Is the New Boxer Good for Lightwind and Foiling?

If you’ve been searching for a foil kite that can handle under-10-knot sessions, drift down the line without overflying, and recover from stalls like it’s no big deal, the 2025 Naish Boxer might just be your next go-to.

At Elite Watersports, we don’t just test gear—we live on it. After putting the new Boxer through real-world sessions, foil lessons, and controlled stall tests, Aaron breaks down exactly what makes this version different—and whether it’s the right fit for your riding style.

In this full 2025 Naish Boxer review, you’ll learn:

• How the Boxer performs in real foiling conditions under 12 knots
  

• What changed from the 2024/S28 version—and why it matters
  

• How it drifts, stalls, and lifts in the moments that count
  

• Who this kite is perfect for (and who might want something else)

Whether you’re brand new to foiling or you're chasing buttery downwinders with minimal input, this breakdown will help you decide if the Boxer deserves a spot in your quiver.

 

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What’s New in the 2025 Naish Boxer?

If you’ve been watching the evolution of Naish’s lightwind foil kite lineup, the 2025 Boxer might be the most complete version yet. In this 2025 Naish Boxer, we’re seeing major improvements in stability, drift, and backstall control—especially in real-world foil conditions under 10 knots.

Whether you're comparing single-strut kites for foiling or looking for the best light wind foil kite, this version of the Boxer is one to seriously consider.

Refined Backstall Performance for Foil Riders

One of the key highlights in this update is the Boxer’s improved stall control in light wind conditions. During a real-world Naish Boxer stall test at just 9 knots, Aaron unhooked with the kite fully powered, and the response was rock-solid. No collapsing. No fluke recovery. Just clean, controlled flight.

“I didn’t do anything funny at the kite. It was fully powered, I unhooked, and it just sat there. That tells me everything I need to know about how well it’s tuned.”

This level of predictability matters—especially for riders foiling in under 10 knots, where a mistimed stall can end your session. With the 2025 Boxer, Naish has found a balance between light-touch control and deep window stability.

Improved Drift for Downwind Foiling and Surf

Another standout feature of the 2025 model is its drift performance, especially during aggressive downwind foiling or surf-style riding. In a deliberate front stall test—where all tension was pushed into the front lines—the Boxer resisted the typical nose-dive crash and instead backed into the window smoothly.

“I was expecting it to front-stall and drop, but it held enough to let me steer out of it. That’s what I want when I’m flying downwind on foil.”

This makes the new Boxer one of the most well-balanced kites for foiling in gusty, light-wind conditions, giving riders time and control to correct their line without getting yanked off foil. It’s also ideal for wave riders who need a kite that drifts without overpowering.

Lift When You Need It—Without Losing Control

While the Boxer is primarily a lightwind machine, it’s not dull. The 2025 version delivers noticeable lift for foiling transitions and light footed surf sessions, without disrupting the kite’s natural drift and balance.

“It gives me just enough lift to stay up without pulling me off my line. That’s exactly what I look for in a lightwind foil session.”

If you’re searching for a foil kite with lift that doesn’t sacrifice drift, or a Naish Boxer for foiling in light wind, this version brings a welcome blend of responsiveness and control that previous models didn’t quite perfect.

 

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2025 Naish Boxer vs. 2024 (S28): What’s Actually Different?

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth upgrading from the 2024 model (sometimes labeled as the S28), here’s what’s changed in the 2025 Naish Boxer: Verdict:
 The 2025 Boxer isn't a total redesign, but the refinements matter—especially if you foil in marginal wind. If you're a lightwind foiler, surf-style rider, or just want a kite with cleaner drift and stall handling, the upgrade is absolutely noticeable.

 

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Real-World Testing: Stall, Drift, and Foil Handling in Light Wind

At Elite Watersports, we don't just unbox kites—we fly them, teach on them, and test them in real riding conditions. The 2025 Naish Boxer went through a full lineup of stall tests, foil runs, and tuning evaluations during a session with 9-knot winds, a foil board, and nothing but real-world riding scenarios.

This wasn’t a staged shoot or wind tunnel theory. This was exactly what you’d get on a typical lightwind day in St. Pete or anywhere you foil when the forecast reads “maybe.”

Stall Test #1: Powered, Unhooked, and Stable

Aaron began with the Boxer fully powered, unhooked—a situation where many lightwind kites will backstall or misbehave without perfect trim.

“We’re in about nine knots. The bar is stock, everything’s untouched. I unhooked, and the kite just… flew. No backstall. No twitch. It just stayed there.”

This is a huge win for newer foilers or anyone looking for a kite that doesn’t punish mistakes. A forgiving stall profile means more time learning transitions and fewer crashes caused by the kite falling out of the sky when you're off balance.

Stall Test #2: Fully Depowered, Still Responsive

Next, he pushed the kite into a full depower position to test rear-line tension and steering control.

“Even with the bar out, I still had steering. It got loose with no tension on the back lines, but it didn’t fall. With a little pressure back in, it locked back up.”

This reinforces what experienced foil riders already know—some kites demand constant input in light wind, but the Boxer allows you to let off the gas and still maintain control. It’s a subtle but important difference, especially for long downwinders or wave-riding sessions where you want the kite to drift naturally without constant adjustment.

Stall Test #3: Front Stall Recovery

Then came the most aggressive test: dumping all tension into the front lines to force a front stall scenario—where many kites would nosedive into the water.

“It started to front-stall, but instead of diving, it kind of paused and gave me time to recover. I steered it out before it dropped.”

This behavior is exactly what makes the 2025 Boxer one of the most foil-friendly single-strut kites we’ve flown. When things go wrong mid-transition or during a sudden wind shift, you have a split-second to correct—and this kite gives it to you.

 

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Aaron’s Foiling Take: Why the Boxer Fits His Riding Style

Aaron’s no stranger to foiling in light, sketchy wind—the kind of conditions most kiters write off as “not worth rigging.” But those are exactly the days where the right kite can either let you fly... or leave you floating.

“I’m not out here foiling in 20 knots. I’m riding in barely-there conditions—days where you need the kite to sit back, drift with you, and still give you something when you need to pop up or reset.”

And that’s exactly where the 2025 Naish Boxer shines. For riders who want a kite that can sit in the pocket, drift down the line, and stay light on the bar, the Boxer checks every box.

Designed for Lightwind Flow, Not Just Raw Power

Unlike traditional freeride or boosting kites, the Boxer isn’t built to yank you around. It’s designed to hover with you, match your line, and respond gently—without stalling out or needing constant correction.

Aaron described it as:

“It’s not just about power. It’s about that feeling where you’re not fighting the kite. It’s with you. It’s floating in the right place.”

This makes it ideal for:

• Lightwind foil sessions
  

• Surf-style downwinders
  

• Beginner foil riders learning transitions
  

• Riders who hate being overpowered or losing tension in the lines
  

A Kite That Supports (Not Distracts From) Your Foiling

In Aaron’s words, the Boxer gets out of your way—a trait that’s especially valuable for advanced riders fine-tuning footwork, stance, or carving angles on a foil.

“I don’t want to think about the kite when I’m riding. I want to think about the water, the line I’m drawing. And this lets me do that.”

If you’re searching for a foil kite that matches your riding rhythm instead of controlling it, the 2025 Naish Boxer is one of the few that truly delivers.

 

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Who Is the 2025 Naish Boxer For?

The beauty of the 2025 Naish Boxer is how it adapts to different riders—not just in skill level, but in style. Whether you’re still figuring out how to stay up on foil or chasing technical downwinders, this kite offers a rare combination of drift, lift, and stability that’s hard to find in other single-strut designs.

Here’s who this kite is especially well-suited for:

Foil Riders in Light Wind Conditions

If you’re regularly heading out in under 12 knots—and especially if you’re foiling—you need a kite that stays in the air, responds quickly, and doesn’t overfly or stall. The Boxer delivers on all fronts.

Best for:

• Foilers who ride sub-10 knot sessions
  

• Riders who want a kite that “floats” through transitions
  

• Anyone seeking a foil kite with excellent drift control

Surf Kiters Who Prioritize Drift

Wave riders need a kite that disappears in the background—not one that pulls you off your line or whips ahead of the pocket. The Boxer’s low-latency drift and balanced pressure make it one of the few single-strut kites that can keep up when the swell takes over.

Best for:

• Surf-style kiters who want to focus on the wave, not the kite
  

• Downwind riders looking for consistent slack-line drift
  

• Lightwind wave conditions where precision matters

New Foilers & Progressing Riders

Learning to foil comes with enough challenges. You don’t want your kite to be one of them. The Boxer’s stability, gentle relaunch, and forgiving stall behavior make it an ideal choice for newer riders who want to get up and stay up.

Best for:

• Riders new to hydrofoiling
  

• Lesson students who want a predictable, responsive kite
  

• Intermediate kiters working on jibes, tacks, or transitions

Experienced Riders Who Don’t Want to Fight the Kite

Even advanced riders can benefit from a kite that stays out of the way. If you’re dialing in technical maneuvers or want to ride with a minimalist feel, the Boxer’s low bar pressure and intuitive response give you space to think, move, and flow.

No matter where you are in your journey, the 2025 Naish Boxer meets you with just the right balance of control, drift, and lightwind reliability—making it one of the most versatile single-strut foil kites on the market today.

 

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Tuning & Control Bar Feedback: What You Need to Know

The 2025 Naish Boxer might be one of the most “plug-and-play” foil kites on the market—but as Aaron’s tests show, understanding how your bar interacts with this kite can unlock even more performance.

During his lightwind stall tests, Aaron used a standard setup with no tweaks or mods. That was intentional. He wanted to see how the kite behaved right out of the bag, on a properly tuned bar.

“No funny business. Just a perfectly tuned bar—and the kite did exactly what it was supposed to.”

Why Back Line Tension Matters on the Boxer

One standout insight from testing is that the Boxer likes a little back line pressure. If you ride with the bar completely sheeted out and zero tension in the steering lines, the kite starts to lose its responsiveness.

But that’s not a flaw—it’s a feature that’s consistent with performance foil kites that are designed to drift. In fact, the Boxer thrives when there’s just enough line tension to keep it engaged.

Takeaway:

To get the most out of the 2025 Naish Boxer, ride with the bar slightly in—not over-sheeted, just engaged. This maintains steering and keeps the kite balanced in the window.

Bar Setup Recommendations

• Bar Width: A standard control bar works great for the 9m Boxer. If you’re flying smaller sizes, consider a shorter bar for finer control.
  

• Line Length: 20–22 meter lines are ideal for foiling. They offer fast response without sacrificing too much drift.
  

• Tuning Tip: Make sure your bar is evenly tuned and your front lines aren’t stretched—imbalance here will throw off the Boxer’s natural stall resistance and drift behavior.

What This Means for Real Riders

Whether you’re just starting out or dialing in high-level transitions, a properly tuned bar means:

• No surprise stalls
  

• More consistent drift
  

• Easier recovery during awkward maneuvers

If you're already riding a foil, you know the margin for error is small. The Boxer helps you stay in the zone—but only if your setup is clean and balanced.

 

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Should You Buy the 2025 Naish Boxer? Our Take at Elite Watersports

After multiple sessions, lesson testing, stall drills, and lightwind foiling days, we can confidently say the 2025 Naish Boxer delivers where it counts—especially for riders who demand stability, drift, and intuitive control when the wind is barely there.

This isn’t just a one-size-fits-all kite. It’s a carefully refined tool that serves a specific type of rider incredibly well.

Here’s When the Boxer Makes Perfect Sense:

• You’re foiling in under 12 knots and need a kite that stays in the air and responds without micromanagement
  

• You value drift and slack-line performance, especially for downwinders, carving, or surf-style sessions
  

• You’re progressing on foil and want something stable enough to learn on, yet advanced enough to grow with
  

• You hate relaunch frustration and want a single-strut kite that’s simple to fly and hard to stall

When It Might Not Be the Right Fit:

• You’re looking for a boosting kite to send in 25+ knots
  

• You spend most of your time on a twin tip or in powered freestyle
  

• You prefer heavy bar feedback or ultra-aggressive turning

What We Like Most About It:

• The balance of lift and drift is rare in a kite this user-friendly
  

• It’s ready to fly out of the bag—no complex tuning required
  

• The recovery from stalls and front-loads is outstanding for lightwind foiling
  

• It gives newer foilers the confidence to stay up—and gives advanced riders the space to flow

At Elite Watersports, we’ve flown every Boxer version since its release. And this one? It feels like the version they were always aiming for.

Whether you're just stepping into foiling or you’ve already logged dozens of downwind runs, the 2025 Boxer gives you the control and confidence to ride your way—even when the wind says otherwise.

 

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Common Rider Questions About the 2025 Naish Boxer

Wondering if the Boxer is the right kite for your setup, style, or skill level? Below are answers to some of the most common questions we get from riders considering the 2025 Naish Boxer for foiling, lightwind riding, and surf sessions.

Is the 2025 Naish Boxer good for beginners?

Yes—especially for beginner foilers.
The Boxer’s stability, smooth power delivery, and resistance to sudden stalls make it a great choice for riders learning to foil or getting into kiting in lighter wind. Its easy relaunch and predictable handling reduce the learning curve and help newer riders progress faster with fewer surprises.

What size Naish Boxer should I use for foiling?

It depends on your weight, board size, and local wind range, but most foil riders prefer:

• 9m for lightwind riding (8–15 knots)
  

• 7m for medium-light wind or smaller riders
  

• 5m for high-wind foil or wave sessions

If you’re foiling in 9–12 knots consistently, the 9m Boxer is the go-to size for most average-weight riders.

Can I use the Boxer with a twin tip?

Yes, but with limitations.
The Boxer can fly a twin tip in moderate wind, especially if you’re using a larger size like the 12m or 14m. But it’s not designed for high-powered freestyle or big boosting. If your primary goal is lightwind twin tip cruising or learning the basics, it’ll work. For more aggressive riding, you’ll want something with more structure and lift.

How does the Naish Boxer handle in gusty conditions?

The 2025 Boxer’s ability to recover from front and back stalls gives it an edge in gusty or unstable wind. It doesn’t get twitchy when depowered and has just enough bar feedback to help you manage those quick shifts in pressure.

Is the Boxer good for downwind foiling?

Absolutely—it’s one of the best kites for that purpose.
Downwind foilers need a kite that drifts naturally, doesn’t overfly, and stays flying on slack lines. That’s exactly where the Boxer excels. It backs up into the window, responds gently when needed, and won’t yank you off your line mid-run.

Does the 2025 Boxer relaunch easily?

 Thanks to its lightweight single-strut design and high canopy profile, the Boxer relaunches well—even in low wind. You don’t need a perfect setup or aggressive tug to get it moving again. For foil riders in 8–10 knots, that’s a critical detail.

 

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Try the 2025 Naish Boxer at Elite Watersports

If the 2025 Naish Boxer sounds like the kind of kite that fits your style, the best way to find out is to fly it for yourself. At Elite Watersports in St. Pete, we have demo kites available, and our team has flown this model extensively in a range of real-world conditions—lessons, foiling, downwinders, and lightwind surf sessions.

Whether you’re just getting into foiling or you’re chasing more efficient sessions in marginal wind, we’ll help you figure out:

• What size Boxer is right for your local wind range
  

• How it compares to other lightwind or single-strut kites
  

• How to set it up for optimal drift, lift, or low-end performance

Ready to ride?

Book a demo or talk to our team about sizing, setup, or trade-ins
Browse the 2025 Naish Boxer

No fluff. No pressure. Just real feedback, real riding, and gear that’s tested by foilers who fly in the same wind you do.