I have been SUP downwinding for a while on foils that are typically high aspect + big span (Axis fireball 1070/1160 or Code 860R/960R), and I am now moving to para/pocket winging doing the same 10km DW runs (with the upwind done by car) and so I am not sure if I should use different foils...
So first: are you using a smaller sized of foils with a parawing than with a paddle? (eventhough the bumps are the same)
Second: did you switch to a surfy/ med aspect foil to surf the bumps better?
If I do laps and don't fully store the PW I normally switch to lower AR foils (code 810X as my go-to now) but if I do longer runs I still stick to the R series (770 as much as I can). In general, I normally try to just match the foil with the conditions. If it's light and slow wind chop (under 12-13 kts) I'll go with the 960R if it's blowing a touch more I'll go straight to the 770. As soon as the bumps get bigger, I'll try to switch to lower AR foils and surf as much as I can, but need to be really good for choosing this foils for longer runs
It's going to be interesting to see how this evolves for all of us parawingers.
i ride Fone and for my local conditions I still want the glide of an eagle x aspect 12. I have been riding a size down for pw and loving the turns and may go two sizes down in good conditions but i still feel the glide is the most important requirement and then turning next. In conditions like the gorge then I think lower aspect might work but even then I saw a clip of jack ho ripping like you would expect and was surprised to see he chose eagle x 700. The eagle x turns really well and I think better than my eagles in the low power circumstance of dw bumps. I think the glide allows you the support late in the turn to make it into to the next turn without pumping.
The mid aspect dw riders will size up their foils chasing more comfort and the 12/13 aspect dw riders will size down their foils chasing turning. I think the feeling of efficiency will win out in the bumps.
Select to expand quotescheggia said.. try to just match the foil with the conditions.
+1
With the paddle the foil was often times chosen by what I could reliably paddle up. For the para I can ride whatever foil I want and can try to pick the perfect foil for the conditions of the day.
MA foils are really fun in the Gorge with the parawing. On my 1050 I'm nearly invincible. I don't ride my 850 anymore. In the small sizes I've been riding a 700 with 11AR which makes life easier on such a small foil. I still push myself to ride my 650 MA though. Super challenging and engaging and I'm yet to figure out the perfect setup and day for it.
