Hi all,
as the headline says it all, I'm wondering what kind of foil model would suit me the best for the slowish, small swell condition if I would like to enjoy the power of the swell, please? People are fancying the high aspect ones but seems they are for more speed and would they have equal lift compared to lower aspect foils? I weigh 78kgs, for 14-20 knots, what size wing should I focus on?
Or am I dreaming too much that 40-50cm (top to bottom) swell would have the power to push the foil without wing power?
Thanks very much, and good wind & waves to everyone!
Select to expand quoteomg said..
Hi all,
as the headline says it all, I'm wondering what kind of foil model would suit me the best for the slowish, small swell condition if I would like to enjoy the power of the swell, please? People are fancying the high aspect ones but seems they are for more speed and would they have equal lift compared to lower aspect foils? I weigh 78kgs, for 14-20 knots, what size wing should I focus on?
Or am I dreaming too much that 40-50cm (top to bottom) swell would have the power to push the foil without wing power?
Thanks very much, and good wind & waves to everyone!
Mid aspect would be the way to go. At 105 kg I have heaps of fun in those conditions on a 2400 cm2 mid aspect wing. At your size 1600 to 2000 cm2 would be ample. Lots of brands do them but you need to balance performance and build quality with your budget. Demo if you can.
No probs in that swell with a 2000 cm2 wing.
Small slow windswell forms and breaks up quickly. You need to be able to link sections of swell to make it work. Even a 40-50cm crest can give you quite a push, it just needs to get you to the next one and you're golden.
Thinner profile high aspect wings need less swell energy in the first place to get up to speed, and have better glide. This means you lose less energy between sections and can join them more easily especially with a little pumping. Also a bit of extra speed is quite helpful for reaching the next lump in time. And if a bit of a pump is required, they are so much more obliging.
I find the traditional low aspect foils have just too much drag and lose too much speed too quickly when not powered by something. You end up having to work a lot harder or getting left behind.
Awesome, thanks very much guys!
Would Fanatic high aspect HA 1500 fit the bill here, ie. would it be closer to 1750cm2 mid aspect wing, and give me enough juice for the conditions? I have solid kitefoiling background with Moses Onda 633 (1250cm2) so I am comfortable on pumping when needed (although it's less effective with 633 wing).
Thanks, I know the 1100 from Moses, but I would need to buy 82cm carbon mast as my kite mast is too flexy for big wings. I get a deal with Fanatic hence the question about their wings.
Turning ability/agility is high on my list as I really like the throw-ability of 633 Moses when kiting (I know winging won't offer the same agility).
Select to expand quoteomg said..
Awesome, thanks very much guys!
Would Fanatic high aspect HA 1500 fit the bill here, ie. would it be closer to 1750cm2 mid aspect wing, and give me enough juice for the conditions? I have solid kitefoiling background with Moses Onda 633 (1250cm2) so I am comfortable on pumping when needed (although it's less effective with 633 wing).
Yes the new Fanatic HA 1550 & 1750 are very good for the wingding both Handel being overpowered really well & both good low wind start ability. The flat thin design let's the wing run on the surface without blow out , very forgiving and good carry and easy to pump through the gybe. Super strong set up you won't break it .
Not sure a super heavy high aspect foil is the best choice for unpowered glides on small weak waves. Everyone who has gone back to back Fanatic and a light carbon foil have chosen to buy the carbon option. Even "sponsored" Fanatic riders and there seems a lot of them 
Armstrong 1550 or 1850 would be way better for those conditions.
In my experience you get more agility on a wing compared to a kite. The ability to shut off the power totally allows you to turn the foil better and you don't over shoot the wing like you do a kite.
demo if you can.
Thanks again, good info!
What's the weight of the 1500 or 1750 HA Fanatic foilsetup, please?
Select to expand quoteomg said..
Thanks again, good info!
What's the weight of the 1500 or 1750 HA Fanatic foilsetup, please?
The older wing is 8kg apparently, HA might be a bit lighter but fuse and mast the same. Armstrong 1550 is about 3kg all up.
Finnnnnally pulled the trigger- took delivery of an Ozone Wasp 6.0. Most my days will be on local light wind: 10-15. I do plan on making a few trips inland to some lakes that have 20+ regularly to help kickstart the learning process. I currently prone and occasionally SUP on Axis foils- 860 and 900. At 90 kg, my biggest wing is the 1000. Think I need something bigger to start? Although I gather, it may be ideal the first few times out- I'm not too hot on buying a 1020 as I'd likely not need it long for the Wing and would never use it in the surf. Would a 1010 work for a newbie in light air? Or should I go big/grab an 1150.
