At 82 kg with current winging size of (6.5, 5,0, 4, 3m), in general what's the equivalent sizing for Parawing?
Mainly used in 15-30 condition for upwind downwind runs. Newbie here want to get just get 1 parawing for now to learn. Go big like a 5, 4.3m or smaller 3 or 3.6 m? Looking at Pocket Rocket 3, 3.6, 4.3 or 5m.
Don't bother with anything bigger than the 4.3, especially for learning, the larger sizes are harder to use. We had some learners buy the larger sizes to learn on, none were successfull.
At 86kg I learned on the 2.3m Ka'a. I can see the argument for going up to a 3m but I doubt I'd ever go bigger.
I'm the same weight as you and cover that exact range 15-30 knots with the 3.6m Ozone pocket Rocket . However I use my 115L downwind board under 20knots and my 65L ML when solid 20-25. At 30 knots going upwind it's a handful but manageable once experienced using the harness edging the foil.
So allot depends on your board( 85-90L ML would be best).
The 4.3 will top out at 25knots and not give much more benefit at the low end at our weight.
I'm finding Parawinging is a higher wind sport the whole point is to pack away and the smaller the better. If I get a second one it will be a 3.0m or 2.4m. The lighter wind < 15knots is allot better on a wing.
I'm also 82kg. I'm on an 85L ML. Wind range 15-25. After much deliberation between a 3.6 and 4.3 PR, I ordered the 4.3. My reasoning is the extra power will aid as a more solid counter balance in getting from straddling to feet - which I imagine will be the most challenging part of the learning process for me. I know I will need to get a 3m eventually, but I figure, just like learning other foil sports in the past, power is your friend.
Everyone talking downwind downwind, but is it any fun for just cruising around compared to normal winging?
Select to expand quotelarsdegroot said..
Everyone talking downwind downwind, but is it any fun for just cruising around compared to normal winging?
Yes it is
I'm 83kg and I used the 4.3m for learning but you need to plan for wind strengths. I can use the 4.3m in 15kts to 22kts .... when you get up towards 25kts just hanging onto it becomes pretty hard work.
I do use mine for just cruising around and it is actually pretty fun - recently learned to tack and do leading edge down gybes, so there is that same progression curve for more complex gybes and tacking as there is for hand wings.
I think hand wings are generally more versatile and easier to use for just freeriding but the parawing is still fun and different to using a wing.
I do agree they are better in higher winds, I'm getting a 3m and will probably only parawing in the 20-30kt window as everything is easier on parawing with more wind and a smaller wing.
Lastly I think parawinging makes you a better foiler, my off foil balance on the board has improved significantly and my pump onto foil is more efficient now.
After 7 years on wings great to have something new. advantages
no pump
stow for dw so no stuff in the way eg wing
disadvantages
hard to get on foil
wrap up in waves
upwind angle not better than a wing
It is a hoot in small swell strong wind days. Has its place.
If you have to pick one size start with a 4. That said in lighter winds I've used a 5 and have found it far easier to use, mostly because in those winds conditions are flat so it's easy for me to get up. Also I've found vast differences between manufacturers and parawing models in terms of low-end, grunt and stability between models so your mileage may vary.
Select to expand quotelarsdegroot said..
Everyone talking downwind downwind, but is it any fun for just cruising around compared to normal winging?
No point, unless you're doing downwind stick with winging. Yes it's different but you will soon get tired of riding big boards and front wings to compensate for parawings poor performance.
I would size similar to the wing size you use. Don't listen to the naysayers, Parawing is super fun in all conditions. A wing just feels archaic to me now. No doubt a Parawing is more technical to ride and less forgiving than a wing but the performance upside and freedom on foil is worth it to me. You're not going to unlock the full potential of a Parawing after a handful of sessions. There're so many little nuances and micro adjustments that need to be learnt to get the most out of it and only way to do so is to put the time in. Gear will get better and easier to use but currently that is the reality. Think manual sports car with no traction control vs a modern luxury sports car that basically drives itself.
Select to expand quotefoilthegreats said..
I would size similar to the wing size you use. Don't listen to the naysayers, Parawing is super fun in all conditions. A wing just feels archaic to me now. No doubt a Parawing is more technical to ride and less forgiving than a wing but the performance upside and freedom on foil is worth it to me. You're not going to unlock the full potential of a Parawing after a handful of sessions. There're so many little nuances and micro adjustments that need to be learnt to get the most out of it and only way to do so is to put the time in. Gear will get better and easier to use but currently that is the reality. Think manual sports car with no traction control vs a modern luxury sports car that basically drives itself.
Thanks! Waiting for the F-one Frigate review. That one looks promising.
Everything is fun, but not everything is fun for everyone.
Plenty of people loving parawings in all conditions and making it look super fun. Just like there's plenty of reports of people strongly disliking them and wanting to stick to the wing for point sailing or the paddle for downwinding. You just gotta think about who you are, what you like, what you want, and if you think the parawing will be a good tool for you.
