I think we are seeing some big tendencies to appear in wings, a bit how you now have established categories of windsurfing sails (sideshore wavesailing, onshore wavesailing, freestyle, freeride, slalom, ..) and kites.
I can see (from my very limited point of view):
- the do-everything, mostly the first generation
- the more powerful, but more tiring, mostly the 2nd generation
- low wind powerhouses: the 9m Gong Superpower has for instance a 12' "boom" length! (the original windsurfer boom was less than 9' !)
- beginner sails: as light as possible (no windows, thinner struts), cheap, with a self-stabilizing shape (less dihedral) to prevent the sail to roll to a vertical plane and dig its tip in the water, spilling power in gusts (e.g: the new Gong plus)
I guess we will speed "race" wings with a high top end speed, upwind wings, reinforced but heavy wave wings... or not, maybe the industry will try to keep the options to a minimum?...
What do you see?
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/General/New-Aluula-Kite-Material?page=1 This new material will surely change things up
I think the biggest divisions will be more powered up wings for those interested in speed, jumping and freestyle vs. lighter wings that are designed to handle really well for surfing. The latter will be more appropriate for learning.
Select to expand quoteemmafoils said..
I think the biggest divisions will be more powered up wings for those interested in speed, jumping and freestyle vs. lighter wings that are designed to handle really well for surfing. The latter will be more appropriate for learning.
Interesting discussion, it would be interesting to understand the inclinations of the current crop. Where would you place the Slingshot, Duotone, Naish S25 and Wasp wings in the Freeride v Wave categories?
