FOIL SPORTS

Foiling waves and swell with the wind by paddling on (standing up): Foil and SUP and or Surfing experience required.

Down Wing Foiling: DW. So, what is Down Wind Foiling? Why the hype and why is so much focus on this foiling sport?

Down Wind Foiling is riding a board and foil in open waters on the energy of the wind waves and swell.

Imaging flying just above the water surface on lake or ocean swell with the wind on your back. Flying almost endlessly down waves and along rolling swell. Like snowboarding or skiing in powder on an almost endless run where the mountain slope is moving with you. No crowed line ups, find your ocean and you have the freedom to ride, fly, surf and glide….

Those that start and master this sport soon become addicted. DW foiling is the ultimate waterman sport drawing on all your water sport skills. It rates as the purest form of board foiling sports. DW Foiling is growing rapidly around the world and almost every leading foil brand is embracing this. Designing, testing and developing boards and foils to offer everyone the opportunity to ride and fly on the open water energy.

Starting out?
The following is a brief guide to put you on the right track. Have a look over this and then contact us for guidance on specific equipment

Skills
You will need some skills. These are the ideal skills to have before you begin your DW journey. Confident swimmer and water person. Wave riding and foiling experience. Fitness and determination.

Equipment
You need a suitable board and foil. Depending on whether you choose to SUP: Stand Up Paddle or use a Wing or a Foil Drive to get up on foil, will determine what size board and foil you need.
The purest form is SUP DW. Board volumes in litres need to be your body weight in kg plus 30% and up to 50%. e.g. if you are a confident water person with all the previous skills required and weigh 85kg then a board volume of minimum 110L would suit. If you have minimal skill a board of 125L plus is recommended. The bigger the board the easier it is to balance and paddle efficiently enough to get on foil. See our rider weight board volume chart to assist with this.
Foils need to be fast and great for glide. Higher Aspect Ratios in the HA 8.0 ++ and Foil Surface Areas 1000cm2 ++
If you choose to use a Wing, then you can use any size board you are already confident on. Your foil will need to be fast and great for glide so you can keep up with the speed of the swell.
If you choose to use Foil Drive, then you can use any size board you are already confident on. Your foil will need to be fast and great for glide so you can keep up with the speed of the swell.
From here it all gets rider and equipment specific, so it is best to contact us to discuss your individual equipment needs.