Messages

16

Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Anyone Winging in Surf strapless? I have a question

« on: April 23, 2022, 12:38:42 AM »

Thanks for the awesome responses. I guess I was looking for reassurance which I've got. A few interesting comments which I totally agree with.

1) riding your non preferred stance (for me goofy) feels as good and sometimes better than your preferred side
2) switching feet whilst riding a long wave/chunk of swell - good to know I'm not alone on this!!

 

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Anyone Winging in Surf strapless? I have a question

« on: April 22, 2022, 01:20:13 PM »

I'm from a surf background no other wind sports. Loving winging but I can't seem to decide how to approach waves or wind swell to ride on my good side - natural. In fact I seem to end up riding goofy more often than not due to swell and wind direction. Im very comfortable switching feet and very uncomfortable riding in twisted stance, I think this has made the surfing element harder as when I loose speed or energy in the wave I quickly switch feet and haul in. Ive not wanted to use straps but being locked in seems to have advantages in waves. I haven't really described my problem well but I guess I'm so comfortable riding natural and goofy when cruising it's difficult to favour my good side. As that was a bit of a ramble if anyone has any general advice riding waves strapless or has anyone changed from strapless to straps etc ..

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: 2022 New Wings Thread

« on: April 10, 2022, 12:00:37 PM »

Just my observation but a couple of the V3's of 2 top brands have been a huge disappointment. I bought and sold 1 quickly and a sponsored rider friend of mine told me how the V3 of another brand in his words is "crap" and the V2 is far better. I would always recommend testing as just "cos it's new" doesn't mean it's better. I'm not going to name brands as that's not my point. I think the jump from 1st version to 2nd version was a bigger leap than the latest. I also think brands have realised the demographic and subsequent spending power of the majority of wingers and are producing what boils down to "go faster stripes"..and charging ridiculous money.

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Cape Verde Wingfoil

« on: March 11, 2022, 05:10:38 AM »

Edge watersports in Exmouth, Devon have just returned from a trip there. Check this out from Guy Bridge, super talented ripper. Call or email them they will help you..

Check this clip..

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2135027563322679&id=531261140366004&sfnsn=scwspmo

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Which is the best low end 5m to 5.2m wing for shorter people?

« on: March 02, 2022, 11:16:27 AM »

I purchased the Gong and will feedback.

Takoon 6m 3.54m Wingspan
Gong 6m SuperPower 3.19m WS
Love to know some more.

Annoyingly brands don't seem to publish these important facts. A big wing for a smaller guy/girl this is super important.

I love Takoon wings, very simple concept. I have had 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5..

Slick is nice but weighty when flagged and not massively grunty, great in transitions

One of my first wings was Slingshot V2 6.4m which was awesome and only around  3.5m wingspan and light. Whenever anyone asks what to get to learn with unless they are super light I always recommend that.

I've never been a fan of fone wings although plenty of people clearly are. As stated above a compact 5m CWC would be interesting.

 

21

Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / B

« on: March 01, 2022, 01:22:57 PM »

As I like the 5m with a bit of wind I'm going to add a compact 6m for the coming summer.. May try the latest Gong 6m superpower. Only 319cm Wingspan.

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Cabrinha Mantis 2001 version..late to the party

« on: March 01, 2022, 01:05:44 PM »

Ha, you enjoy a bargain as well. I just purchased a 5,4 and 3.1 either new or ex demo for a little over a new large Duotone Unit with pretty much the same handles. The handles are brilliant and the smaller sizes are a blast. Although the 5 is good, for me as a short arse it is a bit tricky to pump in very light wind but powered up it shots up wind and is very well behaved. A hidden gem. I'm going to add a powerful 6m to complete the quiver.

23

Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Which is the best low end 5m to 5.2m wing for shorter people?

« on: February 28, 2022, 06:57:49 AM »

I recently swapped brands to Mantis v1 wings as I loved the solid handles. I tested the 3.1m and then got a great deal (they are launching mantis V2) on the 3.1, 4 and 5m. I love the 3.1 and 4 for powered up days but I can't pump the 5 as it's flat profile catches the wing tips. It's also generally not regarded as a particularly good light wind wing. I am considering selling the 5 and keeping the other 2 and buying a grunty replacement. I am trying to avoid larger wings 5.5 or over and am not interested in winging below 10 knots. I'm 78kgs and have good technique pumping of board (-8L) and wing. Ive tested loads of v1 wings a good while ago but not recent ones. I do like the firmer 2 handle setup. Interested in hearing from anyone that's had a go on a few different ones. The new Unit looks good, I tried the Slick 5.5 a while back which was nice but weighty. When I learnt the Slingwing 6.4m V2 was a beast..Lol.. The outgoing unit is supposed to pump well. Open to suggestions..

The foil I was using was a HA 1350. The other option I know is to get a bigger foil for light winds but I love the speed of this foil. The conditions today were 11 to 13/14 knots with big holes and pretty choppy/confused sea. Not the best..

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Why is Naish so un-mentioned on this forum

« on: February 25, 2022, 06:10:49 AM »

The Hover is a great wing board, volume towards the back, no swing weight, light, bullet proof and not as expensive as others. The S25 used is very cheap. The other day I was winging at full pelt and hit the bottom of a bar I wasn't aware off and the board just absorbed it.. I was amazed!! Just b4 I sold my 85L I had 3 X S25's... I hide this picture from my wife. She still thinks it's one board!

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: How much does the board matter?

« on: January 12, 2022, 09:04:03 AM »

My input for what it's worth;

I have owned these wing boards, Gong Zuma, Gong Hipe (inflatable), Fone Rocket, Fanatic Sky 2022, Naish Hover, Gong Matata

 Tested these, Gong lemon, Ride engine, custom, fanatic v1, starboard v1, rocket air and a few others..

My personal conclusion..
1) I'm not keen on square nose boards, they feel massive and clumsy for the same volume as a pointy nose
2) I like narrower boards
3) The bottom shape doesn't make a huge difference. I bought and promptly sold the fanatic 2022. I thought the squared tail and rail would release earlier. I didn't notice anything significant. I can pump pretty well, if theres a gust I'm up.
4) Light boards both in and out of the water are far nicer!!
5) Contaray to popular opinion I think inflatable boards pop foil really well.

I am from a surf background and for me the Naish Hover is by far my favourite board and I can slash around like a looney on that board. It feels so much more loose and alive than any other. I'm still on the s25 version. Anything with bulk upfront feels like a barn door. The trade of is it marginally more difficult in challenging conditions to get your balance. I'd urge people to try as many as possible.. btw, I really rate the Gong Hipe and have bought another for travel. Its the smaller one than I had before @, 4'11 X 23" 70L.

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / How many Wingers worldwide?

« on: December 11, 2021, 06:40:33 AM »

Interested to know how many Wingers we think there are worldwide. Here in the UK it's still relatively niche and small numbers albeit increasing quickly. At my local beach around 200 regular kiters and now around 15 regular Wingers. If the formula was applied to the whole of the UK around 7.5% of the UK kitesurfing number. 59000 kiters * 7.5%= 4425. I'd be very surprised if that many people are winging in the UK.

What do we reckon on numbers worldwide and when/if will it surpass kitesurfing in numbers. I personally think it will exceed kitesurfing based on what I can see happening locally.

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Interested to hear what wind people use a 3m Wing in.. :)

« on: October 10, 2021, 02:21:44 AM »

Thanks people, interesting read as always. My main concern was I get a 3m and rarely use it due to my main conditions being 10 to 25 knots. It sounds like 20+ is doable now and possibly 16/17 + in the future for my 78kgs... Happy flapping peeps!!!

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Interested to hear what wind people use a 3m Wing in.. :)

« on: October 07, 2021, 12:20:02 AM »

Thanks for responses this is what I'd hoped for. The published 25+ knots for a 3m seems way off. Its the umbrella riding on my 4m which impacts on the fun factor particularly on very gusty days. BTW, nice video and the Naish 1240 HA looks a nice foil!!

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Interested to hear what wind people use a 3m Wing in.. :)

« on: October 06, 2021, 11:30:20 AM »

... particularly if you are around 75 to 80kgs.... I seem to like small wings and would prefer to ride a slightly bigger foil particularly as the waves aren't huge that I am playing in. When does the 3m (or 2.8, 3.2) work for you? Possibly say your weight and what foil you are use it with? One of the resosns I ask is that many of the manufacturers state 25+ knots for a 3m. This seems high to me? Thanks for any feedback..

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Boom to non boom wing comparison

« on: August 30, 2021, 01:33:28 AM »

I think wings are a very personal choice. Since starting I've owned Slingwing v2, Fone v1, Takoon, Gong and Slick. I've also tested Fone Strike, Rrd, Echo and a few others. Theres no doubt the Slick is a great wing but I'm going back to handles. In light wind it drops easily when managing the board and wing when climbing on the board. The extra boom weight (non carbon) is significant. I find it a bit unruly when taking it for a walk or holding it in neutral and the boom takes up alot of space out of the water. Truly great for transitions though.

If people get the opportunity to test its well worth it. When the Strike came out I was convinced by marketing, reviews and the local shop riding them that this was my next wing. I tried it and really disliked it. I have settled on my wing choice knowing my criteria - lightweight, small wingspan, no windows, small pack up, minimal fuss wing.