Wing Foil boards - Starting out

kwalshpc · Since 24 Oct 2014 143 Posts Stoked

I'd like to get some opinions on boards for a beginner wing foiler. I'm using an inflatable 135L and it seems unstable but I have no experience with anything else. Thanks

TommyK · Since 18 May 2015 48 Posts

Don't waste time trying to get back to the beach where you started

Pump the hand wing and point a bit off the wind....
She will stabilize and soon you will get to the next phase where the vessel will feel "stuck" on the water !

Enjoy the journey !

kitebot · Since 20 Feb 2007 251 Posts Obsessed

A 135L inflatable should be plenty for learning, and if it's not at the moment, it will become so with more time on the water.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 427 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1487 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

If you are 200 pounds or less - 135 L is more than enough.
Inflatable boards are less stable because they have rounded edges. They are also less efficient when trying to accelerate and get up on foil. Soft boards absorb energy instead of transferring to the foil. Round edges don't track straight and true. Learning to wing on an inflatable board makes a hard sport even more difficult.

General rule for first board = your weight in KiloGrams +40.
200 lbs = 90 kg. 90 + 40 = 130 liters.

If you're young, athletic, and have prior foiling experience or windsurfing - you can go 10-20 liters smaller.

If you're old, out of shape, and no prior foiling experience - good luck.

shred_da_gorge · Thu Jul 21, 22 7:59 pm

My bet is if you stick with the learning curve through the challenge of a floppy board, you'll be that much better when you right-size to a 'hard' board. I'm 185# learning on a 127l crossover (SUP/windfoil/wing) with a 1750 and I suspect the 130l inflatable is plenty for you, but I also haven't heard what size front wing you're on. You've probably already heard you want a large and stable front wing to learn on, generally appropriate for your size (weight).

Brian H · Since 08 Aug 2015 54 Posts

I’m learning on a 135 liter JP Australia inflatable which has hard edges on the back of the board . This thing is awesome for learning, so easy to climb up on and taxi on my knees for a couple days learning to handle the wing then on my 3rd day with 15 kts and a 5m I was up flying and I had no problems with the board releasing from the water . So I think a good inflatable make a difference. I’m 61 yr old and 145lb

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2026 Posts Windward

If you're old, out of shape, and no prior foiling experience - good luck.

WHAA? Shocked

kwalshpc · Since 24 Oct 2014 143 Posts Stoked

Ok - I'm old, 66, weigh 210, have windsurf experience.

Good advice all around - thanks. I think I stay with what I have for the time being, beat through and then get something more appropriate.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 427 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

kitebot · Since 20 Feb 2007 251 Posts Obsessed

Yep at your weight I'd stick with that board and don't hesitate to go out in some solid wind. It will become much more stable as soon as it starts moving in the water.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2611 Posts The 503 METAL

I learned (sort of) on my Sunova 8' SUP foil board 144L. I say "sort of" because it was so easy to get up on foil my first session. Now I am finding a groove with my new 110L.

When I first got the SUP foil for surfing I struggled, but after learning to wing on it, I took it out in the waves and did much better surf foiling it.

Something to consider....

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1853 Posts XTreme Poster

Whatever gear you use try to go a lot. I’m seeing folks learn from just about every background. The common denominator being, “go every chance you get.”

With that you’ll get it.

Period

The fact that you took the time and effort to learn to windsurf says it all—not easy and gotta be committed to it.

Eric