Wing foiling is a fast-growing sport, and the choice of board is a key factor in making rapid progress and enjoying the thrill of the flight. With so many different models on the market, it can be difficult to know which board to choose, depending on your level, weight and goals. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of finding the ideal board to start, progress and perform in wing foil.
1. Why choose the right wing foil board?
Your board plays an essential role in :
- Stability and balance: The bigger the board, the more stable it is.
- Ease of take-off: A large surface area makes it easier to stand up.
- Handling: A compact board will be faster and more responsive.
The wrong board can slow your progress and give you a bad feeling. That’s why it’s essential to understand the characteristics of each type of board before you buy.
2. Criteria for choosing a wing foil board.
Volume: an essential criterion.
The volume of the board (expressed in litres) plays a key role in stability and ease of navigation.
- Beginners: 30 to 40 litres more volume than the rider’s weight. (Example: an 80kg rider would choose a 110-120L board).
- Intermediate: Volume equivalent to the rider’s weight. (Example: 80 L for 80 kg).
- Advanced: Smaller board for greater responsiveness (60-70% of the rider’s weight).
💡 Tip:
The bigger the board, the more forgiving it is of mistakes, but it also becomes less manoeuvrable once in the air.
The length and width of the board
- Long board (> 5’5): More stable but less manoeuvrable.
- Short board (< 5’0): More responsive and faster for freestyle and wave riding.
- Wide (> 65 cm): Greater stability for beginners.
- Narrow (< 60 cm): More control and speed for experienced riders.
3 The different types of wing foil boards
There are several types of board to suit the level and sailing style of each rider.
The large board (110-140 L) for beginners
💨 Ideal for: Beginner riders and those who want to learn quickly.
✅ Maximum stability for easy learning.
✅ Easy to stand up and find your balance.
❌ Less manoeuvrable once in the air.
💡 O ur advice:
Choose a board with good lift and a flat deck for maximum comfort.
The compact board (-80 L) for experts
💨 Ideal for: Freestyle, waves and carving.
✅ Lightweight and dynamic for ultra-responsive navigation.
✅ Better performance for jumping and turning quickly.
❌ Less buoyancy, requires a good level of technique.
💡 O ur advice:
Choose a board with a hollow deck and thin rails for maximum control.
💨 Ideal for: Freestyle, waves and carving.
✅ Lightweight and dynamic for ultra-responsive navigation.
✅ Better performance for jumping and turning quickly.
❌ Less buoyancy, requires a good level of technique.
💡 O ur advice:
Choose a board with a hollow deck and thin rails for maximum control
.
Downwind boards: the new wing foil trend.
Downwind boards are a new and fast-growing category in wing foil. Inspired by downwind stand-up paddle boards, they are longer, narrower and offer exceptional glide even in light winds.
💨 Ideal for:
- Maximising speed and efficiency in foil.
- Sailing in light winds.
- Cover longer distances with less effort.
🎯 Main features:
- Greater length (6’0 and +) for better glide before take-off.
- Narrow profile reduces drag and makes it easier to get up to speed.
- Ultra-fast take-off, even with a small wing.
💡 O ur advice:
A downwind board is perfect for intermediate and experienced riders who want to optimise their riding in light winds or explore new spots over long distances. 🌊🚀
4. rigid or inflatable board: which to choose?
The advantages and disadvantages of rigid boards
✅ Better energy transmission.
✅ More responsiveness and performance.
❌ More cumbersome to transport.
The advantages and disadvantages of inflatable boards
✅ Easy to transport and store.
✅ Less risk of injury in the event of a fall.
❌ Less feel and stiffness when sailing.
💡 O ur advice:
An inflatable board may be a good choice for beginners or travellers, but a rigid board will offer more performance.
5 Conclusion: Find the board that’s right for you!
The choice of a wing foil board depends on several criteria:
- ✔️ Your level (beginner, intermediate, expert).
- ✔️ Your weight (appropriate volume for good stability).
- ✔️ Your sailing style (freeride, freestyle, wave).
🔥 Tip:
Come and spend a session with our instructors and test with Akila before investing! 🚀 They’ll be able to guide you and help you choose the equipment that’s perfectly suited to your level and your desires 😉
Ready to take flight with the perfect board? 🌊🚀
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