I've been wing foiling for about 4 months using 2020 gear, a 120L Fanatic board and duotone slick wings. I've had an opportunity the last 10 days to try some newer gear and I thought some other beginners may be interested in what I found.
I was looking for:
- Less of an overpowered feel
- Board that it easier to get through beach breaks
- Easier setup
Nice to have:
- Good in light winds
- Better upwind
- A bit faster
Demo equipment from Foil Sport, Melbourne:
- 97L Ensis Rock n roll
- 6.2 m Ensis Score with rigid handles
-3.6m Ensis Spin with soft handles
-Sabfoil 83cm carbon mast
- W1100 front wing
-W899 front wing
In 10 knots the 6.2m Ensis and the W1100 were a revelation. They pumped up in very low winds and only a slight board pump was required to stay on foil.It was slow when turning and I needed to push the gybe around more that I am used to but that got better with time.The 6.2m kept its shape well and I seemed to be able to point upwind better than I usually can. I loved the rigid handles of the Ensis Score and found it much easier on my elbows and forearms that are getting tender from too much winging.
The W899 theoretically works in 12 knots but I needed 15 knots to get going. Once going it was fast and easy to turn. It seemed to work well in most conditions and was relatively easy to turn for gybing (even though I usually fell before the gybe was completed).
The other revelation was front footstraps. I've been avoiding them because I was worried about snapping my ankles. However, gently sliding my toes into the foot strap gave me so much more control, it felt like a massive upgrade.The other benefit was having something to hold onto getting through the beach breaks. I've already torn 2 wings, so I'm keen to always have my foils under the water. The foot straps allowed me to keep the board at 45 degrees from the water surface and I only need to lift the board once it got very shallow.
The 83cm mast was another thing I had been avoiding due to fear, however that also significantly improved the winging experience. Definitely a bit higher to fall from after a breach but I was breaching less, so it seemed like a good trade off.
Conclusion
I don't think I need a new board yet but I will add foot straps to my current board.
I'll definitely upgrade the wing, probably to a 5m.
The W899 on the 83 mast seems like a good package to use in most weather so, I'm also keen on that upgrade but I'll try to find something second hand.
I strongly recommend other beginners check if your local shop will give you demo gear. Before this demo, I thought I needed new everything. Now I'm clearer about issues I can solve with equipment and what just needs more hours on the water.
