State of Wing Surfing and Gear

Wing Surfing is the hottest new thing for SUP and hydrofoilers.  If you are not already familiar, Wing Surfing uses a small inflatable kiteboard kite-looking sail that is handheld similarly to a windsurf sail.  This, paired with a paddleboard or foilboard, allows the rider to capture wind power in a unique way for windsport basics, downwinders, flatwater play, and even foil surfing waves. Riders who have experience hydrofoiling, paddleboarding, and windsurfing will have a significant edge in the learning progression.

Being such a new sport, only a few privileged riders have gotten the chance to hold the prototypes which have set social media on fire with content and questions. We are starting to see some product information trickle in.  At this point, everything is cutting edge and we intend to keep you up to date on the latest in knowledge, product, and reviews.

So, on to the fun stuff. 

Brands... What do we know so far?

Many brands will be trying their hand in this new category.  Kiteboarding brands are uniquely situated to quickly produce quality product, and windsurf/paddleboard companies are exploring the opportunities as well.

Duotone, Naish, and Slingshot are perceived by many to be the front runners in progression and quality.  Let's take a quick look at what we know about their product and when to expect it to be available.  The one thing that is clear is that the demand is high and supply is low, so we'd encourage you to place a pre-order to ensure availability this summer.

Slingshot

Slingshot, a kiteboarding, windsurf, and leading hydrofoil producer, is seen as one of the forefathers of the sport.  Tony Logosz has been toying with the idea and prototypes for over 10 years, finding its niche more recently with hydrofoiling. The Slingshot Slingwing (Sling Wing) is expected to land this spring in the 4.2m size with the possibility of more sizes in the near future.

Slingshot Sling Wing Details

• Fully inflatable construction - Lightest weight, pack-able, most buoyant
• Power Grip Y Handle Layout - Help with fatigue and tilt control.
• 4.2m Size
• Price $749 (Official price TBD)
• Expected arrival Mid-Late June
• Pre-order here

Duotone

Duotone (formerly North) has been known as a premier brand in the kiteboarding and windsurfing industry for as long as we can remember. Their commitment to quality and innovation is carried on by their new wing surfing design, the Foil Wing. The Duotone Foil Wing has expected availability late June-early July in 3m, 4m, and 5m sizes.

Duotone Foil Wing Details

• Inflatable leading edge, Alloy Boom construction - Light weight, rigid, fewer bladders/connections to leak.
• Adjustable Alloy Boom - Allows boom tension adjustment, rigid support, familiar for windsurfers.
• Downwind viewing window - See what is behind the sail, enjoy the view.
• Leading edge vertical handle - Ergonomic hovering for wave riding and setup.
• 3,4,5m Sizes
• Price $600-800 (Official prices TBD)
• Expected arrival Late June-July
• Pre-order here ($500 Deposit)

Naish

Naish, another top brand in kiteboarding and hydrofoiling, is going to be entering the Wing Surfing game.  Their extensive history of quality product design has been applied to their Wing-Surfer design.  Undoubtedly, you have seen Naish forefather Robby Naish shredding all over your social feed this spring.  The Naish Wing Surfer will be offered in 4m with availability projected for July.

Naish Wing-Surfer Details

• Fully inflatable construction - Lightest weight, pack-able, most buoyant
• Horizontal handles - Familiar grip for windsurfers.
• 4m Size
• Price $749 Pre-order (Price may increase soon)
• Expected arrival July
• Pre-order here

How do I do this? What do I need?

To get started and have some fun, all you need is the wing and a SUP large enough for you to stand on.  Keep in mind that it may be best suited for downwind riding on a normal paddleboard.  For maximum fun and performance, we recommend a purpose-built SUP foilboard and large to extra large hydrofoil wing.  This will give you the ability (with some skill, appropriate wind, and practice) to ride upwind, increase your top speed, and maximize the potential of wing surfing.

For safety, we recommend a board leash, wing leash, and life vest. You will fall, you will get tired; it is all part of the learning process... be ready for it.

For an average-sized person, riding is possible with the correct equipment in as little as 12 knots, but that will require some decent skill. Ideal learning and riding conditions are 17-30 knots.  A downwind wave will help to boost your riding potential as well. Windsurfing skill is not required, but is a sizable advantage if you do have it.

We strongly encourage you to play with your wing surfer on a lighter wind day to help better understand how to handle and power the wing effectively.  Even if you are already a rock-star paddler or hydrofoiler, getting out on a larger paddle board for a downwinder the first session can help you build skills more quickly.

We are planning to release more information to you as it becomes available.  We will be producing some helpful how-to content in the way of videos and blogs this spring as well, so keep your eyes out for that.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 800.622.4655,  live chat, or kiteboarder@mackite.com.