How do I find the right foil for my needs?
We do not want to leave you alone with this question and have summarized the most important aspects of foil selection for you.
You are still not sure? Then simply contact Alex for a personal product consultation by mail:
Frontwing
How big should my frontwing be?
The area
One of the most important factors in foil selection is the area.
In general, foils over 1500 cm² are well suited for beginners. Of course, the choice specifically always depends on many factors such as body weight. These foils generate enough lift to lift the board out of the water even at low speeds and at the same time provide the greatest possible stability.
With increasing riding skills, the desire for a smaller foil becomes greater. A smaller surface area goes hand in hand with lower resistance and therefore also with higher speed. Foils of 1000 - 1500 cm², however, require more attention from the surfer. If you master the pumping technique well, you will get into foiling almost as fast as with the larger alternatives. The higher speed lets you fly through wind holes easily.
Advanced surfers and experts should additionally take a look at foils with less than 1000 cm ² of area. They require a high level of riding skill and allow spectacular speeds.
Aspect ratio
An equally important point as the area is the span and the associated profile.
The English term "aspect ratio" describes nothing more than the ratio of the span to the area. By and large, "Low - Mid Aspect" foils have a thick and deep profile with a lot of surface area at a small wingspan. They fly stable and turn easily. They also generate a lot of lift and help you take off at low speeds and with little wind.
"High Aspect" - Foils are thinner and have a large wingspan. They are very efficient and glide better through wind holes. You need a little more speed to take off and they require more feeling when foiling. In return, you achieve a higher final and average speed.
The aspect ratio also influences the turning radius. For the same area, an HA-foil turns with a wider radius than an LA-foil.
The stabilizer (backwing)
The backwing plays almost as important a role as the frontwing. It influences the overall behavior of the foil. Simply changing the backwing with the same frontwing can provide a big performance boost.
A large stabilizer with a lot of surface area is important for beginners. It provides a lot of lift and stability.
On the other hand, a smaller, stretched backwing provides less drag, more speed, tighter turns and improved maneuverability.
Fuselages
The fuselage refers to the connection of the two wings to the mast.
Just like a larger or smaller backwing, the length of the fuselage also influences the handling quite significantly.
In general, the longer the fuselage, the more stable the foil flies. A short fuselage with less than 70 cm makes the foil more agile and maneuverable. Therefore, a long fuselage is recommended in the beginning to get into the sport as easily as possible.
The mast
With many manufacturers you have the choice between aluminum and Carbon masts.
aluminum masts are more robust against external influences and much cheaper to buy. This makes them well suited for beginners. The Carbon alternatives are lighter, still a bit stiffer and therefore perfect for anyone who wants to get the most out of their equipment.
The right mast length:
It is more comfortable to learn to wing foil with a short mast, as you will fall from a low height if you fall. However, you also have little time to react to avoid a fall. Ideal for a beginner is a mast with about 60-75 cm. In shallow waters, a short mast is of course essential.
This is opposed by a long mast, with which you have greater leverage and can perform more radical maneuvers without the foil coming out of the water.
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The right foil for everyone:
