AWSI 2025

Thanks Brian,
Really interested in the Code X line and the flitelab flux foils if you can check them out for us.

Cheers
Mike

Wind never produced at the event site so no demos for me today. It was fun watching the Flightlab crew trying to get their popups mid river. Not as automatic as a foildrive but when they were up they were shredding.

Tons of Code riders around the river but you can't tell what they are on unfortunately.

At the end of the day I sat and watched for a while and the number of riders on the Ozone Pocket Rockets crushed any other brand. There was maybe a couple Flows, one Duotone, and one BRM was all I saw for about 30 minutes. It was also interesting seeing how diverse peoples attempt to get on foil was. Some people pump the parawing like mad. Others point straight downwind and chip in with their legs. Many tried to get on foil pointed upwind but I don't think I saw a single successful attempt at that.

Select to expand quote

Relapse said..
Frustrating lack of coverage this year, is there a media blackout?

Agreed! but the less I know, the less money I spend ??

There's a few things on YouTube and fbook and probably Instagram if you search Awsi and filter most recent.

As someone who only wings I'm a little "meh" this year as focus is unsurprisingly Parawing and efoil / assisted foil...

Select to expand quote

airsail said..
Some of the brands are keeping their gear hush hush, any pictures posted are getting deleted on their user forums. The guys from Generic Foiling podcast even posted a vid of them getting warned off taking vid and pictures.

That is so lame. The organic leak hype and real users getting excited is so much cooler than the lame marketing hype the brands try and build around product launches. The worst is "reviews" of new products from people who work for the brand. Like really?!? I personally don't like any talking head opinions and like to just see the products used in long videos so I can see visually how they're performing.

A few years ago, AWSI posted video interviews at many of the major booths outlining their new product. Definitely a good hype machine for the brands. That marketing makes the AWSI membership more valuable. Can't tell whether the lack of information is brand resistance or AWSI's unwillingness to put in the work.

Select to expand quote

BWalnut said..

dieseagull said..

BWalnut said..
AFS brought some new wings that look really nice.

Any discussion or talk about that wing (the stream)? Only stuff you can find online is the marketing stuff.

I'm trying to set up a demo on that for after AWSI where I could take it out with local riders and get a real review on it. It felt really light on the beach but there was never enough wind to take the 3/3.5 out at the event which is the sizes I would be best at reviewing. A friend took one out but he's a freestyle grom, waiting to hear his thoughts but I doubt they will apply to me much.

If I can get it I'll give you my review as a dedicated swell rider, the groms thoughts, and at least one other buddy who's more of a fancy winger.

You could launch from the Waterfront park, which is one block west of the event site. I'm not sure if you go to the gorge often, but It's not uncommon for the event site to have a big wind shadow. The waterfront doesn't get the same wind shadow, even though is closer to Wells Island. Yesterday, after 2pm, it was blowing around 20mph, I weigh 80kg, windfoiling with a 4.5m sail, but I could have been sailing with a smaller sail. The forecast predicted for today is similar to yesterday's.

AWSI Ride Engine 2026: Reel Leash
In this episode of the Foil Life Podcast, Gary Siskar and Trent Carter discuss the innovative Retract Ride Engine leash designed for winging and down-winding at AWSI 2025/Hood River - USA.
They explore its unique features, including lightweight design, durability, and performance enhancements that set it apart from traditional leashes. The conversation highlights the importance of safety and user experience in water sports, emphasizing how this new leash can redefine the way athletes interact with their equipment.

Nice videos, Ride Engine are bringing it with the hardware goods this year!

Select to expand quote

foilthegreats said..

airsail said..
Some of the brands are keeping their gear hush hush, any pictures posted are getting deleted on their user forums. The guys from Generic Foiling podcast even posted a vid of them getting warned off taking vid and pictures.

That is so lame. The organic leak hype and real users getting excited is so much cooler than the lame marketing hype the brands try and build around product launches. The worst is "reviews" of new products from people who work for the brand. Like really?!? I personally don't like any talking head opinions and like to just see the products used in long videos so I can see visually how they're performing.

1000%!
Real people's videos give 10x more value and peak my interest MUCH more than a bunch of pretty 2-3 minute videos.
The manufacturer commercial videos hardly hold my interest even while I'm watching the LOL

Select to expand quote

Hdip said..
Roblawgordon wingman is there. I told him to go find someone and he said he was just finishing up filming. So I would expect his YouTube to be up tonight or tomorrow. Just less media there this year is all. Plus all the brands are mad at people saying they should release all the stats for M2O race foils so are becoming more secretive of what is coming. This is a show for retailers after all. So if a retailer buys x amount of foils and then AWSI happens and everyone get's excited for foils that won't be out for 6 months. How will they sell off the stock they currently have?

The retailer should pressure the brand to support a promotional plan to exit dead inventory.

AWSI - North Foils 2026: New Products / Part 1
In this two part conversation, Mike Raper, NORTH FOILS Chief Brand Officer introduces a range of new innovative wing foiling and kiteboarding products for 2026, highlighting advancements in gear design, technology, and safety features.

Part one covers various types of boards, including twin tip and foil boards, as well as accessories that enhance the riding experience. Mike Raper emphasizes the importance of product testing and customer feedback in shaping their offerings, showcasing a commitment to quality and performance in the foiling and kiteboarding industry.

Select to expand quote

Mikedubs said..
Thanks Brian,
Really interested in the Code X line and the flitelab flux foils if you can check them out for us.

Cheers
Mike

I got to ride the 810x, amazing foil. When you pump it, it feels almost like an S series foil (with the 810x feeling like the low-end of a 720s - maybe with a higher cadence and higher care required). When you bomb down a massive bump it's incredibly well behaved, almost feels like the pitch stability of a MikesLab 700 or 825.

But the real magic happens when you roll it over. It feels so damn surfy. Took me a few runs to get used to the sensitivity, but after that I could just put it wherever I wanted on the wave, make the tightest turns. I buried the nose on the first few hacks because it needs a LOT less front foot pressure when you carve it compared to the S or R.

The way I like to foil, these will probably end up being my daily drivers for prone, winging, and parawinging. Super super keen to try the larger sizes.



(85kg rider usually riding Code S & R, Armstrong MAII, or Mikeslab 700/825 - no affiliation with any)

I wouldn't make the immediate decision that it should replace your S series wings - it just makes sense for where I like to ride and what I like to do. It's a great foil but definitely needs work to keep it going.

Speed is great in the sense that it doesn't get "lifty" or lock in at higher speeds. It still stays loose, and it's super easy to handle when you're bombing down a face.

Glide is the cost you pay. You need to keep it moving, pumping is definitely more frantic, and you need to be smarter about where you generate your speed from. It's not like the S or R series where you can kind of forget about it and glide through dead spots or on the shoulder.

AWSI - Mystic 2026: New Products

In this conversation, North Amrerican brand manager Matt Aiken discusses the latest innovations in Mystic gear, focusing on safety, performance, and style.
He highlights the new helmet collection designed specifically for wind sports enthusiasts, emphasizing their unique features and comfort. The discussion then shifts to the advancements in wetsuits, particularly the use of high-performance Yamamoto neoprene, which retains its stretch and comfort over time.
He also introduces various impact vests that enhance safety while participating in wind sports. Finally, he touches on travel gear and apparel, showcasing Mystic's commitment to quality and style both on and off the water.