Frequently asked questions when buying a Wing Foil Board:
What type of Wing Foil board should I choose?
The board is one of the most important elements of wing foil equipment. The right board for you will depend on your skill level, your weight, and the type of conditions in which you plan to do wing foil. When choosing a board, you should consider the volume, shape, and material.
Specialized Wing Foil Boards
Every day, specialized wing foil boards are becoming more popular, and it's no wonder, as they are the perfect boards for this sport that has gained great popularity in recent years. Specialized wing foil boards are characterized by being short, wide, tall, and having a lot of volume.
- ShortsThe wing foil boards are quite short compared to surf or stand up paddle (SUP) boards. This is because, when doing wing foil, you need to maneuver a lot and a shorter board allows you to do so more easily.
- WideThe wing foil boards are wide to provide good stability when stationary. Additionally, having a greater width makes the board easier to maneuver.
- HighsThe wing foil boards are tall because they need to pack a lot of volume in a small space. With more volume, the board is more stable and easier to handle.
For beginners, a longer board will allow for correcting positioning errors and avoiding falls, making it a better option than a shorter one.
What is the recommended volume for a Wing Foil board?
The volume of the board is crucial for flotation and stability. If you are a beginner, it is advisable to choose a larger board to gain stability and have more margin for error. As your skill improves, you can opt for a smaller board with less volume to gain maneuverability.
- Recommendation of volume according to the rider's weight:
- For wingfoilers under 65 kg: 75 – 105 L of recommended volume.
- For wingfoilers under 85 kg: 95 – 125 L of recommended volume.
- For wingfoilers weighing 85 to 120 kg: 100 – 140 L of recommended volume.
The ideal volume is greater (+30 liters) than the total weight of the rider and the board combined. For more experienced riders, a margin of +10 liters is sufficient. Only the most professional riders can afford a negative volume (liters volume less than total weight), but this requires good technique and physical condition.
What are the differences between rigid and inflatable wing foil boards?
Rigid tables:
- Advantages:
- Stiffer underfoot, allowing for faster acceleration and takeoff.
- Greater stability in strong wind or choppy conditions.
- More variety of shapes and sizes.
- Disadvantages:
- More fragile, they can be damaged if they are hit.
- More expensive than the inflatable ones.
- They take up more space and are more difficult to transport.
Inflatable tables:
- Advantages:
- Easy to transport and store.
- More durable and impact-resistant.
- Greater comfort thanks to its soft and flexible surface.
- Disadvantages:
- They take longer to install and repackage.
- Less rigid, which can make takeoff difficult in strong winds.
- Less variety of shapes and sizes.
Both options are good and you will switch tables as you progress. Don't worry about this, as the tables can be easily resold.
What importance do footstraps have on a Wing Foil board?
It is important to consider the inserts for footstraps on your wing foil board. Footstraps allow you to have a better grip and a more secure connection with the board, which is especially important for difficult maneuvers. They reduce fatigue and decrease the risk of injuries. You are not required to use them, but it is advisable to have the option.
In conclusion, choosing the right board for wing foil is essential to enjoy an optimal learning experience. Remember to consider your weight, height, and wind strength to make the best decision. If you are a beginner, choose a larger board to gain stability and be able to progress.
