There are always seems to be lots of 2nd hand 4m wings for sale and very few 5m.
Why is that?
At 75kg, I'm looking to learn wing foiling and wondering if it's worth buying a cheap 4m if one comes up.
Hi Freddo Frog,
No. 4m wings for your weight are ideal for most summer seabreezes. Going into the Autumn season we usually need bigger wings in the 5.5m-7m range as winds diminish. Strong Summer seabreezes can also require smaller than 4m. We sell a number of 3.5 and even 3m wings throughout Summer.
The 4m will come back out again in winter with the frontal conditions that inevitably lash the coast. Wing size is also dependent on whether you ride ocean or river. River is almost always 5 knots weaker than ocean, and southern areas below Perth like Mandurah can be also weaker than Perth.
DM
I've a 6m and 4m and probably use them a similar amount each in Perth. I'm 80 kg.
One tip I would highlight is that it's easier to learn when you're well powered up. You can't access the low end of the wing by pumping when you're learning.
You'll probably get out more with a wing bigger than 4m.
Possibly because 4m are most commonly used wing they are also the most common to replace and hence put up for sale. And I guess some riders can afford the latest models and a nice tight canopy that comes with a new wing so will sell their most used wing, typically 4m, every season. After saying that, lately I've been using a 6m the most as the wind has been ****e!
Same weight as you. Most sessions on the 4m In summer. Autumn and spring - 5m. At your weight better off with 5m being biggest wing and get yourself a bigger foil.
If you are learning on the river, I found the 4.2m Nova left me a bit underpowered this season for learning (forecast was often in 12-15kn region). I was however starting on a smallish foil for a beginner (hps 1050, ~1500cm2) so I really could have benefited from a 5m wing. I recently bought a 5.8m ppc and immediately having more success with getting up foiling on my non dominant direction, where previously I would often crash due to awkwardness of trying to pump in non dominant direction throwing me off balance when the speed picked up. I wish I started on 5m wing for the river.
I have 4 and 6 at 75kg. Its a good combo. On light days the extra grunt means you can have a fun session on something sketchy
Select to expand quotePowis said..
If you are learning on the river, I found the 4.2m Nova left me a bit underpowered this season for learning (forecast was often in 12-15kn region).
Oh yeah forgot to mention, 72kg without wetsuit.
