ARMSTRONG FOILS DOWNWIND BOARD | 6’8” x 19.5” x 5 5/8" - 96L

How’s it going, stoked to be giving a review of the new Armstrong foils downwind boards, in particular the 6’8” x 19.5” x 96L model.
I am an 80kg rider so this board fits the classic SUP formula of rider weight + 20 liters for a suggested volume.
You can see the board is very narrow, crucial for down winding, the displacement design helps with water starts. The long spear shape tracks better through the water while the rider is Sprint paddling. getting started and also ocean restarts can make or break a session depending on how much energy you have
This video shows my first session on the board and the MA1225 foil.
I was surprised at how agile the board performed. Like all the FG boards, The Downwind has the same lightweight and strong sandwich construction allowing rider energy to easily transfer to and from the the performance mast and into the foil.
I have spent lots of time on the High Aspect foils and would have chosen the HA1125 for this day, but came to appreciate the MA1225 as the run developed, the new thin profile shape of the MA keep the foil fast but the camber keeps the foil lifting at the slower speeds, perfect for this session with light wind and small bumps.
I was pretty stoked to have a great run in marginal conditions as a first go on both Board and foil. For me, Apparent areas to work on were: Refining my on water SUP stance to be able to paddle in the riding position due to the width of the board, and keep my mass centered in the deck pad area where all the volume of the board is concentrated. From this position, in a low stance, I found the best place to develop the power strokes for starts, The board shape lends the rest to getting on foil.
I have also taken the Board out into the surf at home here in Bali as the speed and wave faces can match bigger downwind conditions. For this session I rode the MA1000 foil and had a blast. The conditions were great, The inside section fattens up to mimic downwind rollers, you can see the whole setup is perfectly tuned for it.
At 6 kg the Board is not a chore even in the surf it offered a great opportunity to throw it around, at only 19.5” wide, the DW sup affords great turns. and training for dynamic downwind runs later.
When choosing a board, I’d suggest your weight in KG + 20L if you have SUP experience or plan to kneel start with hand paddles. If you’re new to SUP down winding, maybe consider Weight +30-40L to help with your progression, The AF DW boards are so light and the FG mast rails balanced so that swing weight is negated regardless of the size you choose. Downwinding is the ultimate, get into it!
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96L: 6’8 x 19 ½” x 5 ⅝” DW Board, 795mm Performance mast, MA1225 & 1000 foils, 60cm fuselage, HA195 stabiliser, -1 RED SHIM. FG setting 6, 80 kg rider
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www.armstrongf...
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85L: 6’3 x 18 ¾” x 5 ⅜” , rider weight 65-75kg (145-165lbs)
96L: 6’8 x 19 ½” x 5 ⅝” , rider weight 75-85kg (165-190lbs)
107L: 7’2 x 20 ¼” x 5 ¾” , rider weight 85-95kg (190-210lbs)
121L: 7’7 x 21” x 5 ⅞” , rider weight 95-105kg (210-230lbs)
135L: 8’3 x 21 ½” x 6” , rider weight 105-115kg (230-255lbs)
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[@dragonfly9748]

Really enjoy your progression. Keep the videos coming.

[@OllyBrunton]

Thanks Very much!

[@xyzct]

Dude, thanks for the mega-helpful notes!!!

[@OllyBrunton]

You're welcome!

[@grahamreed8443]

So good! Just got my 6’3” and frothing

[@OllyBrunton]

I bet!!

[@TylerHolowell]

Just got my 6’8 🤩 what front wing would be best for flat water paddle ups in the Armstrong range?

[@OllyBrunton]

That can depend on your ability, HA1525-1325, HS1550 V2, HS1850..HA foils will have better pump and glide but harder to get onto foil, HS foils will be easier but less efficient once foiling.

[@1JOHNHEARN]

Rippin

[@OllyBrunton]

Thanks mate

[@foilhub]

Wooopah

[@OllyBrunton]

😮‍💨

[@DS-go8mn]

Got any specs on the hydrofoil?

[@OllyBrunton]

All the info on the foils can be found here: www.armstrongfoils.com/products/front-foils/////

[@francoislevasseur9738]

Where is it please ?

[@OllyBrunton]

First spot is Muine in Vietnam, Second is Bali Indonesia

[@ro57zzz]

Hi Olly , what weight are you please ??

[@OllyBrunton]

80kg

[@chuongfoil]

Mũi né Việt Nam? Hello hello

[@OllyBrunton]

Xin Chao!