The Right Board & Foil For Wing Foiling: What to Choose
Do you want to experience the watersport world of Foiling and Wind Winging but are struggling to find the right equipment for you? Then, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will help you to decide the right gear for you quickly.
The Categories of Riders
The equipment for wind winging generally depends on experience, skills, size, and the ambition of a rider. We have categorized the riders into four different groups. They are the beginner, the foil novice, the pre-foiler, and the wing addict. We will now help you decide the correct equipment for you based on which group you fall in.
- The Beginner
If you have never experienced foiling or wind winging before then, we will consider you as a total beginner. As a beginner, you should get the most stable board possible. In addition to a large front wing for the foil. When purchasing gear keep in mind that there are packages that will include a board and foil but make sure everything is the right size. Always wear the right protection when learning how to foil or wing. First and foremost the rider needs a helmet to protect themselves from the board and foil hitting their head. Booties and an Impact Vest are the other essentials to staying safe. At Elite Watersports we recommend the products below for the beginner.
Board: 2021 Slingshot Wing Craft V1
Foil: 2020 North Sonar Hydrofoil: SURF
But with the 1850 wing for the foil for beginners.
- The Pre-Foiler
If you have experienced Windsurfing, Kiteboarding, Surfing, or Stand Up-Paddleboarding before but never have been on a Foil, we will consider you as a pre-foiler. As a pre-foiler, you are better than a beginner, as you can read waves and wind and have been on board.
Since the foiling part would be completely new to you we recommend a large front wing and depending on weight a midsize board. When choosing a foil make sure that it has a large front wing and either a 85cm mast or in the 70cm range. With that being said, your learning curve would be faster than a total beginner as you’ve had past experience with watersports. With regards to a wing that all depends on the amount of wind your area has. Generally speaking if there is wind 10-15mph you want to use a 6m or 7m wing. As the wind increases the wing size should decrease. In regards to safety, wearing a full suit if it’s cold out will help Wetsuits with long legs, booties, impact vest, and a helmet for protection. At Elite Watersports we recommend the products below for Pre-Foiler.
Board: 2021 Naish S25 Hover Wing/SUP Carbon Ultra
Foil: 2020 North Sonar Hydrofoil: SURF
- The Foil-Novice
We would consider you a Foil-Novice if you have experience with foiling as a Windsurfing IQ foiling, Kite foiler, surf foiling, or foiling behind a boat. If you were on a SUP or prone surfboard, then you will only need to learn how to use the wing. After that, you are ready to go! However, if your only experience is with windsurfing or kite-foiling, you will need to learn the centered stance riding a foil without the extra help for stabilization of the harness holding you.
If you have been wind-surfing then, the main task would be learning the free balance of riding the foil without the extra stabilization. You should try to hold the wing with a 45° angle and hold the wing at the front of the boom above your head. Try to get a few rounds in with a windsurf board, to understand the wind and how to catch a ride. After this, you are ready to foil. As a Foil-Novice we would recommend a foil with a mid size or smaller front wing depending on your skill level and weight. In addition to having a smaller or mid size board again depending on your weight and amount of wind. We also recommend either the Ozone Wasp V2, North Nova, or the Slingshot Slingwing V2. At Elite Watersports we recommend the products below for a Foil-Novice.
Board: 2021 Naish S25 Hover Wing/SUP Carbon Ultra
Foil: 2020 North Sonar Hydrofoil: SURF
- The Wing-Addicts
If you want to get into the next level, we’ll consider you a wing addict. This is where you are already winging and are now looking to upgrade on the next level of gear. The North Nova wing is perfect for the advanced rider either the 4.2m or the 6m depending on wind. We have a lot of riders giving us positive feedback on the Nova and the Slingshot Slingwing V2. Both of these wings are perfect for jumping, cruising, and riding in the waves.
Now onto the board. When you are downsizing the board to where it will be submerged during the start it will be challenging. You will have to find the best motion that works for you of sitting or kneeling on the board in the water. Most of the best guys use boards under 50L of volume. If you want to ride what “pros” ride, then consider the three following points. 1. With less volume, you will need more wind. 2. The boards that you will sink will require a lot of technique. 3. The good guys used to stick a SUP foil board or make the radical step down. But provided the option, they would have used the North Nova, Slingshot Slingwing V2, or the Ozone Wasp V2. At Elite Watersports we recommend the products below for wing addicts.
Board: 2021 Naish S25 Hover Wing/SUP Carbon Ultra
Foil Wing: Front wing, But Armstrong Foil
So, now you have enough information on which board and wing is right for you. With that being said, when choosing gear make sure that it is right for your weight and wind conditions. For every category it is recommended to take foiling lessons and Wind winging lessons so you can make sure you are using the gear correctly and have the best experience. Contact us today to learn more about foiling and Wind Winging
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