How to Build Your Parawing Setup | One Wing or a Full Quiver?
Parawinging is really starting to take off, but it's still new territory in the foiling world and there aren't many resources to help you choose the right parawing yet. Tucker and Jeff have had the luxury of using the shop's gear to dial in their ideal quivers and have also started to get feedback from customers, and now they're ready to share what worked as they got a feel for parawinging and what they moved to as they progressed.
Size Range
Parawings can be found anywhere from 1.5m on up to 5.5m, though that's still evolving and it probably won't be long before we see them up to 7m. Most commonly you're going to find them in 2.5m to 5.5m though, and that'll cover the wind range for beginner to intermediate riders of average weight.
Your First Parawing
There are a few factors to look at when you're choosing your first parawing. Are you new to winging or have you been foiling for a while now and want to add a parafoil to your quiver? Are you a heavier or lighter rider? What sorts of winds do you typically get? Do you only go out on perfect days, or do you want to ride every day? Do you mainly downwind, or will you need to ride upwind as you do laps around your local spot? Do you like to size down your board and foil?
A lot of companies have done initial parawing releases in the 3m - 4m range, with a few 5m wings available as well. This is because most early adopters have been experienced wingers who ride in ideal 18 - 30 knot conditions. That's a fun range where you can really get some performance out of your foil, and 3m - 5m parawings work great for these, with the larger sizes letting you size down on your foil and board. They're not tiny wings or light wind specific; they're that middle ground where most people are. With limited development time in this first generation, that's the smart place for designers to focus.
If you're a newer foiler, you'll want to make sure you're adequately powered and on the right board and foil. Unless you can afford multiple wings, you're going to have to be a bit picky about when you choose to go out since parawings don't have quite the wind range that wings do, and if you're over or underpowered, it's going to be frustrating and exhausting. Tucker is around 95 kilos / 205 lb, and a 4m or 5m parawing would be right for him to learn on. Jeff weighs a bit less than that, so a 4m would be right for him most of the time since he's going to get blown off his board with a larger parawing.
Choosing Your Quiver
If your conditions are typically 15-25 knots, then a 4m and a 5m would be a good quiver. If you get closer to 25-35 knots, then a 3m and 4m would be better. But again, this varies based on your gear and your weight, so if you can, talk to someone with some experience who has a setup similar to yours, or who knows a lot of riders and what worked for them, like the crew at a shop.
While parawings, like kiteboarding foil kites, have a lot of punch for their size, they're not particularly grunty. You won't be able to pull and go. Their power shines as you get moving and start building apparent wind. It compounds quickly, and you can actually start to get overpowered. But on the other hand, if it's gusty you'll want to be sure you have enough power to get through the lulls. You'll need to be much more intentional about which size parawing you choose than you are when choosing a wing with its more forgiving wind range.
If you're coming from the kiting world, you may be used to a quiver of 3 or more kites to cover days from blasting wind to gentle breezes. Parawinging is intended for riding waves since you can stash it away and ride hands-free, so you'll generally only take it out when the wind and swell are up. That means you'll probably only need two or even one size to cover those sessions.
Parawinging is really about having the right tool for the session and conditions. If it's lighter wind, Tucker and Jeff still love grabbing a wing. Chaotic days are also a blast with a wing. It's a better, more controllable tool for those sorts of days. But then there are the days where it's sideshore and rolling downwind for miles with consistent wind, or you're able to make some long, surfy runs in the same location, and a parawing is perfect for that. The sense of freedom you get from packing the parawing away and just surfing is amazing. Of course, parawinging is still in its infancy and there's no telling where future designs will find their place, but for now it's a surf-centered sport.
Whether you're mainly downwinding or riding laps will make a difference in sizing your parawing. On a downwinder, you want a parawing that will handle a variety of conditions and not leave you stranded if the wind ticks down a bit and you wipe out. You may be on a smaller foil and board because you've got great swell. You'll need a larger parawing, 4m or 5m for that. You may be a bit overpowered if the wind picks up, but as soon as you're up on foil you'll tuck the parawing away.
Now, if you're staying in one spot, you'll need to be able to ride upwind, and that's not especially feasible on a larger parawing. For that, stick to 4m parawings and under. When you're learning to use a parawing, you may need a bit larger foil and board, as well as perfect conditions, but once you've developed your skills, you'll have a blast.
Parawing Sizing Checklist
A lot of factors go into selecting the right size parawing, and we do recommend reaching out to us to talk through your goals, but here's a general list to give you an idea of where you might fall with your sizing needs:
Are you new? Size up, but not so much you're overpowered.
Are you heavier? Size up.
Do you get strong, consistent winds? Size down.
Do you want to ride more often? Get two parawings to cover your wind range.
Do you like to ride small foils and boards? Size up.
Do you like to downwind and may face changing conditions during your run? Size up.
Do you need to ride upwind? Size down.
Parawinging can be a game-changer for anyone who loves to foil in the waves, and it's well worth making sure you're on the right gear to make the most of your session.
2025 F-One Plume K-Wing On-Water Review | Between a Kite and a Wing Place?
Tucker's back with a review for the 2025 F-One Plume. It's a... well, he's not quite sure what to call it. It's essentially a small, strutless kite with a handle attached directly to the bridles. It flies much like a parawing, but with its inflated leading edge, it is also similar to a wing. We'll call it a "K-Wing", or maybe just the "Plume" since this hybrid kite-wing is unique.
Regardless of what it is, the real question is whether it works. Why would you want this over a wing or a parawing? Let's take a closer look at the features of the wing and then at Tucker's experience riding it to see if it has any advantage over other options.
Plume Features
The Plume has a surf handle on the leading edge, much like you'd find on a wing, but not a parawing since you'd stow a parawing to surf. The Plume is totally depowered when you're holding on to that handle, and it's also a handy place to hang on to it when you're getting ready.
Under that handle is the leash attachment point. The leash runs through the bar and acts almost like a fifth line on a kite to flag it out and kill the power. You can attach the leash to your wrist or harness, but you do need to use it since if you let go, the Plume will tumble away with the wind.
Tucker's Plume was still a prototype and everything is subject to finalization, but the one he had used two valves. The inflation valve was a nipple-style one-way valve that you could even use with just a hand pump. The leading edge has quite a small diameter and doesn't take much air. You can certainly use a kite pump, but it'll be full in about five pumps. If you want to keep your kit slim, don't be afraid to stick a smaller pump in there. Since the inflation valve is one-way, there is also a dump valve, and that works well to quickly deflate the leading edge.
The bridles are quite simple and look like a kite's bridles. The bar connects directly to these, and it feels similar to flying a parawing, but is a bit easier to maneuver. The bar is color-coded with orange being up or forward, and the safety line through that is red. You can connect a harness to it, and that works great when riding upwind or powered up.
Who's It For?
Because the Plume is easier to fly than a parawing, it may be a good choice for those new to the sport who want to get into parawing. Because it's inflated, if you drop it on the water, relaunch is going to be as easy as moving your wrist up. It's rounded and will pivot up and off the water without becoming waterlogged the way a parawing can. The bridle is also simpler than a parawing's and it won't invert and get tangled up. You'll get a feel for parawing without the hassles that can come with it.
The Plume might also be attractive to people who want to travel, or for anyone who goes on a downwinder where conditions are expected to change. Although you'll need a bit more power for a given wing size, you'll have a wider wind range for that size as compared to a parawing. A 4m Plume can be flown in as little as 20 knots but is very comfortable to fly in 25-30 knots without feeling overpowered. You can get upwind with it and you won't feel overpowered or get yanked.
For travelers, that means you can pack fewer sizes and have yourself covered for the expected wind. With no struts and a single simple bar, it packs down smaller than a wing. If space is an issue, this could be a good choice.
If you're doing a downwinder and won't be able to come in and grab a different size if conditions change, you should still feel comfortable on the size you have with you. If you anticipate a major shift in conditions during your run, you could even tuck a small pump and another size into a pouch, but you won't need to pack a second size as often as you would with a parawing.
While you can't pack the Plume away without deflating it, it does surf well with the leading edge handle. It flattens out and doesn't pull in any direction the way a wing can.
Tucker's Review
Tucker was impressed with the Plume's upper end range. It was smooth and comfortable, even in bumpy wind. He felt like it would be a great recreational tool for cruising flat inland lakes, though it was certainly capable in the waves and on downwinders as well.
He found that, as an experienced winger and parawinger, the Plume was very intuitive. He hopped on and took right off for a rip and had a lot of fun without needing an adjustment period. It's an odd bird for sure, but it could be a really nice option for the right rider and Tucker was glad to see F-One willing to take a risk and think outside the box when developing the Plume.
2025 KT Ginxu Super K Review | Why This Isn't Last Year's Board
Mid-length, or "midi" boards, have gained a lot of traction in the past couple years. They're versatile and often make a great second board for progressing foilers. The KT Ginxu Super K was released last year, and it was one of Tucker and Jeff's favorites. So how does the 2025 model stack up? Has anything changed?
Actually, yeah. Pretty much everything has changed, other than its classification as a mid-length board. It's a great board for the right rider, but if you loved the 2024 model and are looking at picking up the 2025, you'll want to be aware of what's new and whether it's still a good fit for you.
New Shape
The concept for the Super K has been completely reimagined. For example, the 70L for 2025 is shorter, narrower, and thicker. The step bottom is gone, which is a good thing for Foil Drive users, and it has a bulbous nose and no cutout in the back. The 2024 70L was 5'11 x 20.5", where the 2025 70L is 5'8 x 19.5", and the difference is noticeable on the water.
If you stick with the same volume, you'll notice that the 2025 feels smaller and less stable. However, it does just fine getting up to speed thanks to its bottom shape. You've got less space for your feet, especially since the pad doesn't go to the edges, but Jeff had no trouble finding the sweet spot. It's so well-balanced and lightweight that once he was up on foil it felt like the board disappeared underfoot, so the smaller deck wasn't an issue.
Who's It For?
Jeff felt very confident recommending the 2024 70L Super K to intermediate riders looking for a one-board quiver. It was stable with just enough forgiveness. This year, he'd have them size up. The 2025 70L requires you to be more dialed in with your stance and is better suited for advanced riders. It still planes well and gets up on foil quite easily, but you'll need a bit more skill to stay balanced.
You may also wish to size up if you ride in light wind a lot. Although the volume is still there, it's mainly in the thickness rather than the length or width. Your weight in Kg plus 15 or 20 will be about right on the 2025 Super K if you'd like a crossover light wind, downwind, and wing board. So long as you size up, the Super K is still a great do-it-all board.
However, if you're an advanced rider who likes to rip in waves and ride aggressively, you may actually want to size down from what you rode last year. The extra thickness makes the board a bit corky in the water, and you'll want to be able to lower your center of gravity by having the board sit a little lower in the water. The board has an efficient shape and rocker line and will have no trouble planing and getting you up on foil.
Other sports can have a lot of fun with the Super K as well. The 70-90L range are great boards for parawinging. Boards 70L and under will be perfect for Foil Driving, especially now that the step is gone from the bottom and signal-friendly . There isn't a lot you can't do on a Super K as long as you choose the right size.
Other Changes
The marbled graphic uses less paint, helping reduce the weight of the board, and it does feel a bit lighter than last year's. It's also got a new dual density construction with a lightweight core and high density outer shell. This is great for helping prevent dings and keeping it from absorbing water if you do ding it. It adds a nice stiffness to the board, and because it's not flexing as much, the lifespan of the carbon is going to be extended.
The shape is also very true to spec because the blank is now blown into a mold. It's a great innovation that means every board consistently meets the designer's vision. It also results in less waste, which is a huge plus since as a group we tend to care about being as eco-friendly as possible. It's a faster production as well, so we're getting a higher-quality board at a price that's more affordable than comparable boards.
Design Features
The track is very well-placed. Jeff normally rides a bit forward of center, but he had his mast right about in the center on this one. It's long enough to accommodate riders and foils that like to ride further forward or back. If you like more board in front of your feet, or you like to have less board swing, you'll be able to do that.
The rocker line is part of why this board is so fast and gets you up on foil. It's got a low entry rocker that blends into a double concave, finally flattening out into the track area and finishing with a bit of kick in the tail to help it release and rock up onto foil. There is plenty of tail behind the track box to get you the leverage you need. It's clear that KT is a surf shaper with that sort of attention to the curves and blending the rocker line into something so fast and efficient. This makes the larger sizes great for light wind and the smaller sizes great for ripping waves.
Summary
If you want to size down your foil and rip waves, the Super K is going to allow you to get up on foil with a smaller wing. That's the magic of the midi size: it's a longer board over 5'5 that'll give you the efficiency you need, but it's also narrower to reduce drag and give you more speed.
When the midi shape was first introduced, they were considered a one-board quiver that could do anything. Now we're starting to see these evolve and specialize. You can still buy the right size Super K for that one-board quiver for the intermediate rider, but now some sizes are geared toward advanced riders who want more performance with the advantages of a midi board. Just make sure you pay attention to your stance and how much leverage you'll want over your foil since you do have increasingly limited real estate for your feet as you size down.
As long as you understand that this is not the same board as last year's model and adjust your sizing accordingly, you'll still find it to be an extremely enjoyable board. For high-end riders with the budget for it, there's also a Pro Carbon version that's even lighter and stiffer than this one, but most riders will be more than happy with the construction of the standard carbon version.
Light Wind Kiteboarding Magic? The Reedin WhisperModel Might Be the Answer
Jeff from MACkite had a chance to meet up with Kevin Langeree of Reedin in Cape Town, South Africa. Aside from the beautiful weather and scenery, Jeff was there to get an early look at the WhisperModel, Reedin's new light wind kite. Although the wind isn't usually lacking at the Cape, Kevin recognized that this isn't the case in many places and felt that was a problem he could solve. The WhisperModel was developed with Damien Girardin and Ralf Groesel of Brainchild and is a kite for people with limited session time to get out even when there's only 10 knots of wind.
Manufacturing the WhisperModel at Brainchild's facilities means the kite can take advantage of the same technologies and sustainability that the HyperModel already enjoys. Light but strong Proweld seams and digital printing are two ways Kevin was able to get the kite's weight down to the bare minimum without sacrificing quality.
Flying Characteristics
A lot of riders aren't a fan of big kites and would rather skip the light days because they tend to turn like a truck and really limit what you can do. The WhisperModel is different; it handles more like a 9m, and when you jump, it goes straight up. It depowers when you need to. You're likely to drop your kite in light wind, and the WhisperModel sheds water and relaunches effortlessly. Yes, you are actually allowed to have fun while riding in light wind now! In fact, the design is so successful that it will be replacing the SuperModel Light Wind kite. The SuperModel will still be available up to 12m, and then the WhisperModel will fill in with 13m, 15m, and 17m sizes.
Jeff's especially excited to try the WhisperModel because he's been riding the SuperModel LW all winter and it was a favorite. A lot of MACkite's customers live in areas prone to light wind, so a big kite that is as fast and responsive as a smaller kite would be a great fit for many of them. Most light wind kites sink at the edge of the wind window, but the WhisperModel maintains its height. Although it's not made to kiteloop, it'll downloop for transitions and jumps. It's user-friendly and works for any level rider.
On a 15m, an 80kg (180lb) rider can get up in as little as 5 or 6 knots on a 133 KevPro. A very skilled rider can even get up with a 153 Big E in just 3.9 knots. Now, anything under 9 or 10 knots is going to take a lot of skill, but the WhisperModel gives you the confidence to go for it, and the more you ride, the faster you'll develop the skills to get out in lighter and lighter winds.
Design Characteristics
The WhisperModel has a swept wingtip and battens to reduce flutter. That and the pulleyless bridles give the kite instant response, contributing to the feel of a much smaller kite. The outside lines have three settings for the steering pressure. Most people will be comfortable with the medium setting, but you can go lighter or heavier if you prefer.
The color is reminiscent of the ocean on a calm day, making it a perfect fit for a light wind kite. It's got three struts, which keeps the kite light while still providing enough structure to take advantage of every puff of wind. It also helps the kite turn and be well-suited to a variety of disciplines.
Who's It For?
If you're looking for a kite that will get you out in the lightest wind possible, the WhisperModel may be a great option. The three sizes are more for riders of different weights rather than different wind speeds, so choose the one that fits you. A 15m is good for the average-sized rider of 80kg (180lb), so if you're much more or less than that, choose one of the other sizes.
Summary
While the WhisperModel will go up in just a whisper of breeze, there wasn't even that when Jeff and Kevin headed to the beach to film. Still, Jeff pumped up anyway. It's a high-quality kite that should last many, many sessions in spite of its lightweight construction, and he wanted to be ready to take it for a test drive the minute the wind picked up. Jeff has largely switched to winging, so his excitement about a kite speaks volumes about its potential.
Hot New Releases: MACkite Brand Parawing & Mystic Majestic Ex Custom Harness
MACwing v.5 Beta
Single Skin Single Use
Jake and Ryan from MACkiteboarding unveiled an exciting new product in their latest video: the all-new MACkite Parawing, a lightweight, ultra-packable wing designed for simplicity, portability, and fun. This innovative release marks MACkite’s first foray into branded gear, developed in response to shifts in the industry such as rising prices, potential tariffs, and a growing trend toward direct-to-consumer models. Their goal was to deliver a product that balances accessibility, creativity, and value—all while offering a new twist on wing design.
What Is the Majestic Ex Custom Harness?
For the 2025 season we're super excited to introduce the all-new Mystic Majestic Ex Harness. Building off the highly successful Artist Series, the new Majestic Ex now allows for a fully customizable shell design, specifically for your Ex. Understanding that stuff happens--"you ride too much", "why do you have a second phone", "you marched on the capital"--Mystic now allows you to immortalize that "one that got away". They might not still be in your life in like a dating or married way, but they can still be with you every session, when it really matters.
How Do I Customize My Harness?
The customization process is super easy - simply submit your favorite photo through the Mystic portal, and their team will get to work. Understanding that this is an extension of their brand, Mystic's team of Photoshop professionals will make sure your ex truly looks fire, a 10/10. Who knows; you might just find yourself falling in love all over again. Sublimated on a stiff carbon shell (because obviously), these harnesses are specifically designed to accommodate only the largest 320mm (that's 12 American inches) spreader bar because that was definitely not a factor. You can expect your harness to arrive in 4-6 weeks, knowing you'll soon be the talk of your local spot, your friends, your ex and her family, and maybe the police. At Mystic, it calls. Not your ex though, that's definitely over.
Code Foils 1250R, with Josh Ku and James Casey | Training, Gliding, and Light Wind Downwinding
Introduction: The Rise of the 1250R
The Code Foils 1250R is the latest and largest addition to Code’s high aspect "R Series" front wings. At 1250 cm², 1275 mm span, and with a 13 aspect ratio, this foil is engineered to combine impressive glide, sustained speed, and exceptional upwind pumping efficiency. Designed with versatility in mind, it’s ideal for light wind downwinding, cross-training, flatwater fitness sessions, and endless laps in the surf zone.
In this detailed breakdown, team riders Josh Ku and James Casey dive into how and why the 1250R has quickly become a go-to training and exploration foil. Whether you’re a seasoned downwinder, a dock-start obsessive, or simply want more from your sessions, the insights shared here are a masterclass in making the most of your gear and conditions.
Specs at a Glance
Surface Area: 1250 cm² (193 in²)
Span: 1275 mm
Aspect Ratio: 13
Series: R Series (High Aspect)
Training Insights: Why the 1250R Stands Out
Built for Momentum and Glide
“The beauty of this foil to me is the glide and momentum it carries. Once it has speed, it holds it.”
Maintains momentum even in light conditions
Glides effortlessly across long distances
Excellent for pumping exercises due to lower required cadence
James Casey compares it to “longboarding” on foil — less about aggressive turns, more about smooth, sustained travel.
Cardio Training Without Leaving the Water
Many athletes turn to biking or running for cardio, but for watermen like Casey:
The 1250R makes endurance training on the water enjoyable
Works in both aerobic and anaerobic zones
Ideal for those who prefer ocean sessions over land workouts
“I'd rather do a foil training loop in 7 knots than run around a lake.”
Upwind & Downwind Mastery
The Long Reef Loop Training Session
James regularly performs a unique training loop in light northeast winds:
Start: Paddle upwind from Lagoon at Long Reef
Midpoint: Pump to Butter Box
Finish: Downwind glide back to Dee Why (DY)
Performance Highlights:
Speed while pumping: ~16–17 km/h average
Peak speed: ~27–30 km/h on swells
Heart Rate: ~170 bpm upwind / ~120 bpm downwind
“I do two and a half loops for around 10–12 km per session.”
Key Comparisons: 1250R vs. 1540S
Feature
1250R
1540S
Glide
Superior
Moderate
Lift
Moderate
Higher
Turning
Moderate
More responsive
Best for
Ocean runs, light wind
Bay runs, tight bumps
Paddle Up Ease
Slightly harder
Easier
Pump Efficiency
Better once up
Easier entry, harder to sustain
“If I’m doing a light wind bay run, I’ll use the 1540S. But for ocean runs, the 1250R wins.”
Equipment Setup & Tuning Preferences
Mast, Fuselage & Tail Combinations
Mast: 75 cm Plus
Ideal for light wind and efficient pumping
Occasionally uses 80 cm in messier, faster conditions
Fuselage: Long
Favored for upwind pumping and flatwater training
More efficient with less cadence
Tail Wing Options:
142AR (shimmed -0.5) – more common choice
151R – used in the featured training session
Light Wind Downwinding Techniques
Pro Tips for Maximizing the 1250R in Light Conditions
Be Patient
Don’t chase every bump; let the foil do the work
Work the Angles
Cut across swell at sharp angles (hard left/right) for longer glides
Use Troughs Strategically
Pivot and stall in troughs to reset and glide longer
Slow is Smooth
Discover the foil’s true low-end by easing off the pump
“Do less, and you will feel more. The foil tells you when it's gliding or climbing.”
Pumping Tips
Don’t overwork — the 1250R rewards finesse, not brute force
Use 30-second pump intervals, then ride energy bumps
Flatwater pumping becomes much more accessible with the 1250R
Training Strategy: Heart Rate Zones & Endurance
James shares how his sessions include both cardio peaks and recovery:
170 bpm when pumping hard upwind
120 bpm when gliding downwind
Excellent for interval training and cardio base-building
“It’s a workout, but the fun kind.”
Key Takeaways
1250R = Glide Monster: Incredible carry and efficiency once up and riding
Perfect Cross-Trainer: Allows for long, sustained, low-cadence workouts
Versatile Tool: Equally at home on flatwater, small surf, or light ocean bumps
Light Wind Hero: Opens up conditions others can’t ride
Preferred for Training: Makes foil-based cardio both effective and enjoyable
Final Thoughts: The Daily Driver
The Code Foils 1250R isn’t just a niche wing — for many advanced riders, it’s become a daily driver. Whether you're chasing personal bests, putting in cardio work, or just enjoying glide-heavy surf zones, this foil provides a stable platform for serious fun and fitness.
“It’s the foil that’s in my car every day and I use it five to six times a week.”
Whether you're dock starting, SUP foiling, or training for your next Hawaii run, this wing is built to go the distance — and help you enjoy every meter of it.
Mid-length foilboards are rapidly growing in popularity and could soon dominate the market, especially as a second board for your quiver. F-One has responded with three offerings in the category, each with a distinct appeal. Jeff and Tucker were able to get their hands on the pre-production models and take them for a spin, and now they're ready to share some early insights on what each one does and who it's for.
What Is Mid-Length?
Mid-length is a rather broad term that can apply to a variety of boards, but generally they're boards that are longer and narrower than a typical foilboard of similar volume. They're often very efficient at planing and building speed to get up on foil. They offer a lot of performance and even some crossover potential, making some of them candidates for a one-board quiver.
Rocket Surf Prone
The Rocket Surf Prone is a little narrower, thinner, and has a lower volume than the others. It's the high-performance ripper of the bunch and, not surprisingly, requires a higher level of expertise for winging or parawinging. However, for prone surfing or Foil Driving, it's actually the easier option, short of getting into a more wing-specific board.
It's essentially a surf shape, but is elongated for more efficiency, easier paddling, and better front-to-back stability. Because of its length, you can ride a smaller foil when proning. Depending on your skillset, you could cross over to winging with this board. It's a little narrow at 18", but its 5'8" length has some performance benefits to get you up to speed, even at only 57L. It feels more like a 65-70L board for getting on foil. In fact, you don't want to pay too much attention to the volume on mid-length boards, as a rule of thumb. The length and planing ability, or bottom shape, are far more important qualities since the amount of flotation doesn't matter once you begin to move. A low entry rocker is super efficient and will get you up on a smaller foil than less efficient boards need.
With this being such a narrow board, Tucker felt the pad could have gone a little closer to the edges. While he had no trouble winging it and found it to be a great ripper in good conditions, if he planned to ride it with a wing regularly, he'd either bump up a size or wax around the edge of the pad so he could use its full width. Of course, it wasn't designed for winging, so that's not really a critique, but more of an observation for those looking to cross over with this board.
The Surf Prone has a somewhat sunken deck but is flat throughout the standing area. The nose has a bit of a bulb to help shed water, and there's a little kick in the tail. The pad, as mentioned, is pretty narrow, and you can wax around it or add a strip of pad if you like a wider stance than the stock pad gives you. For most surf foils, you probably won't need to go that wide, though.
The track box is pretty short, but it should be fine even for Foil Drive unless you're riding a foil that likes to be mounted far forward like the old Armstrong foils, or way back like early release Axis foils used to. Most foils today are designed to be ridden under your back foot, and for those this box is in a nice, neutral position. So don't worry about that and focus on getting the board length that's appropriate for your conditions and the size foil you're on.
A neat touch that comes with F-One boards is a mini-pad to protect the top of the board when you have it face-down for mounting your foil. Just stick it to the highest point forward of the main traction pad, which could be anywhere between the vent plug and the tip of the nose, and no longer will you scuff your board when you're putting it together in the parking lot.
Rocket Wing Crossover
The Rocket Wing Crossover is a crossover board between prone surfing and winging/parafoiling, and you can even SUP on the larger sizes. It's more stable than the Surf Prone and is essentially a Rocket Wing S elongated and is offered in a lot more sizes, especially at the larger end. If you've ridden the Wing S and loved it but wished for a longer version, the Crossover is a no-brainer. If you want a board that can get up in lighter wind but still charge in higher wind and ride waves, you won't find a lot of drawbacks here.
The Wing Crossover could be a one-board quiver for most riders. It's also a good choice for sizing down your current board to gain a lot of performance without sacrificing stability, ease-of-use, and light wind ability. Go ahead and size down 20 or 30 liters on this compared to a normal wing board and you won't give up any low-end performance.
The length is the spec you want to pay the most attention to. It's easy for us to adjust our balance side-to-side, but front-to-back is much harder. If you get the appropriate length for your skills and conditions, the board's length will give you the stability you need. The narrower width will give you efficiency while planing and get your rails out of the way when making a hard turn on foil. The specs on the board the guys have been testing is 5'6" long, 22" wide, and a volume of 80 liters. It's not quite so narrow compared to its length as the other boards, which is what makes it ideal as a crossover board.
The tradeoff for the extra width and stability is that the Wing Crossover won't get up to speed quite as quickly, but if you're coming from a larger board, you're going to feel more at home on a board like this and progress naturally into it. It's a board an intermediate or advanced rider will enjoy with a 1000 to 1400 cm2 foil in knee to head-high waves and 10 - 25 mph wind.
To attest to its crossover abilities, Tucker can take this one board out to wing in light wind or high wind, to do jumps, to ride waves, to parawing, to prone foil, to Foil Drive, and even to kite foil. It is that versatile and, if you choose your size wisely, really can be your one-board quiver.
Rocket Midlength
The Rocket Midlength is the largest in F-One's mid-length range. The one the guys checked out is 6'2" x 20" x 5.75" and has a volume of 95 liters. It's ideal for intermediate+ wing foilers who want to get out in light winds or ride small foils. A couple years ago downwind boards filled that niche, and they do still have their place in winging, but if you want to add some performance to your light wind riding, this shape is ideal. It's been a popular choice for the locals that are ready for their next board and need something to get them through the summer doldrums but still be manageable when the wind picks back up in the fall where a downwind board would be a lot to handle in higher winds and waves.
The Rocket Midlength is at the upper end of what we'd consider a mid-length board; it's almost a small downwind board. But that length gives you the speed and efficiency that you need to ride the smallest wing and foil possible, especially in lighter winds. If this is your goal, choose at least your usual volume since you will be using it to stay afloat until you can build enough power to get on a plane.
Now, if you're not planning to use this board in under 10 knots, then you can size down quite a bit. The only problem is that the boards do get narrower as you lose length, and with the pad not coming out to the edge you may wish to use some wax or extend the pad so you can get more purchase out toward the rails when you're on a wider foil, which is what you'll be on a lot of the time in lighter winds.
If you find yourself sizing down, you might want to take a look at the Rocket Wing Crossover instead. The Rocket Midlength is a super light wind machine and makes a better complement to a main board to get the very most out of those light days, rather than standing alone as a one-board quiver.
One exception would be if you only ride inland lakes and efficiency is your primary need. If you're not ripping turns or jumping and just need something that'll get you moving, then this would be your main board.
Another exception would be for new riders. If you're not going into big waves and charging in wind over 25 knots, this is a great board. It can still handle winds around 18 or 19 knots, and that's going to be the upper limit where a rider that's still learning is going to feel comfortable.
While it can be used as a downwind SUP by those very skilled in that area, this is really a board for winging, and it works well with a parafoil too. Tucker's been out with the Midlength on a parafoil, cruising around and riding waves, and he had fun.
Summary
It's exciting to see what different brands are coming out with in the mid-length range. It's always nice to have more options to find that board that's a great match for your goals out on the water and will maximize your fun. Of course, with more options comes a more difficult decision, so don't hesitate to give us a call to talk through what you want to do and hear what we'd choose in your place.
Slingshot One-Lock System Overview - Gimmick or High Performance?
You've probably heard about Slingshot's toolless One-Lock System by now. You get to the beach, you put your front and back wing sections into the mast, lock it in, and off you go. That sounds amazing, but is it actually a good foil, or are you going to sacrifice quality and customizability for convenience?
Tucker's impressed with Slingshot for tackling some issues that foilers have come to accept as something that comes with the territory, specifically, the challenges that come with using hardware to assemble the components of your foil. Some have tried a one-piece design, but that's hard to travel with and isn't customizable, so it's not a good option for most riders.
But hardware gets lost, it corrodes, and it strips. It needs tools that also get lost and wear out. Slingshot refused to accept that this was a necessary evil and began development on something they hoped would be better. A few years later, we now have the One-Lock System.
One-Lock System
While the concept and execution are simple, there is some clever engineering in the design. The two pieces of the fuselage are wedge-shaped and nest together for a very tight fit the more they are pulled together. Even the mast collar that they fit into is triangular. All this ensures a stiff foil once assembled, yet one that still comes apart with just a little tap and wiggle.
The front and back wings are a monocoque design with the wing integrated into the fuselage. It's perfectly stiff and eliminates two sets of screws right there. These attach to the mast through a collar and lock with a lever. It's extremely fast and it's secure.
That in itself is a huge accomplishment, but Slingshot hasn't forgotten the connection to the board. They developed the Rapid Track System (RTS), which is also toolless once it's set up. The mast pedestal slides into a couple sled pieces that you position wherever you want in the track and tighten down. The mast slides into these, then you lock in the mast with two wing screws that tighten by hand. The wings can be lifted and locked into an orientation parallel to the flow of the water so that any drag is minimal. So there are a total of two screws to tighten in the whole setup, and those are toolless.
As great as all of this is, it only matters if it's a system you'd actually want to ride. Fortunately, Slingshot has years of foil design under its belt, and it's brought that to the table with its mast, front wing, and stabilizer offerings. It's a whole new ecosystem with everything available for it and all interchangeable with one another for a ride that you can customize as your needs and interests evolve.
Front Wings
Kite
The Kite front wing is currently available in three sizes from 755 to 1255 and is the lowest aspect ratio of the wing offerings. As the name implies, it's popular with kite foilers and works great in light wind and freeride. It doesn't need much speed to get on foil and has a surfy, shreddy feel.
Ease
The Ease is available in four sizes from 1250 to 2250 and is a medium to medium-low aspect wing. It bridges the gap between the Kite and the high-aspect Glide wings and is a true all-around wing. You can surf, wake, kite, wing, parawing... whatever you need to do, you can on the Ease.
As the name implies, it's an easy wing to ride, so it's accessible to new foilers. It's got good, but not aggressive, lift and is quite mellow. It's got just a little dihedral, which gives it an intuitive, flowy ride that isn't technical or twitchy. It isn't high-performance, but it's versatile and fun.
Glide
The Glide is an efficient high aspect wing. It comes in four sizes from 725 to 1325 and uses the carbon veil construction, which allows it to be thinner while remaining strong and stiff.
The Glide is the high-performance wing of the One-Lock System and provides the most range. It's ideal for winging, surfing, and downwinding. It's twitchier than the other two wing models, but it pays off in performance.
It's the most expensive of the wings due to its higher level construction, but this gives it the stiffness that the advanced riders who are going to gravitate towards this design want.
Stabilizers
Turbo
The Turbo tail is 180 cm2 and is the smallest of the three tails. It's Tucker's favorite to pair with any of the front wings. It's playful, maneuverable, and pumps well. It's not as stable or locked-in as the other options, so it's best for intermediate and advanced foilers.
Carve
The Carve is 200 cm2 and boosts performance by reducing lift and enhancing tail lock with its winglets. It's great for upwind and unlocks pitch. It's not for everyone, but it's fast.
Verse
The Verse is the most stable and predictable of the tails. If you're just starting your foil journey or prefer a relaxed ride that boosts confidence, this is a great choice. Its 270 cm2 size is enough to boost stability while still allowing you to work on your pumping and turning skills.
This range of stabilizers allows you to mix and match and get a completely different feel from your front wing. With how easy it is to swap out parts, it'll be more tempting than ever to pick up one of each to see how it affects your ride.
Masts
There are three mast constructions, and with a $1000 difference between the most and least expensive, it really comes down to your budget. That said, even the aluminum mast is no slouch on the water and offers a surprising amount of performance for the money. The Carbon and High Modulus Carbon masts feel similar but are increasingly stiffer for high speed riding, so choose the one that offers the performance you need but can still afford.
Each mast comes in a variety of sizes, from 72 - 92 for the carbon masts and 52 - 92 for the aluminum, in 10cm increments. If you ride at varying depths or swap among different disciplines, the aluminum mast has the best range of sizes, and at a price that allows you to buy more than one, though you can invest in the sizes available in carbon if you prefer.
Accessories
There really aren't a lot of accessories for the system because each part comes with everything you need. You get a cover for your front wing, your stabilizer, and your mast. Each front wing includes a replacement One-Lock latch. And the masts include the RTS system to connect to your board's track without tools. Slingshot has done a great job of making sure you have everything you need rather than leaving it up to you to make sure you picked up every little thing.
Tips, Tricks, and Reviews
We've already got some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your One-Lock system, so if you're thinking about picking one of these up or already have, be sure to check those out. After we've logged a few more hours on it, we'll also have a review, though our first impressions have been quite positive. So far the One-Lock System seems to be the real deal and not just a toy for beginners. It's certainly accessible for new riders and packs a lot of tech into a reasonable price point, but it's got options for more demanding riders who are willing to invest in that as well. Stay tuned for more on this intriguing system!
Slingshot's One-Lock system is an interesting new concept in foil assembly with the goal to eliminate the need for tools as you're headed out to ride. Since there's nothing else like it out on the market, Tucker's got some tips and tricks to make sure you're having a smooth experience with your new foil and getting the most performance out of it.
1. Unlocking the Fuselage
By design, the two halves of the fuselage wedge together extremely snugly inside the mast collar. That's great for making sure it's nice and stiff while you're riding, but when it comes time to take it apart so it fits into your car, you might feel like it's gotten stuck. You've undone the release lever, but no matter how you tug, it just won't come apart! Now what?
Fortunately, there is a trick to get the pieces out without damaging them. Just rock the back half of the fuselage up and down. This action will cause it to wiggle free so you can pull it out. From there it's a simple matter to remove the front half. If it doesn't come out smoothly, press down on the front wing and then lift up and it should slide right out.
2. Set Your Line Tension
Having the correct tension in your locking line is critical to getting the best performance out of your One-Lock foil. However, as you use it, the line will stretch a bit and your fuselage won't seat quite as snugly. Fortunately, it's a simple matter to re-tension your line.
Inside the locking lever is a set screw. Turn it counter-clockwise. (You can do this with just a finger, so it's toolless too!) That'll cause the screw to extend and shorten the line. It's possible to go too far so that you can't lock down the lever, so you may need to play with it a bit until you find that sweet spot where it'll lock down nice and tight, but not so tight that you're struggling to lock it.
Eventually, the line will stretch to the point that you can't get a tight fit by adjusting the screw anymore. Then it's time to replace it, which is easy and takes just a couple minutes and an allen wrench. If you don't have a replacement on hand, there is a trick you can use to get back up and running while you're waiting for your replacement to arrive.
Back out the allen screw like you're replacing your line, but after you remove the old line, put a lark's head loop in the end and loop that around the allen screw. Tighten the allen screw back up and then adjust the line length as usual with the set screw in the lever. That lark's head loop will use up just enough line to get it tight enough again and buy you time to get a new line.
It does take many, many cycles of locking and releasing to stretch the line to that point, and some people may never need to replace it, but the replacement lines are inexpensive enough that there's no reason not to just keep one on hand. But if you misplaced yours, this trick will get you by.
3. Keep It Clean
The Slingshot guys did a short video showing that they could still get the One-Lock system apart even packed with sand in it. While impressive, it's still not ideal and will cause undue wear and tear on the parts, so do your best not to get any debris on the locking part of the fuselage or inside the mast collar.
Anyone who's been to a sandy beach knows that's easier said than done, so here is a tip to help with that. Sunscreen is a must for any outdoor activity, but try not to get any on your foil parts. Sand loves to stick to anything greasy and won't wipe off easily. If you can, assemble your foil at your car before you apply your sunscreen and before you step onto the sand. As long as the fuselage and mast collar are clean and dry, you should be able to blow or wipe off any sand before putting it together.
4. Find the Sweet Spot
In its quest for toolless assembly, Slingshot has also released the Rapid Track System (RTS) mast to board assembly. It works great, but it isn't adjustable on the fly. Pick up a set of Click Nuts where all four screws can be adjusted. You can figure out exactly where you like your mast to be and then switch to the Rapid Track System if you want.
The One-Lock system does a great job of eliminating screws to use and lose and does get you on the water even faster. We hope these tips will make your experience that much better.
Waydoo Evo Pro Lite Overview - What You Get for the Price
The Waydoo EVO eFoil is a great, low-key way to get out on the water and experience the sensation of flight. Or if you're looking to learn to take hydrofoiling to the next level, whether behind a boat, a kite, with a wing or parawing, or just in the surf, an eFoil is an easy way to get comfortable riding on foil and build the skills you'll need before adding other elements into the mix.
Of course, an eFoil can be a bit of an investment, and there seem to be so many options on the market, even within a single brand. The EVO comes in four models: the Master Plus, the Max Plus, the Pro Plus, and now the Pro Lite. Each is for a different rider, so Eli from MACkite is going to go over the EVO Pro Lite so you can see if it's right for you.
Right off the bat, the Pro Lite's price point makes it an attractive option. It's significantly less expensive than the other options. But what's the tradeoff, and is it still a good board? The Pro Lite does scale back on its features, but for someone looking to get out casually or who is just learning and hopes to progress away from eFoil to other hydrofoil disciplines, it may be exactly the right board.
Board
The first hint is in the name: the Pro Lite instead of the Pro Plus. "Pro" tells you which board it is, and those two models use the same board specs, minus the sensors for the Lite. The sensors make the board self-leveling. While that's an interesting feature, most riders will quickly progress beyond needing it, and if you're using your eFoil as a learning tool to get into non-powered foils, you won't want the sensors anyway since they'll slow your progression toward becoming a self-sufficient foiler.
Both the Pro Plus and Lite are 90 liter boards with closed-cell EPP foam. That's a durable material that's ding-resistant and won't absorb water if you do ding it. It's ideal for new riders, families with kids, and anyone who needs to travel to get to water. The size works for all but larger riders. (If you're over 215 lbs, you should look at the Max board.) The Pro Plus is blue, while the Pro Lite is mint green.
Battery
The Pro Lite includes the smaller Powerflight 1800Wh battery, which is still going to give you around 45 minutes to an hour on the water. If you're just learning or want to get out for casual sessions, that's going to be just about right.
Propulsion
The Pro Lite is also paired with the standard 4000W propulsion unit. Unless you will have heavier riders using the board, you'll have plenty of power to get on foil without draining the battery faster than necessary.
Mast
You get the 27" mast included with the Pro Lite. That's the shortest option, and it's the most stable. It's still plenty of height to get the sensation of flight without adding weight and drag for more mast than you may want or need.
Wings
The Glider 1500 wing and Gliding 320 tail are included, which are perfect for new or casual riders. It's a stable pair that will get you on foil at lower speeds and help you build confidence. The wings are glass rather than carbon, but the carbon just adds a little stiffness that most riders won't notice until they're at the advanced level.
Fly Now, Customize Later
The nice thing is that the Pro Lite is completely customizable with all the same parts the other models can use. You can get different wings and masts for it, and you can upgrade your battery and propulsion unit if you ever decide you need to. The Pro Lite is a nice way to get into eFoiling as inexpensively as possible without locking yourself into those specs forever. In the meantime, you're not paying for features you may not ever need. It's a great addition to the lineup and will hopefully enable a lot more people to get out and experience flight on a foil.
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