil.
First time you rode one? One ride in 1999 but bought an Air Chair Stealth in 2000.
Hooked immediately? I knew when I bought one I was committed and had no idea what I was doing. A long line dynamic rope, no helmet or ankle straps, rode pretty fast, but I did ride away from my first invert within a month of owning the foil.
Great Lakes Photography
What other sports did you do growing up or as an adult? I grew up playing all the tradition sports- basketball, baseball, and football. I was lucky enough to go snow skiing all winter with my family at our local mountain (Mt. Spokane) and go out to the lake in the summers and slalom ski. I raced motocross in junior high and high school but only at a local level. I ended up winning some local races but didn’t have the money or time to get to competitive because I was still playing the school sports. In high school I started at quarterback and played some baseball. After high school I really got into snow skiing so I bought a 1977 VW Bus and lived in it one winter in Canada after graduating from Washington State University. It was a wonderful experience and ended up hooking up with some hardcore backcountry guys. We were hitting stuff so steep and cliff sections that were situations that if you fell, you would die. Then I got a teaching job and got married and I needed to fulfill the itch I got every spring, summer, and Fall when I wasn’t snow skiing and the hydrofoil answered the call.
Old man- when did he start foiling, immediately when you did? Yes he did. Looking back at it, he also went snow skiing with Stac and I. He pretty much inserted himself into whatever we were doing. It took him almost three months to be able to get up on it. He never gave up and followed the classic pattern of all foilers that are hooked on the sport with, “I just want to be able to get up… I just want to be able to get up and get the board off the water for a second… I just want to be able to get up, get the board off the water for three seconds… I just want to [go out side the wake, cross the wake, jump, flip].” Oh ya, the Big Guy landed dismount gainers at 74 plus years old.
Old man- when did he start foiling, immediately when you did? Yes he did. Looking back at it, he also went snow skiing with Stac and I. He pretty much inserted himself into whatever we were doing. It took him almost three months to be able to get up on it. He never gave up and followed the classic pattern of all foilers that are hooked on the sport with, “I just want to be able to get up… I just want to be able to get up and get the board off the water for a second… I just want to be able to get up, get the board off the water for three seconds… I just want to [go out side the wake, cross the wake, jump, flip].” Oh ya, the Big Guy landed dismount gainers at 74 plus years old.
Photo pulled from Ben Ferney
video on foilforum
Old man- when did he start foiling, immediately when you did? Yes he did. Looking back at it, he also went snow skiing with Stac and I. He pretty much inserted himself into whatever we were doing. It took him almost three months to be able to get up on it. He never gave up and followed the classic pattern of all foilers that are hooked on the sport with, “I just want to be able to get up… I just want to be able to get up and get the board off the water for a second… I just want to be able to get up, get the board off the water for three seconds… I just want to [go out side the wake, cross the wake, jump, flip].” Oh ya, the Big Guy landed dismount gainers at 74 plus years old.
Sense of pride when you talk about him, nervous at all on his crashes? The only time I got nervous was when he was attempting dismount gainers. All the other times he was charging and living in the moment. That is what keeps us all alive.
Photo pulled from Ben Ferney video on foilforum
Personal Goals for the future in foiling? To keep progressing. I am beginning to realize that I want to get something out of the sport that others may not put as much value on as much as I do- at least competition wise. I find value in finding that extra frame or two on all tricks. My personal goal right now is to get BNC’s 50 plus frames.
Your long living post to help others learn <linked here> shows you have desire to see others get better, that is a common thread in foiling circles. When you compete at an event, how easy is it to turn "it on" or is it truly do my best and others do their best and let the judges determine winners? Oh, I get nervous. I think anyone that tells you they don’t get nervous is either lying or doesn’t really care. Being nervous is what competition is all about but what is great is being able to control that and not panic. Competitions are a great way to test yourself and see what you are made of.
I think that competitions should reward variety and big smooth air. I can go more into depth here if you want a novel for iTunes.
Lots of questions on your "arc to dip" teachings. Because riders from the literal beginner to the guy pushing 55 frames are firing questions back at you is there any frustration on your part dealing with the vast differences in experience and the resulting questions? The reason why I started the thread was that I couldn’t keep up with all the postings people had and didn’t really know if anyone wanted tips. I do monitor that one thread so if anyone posts their riding I will look at it and give feedback. I sense some frustration around the ‘arc to dip’ concept and am looking at other ways to explain/show this. The ‘arc to dip’ is controlling line tension from the cut and is a huge part in catching big air and also landing technical tricks so those that are frustrated I feel your pain.
Your video from riding ocean waves in Hawaii, how insane was that? It was progressively scary. I was looking around at the scenery taking that in because there is a lot of history on the North Shore of Oahu, especially if you are into surfing. Rush was pulling me from Sunset Beach, through Phantoms and hitting the kicker at Velzeyland. The ocean is awesome to ride in because it is a completely different kind of energy. There is lots of movement and it kinda felt like riding in a hot tub on a crab boat in a storm. The crash where I put a hole through my lip was around 60 frames off the top of the 10-12 foot face. Rush was laughing and said it was a “Solid 30 feet.” Doing the math he was close! Of course, this was the one time I didn’t put earplugs in or a mouth guard because I figured I wouldn’t be do anything too crazy.
Did you need convincing to do it or was it your idea? It was my idea. We hooked up two years before but it was too windy. I wanted to see if it was possible to use an ocean wave as a giant kicker. We learned some things from that experience that will make the next time go even better. Stac didn’t enjoy the trip to get stitches though, it blew 4 hours of beach time from her (and some wonderful tacos that the crew ate while we were gone).
Scariest moment on a foil? Let me preface this with I learned pretty much all my tricks without a spotter or manual release. Also, the mobes hadn’t really been dialed in like now so all of us were just trying to figure them out. The scariest moment so far came when I was trying to figure out ball n chains it was only my dad and I out there and when I fell, somehow the rope was wrapped around my neck. For a split second I thought I was going to die or break my neck. I think I have only told one other person that.
Your long living post to help others learn <linked here> shows you have desire to see others get better, that is a common thread in foiling circles. When you compete at an event, how easy is it to turn "it on" or is it truly do my best and others do their best and let the judges determine winners? Oh, I get nervous. I think anyone that tells you they don’t get nervous is either lying or doesn’t really care. Being nervous is what competition is all about but what is great is being able to control that and not panic. Competitions are a great way to test yourself and see what you are made of.
I think that competitions should reward variety and big smooth air. I can go more into depth here if you want a novel for iTunes.
Lots of questions on your "arc to dip" teachings. Because riders from the literal beginner to the guy pushing 55 frames are firing questions back at you is there any frustration on your part dealing with the vast differences in experience and the resulting questions? The reason why I started the thread was that I couldn’t keep up with all the postings people had and didn’t really know if anyone wanted tips. I do monitor that one thread so if anyone posts their riding I will look at it and give feedback. I sense some frustration around the ‘arc to dip’ concept and am looking at other ways to explain/show this. The ‘arc to dip’ is controlling line tension from the cut and is a huge part in catching big air and also landing technical tricks so those that are frustrated I feel your pain.
Your video from riding ocean waves in Hawaii, how insane was that? It was progressively scary. I was looking around at the scenery taking that in because there is a lot of history on the North Shore of Oahu, especially if you are into surfing. Rush was pulling me from Sunset Beach, through Phantoms and hitting the kicker at Velzeyland. The ocean is awesome to ride in because it is a completely different kind of energy. There is lots of movement and it kinda felt like riding in a hot tub on a crab boat in a storm. The crash where I put a hole through my lip was around 60 frames off the top of the 10-12 foot face. Rush was laughing and said it was a “Solid 30 feet.” Doing the math he was close! Of course, this was the one time I didn’t put earplugs in or a mouth guard because I figured I wouldn’t be do anything too crazy.
Did you need convincing to do it or was it your idea? It was my idea. We hooked up two years before but it was too windy. I wanted to see if it was possible to use an ocean wave as a giant kicker. We learned some things from that experience that will make the next time go even better. Stac didn’t enjoy the trip to get stitches though, it blew 4 hours of beach time from her (and some wonderful tacos that the crew ate while we were gone).
Scariest moment on a foil? Let me preface this with I learned pretty much all my tricks without a spotter or manual release. Also, the mobes hadn’t really been dialed in like now so all of us were just trying to figure them out. The scariest moment so far came when I was trying to figure out ball n chains it was only my dad and I out there and when I fell, somehow the rope was wrapped around my neck. For a split second I thought I was going to die or break my neck. I think I have only told one other person that.
Great Lakes Photography
Riding in ice or snow conditions, crazy? It is what it is. We don’t go out in ride in the winter to say we rode. We ride in the winter to progress. Rule 76, no excuses play like a champion.
If you were a wimp, when would the season start and finish in Spokane? Most folks put their boats in during Memorial Day and take them out after Labor Day.
You come across as a very humble person. That doesn't sit we'll with hydro foiling being an extreme sport with a certain amount of bravado involved. Agree? I consider myself lucky to be mentioned in the likes of Geno, Jake, Al, Torey, Tyler, and many others. Those guys all rip! For me the sport is all about pushing my comfort zone and progressing. In that moment of pushing the comfort zone and when risk is involved, to me that is living.
How many people have you taught or introduced to the sport directly (not via the forums or email)? 20+ and growing.
I believe I've read that you teach in high school, what subjects? I taught high school science for 10 years and coached football and baseball. Now I am an assistant principal at a middle school and really enjoy it! This makes getting time off for events more difficult.
High school coaching: were your teams any good? Yes, we had very competitive teams. When I was coaching varsity quarterbacks we won the 4A state championship (largest classification in WA). That was an awesome experience and I do miss coaching.
You must have been pretty young as a coach, were you one of the guys? Ya. We all taught and coached together. It was a blast!
Do your students know your foiling hobby? Most of the school knows. This year Nuge “Saskafoilfreak” is making a short clip for me to show during the talent show. It should be pretty cool.
Any of them ever try it? A few of them have but not a lot.
Have you taught any? Not yet.
Compare high school today vs when you went, times change but is it for the better? Kids are kids. People are people. They aren’t any different than the generation before them. Kids today have to make decisions earlier than previous generations; in other words, access to information comes earlier and with that responsibility. Kids today work super hard and have much higher expectations when it comes to academics. They are not more violent or apathetic despite what people say.
I remember having to walk home 3 miles if I missed the late bus after practice (there were no cell phones back then), somehow I think kids are "softer" nowadays. Agree or just an older man thinking? An older man thinking :) It seems like as people age it was always tougher or better when they experienced life. However, kids these days are amazing.
You may elect to not answer this, I would get it- We have found as some of our kids have now progressed into and through middle school that it is a very difficult time for some kids as they begin to really stretch who they are and find their "voice". After Sandy Hook, being an assistant principal in a middle school, do you approach each day differently? My approach hasn't changed because of Sandy Hook. I believe that when kids wake up in the morning, whether they live in a mansion or in a 5th wheel, that they want to come to school and learn. I think schools provide opportunities for kids to become well rounded in their education so they can make choices in what they want to do with their lives.
Jake, Geno and Ferney...definitely not a law firm but what if you guys staged a week long "camp" where foilers could book paid lessons from three of the best. How many people do you think would show up? I would to ride with those guys! I think we bring different perspectives to riding and coaching that would be fun. I would say three for sure and if no one showed up we would have a blast. My stomach usually ends up hurting when I hang out with those guys because we laugh so much.
Do you kings of the sport all get along? I wouldn’t say kings… but one of the coolest parts of our sports is that everyone supports and encourages each other.
Will the sport ever make it in something like the Xgames? I doubt it but you never know. All it takes is the right promoter and some money.
Would you want it to? Yes
Where would you like the sport to evolve to in 5 years? I would like to see progression of tricks, not just in the sense of new ones which is cool, but also taking them scary high. It would be super cool to get a one piece plastic complete hydrofoil for $500 and see them in all the sporting good stores.
In oct of 2009 you posted: "Alright, I just had some x-rays and an MRI because my left hip is hurting. Found out that the labrum or something is torn and there are some small cracks in my hip socket. Next stop surgeon consultation. Previous to this, I had a grade 3 concussion. The only other major injury was surgery on my left shoulder from 70+ dislocations from learning the fung schway (air kgb). I have had some issues with my elbow and some knocks and dings. Help me decipher what the heck is going on."
What is your current physical state? It could be best described as, “I’m not burned out… just smoking a little bit.”
How are your injuries after having the surgery? Pretty good. I had a shoulder scoped and need my other hip scoped. My right shoulder needs to be fixed up. Other than that fine. My joints are kinda beat up do to the activities I have been participating in: football, motocross, snow skiing, water skiing, and hydrofoiling.
Seeing how your dad rides well into his 70's I guess no need to ask if you will still be riding late in life? Nope. I will be doing something to push my comfort zone because that is the only way to live. I might need some help getting my wetsuit on and off though.
Would you ride even if physically you couldn't the tricks you do now? Maybe. That is a great question. I would like to say yes but you never know.
The " big guy" once posted: "I agree with those that talk about the "W0W" view from the boat, even though I'm usually watching via the mirror it never ceases to be amazing to see his classic style and height as he makes it happens on the water. I love watching the videos but I've got the best seat in the house and it is great to be on the water with him as each ride unfolds in the making. Ben is an inspiration not only in how he rides, but in how he prepares and in his never ending encouragement of those that ride with him regardless of their level of performance. I'm thankful to Ben for all that he does for me and on this Thanksgiving day I want to thank all of our foiling friends for the very kind words that were expressed on The Big Guy video. I don't have the words to express how grateful I am to the kindness and considerations that has been so generously afforded me by my fellow foilers. Thank you. And YES, lets ride!, Ben can drive and he is pretty good at that too."
How cool is it to share a physical extreme sport with your dad? Priceless. Thanks for finding for this, Stac and I both teared up.
If you were a wimp, when would the season start and finish in Spokane? Most folks put their boats in during Memorial Day and take them out after Labor Day.
You come across as a very humble person. That doesn't sit we'll with hydro foiling being an extreme sport with a certain amount of bravado involved. Agree? I consider myself lucky to be mentioned in the likes of Geno, Jake, Al, Torey, Tyler, and many others. Those guys all rip! For me the sport is all about pushing my comfort zone and progressing. In that moment of pushing the comfort zone and when risk is involved, to me that is living.
How many people have you taught or introduced to the sport directly (not via the forums or email)? 20+ and growing.
I believe I've read that you teach in high school, what subjects? I taught high school science for 10 years and coached football and baseball. Now I am an assistant principal at a middle school and really enjoy it! This makes getting time off for events more difficult.
High school coaching: were your teams any good? Yes, we had very competitive teams. When I was coaching varsity quarterbacks we won the 4A state championship (largest classification in WA). That was an awesome experience and I do miss coaching.
You must have been pretty young as a coach, were you one of the guys? Ya. We all taught and coached together. It was a blast!
Do your students know your foiling hobby? Most of the school knows. This year Nuge “Saskafoilfreak” is making a short clip for me to show during the talent show. It should be pretty cool.
Any of them ever try it? A few of them have but not a lot.
Have you taught any? Not yet.
Compare high school today vs when you went, times change but is it for the better? Kids are kids. People are people. They aren’t any different than the generation before them. Kids today have to make decisions earlier than previous generations; in other words, access to information comes earlier and with that responsibility. Kids today work super hard and have much higher expectations when it comes to academics. They are not more violent or apathetic despite what people say.
I remember having to walk home 3 miles if I missed the late bus after practice (there were no cell phones back then), somehow I think kids are "softer" nowadays. Agree or just an older man thinking? An older man thinking :) It seems like as people age it was always tougher or better when they experienced life. However, kids these days are amazing.
You may elect to not answer this, I would get it- We have found as some of our kids have now progressed into and through middle school that it is a very difficult time for some kids as they begin to really stretch who they are and find their "voice". After Sandy Hook, being an assistant principal in a middle school, do you approach each day differently? My approach hasn't changed because of Sandy Hook. I believe that when kids wake up in the morning, whether they live in a mansion or in a 5th wheel, that they want to come to school and learn. I think schools provide opportunities for kids to become well rounded in their education so they can make choices in what they want to do with their lives.
Jake, Geno and Ferney...definitely not a law firm but what if you guys staged a week long "camp" where foilers could book paid lessons from three of the best. How many people do you think would show up? I would to ride with those guys! I think we bring different perspectives to riding and coaching that would be fun. I would say three for sure and if no one showed up we would have a blast. My stomach usually ends up hurting when I hang out with those guys because we laugh so much.
Do you kings of the sport all get along? I wouldn’t say kings… but one of the coolest parts of our sports is that everyone supports and encourages each other.
Will the sport ever make it in something like the Xgames? I doubt it but you never know. All it takes is the right promoter and some money.
Would you want it to? Yes
Where would you like the sport to evolve to in 5 years? I would like to see progression of tricks, not just in the sense of new ones which is cool, but also taking them scary high. It would be super cool to get a one piece plastic complete hydrofoil for $500 and see them in all the sporting good stores.
In oct of 2009 you posted: "Alright, I just had some x-rays and an MRI because my left hip is hurting. Found out that the labrum or something is torn and there are some small cracks in my hip socket. Next stop surgeon consultation. Previous to this, I had a grade 3 concussion. The only other major injury was surgery on my left shoulder from 70+ dislocations from learning the fung schway (air kgb). I have had some issues with my elbow and some knocks and dings. Help me decipher what the heck is going on."
What is your current physical state? It could be best described as, “I’m not burned out… just smoking a little bit.”
How are your injuries after having the surgery? Pretty good. I had a shoulder scoped and need my other hip scoped. My right shoulder needs to be fixed up. Other than that fine. My joints are kinda beat up do to the activities I have been participating in: football, motocross, snow skiing, water skiing, and hydrofoiling.
Seeing how your dad rides well into his 70's I guess no need to ask if you will still be riding late in life? Nope. I will be doing something to push my comfort zone because that is the only way to live. I might need some help getting my wetsuit on and off though.
Would you ride even if physically you couldn't the tricks you do now? Maybe. That is a great question. I would like to say yes but you never know.
The " big guy" once posted: "I agree with those that talk about the "W0W" view from the boat, even though I'm usually watching via the mirror it never ceases to be amazing to see his classic style and height as he makes it happens on the water. I love watching the videos but I've got the best seat in the house and it is great to be on the water with him as each ride unfolds in the making. Ben is an inspiration not only in how he rides, but in how he prepares and in his never ending encouragement of those that ride with him regardless of their level of performance. I'm thankful to Ben for all that he does for me and on this Thanksgiving day I want to thank all of our foiling friends for the very kind words that were expressed on The Big Guy video. I don't have the words to express how grateful I am to the kindness and considerations that has been so generously afforded me by my fellow foilers. Thank you. And YES, lets ride!, Ben can drive and he is pretty good at that too."
How cool is it to share a physical extreme sport with your dad? Priceless. Thanks for finding for this, Stac and I both teared up.
Rapid Fire Time:
Favorite foiler to watch? Jake Bradley
Do you have a bag of stuff you take on the boat? What's in the bag? Ear plugs, mouthguard, 5/8 wrench, 9/16 wrench, bolts, shims, and usually some prototype wings to test.
$10m in cash or a super power, which super power? I'd fly. No question.
If you were instantly made commissioner of the newly founded World Organization of Hydrofoiling, what would be your first action as new commish? I'd find ways to make competitions reward variety and risk/reward. The system would reward riders taking risks in competition where falls don't necessarily hurt the ride. To do this, I'd promote Bryan Steele to be commissioner of competitions and head judge.
Rank in order of favorite to least favorite (Pearl Jam, Summer school break, chicken wings, the Beatles, lobster roll, seinfeld, original asteroids arcade game, Starbucks, thanksgiving day, draft beer) Summer school break, draft beer, Thanksgiving, Seinfeld, chicken wings, lobster roll, Pearl Jam (the greatest band of all time), Asteroids (I own a full size Jr. Pacman game), Starbucks, the Beatles.
Type of boat currently? 2003 Calabria Cal-Air
Best nickname you've been given? Darthfern
Is there an afterlife? Yes
Favorite all-time song that makes you happy? Stop, Drop, Roll- Kitchen Clean (right now)
Favorite all-time song that makes you sad or thoughtful. Release- Pearl Jam
A weird talent you have? I'm pretty good at the game 'washers'.
Best concert you've ever attended, why? Pearl Jam in Key Area in 1997. PJ played for 3 hours and all their stuff.
Time travel exists, where/when do you travel, why? I'd probably go back to a day at the lake and hang out with my dad for one more day.
Deserted on an island with a sweet home theater setup, only one dvd to watch over and over, What movie is it? Anchorman
If you could go anywhere for one week, where? Oahu--> The North Shore. Surfing, foiling, big air, sand, sun...
Best sitcom of all time? Seinfeld. No question.
Ever get someone's autograph? Who? I probably did but I'm not really into autographs. People are people.
Lennon or McCartney? Not sure, I know they are Beattles. <editor comment: not sure if he is trying to razz me with the spelling and the "not sure">
Where do you do your deep, introspective thinking? Working out- biking or swimming.
Olympics or Xgames? X Games
O.J. Simpson - murderer or accused and aquitted searcher for the murderer? I think he did it.
Did man ever walk on the moon? Yes but after watching Dumb and Dumber I have my doubts.
Top 3 websites you visit every day? Foilforum, Facebook, Accuweather
Lee Harvey Oswald - acted alone or a patsy? Patsy
You're out foiling and a few boats approach and you notice it is the President of the USA and they are pulling their kids on tubes. Their boats approach yours, what do you say/do? I'd thank him for his service and then get him on the foil.
Do you have a bag of stuff you take on the boat? What's in the bag? Ear plugs, mouthguard, 5/8 wrench, 9/16 wrench, bolts, shims, and usually some prototype wings to test.
$10m in cash or a super power, which super power? I'd fly. No question.
If you were instantly made commissioner of the newly founded World Organization of Hydrofoiling, what would be your first action as new commish? I'd find ways to make competitions reward variety and risk/reward. The system would reward riders taking risks in competition where falls don't necessarily hurt the ride. To do this, I'd promote Bryan Steele to be commissioner of competitions and head judge.
Rank in order of favorite to least favorite (Pearl Jam, Summer school break, chicken wings, the Beatles, lobster roll, seinfeld, original asteroids arcade game, Starbucks, thanksgiving day, draft beer) Summer school break, draft beer, Thanksgiving, Seinfeld, chicken wings, lobster roll, Pearl Jam (the greatest band of all time), Asteroids (I own a full size Jr. Pacman game), Starbucks, the Beatles.
Type of boat currently? 2003 Calabria Cal-Air
Best nickname you've been given? Darthfern
Is there an afterlife? Yes
Favorite all-time song that makes you happy? Stop, Drop, Roll- Kitchen Clean (right now)
Favorite all-time song that makes you sad or thoughtful. Release- Pearl Jam
A weird talent you have? I'm pretty good at the game 'washers'.
Best concert you've ever attended, why? Pearl Jam in Key Area in 1997. PJ played for 3 hours and all their stuff.
Time travel exists, where/when do you travel, why? I'd probably go back to a day at the lake and hang out with my dad for one more day.
Deserted on an island with a sweet home theater setup, only one dvd to watch over and over, What movie is it? Anchorman
If you could go anywhere for one week, where? Oahu--> The North Shore. Surfing, foiling, big air, sand, sun...
Best sitcom of all time? Seinfeld. No question.
Ever get someone's autograph? Who? I probably did but I'm not really into autographs. People are people.
Lennon or McCartney? Not sure, I know they are Beattles. <editor comment: not sure if he is trying to razz me with the spelling and the "not sure">
Where do you do your deep, introspective thinking? Working out- biking or swimming.
Olympics or Xgames? X Games
O.J. Simpson - murderer or accused and aquitted searcher for the murderer? I think he did it.
Did man ever walk on the moon? Yes but after watching Dumb and Dumber I have my doubts.
Top 3 websites you visit every day? Foilforum, Facebook, Accuweather
Lee Harvey Oswald - acted alone or a patsy? Patsy
You're out foiling and a few boats approach and you notice it is the President of the USA and they are pulling their kids on tubes. Their boats approach yours, what do you say/do? I'd thank him for his service and then get him on the foil.