Code Foils Teamrider Jake Dailey on Downwind Foiling and the Hawaiian Channel Crossings

We at the Stand Up Magazin are always excited to connect with athletes who live and breathe the ocean. Few embody the spirit of modern downwind foiling quite like Jake Dailey from Sydney, Australia. Known as one of the fastest downwind foilers on Australia’s East Coast, Jake has built a reputation through countless hours on the water, chasing bumps and refining his skills in some of the fastest runs in the world. With the Hawaiian channel races just around the corner, we were happy to catch up with Jake and learn more about his journey, training, equipment, and expectations for M2M and M2O.

Aloha Jake, thank you for your time.

You are knee deep in Downwind Foiling and reputation has it you are one of the fastest guys in Australia. Can you give us a quick intro about yourself?

Thanks, Mike, for having me on. My name is Jake Dailey. I’m 26, from the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia. I’m a carpenter and an addicted waterman. Whether it’s surfing, fishing, or foiling, my life revolves around the ocean. Growing up, I surfed all my life until I found foiling….

Nice, you grew up in Sydney and you are a child of the ocean. Can you tell us what makes Downwind Foiling so special to you?

From a young boy, surfing and the ocean were my life. It’s where I spent all my spare time with family and friends. Foiling really allowed me access to places in the ocean I never dreamed of. As a surfer, I’m always chasing that endless wave, and for me downwind foiling is that. Downwinding to me is the ultimate. So many variables and skills have to align to make it possible. There is a very special feeling you get, almost a vibe, from being kilometers from the coast, just you, your board, and a paddle.

Can you give a quick overview of your local crew and how you guys organize yourselves for your DW runs?

My local runs are quite short, usually around 13kms from Long Reef to Avalon in south winds, and during summer the reverse. Our local crew consists of around 30 guys from various skill levels. Personally, I have a run with 5 of my best mates. We all chip in for a downwind car that gets left at the beach, which makes it possible for me as I work 7-3 and it gets dark quickly during winter. Although it may be short, it is still one of the fastest runs in the world.

Word has it you are coming to Hawaii this July for the channel crossings. Can you tell us how you are training up for that?

Yes, very excited for the Hawaiian races. Training is honestly very difficult during this time in Sydney. We have very sporadic winds, the majority being offshore, and onshore swells, so every chance I get conditions I’m out there. For me, I try to train on the smallest possible foil and in the hardest conditions I can find. I try to focus on consistency and building confidence in my ability and the gear. On the down days, I try to run to improve that cardio needed for the longer runs like M2O.

In foiling it’s all about speed and flow, can you talk a bit about the Code gear?

Very lucky to be supported by Code Foils. Even before I was a team rider, I saw the quality in their gear. The R foil range is really what made downwind foiling possible for me. Personally, downwind foiling is all about matching your foil with the conditions. It makes all the difference, especially here in Sydney. On our big southerly days, we can have big-period swells moving well over 40km/h, so riding foils that can keep up is where I find my flow. For me, the 680 and 600 are what transformed my foiling.

The new Race Tails look amazingly fast. Can you quantify how much faster?

Absolutely love the new Race Tails and haven’t used anything else since their release. I’ve smashed all my personal best times recently, and I have never felt this comfortable at speed before. The new tails really extend the top end of your foil’s range without a huge compromise on paddle-up and low-end performance. These new tails unlock a newfound acceleration that projects you forward. This allows you to get up and over and reach through swells you wouldn’t have previously with minimal effort. These tails are extremely efficient and are a must-have for any foiler looking for flat-out straight-line speed.

Designer Notes

Our race tails are tuned for efficiency, control, and stability at speed. Every detail is designed to reduce drag and maintain momentum when it matters most. The Race Tails don’t replace the R Series, they sit alongside it as a specialized option for those focused on racing.

Find your Race Tail here

That sounds great. You are well equipped for the Hawaiian channels. What are you looking forward to the most doing the M2M and M2O?

Yes, very excited. Code’s been cooking up a storm and I’m feeling very comfortable on our race gear. Personally, I really enjoy M2O. I feel most at home in big swell and open ocean conditions you get in the channel, much like we get on the East Coast of Oz. But besides the racing, I really love being part of the downwind community. Such a big family of frothers, and I can’t wait to send some runs with everyone in the beautiful warm waters of Hawaii.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge in these races?

The Hawaiian races really highlight every aspect of downwind foiling. On Oahu, your ability to navigate backwash is tested. Maui and the Paddle of Luma test your fitness with short sprint races and a nearly 2km flatwater pump-in. M2M highlights your ability to read big, fast bumps, and M2O is really a mix of all the races. Big ocean bumps, line choice, backwash, boat wake, and a long offshore wind pump finish. Mastering all races for me is a huge accomplishment and, regardless of race results, I feel very lucky to be a part of the sport, Hawaiian culture, and the community.

Thank you very much Jake. I am looking forward to meeting you when you are here in July.