How To Wing Foil. Do you really need windows? How to keep your safety at top level!

[@dawntreader7079]

We have a lot of powerboat and fast sailboat traffic here, it's a very windy place and a global destination for sailors. Windows have proven to be crucial and have added significantly to my confidence, I can at least take a peak to see where that powerboat is coming from and how fast it's going. I think unless the water is crowded, no window is higher performance and lighter, so probably superior in most situations.

[@wingfoil_mallorca]

Hey, man you ride in a crowded spot ;-) I agree with you, windows are an aid in keeping track of vessels on the opposite side of the wing. Here in Can Pastilla, Mallorca on a good day we now have 30-40 people in the water and it is getting a bit crowded in places. You really need to be alert. Another thing about the windows...The trend we see now is that the windows are getting smaller and smaller. Maybe to make less of an impact on performance, but they become less useful as well.

[@jobtorres]

Muy buena explicación! Gracias! Yo prefiero sin ventanas también por otra razón, además de porque añaden peso. Si se rompe la ventana, el material no es tan fácil de reparar, y un wing se acaba rompiendo casi siempre!

[@wingfoil_mallorca]

Sí, y aún tendremos que levantar el ala para ver, incluso si el ala tiene ventanas.

[@nickmary1234]

Great video. I do exactly what you do. I started on the V1 Gong Pulse, then Ensis V2, Score and now on Spin. Where I foil on south coast of UK it’s not very with busy boats, but still need to be aware of other riders and offshore swimmers. If I need to check, I lift the sail…always. It’s the only way to be 100% sure. I’m on holiday with my family…in Mallorca, quite close to you!

[@wingfoil_mallorca]

Hey Nick, well then you know about good stuff. And that lifting the wing up is the only way. We’ll be in Can Pastilla the coming days at around 14-17 if you are around. Come say hi. We go in about 14.30 and maybe we ride or an 1 1/2h or so. Cool man!

[@raghuram2815]

The point you mentioned about F-One wings...is something I too had been thinking for a while now. If windows were so useful, how is it that F-One wings are the highest sold and most popular even today?

[@wingfoil_mallorca]

Yes, it’s interesting, isn’t it. The strike had success because good marketing and that the pros were racing a lot with them. To be honest, they are light and powerful. Though can not get used to the super soft handles. Hereabouts the top wing this year is the Duotone D-Lab. Even with a price tag of some 1500€ the sell really well. F-One is way down in sales this year due to that. The D-Lab is interesting. I’ll tell you more in a video coming soon. 😃

[@raghuram2815]

@@wingfoil_mallorca hmm. So hard handles or stiff handles are the way to go, then. Did you happen to try...or you know anyone who tried...the stiff handles on Cabrinha Wings? Or the unique handles on Flysurfer Mojo?

[@wingfoil_mallorca]

Unfortunately not. I have tried the handles on the Vayu, North Nova Duotone Unit and D-Lab. I think we will see a big change for next year. Majority of the wings will come with handles/mini booms.

[@martinomovies]

Windows are not only useless, they make it harder to pack and repair the wing. A notable exception is the Cabrinha X3 which has huge windows and gives one a different aesthetic by letting all the sunshine in. But the trend seems to be small windows now.

[@wingfoil_mallorca]

Hey, They are changing. And material wise as well. We’ll see if they get it right. They are not of very much use now as it is. And trend is smaller. Even worse….

[@raghuram2815]

Are the windows on the X3 hard to pack? And also do they add too much weight to the Wing, that a beginner can't handle?

[@wingfoil_mallorca]

That’s a vey good question. Should not make the wing too heavy to handle for anyone. But a lighter wing would be easier to handle.

[@AngusMcIntyre]

my local spots are very busy and one of them is filled with other boats, moorings and a strong tide. Windows are absolutely required here.

[@wingfoil_mallorca]

Yes, I would think so. But you still lift your wing up to check, right?