2026 Duotone Stash Parawing Tech Talk | What Changed and Why?

In this episode of Duotone Wing & Foiling Tech Talks, the design team takes a deep dive into the 2026 Stash, Duotone’s second-generation parawing. Standing on Maui, Klaas is joined by Jeffrey Spencer from the Duotone design team to break down what has changed, why it matters, and how months of on-water testing led to a meaningful leap forward in parawing performance.

Parawinging is still a young discipline, but its growth has been fast. With more brands entering the space, Duotone set a clear goal for the Stash 2026: don’t just refine the original—rethink it where performance truly counts.

A Clean-Sheet Approach to Parawing Performance

While the original Stash was praised for its intuitive steering, low weight, and compact packability, the design team knew there were limits—especially once riders became powered up.

The Stash 2026 keeps the strengths of the first generation while dramatically improving:

• Overall efficiency
• Upwind performance
• High-wind stability
• Usable wind range

According to Jeffrey, the focus wasn’t adding features for marketing points, but refining the aerodynamic balance so the wing flies where you want it, without constant correction.

Upwind Ability That Changes How You Ride

One of the most repeated themes in the conversation is upwind performance. For riders doing short upwind tacks followed by downwind laps, this is everything.

What’s different in the Stash 2026?

• A more efficient leading-edge profile
• Improved bridle geometry
• Increased structural support without added bulk

The result is a parawing that:

• Sits calmly in the window
• Pulls efficiently upwind
• Remains composed when fully powered

Compared to the first-generation Stash, riders describe the new version as flying “smoothly,” rather than needing to be managed.

Stability Without Overbuilding

A major challenge in parawing design is achieving stability without adding drag or unnecessary material. Duotone addressed this through:

• Additional internal ribs along the leading edge
• Refined canopy tension
• A redesigned bridle with a three-line front system

This allows the wing to hold its ideal angle of attack when powered or depowered, reducing the risk of collapse while keeping steering predictable.

Why this matters

• More confidence in gusty conditions
• Easier depower without losing control
• Less need to size down compared to earlier designs

Improved Depower = Bigger Usable Range

One of the most notable improvements is how comfortably the Stash 2026 depowers.

Parawings typically require more rider input than inflatable wings when shedding power. With the Stash 2026, riders can stay on their normal size longer thanks to:

• Stable leading-edge angle during depower
• Controlled canopy response
• No sudden pull or collapse when easing off power

This translates directly into a wider effective wind range and less fatigue over long sessions.

Cleaner Tips, Faster Drainage

The first Stash used double-surface tips for added stability, but rider feedback highlighted a downside: slower drainage.

For the 2026 version, Duotone eliminated double-surface tips by:

• Redesigning tip angles
• Increasing overall structure through the canopy and bridle

The result is faster drainage, simpler handling, and no loss of stability in flight.

Short, Efficient Lines That Actually Work

Line length is a surprisingly critical detail in parawing design. Long lines can fly well but come with trade-offs:

• Slower steering response
• Harder stashing
• More tangling during redeployments

The Stash 2026 finds a sweet spot.

Line system highlights

• Compact line lengths across all sizes
• Consistent handling from 2.2m through 5.6m
• Fast steering without sacrificing stability

Shorter lines also make it easier to bring the wing in cleanly during the transition to downwind foiling.

Stiffer Lines for Less Tangle and Better Control

Duotone tested multiple line stiffness options before settling on a more rigid line set for the Stash 2026.

Benefits include:

• Reduced tangling during collapse and redeployment
• More predictable handling
• Improved stability when the wing is partially loaded

Riders noted significantly fewer mid-session tangles than in earlier versions and in competing parawings.

Refined Size Range for Real-World Riding

The size lineup has been updated to better reflect how riders actually use parawings:

• 2.2m
• 2.8m
• 3.4m
• 4.0m
• 4.8m
• 5.6m

Instead of broad jumps, these sizes target the wind ranges where most parawinging happens. The mid-range (2.8m–4.8m) is highlighted as the sweet spot for most riders, while the 5.6m caters to heavier riders or lighter wind conditions.

The New C-Shaped Handle: Small Detail, Big Impact

One of the most talked-about updates is the redesigned handle system.

Why it matters

In powered conditions, riders want their hand further forward to manage the front-line load. Traditional extensions create snag points and discomfort.

The new C-shaped handle:

• Allows fingers to slide naturally under the front lines
• Reduces hand fatigue when powered
• Improves control during depower

Developed with input from Duotone’s in-house ergonomics and bike component team, the handle shape supports natural finger curvature and intuitive grip transitions.

Integrated Connections, Cleaner Feel

The handle system also eliminates common pain points found in early parawing setups:

• No exposed Velcro
• No protruding connection points
• Fully capped line attachments

This reduces line snags, improves comfort, and creates a cleaner interface between rider and wing.

Harness Line Integration Done Right

For riders doing longer upwind/downwind laps, a harness is essential. Duotone integrated a stretch harness line directly into the handle system.

Key benefits

• No hard parts to snag lines
• Minimal tangling during pumping
• Clean stowage when not in use
• Adjustable trim when hooked in

Riders can fine-tune power delivery by subtly adjusting where the harness line sits on the hook, offering more control than single-point systems.

Real-World Validation and Dealer Feedback

Beyond internal testing in Maui, the Stash 2026 has already seen strong feedback from international dealer meetings. Even highly critical European testers reported:

• Noticeably better upwind performance
• Increased stability
• Improved comfort and usability

This validation reinforces that the design changes translate beyond prototype conditions.

Key Takeaways

• The Stash 2026 is a true second-generation parawing, not a cosmetic update
• Major gains were made in upwind ability, stability, and depower control
• Shorter, stiffer lines improve handling and reduce tangles
• The new C-shaped handle significantly enhances comfort and control
• Integrated harness and clean connections elevate real-world usability

Who Is the Stash 2026 For?

• Riders doing repeated upwind/downwind laps
• Foilers who value efficiency over brute power
• Anyone frustrated with instability or tangling in earlier parawings
• Riders looking for a wider usable wind range without constant size changes

Final Thoughts

The Duotone Stash 2026 reflects what happens when a brand commits fully to a young discipline. Instead of chasing trends, the design team focused on how parawings are actually used on the water—then engineered solutions around those realities.

For riders serious about parawinging, the Stash 2026 sets a new benchmark in efficiency, control, and comfort.