BORD
Wingsurf boards resemble SUP, prone, and windsurfing boards. Instead of a fin, there are mounting tracks for a foil. Standard boards range from 40-100L, while beginner boards range from 120-160L. Boards are made in hard and inflatable versions.
Size
The primary function of the board is to float the surfer enough to enable lift and takeoff. The smaller the board, the more challenging it is to climb on. On the other hand, a small board is agile and easier to maneuver in the air.
Generally, the goal is to use the smallest board possible. In strong winds, an experienced practitioner can easily get up on a negative-liter board. However, returning to shore on a sinker can be difficult when the wind dies down, and in unstable winds, a board that can support the surfer’s weight and gear is a good choice. For example, an 85L board is a comfortable all-around board for a 75kg person.
However, a beginner needs a larger board. The recommended size for the first few times is their weight plus 40-60L. Wing handling can also be practiced on a large windsurf board equipped with daggerboard. Practicing on a regular SUP board without daggerboard is not recommended since it will only drift downwind in practice.
Foil Mounting
Almost all manufacturers use a dual-track system for foil mounting, where there are two parallel tracks 90mm apart on the bottom. Mounting nuts run along the tracks, to which the foil’s top plate is screwed.
Footstraps
Since the foil creates very little resistance, transferring the force generated by the wing to the board through the body and legs requires very little force. That is why using footstraps in wing surfing is not necessary.
Especially for beginners, it is not recommended to use footstraps during the first few times because if you fall, you can get stuck in the footstraps and your foot can twist. It is also easier to find a suitable position on the board when the straps are not in the way.
However, if freestyle jumps and tricks are of interest, footstraps are necessary. Many people find that they provide support and control even in calm surfing.
Types of Boards
For the time being, boards are very similar to each other. Learning the basics is easier with large boards, while freestyle tricks, jumping, and riding are more precise and agile on small boards. A large person’s “freestyle” board may be a small person’s “normal” board.
Perhaps the most noticeable difference is in the construction, which may not necessarily affect the purpose of use. Some boards are traditional hand-laminated hard boards around a foam core, while others are inflatable boards resembling small SUP boards.
Inflatable boards withstand impacts better than hard boards, making them ideal for travel. When empty, the board can fit into a carrying backpack, which many airlines classify as a regular checked bag.
The advantage of a hard board is easier and more precise shaping, making it possible to create different curvatures and cuts. Inflatable boards are simple in shape but still fully functional. With hard boards, the feel for the foil is usually more precise due to the structure.
The choice of board also depends on the size and shape of the foil. Large foils can carry almost walking speed, so the board does not require special sliding characteristics. Inflatable and wide boards work well with large foils.
If, on the other hand, the goal is to ride with the smallest possible foil, the board must glide and plane well to achieve sufficient initial speed. Small and thin foil wings require more speed to generate the same lift as large and thick wings.
RENTAL
Are you a beginner or considering your next purchases?
Beginners need a large board and a foil. Some, especially those coming from other surfing disciplines, may only need these larger beginner equipment only a few times. Renting can be a good choice.
Surfing is faster with smaller, lighter equipment. Are you considering, for example, how small a front wing you can fly with, or how much more agile a foil becomes with a smaller rear wing?
