Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 21 i Foiling Magazine

What’s up Ernesto! So tell us where you are as we speak… Hello! I'm just back from taking part in races all around Italy, and right now I’m relaxing with my family and my friends before leaving for the world cup in China! So how did your journey into wingfoiling first begin? I was a windsurfer from when I was five years old, but three years ago I saw wingfoiling for the first time and it immediately captured my attention. So I decided to try it and immediately fell in love with it. The thing that I really love about wingfoiling is that you can fly on the water at pretty high speeds without hearing any kind of noise and that you are able to go out in the water…

Matteo, how did this concept first begin and what was the reasoning for creating the event? In a phone conversation with RRD founder, Roberto Ricci, he mentioned he had a new project in mind for young wingfoilers. I thought it was a good idea and continued to discuss some ideas with him. In a pretty short amount of time we came up with the RRD Young Wings. We wanted to create a cool and friendly platform where kids can connect with each other, be coached by professionals, learn how to promote themselves and also get in contact with the RRD company and the marketing crew. For the first year we decided to organize three events on Lake Garda, where the riders are invited and have the opportunity to showcase their…

RIDER FLORIAN SCHARSCHER WEAPON CORE HALO PRO SIZES 4M & 5 M RIDER HEIGHT 183CM RIDER WEIGHT 85KG I have been riding the Halo Pro for a year. I started out on the CORE XC wing, which is a more forgiving wing with a see-through window built in. It has more flexibility in the frame and canopy and absorbs wind gusts in a gentler way. On the other hand, the Halo Pro is more direct and powerful, therefore feedback in your hands is greater. Weighing less, it flies earlier and allows for ultra precise steering and maneuvers. The boom on the Halo Pro gives me more freedom and confidence in critical situations. I look for either simplicity or performance in a wing. In critical conditions I like to have the…

DATE SATURDAY JULY 6TH, 2024 I arrived in Gran Canaria a few days before the GWA Big Air World Championships and went straight to Pozo to watch a bit of the Windsurf World Cup that was also happening on the island at the same time. When I got to the beach, I bumped into Philip Mackenbrock from NeilPryde, and we were both surprised to see each other there. We’ve done many photoshoots together before and the outcome has always been really good, so we spontaneously decided to go for a session the next morning, in order to create some wing content in Pozo while the light was good, and the crowd hadn’t yet turned out. It was also a nice opportunity to get some images of the new NP Firefly…

The new X-Winger Pro board is packed with innovative design details, making it more versatile with a superior and smoother feeling. This board is longer and narrower than the previous version, but most importantly, looks far more efficient. This X-Winger has long track boxes offering a wide tuning range for the foil, which is really useful when you ride with differing foil brands to ensure maximum performance. The tracks are embedded in high-density blocks running from deck to bottom, ensuring an extremely stable construction. This board also features a full high-density PVC sandwich on both the deck and bottom, providing a ratio of stiffness and low weight, along with Innegra rail reinforcements. This board is made for both intermediate and advanced riders and would be the perfect choice if you’re…

When we undertake the tough job of testing all this gear for you, it usually begins with an email informing us that the gear is en route for evaluation. Typically, we are aware of the brand and model, so we have a sense of what to expect and the conditions suited for the equipment. However, this time was different. The email simply stated, “pick up this board, it is a light wind wingfoil board”. We anticipated a boring, standard, large and high-volume board; nothing particularly exciting to be honest. The big surprise came when we saw the shape of the boardbag! As shown in the picture alongside this text, the Reedin Feather LW has an unconventional shape for a wingfoil board, which immediately piqued our interest… Upon unzipping the boardbag…

The mid-length revolution is well underway in the wingboard market and is starting to trickle over to the prone foil segment as the benefits of longer / narrower boards for all foilers across all disciplines (not just downwind SUP foilers) become ever increasingly apparent. I mean, who doesn’t want to get on foil with less effort, be it with a wing in lighter wind, prone to foil mushy waves or of course for the new Assist world. Not one to stop with innovation, Appletree’s progressive Skipper line, targeted at riders looking to push their riding in all conditions, joins the mid-length movement with the addition of the Apple Skipper Downwind Prone. Overlapping slightly with the Skipper wing range when it comes to volume, the Skipper downwind prone is a more…

After a good stretch of windy and relatively wavy days of testing here in southern Europe, the Medusa Pro line up by SABFoil has left me with the impression of it having set new standards in the foil industry. It is that good. These wings are designed for advanced riders seeking high-performance gear capable of excelling in various wind conditions. The Medusa Pro line is marked by its high aspect ratio design, which offers a refined blend of speed, stability, and control, catering to the entire range of foil sports. Riding them, and it’s the unique blend of speed, versatility, and accessibility for a wide range of riders that got me so excited and enthused about these products. At first, I must admit that I was a bit skeptical to…

Impact vest design has come on a long way over the last few years with new sports presenting potential pointy carbon problems. The Collision Vest is a prime example of putting the slimline protection over the critical regions of spine and ribs, and then fusing these panels with areas of excellent flex in between to ensure the vest doesn’t inhibit your movement. Getting into it is as easy as sliding on your dad’s roomy wedding waistcoat, and the zipper carriage is cleverly hidden in a pocket that is secured by a popper for an extra clean frontage, preventing it jamming into your board and causing potential discomfort when climbing on. Another neat feature is a screen-printed rubberized strip which runs along the waistline – it’s a well-tailored vest in this…

First Uli, please give us an overview of why you use ultra-high modulus carbon fiber, and what the benefits are to the rider… Ultra-high modulus fiber allows us to design a mast with the lowest hydrodynamic drag to handle the highest loads for its size/cross-section. A standard modulus mast with the same stiffness values would need a thicker profile and, hence, increased drag. A stiffer mast gives the rider a more direct steering impulse, so when you lean into a turn or give a steering impulse, the mast will respond quicker. This allows the rider to be more radical and technical in their maneuvers, make sharper turns and accelerate faster. It also provides greater top-end speed and more low-end. Does the HM carbon allow you more design freedom in terms…

The Nomad comes in two different constructions, Active Carbon and Carbon Plus. Can you tell us about these constructions, and what tech is involved? The Carbon Plus construction features a full carbon sandwich construction on both the top and the bottom of the board. This technology features a glass layer around the lightweight core, fusing the high-density foam layer on the top and bottom of the board. This is then finished with a full carbon layer, top and bottom. Our biaxial carbon fiber has been optimized to ensure the best combination of responsiveness, strength, and weight reduction. The Active Carbon construction features a full carbon deck with carbon reinforcing around the foil section on the bottom deck. There is a lightweight wood sandwich top deck, which creates an extremely strong…

This board is built as a real all-rounder, right? What disciplines are its biggest strengths? Indeed, the Midlength does like mixing it up. The concept is to have a shape where the ratio of length (glide and displacement) to width (stability) allows it to easily switch between winging and prone surf foiling. Its greatest strength lies not necessarily in the number of foiling disciplines it caters to, but rather how it goes about doing it. You get really incredible glide for a given volume out of the Midlength, which means you can ride a lower volume board, which means it’s more responsive and maneuverable, which all equals more fun. Less slogging, more ripping. If you want to see a great example of the Midlength’s versatility, watch The Home of Armstrong…

It’s a super interesting name…Please tell us what KūNalu means. The name KūNalu has a history with SIC, dating back to 2005 when shaper Mark Raaphorst introduced his first hollow paddleboard, the KuNalu. It is aptly reborn in the modern era of downwind SUP foiling. "Nalu" means wave, and "Ku" has several meanings, one of which is to stand or rise up, symbolizing the act of rising above the water. How have you seen the emerging downwind scene affect board design over the last year? Over the past year, SUP downwinding has significantly impacted wing-foil board designs, sparking innovations in volume distribution, rocker profiles, and tail shapes to enhance stability and performance in choppy conditions. The emergence of new mid-length foil board shapes seeks to blend the benefits of downwind…

Hi John. We loved the film. Where was it filmed and how was your experience in making it? Thank you! It was filmed at Ettalong and Umina Beach on the Central Coast, New South Wales. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this short film for Fliteboard. Having no experience with media or advertising in the past, I found the idea quite daunting, however the filming itself was a blast. It was so much fun being encouraged to tell my story and to be filmed "living the life of John". What was it like working with Beau? Beau’s eye for detail and patient directions helped make it a wonderful experience I will never forget. Beau is incredibly talented, he made me feel comfortable and I thoroughly enjoyed the process.…

THE LOWDOWN Dakhla Lassarga is the link between the Atlantic Ocean and lagoon. The unique location means riders have benefits from the windy lagoon and magic waves ocean side. Experts to beginners have the versatility to choose the conditions they want to experience and this desert oasis is only 25 minutes from Dakhla town and airport. FOILING SET UP Ocean Vagabond’s Surf Camp is located right on the beach, offering rentals, tuition and an onsite bar and restaurant. The huge beach is ideal for launching and a safety boat service runs from 10am to 7pm. Eco lodges and simple beach accommodation with fabulous sea views are just meters away from the water; a perfect nature retreat. Lassarga is, undoubtedly, one of the best foiling waves in the world! The wave…

THE LOWDOWN Viana do Castelo is the perfect spot for everyone who wants to disconnect with nature and sports. It is a charming village, surround by nature, with great gastronomy and good wines. Its strong ties with river and sea have turned Viana do Castelo into a nautical city with a huge natural, cultural and archaeological heritage. If you're a wingfoiler, Viana do Castelo, in particular the Cabedelo Beach is the perfect option. Great weather, great wind conditions, approximately three hours’ flight time from most of Europe, a whole lot of culture and many other activities to enjoy at FeelViana. FOILING SET UP The Cabedelo Beach has extraordinary natural features for foiling that make it the perfect spot for all levels of rider. The beach has three distinct areas: one,…

THE LOWDOWN Saint Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, located in the eastern Caribbean, is an exciting new destination for foilers. Conveniently situated just five minutes from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), the resort offers a mile-long stretch of beach with trade winds that almost guarantee 15-25 knots during the season. The wind blows consistently side-onshore, making entry and exit easy at the resort’s Surf Shack. A protective reef breaks the surf, allowing beginners to maintain balance while learning, while a channel provides a path for more experienced riders to venture beyond the reef barrier. The area boasts consistent swells that create a sensation of coasting while letting go of the wing, a feature particularly appreciated by advanced riders. Experienced wingfoilers are on hand to offer assistance, whether with tips…

So Phil, how did this idea first come about for you? It’s something I’ve wanted to do for several years now, as typically there are some very strong westerlies that blow in from the North Sea and provide some huge swells onto the west coast of Sweden. The initial idea was centered around waiting for one of these storms and departing from Skagen (tip of Denmark) downwind to Sweden. Covid restrictions were a set-back and since then it’s been very tough to find a time window in my schedule. In the end, we picked a date with our new partners Ocean Crusaders and decided to deal with whatever conditions came on the day and it ended up being an easterly! You compete for SailGP. How does your experience and expertise…

So Chris, how did this first come about and what was your reaction when you first got the invite? You must have been very proud. When that invitation came through, it was a real surprise. Imagine getting an email that suddenly puts you on the world stage. I was absolutely thrilled! I immediately shared the news with the whole team, and the excitement was palpable. Everyone was all in to proudly represent PWR-Foil. It was a real recognition of our work. What do the logistics look like when you’re preparing for something so high profile as this? Nothing is left to chance for an event of this scale! As soon as we said "yes," the collective brain went into overdrive. We had to think of everything: which board to showcase…

Ride with people who inspire you. Don’t be afraid to be the most novice foiler in the lineup, as being a beginner is a fresh memory even for the most experienced foilers, and they are excited to see new foilers getting hooked on the sport. There is so much to learn from the people around you who may be a step or ten ahead. I remember when I was first learning how to prone foil and my friend was getting his first 2-for-1s. I was so motivated to learn how to connect waves, and I progressed towards that goal much faster than I would have if that inspiration wasn't present. Go out in a variety of conditions. Going out in a variety of conditions is one of the quickest ways…

The GWA Wingfoil World Tour shifted up a gear with back-to-back events in July in the Canaries, Spain. First up was the one-stop Big Air Wingfoil World Championships on Gran Canaria. It was the second edition of the battle for the Big Air title. For 2024, the competition debuted at Salinas de Tenefé, which delivered the big winds essential for Big Air. The US’s Chris MacDonald, 18, landed his first Big Air world title with a series of huge tricks never seen before in competition. Spain’s Nia Suardiaz, still 17, matched the American’s feat to get her own Big Air crown. Barely a week later on neighbouring Fuerteventura, at Playa de Sotavento, it was time for the second stop in FreeFly-Slalom and the third in Surf-Freestyle. Six days of intense…

Wearing a baseball cap for high-impact water sports activities has always been a risky business. One wrong move or a close-out set and you’re swimming after it; it’s probably been condemned to Neptune’s locker. The folically challenged have been rocking them for years to prevent burning their shiny domes, even here in the northern hemisphere, and for those that suffer in a more tropical high-UV environment they’ve been a mainstay. Keeping the sun off one’s noggin and preventing squinting into the horizon for set waves is a must. Various floating hats have come to market, which generally means they are on the bulky side. Personally, I’ve always preferred minimalism in water sports accessories, and this is where this little number from Solite slides into the picture, now available in two…

Foiling has been a catalyst to develop some innovative products over the last five years, but it’s fair to say we’ve seen most brands align somewhat in their product ranges. Starboard are bucking that trend with the Ace Air Foil and in this instance thinking well and truly out of the box. Two sizes are available with a 120L 7’8 and 100L 6’10. The versatility of a downwind board cross-discipline is undeniable, but the main negative is their enormous length. No one really wants to travel with a 7ft plus board. Airlines generally don’t appreciate them and they won’t fit in a normal size car without irritating any passengers. Making one from inflatable SUP technology is almost a no brainer, and with Starboard’s long lineage in this medium it’s a…

Armstrong have definitely always sat proudly in the premium sector when it comes to foils, with a built-to-a-design-and-specification rather than a price-point mantra that’s kept their high-end all-carbon offerings absolutely cutting edge over the last few years. This year heralds their first delve into the entry level and they’ve produced their first alloy mast and fuselage system to lure first timers on a budget over from low-cost rivals, and perhaps allow existing riders on their ecosystem to pick up a budget mast for family to learn on or justify that short mast they couldn’t quite squeeze into the balance sheet. The mandatory complete backward compatibility and modularity is here with the hexagonal front wing connection sporting the same three vertical bolt and horizontal bolt-and-barrel nut configuration as its carbon brethren.…

The ALA then… Can you first tell us what the name means? ALA means "wing" in Italian, which is quite fitting, don’t you think? We wanted a name that was elegant and straightforward, and it’s always nice to add a touch of Italian flair. It perfectly represents what the product is all about and gives a nod to our heritage. Nice! Simple and effective. So who’s behind the ALA’s development and give us a little background to their experience… Our wing development is a collaborative effort between our engineers and athletes. We worked closely with Giulio Gasperini and Luca Muccioli, two riders with different weights, ages (sorry, Luca!), and riding styles. Our goal was to create the lightest wing on the market with excellent forward pull for easy starts and…

Hi Fabien. We have new incarnations of the Pocket and the Tiny, and then some brand-new models with the Super Yaka, the Flying Saucer, the Zeppelin and the Rocket. First up, kudos to whoever works on the names, we love them… Hi team, thanks! I spent many hours in the shaping room and at the beach with our team to develop the most extensive Tabou foilboard range to this day. All the names usually come up, while working on new board models and some are quite obvious right from the beginning. The Rocket has been one of the most legendary windsurfing boards for decades and we wanted to transfer its easy-to-use freeride performance to wingfoiling, so the name Rocket was almost mandatory. Understandable. Let’s first talk about the existing models,…

Hey team. You’re calling the Pace the perfect all-rounder wing. Tell us why it ticks all the boxes for riders… The Pace is an ultra-light, versatile, and easy to ride wing, suitable for every riding style. Due to its sharp profile, the Pace offers exceptional upwind performance. At the same time, the extreme light construction of the wing enhances its downwind capabilities, making riding the perfect waves possible even in the lightest breeze. The Pace delivers smooth and effortless maneuvers, and long lofty jumps, making it a perfect choice for every rider, regardless if you are cruising around Lake Garda, or catching waves in Mauritius. The Pace features the “PROWELD” tech on the leading edge, rather than traditional stitching. What are the pluses, on using this? The PROWELD technology has…

AGE 17 HEIGHT 5’5 AGE HEIGHT WEIGHT 136LBS SPONSORS ELEVEIGHT, A3D.SPORTS COMPETITIVE FOIL DISCIPLINES FREESTYLE, WAVE, SLALOM BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE GERMAN CHAMPION FREESTYLE U19 2024; 4TH MEN’S CATEGORY GERMAN CHAMPIONSHIP Hey Josh, you’re based in Fehmarn, Germany. How have the conditions been up there lately? Yes, correct. Fehmarn is a little island in almost the most northerly point in Germany. Which means that we get the most wind compared to every other spot in Germany, so the conditions haven’t been too bad lately. I have had a lot of good freestyle and wave training sessions for the past month, at my favorite spot on the Island, called ‘Altenteil’. There we get wind from the left and side-shore which is perfect for some steep ramps as I’m regular footed, not goofy. During the German…

Recently my life has been a whirlwind with training, testing, and dealing with the massive logistics of racing between three different islands, with their three distinct landscapes and cultures. Shuttles, flights, hotels, gear transport, escort boats, radios, EPIRBS for me is one thing, then you multiply that by 200 athletes. None of the races started and finished anywhere near each other, even on the same island. Originally, the Paddle Imua, M2M and M2O were three separate events, but since hundreds of foil athletes began traveling to Hawaii from all over the world for the events, the organisers teamed up and planned the three events back-to-back, thus creating the Koa Kai Triple Crown, awarding the fastest athletes participating in all three events. The finishers' times were used to calculate the winners:…

CAN YOU SUMMARIZE WHAT YOU DO? Global Foil Expeditions (Foil-X) is an international tow foil adventure company specialising in all-inclusive luxury foiling vacations at destinations around the world. Our team of jet ski pilots pride themselves in providing the highest level of service to our guests in and out of the water. The ride of your life is waiting for you and we have made it our goal to turn your day dreams into dream days. WHERE ARE YOU BASED AND WHEN WERE YOU ESTABLISHED? Foil-X was established in 2019, although our founders have been operating all-inclusive surfing and fishing vacations since 2002 in Central America. Tow foiling became a natural evolution of our program after years of tow surfing and jet ski water patrol safety for professional surf competitions.…

THE LOWDOWN ION CLUB Karpathos invites you to explore the island’s premier windsurfing and wingfoiling spots, with the latter being a sport they pioneered here. Karpathos is a top destination for wingfoiling enthusiasts, thanks to its reliable winds and stunning turquoise waters. The island offers three distinct wingfoiling locations, catering to all skill levels—from beginners to seasoned riders. Beyond the water, Karpathos provides an authentic Greek island experience, complete with charming villages, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant culture. The lively atmosphere at our center, complemented by the social hub of Anemos restaurant, adds to the experience. With Karpathos Airport just a short distance away, you can enjoy one last session before checking in and heading home—an ideal conclusion to your holiday. FOILING SET UP Whether visitors are beginners or advanced…

WATCH NOW Hey Josh. Great film! Tell us, what did you guys think about the Blue Highway project when it was first pitched to you? Thanks Cai. To be honest, when I first heard of this idea from Jack Ho, I wanted to be involved not just behind the scenes but in the film doing the crossing myself. Downwind foiling is a huge passion of mine and this maiden crossing of the Foil Drive across the Moloka’i channel sounded like an amazing plan. Tell us about your setup out there, and what difference it made having the Foil Drive system on there… So I used the same setup James Casey used to win the Moloka’i to Oahu Race back in 2023. The Code Foils 860R foil with 120R tail, Medium…

I received a phone call from the guys at GA/Tabou HQ tasking us with the mission of shooting the all-new 2025 Tabou wing board range. We assembled the team and headed over to the Isle of Wight to meet Ross Williams and JC. We arrived on the island and the boys sent us a location to head to. We turned up to a busy touristy beach but the conditions looked perfect, so without wasting time we headed straight on the water to be met with a stunning coastline and an action packed afternoon of shooting. On its day this spot can be epic for surf, providing a perfect right hander peeling down the cliff, but today provided ideal conditions for winging, a small rolling swell combined with 15 knots of…

ION KNEE SLEEVES For the younger readers out there, here’s a little insurance policy purchase that’s going to give your knees a very positive outlook for all those years ahead of you. For the slightly longer-in-the-tooth (I include myself here), these are a great idea to protect against further wear and tear to your knees and your wetty. ION have over a decade of experience in mountain bike sleeve protection, so they know their shizzle. ELEVEIGHT WFS PRO Eleveight got their hands on the very latest Aluula material tech for this pro version of their popular WFS freeride wing, giving it a thinner leading edge and struts, and meaning it’s lighter in weight and more stable, and will conjure up power even in the lightest winds. It also comes with…

Starting at the start then, Ben! It was initially Paul (Martin – Co-founder, CEO & Chief Designer) who had the idea to create Foil Drive. Talk to us about Paul’s background, and how that initial idea took shape and why… Paul is a tinkerer at heart. With a background in aviation, model aircraft, commercial drones alongside a passion for surfing, it wasn’t long before electric motors started being fitted to surfboards. A nasty mountain bike crash as a kid left him with a shoulder that couldn’t paddle as hard anymore, and a couple of kids and a previous business made time in the water a precious resource. When foiling came along it was a pretty natural and rapid evolution to add a small, lightweight, super-efficient electric motor to get the…

DATE FRIDAY MAY 24TH, 2024 I’ve always wanted to explore a city by foil, and what better place than the bustling metropolis of Hamburg? With more bridges than Amsterdam, Venice, and London combined, the city offers the perfect playground for pumpfoiling. The canals wind through the city center, vast parks, and past grand villas, all leading to the Outer Alster, the birthplace of rowing in Hamburg. A few days after the Foil Festival on Fehmarn and just before my return to southern Germany, the forecast promised a full day of sunshine – perfect for my pump-city tour in Hamburg. Although challenging, a hearty breakfast and plenty of fruit kept my legs going. I packed a foil, a board, and a wetsuit, then headed to the city center. Navigating the narrow…

The AFS Pure 900 is a versatile foil designed for riders looking for the perfect balance between high performance and ultimate maneuverability. The whole range of Pure foils are made of UHM Carbon Kevlar, which offer superior strength and stiffness while keeping a lightweight and thin profile. Designed with an anhedral bell shape and high aspect ratio, this foil is meant to deliver exceptional glide, making it suitable for pretty much every discipline, including freeride, freestyle, wave, speed, race, and prone foiling. This foil comes with a full protective cover, and is compatible with all masts in the AFS range, the Performer or UHM masts are recommended to fully maximize the Pure Foil set’s potential. I paired this foil with the Pure 150 stabilizer and the 80cm UHM mast for…

Naish has developed their all-new Hover Downwind foil board in a range of sizes that will fit experienced riders as well as new paddlers. Available in three sizes ranging from 7’1 to 7’8 and at volumes from 105L up to 125L there is a size for nearly every rider or condition. Downwind boards are a constantly changing mark, and Naish has worked to provide a well-balanced design that has just the right length, width, rocker, and volume at each size. In a world of ever-lengthening downwind boards, Naish has kept the Hover Downwind board on the shorter end to retain accessibility and functionality without sacrificing the speed or performance. Constructed with a high-density PVC reinforced foil track system, a full sandwich wood and glass deck, and strategically placed carbon/Kevlar reinforcements,…

Muizenberg’s finest foil sports purveyor, AK, have been quietly beavering away in their beautiful Victorian design studio and releasing some excellent products. It’s safe to say we were really impressed with the Tracer a couple of issues back, almost coming out of nowhere and aligning itself firmly with the some of the big guns from both a build and performance perspective. The Plasma now receives the same treatment being ported over to their new mast and fuse system in the V2, giving a fashionable high-aspect option in the range. Sizes come in 880, 1100, 1350, 1600 and 2050cm² respectively, with the larger sizes aimed at the downwind market. As with the Tracer revamp, the format of the system has completely changed. The front wing now integrates the tapered mast socket…

First up, tell us how the new Hyperfly system works. The Hyperfly system offers an exhilarating water adventure with a focus on safety and user-friendliness. The intuitive design and market-leading handle concept make it effortless to control, whether you're riding as a scooter or an e-foil. Equipped with a revolutionary Anti-Breach System, it anticipates and alerts riders to unexpected breaches or shootouts, ensuring a secure experience on the water. You’re not the first e-foil into the market with handles. What separates you from your competitors? Hyperfly stands out with its combination of an inflatable electric hydrofoil with the unique Aerofoils Jet and a convertible handle system, offering unmatched versatility. The seamless integration of safety features like the Anti-Breach System and accessories such as the drybag and water bottle holder further…

So the new ART range is here. First things first, please tell us what established ART fans are going to enjoy in this new version… When we released the first version of the ART wings, we wanted to bring to the market what our internal research team wanted to ride, instead of just what the market was asking at the time. It was a collection of wings that we were excited to ride every day, on our local spots, and our favorite disciplines. That was the notion of the AXIS Research Team (ART) program. Not surprisingly, this is what many customers also wanted, which made the ART wings the most innovative, fun, and sought after foil collection to date. The ART v2 is continuing on the same principle. Accessible foils…

Well guys, this looks like another Laurent Borgna winner… Tell us the thinking that went into this one. Richard: Yes, it is! I’ve tried to get Laurent Borgna back into SUP downwind foiling – he was one of the pioneers back in 2017, then stopped for a couple of years. Having the experience of the great Pure 800, Laurent wanted to make a high performance DW foil with the biggest range possible while maintaining a great manoeuvrability. Laurent: The work done by all the players in the downwind discipline has led to the emergence of a new category of very streamlined boards. The Black Bird is a perfect example of this trend. This type of board allows for the take-off of smaller and more efficient foils than before. Like many…

+ When I started foiling four years ago, my vision for the future of foiling was much different. I imagined that many more surfers would have seen how much fun we were having and switched to foiling. I envisioned a crowd of foilers so dense in the lineup that the friendly vibe between foilers would slowly fade away and transform into the hostile vibe that you can find when surfing crowded waves. I even thought we might have to enforce a “Foil Etiquette” rule book to avoid a rising number of accidents and brawls. I could not have been more wrong! Our sport has evolved way more than I could imagine, and only for the best. My foil spot today is barely more crowded than it was in 2020, the…

Last November, multi-sport athlete (and good friend of Foiling Magazine) Brandon Scheid was involved in a very serious paragliding accident. Much of the foiling world held its breath as news filtered out across social networks – Brandon was alive but had suffered severe injuries. Since waking up in the hospital, one of Brandon’s key goals has been to get back on the water, and back on the foil, a goal he recently achieved against some pretty high odds. Here, Brandon tells the story of how that journey played out… When I woke up from a coma after my horrific paragliding accident, the doctors delivered a devastating prognosis. They told me I'd be lucky if I was able to swim again this year, let alone return to the high-octane world of…

THE LOWDOWN Jericoacoara is a fishing village in Ceará, Northeastern Brazil, with flat seas in the morning and waves in the afternoon. It’s also the main spot for the finals of the WingFoil Racing World Cup during the Jeri Wingfoil Cup festival in December. Vila Kalango, present in Jeri for 25 years, is the mecca of wingfoiling and the home of all the wingfoilers in the region. Jeri Beach offers strong and consistent winds for eight months of the year, making it the perfect option for foilers seeking the warmth of Brazil, warm waters, delicious cuisine, and incredible days of sailing with the possibility of downwinders, wingfoiling, and foiling along the coast from Ceará to Maranhão. For foilers who love a good adventure, Vila Kalango, part of the e* Group,…

THE LOWDOWN The 300 days of sunshine a year, consistent cross-onshore Meltemi winds, 220km of accessible shore line, and a whole lot of culture make Rhodes a perfect option for a foiling holiday. The prevailing conditions are flat, clear and sometimes choppy water, so a great spot for both beginners and advanced riders who want to improve their skills. There’s plenty of island fun to be had out of the water too, as well as renowned Greek dinners and live music. A great destination for water sport enthusiasts, culture lovers, families and singles. FOILING SET UP Located on the west coast, just 5km south of the airport, you’ll find Surf Theologos, with ample space for winging right outside the center. The shingle beach is safe, with no rock hazards. The…

THE LOWDOWN You’d be forgiven for never having heard of Roatán… nestled away in the far western part of the Caribbean, among the Bay Islands of Honduras. However, for the secret spot seeker, this gem boasts eight months of perfect conditions thanks to the Caribbean Trade Winds, along with authentic charm and pure, unspoiled nature. Lush green island hills reach down to white sand beaches and crystal-clear warm waters surrounded by the world’s second-largest reef system. FOILING SET UP A variety of spots offer a playground for any riding preference. The main spot is a huge kite zone, ideal for all skill levels and a true foiler’s paradise as the water drops off quickly to 2m depth with no rocky hazards. A short boat ride away, there are shallow areas…