Everything you need to know about flying on ocean swells
Downwind SUP Foil Guide
Unlock the ultimate open-ocean experience with our Downwind SUP Foil Guide. From selecting high-aspect gear to mastering the art of connecting bumps, we provide the expert insights you need to harness the swell and glide for miles.
Will you be able to downwind foil?
This area of the foiling frontier has so many people excited . Flying on ocean swells be it 'groundswell' or short range wind fetch swell is similar to why the snowboarder craves to ride off piste mountain snow .The wind and water conditions and your own fitness will be under intense scrutiny.
When it comes to selecting a SUP foil downwind setup, the key to success is finding the right balance between speed and stability. While a slow foil may be helpful for developing the necessary skills to link up bumps, it can be frustrating to paddle up and may not be suitable for those who want to progress quickly.
Choosing the Right Downwind Setup
That's why I recommend considering bigger front wing foils paired with faster, narrower boards. While this setup may require more skill to handle, it can help you paddle up easier and spend more time on the foil, ultimately helping you master the art of downwinding faster.
One standout option for a bigger front wing foil is the Axis 1300. It has a high aspect ratio, making it fairly efficient, yet it still has a great low end and a huge range. This means you can ride it at both slow and decent speeds.
In addition to the front wing, the tail wing is also crucial. You'll want something with enough area for stability, but not too thick to impede speed. For example, the Axis 450ish progressive tail wing is a great choice.
Lastly, the mast length is also important. While a longer mast may provide more stability, it can be harder to paddle up due to added drag. On the other hand, a shorter mast may be too easy to breach in the learning period. Therefore, a 75cm mast length is a great sweet spot to aim for.
Overall, if you want to progress quickly in your downwinding skills, a bigger front wing foil paired with a faster, narrower board can help you achieve that. It may take more skill to handle, but with practice, you'll be able to surf the link-ups and ride with ease.
Eventually once you have acquired all the skills to foil efficiently Downwinding can be achieved , although the bigger the wing the more support is achieved with your pumping to stay airborne. This means increased wingspan and wing volume will enable longer easier pumping. This should be factored into your initial FOIL purchase or at least check bigger / high aspect wings are available with your chosen foil brand. The new higher aspect wings are great for catching and also chasing down swell with speed , however they are not accessible to the beginner who is better off with a lower aspect low speed hydrofoil front wing to start with.
What is a Mid-Length Wing Board?
Mid-length foil boards merge the strengths of traditional wingfoiling boards with the longer, narrower designs of downwind foiling boards that have become increasingly popular. These mid-length boards capitalise on the advantages of both types: they offer the early lift and speed of downwind boards while maintaining some of the manoeuvrability and performance of classic wing foil boards.
Recently, there's been a trend of using downwind-oriented boards as 'light wind' options, enabling riders to get out in marginal conditions. The longer, narrower profile of these boards minimises surface drag compared to standard wing foil boards, which means you can lift off onto the foil more quickly, similar to what you experience with a downwind board.
Mid-length boards are shorter and have less volume compared to traditional downwind boards, making them less boxy and more responsive. While they offer slightly less stability than pure downwind boards, they provide a more connected feel once on the foil. This design gives you the performance benefits of a conventional wing board but with the advantage of earlier release typically associated with downwind boards. Additionally, most mid-length boards come equipped with foot straps, which are often missing on downwind-specific boards.
Why Opt for a Mid-Length Board?
Mid-length boards enable you to get up to speed and onto the foil sooner, which translates to more time on the foil during gusty or light wind conditions. This increased foiling time can help you progress to smaller foils more quickly, regardless of wind conditions. The added length and reduced width of these boards also allow you to catch waves earlier, enhancing your overall experience by giving you more opportunities to ride waves and have fun. Plus, their versatility makes them a great choice for those looking to try prone foiling or tackle less-than-ideal conditions.
Ready to take flight?
Explore our range of foil equipment, or speak with our foiling specialists for personalised setup advice.
