Wing Foil in the Lightest Winds Possible With a Downwind Board

[@cefirmeza]

One other advantage of a dw board in lightwind is how easy it is to self rescue if the wind dies. It just paddles soo fast and covers so much ground prone swimming. It was a game changer not being afraid of reaching further afraid of swimming. These boards as so versatile

[@MACkiteboarding]

100%. You an actually slog upwind too! -Tucker

[@thaniyahoo]

It is always great to listen to you guys and it very informative as usual. Can you guys do an update on the same topic with board comparison of the lead brands in this light wind board category?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Great suggestion, my friend. 🤙🏽 We'll add that to our list for future videos. Good winds to you! -Aaron

[@fredmellon7327]

Thanks for the outstanding overview of downwind boards, I'm really excited, can't wait to try one!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thanks Fred

[@donwagner1164]

Thanks, guys, inspired me to build one, for this not all that skilled Florida winging addict, can now wingfoil most every day.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hey there! 🤙🏽 It's fantastic to hear that our content has inspired you to build your own downwind wing foil board. Keep practicing and enjoying your time on the water, every session brings new learning opportunities! Good winds! -Aaron

[@fathomfathom]

Agree, game changer. 2.5m in 17 knots gusts, easily, faster than my proficient buddy on his 5m. Can't wait for light wind day to try a 7m

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for sharing the stoke with us, my friend! 🤙🏽 Hope you have fun pushing the light wind threshold this season. Good winds to you. -Aaron

[@joemiller8029]

The lightwind days at Sherman Island all the wingers struggle on their huge wings and giant boards while I fly by them on the peak4 kites and my prone board. I still think that is a better, cheaper and more reasonable solution. Then when the wind starts to build, I just swap the kite for the wing and am back on the water in a few minutes. Yesterday was a case in point, and not untypical. I put up a 5m kite, rode my 35L board and 1000cm surf foil. The wind picked up, I grabbed my 5.5m wing and went out on same board, albeit pretty overpowered. Those downwind boards look painful to ride, painful to transport and kill your budget for other gear, in my opinion.

[@MACkiteboarding]

As always, great feedback from you Joe! I think it just comes down to what you want to do and your local conditions. To each their own I suppose and for an accomplished kite foiler like yourself, I'm sure it's hard to resist that option. -Tucker

[@jeremywootton8343]

Really enjoyed this chat and coincidentally it exactly matches my current thinking for getting going this summer in the UK in light winds. I see you had an Appletree, I see they are not yet in production, some more detail on the dimensions would be great please. Also, obviously, these set ups work, as you say with higher aspect foils, I'd be really interested to hear what foil set up you had in the video clips on this please? Thanks again , Jeremy

[@MACkiteboarding]

This is a custom 99L, 7'0 x 20" but they'll have a similar production model very soon. Keep an eye on our website for a launch in the next 60 days. -Tucker

[@Tyler-ic5kw]

You mention these boards are light wind boards, but “not a first board.” But if you live in an area where it is usually light wind at best, then it might have to be a first board, or at least a better option than a traditional wing board that doesn’t lift as easily in light wind. Plus it seems like you could use these longer boards as SUPs to get in practice riding on foil during no wind days. Several brands now seem to be marketing these boards towards beginners since they are easier to get off the water and more pitch stable. KT (Ginxu Dragonfly 2, Ginxu Super K) and F-One (Rocket Midlength) for example. It would be great to get your insight on using these longer boards as an entry into winging and what you think is a good board/foil/wing setup for the beginner.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yes if you must learn in light winds, these would be a good option in a larger size. You'll struggle a little with balance but at least it's possible to get enough speed for liftoff and learning to foil. -Tucker

[@jonnyvincent2236]

loveing the vid! and i am so on board with the width thing. Nice insight guys!

[@MACkiteboarding]

+Jonny Vincent Thank you for sharing the stoke with us, my friend! 🤙🏽 Good winds to you. -Aaron

[@rssupsurffoil]

Can't wait to try with kalama barracuda dw foil board.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yeah, those boards look amazing, right? 🤙🏽 Good winds! -Aaron

[@mulhauserthomas1325]

Thank you for all the input. Could a beginner start with a DW board ? Are the same „rules“ apply weight + 40 = volume L ? Thank you

[@MACkiteboarding]

It's possible but more difficult. You'll want to practice in flat water using the wing downwind as an ourrigger to balance you. -Tucker

[@tate2863]

Hi. Thanks for another good video. I'm a bit sceptical about these boards regarding slogging back in very light winds and getting up from knees in tough choppy conditions. I can't prone much time because of a neck injury. How about something in the middle 6'11 x 25"? I know it wouldn't have so much performance but the length would help to fly earlier

[@MACkiteboarding]

Try one and you'll be surprised. They are way easier to ride than you think and far easier to slog home. You can even slog while staying upwind. -Tucker

[@avinashbikha]

This was a great discussion. Thanks for doing this. A question I have though.. you spoke about the wingfoil use of this type of board. What's the other use case scenario for these boards? Board-foil-paddle and use it in hi winds with lots of windchop on the lake? A bit like the guys and girls downwinding at hood River and Maui?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Correct, downwind SUP is the other use for these boards. It's a growing segement but takes some skill and the right condiitons so having the ability to use them for winging is a double bonus. - Tucker

[@kevinbradley9601]

I don't wing yet but wanted to tell you guys ... Really dig the informal chat format you have going here where the guys share their insights. Really good stuff coming from Mac. Nice

[@harryhalfmoon]

Yes indeed. This is really nice. Thanks guys!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you so much for the positive feedback, Kevin. 🤙🏽 That format seems to come across as more authentic and genuine. So glad you're digging it. We're planning to keep that rolling from now on. Please feel free to make requests, and we'll do our best to add them to the video queue. Good winds to you, my friend. -Aaron

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you as well, Harry. 🤙🏽 We appreciate the stoke and will do our best to keep bringing valuable content to you. Good winds! -Aaron

[@comment8767]

Duck Dynasty goes wingboarding.

[@MACkiteboarding]

LOL, we do enjoy our duck hunting. We posted some photos a while back of us hunting from paddleboards. -Tucker

[@svensshed1564]

I am finding that the DW boards are a do it all board, so although a bit more expensive, perhaps instead of having 3 boards you only need 1 or 2

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Svens. 🤙🏽 We're finding the same to be true in our minds as well. Although not for everyone, a good DW board can certainly be a do-it-all board for many riders. Good winds to you, my friend. -Aaron

[@fredmellon7327]

Great rundown you guys with lots of info! What size would you suggest if I'm 145 lbs, intermediate winger? Also are they harder to jybe?

[@MACkiteboarding]

I'd go for something around 85-95L if you don't intend to SUP Foil with it. Not difficult to jibe at all. If anything, can be easier since they touch down so nicely if you stall. - Tucker

[@bmrbca3658]

How tippy are these boards in choppy conditions when getting on your knees and then to your feet?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Surprisingly, not tippy at all. You'll want to lean on your wing as a outrigger if you need balance but the foil offers a lot of side/side stability and the length of the boards makes them super easy to ride. It's a common piece of feedback we receive, how easy they are to ride. - Tucker

[@patrickfrank4356]

Good staff guys. Question: I could buy a self made downwindboard with 90l. I am an advanced winger with 80kg. What is your opinion? would you recommend a board with more volume? thx

[@MACkiteboarding]

That should work fine. I'm 90kg and 90L works great as long as you have some good balance. - Tucker

[@juanjogonzalez8084]

Hi!! What width would you recommend as a minimum? I'm thinking between 18 and 19, also for prone surf/DW

[@MACkiteboarding]

Depends on your skills and conditions. I'm 200lbs and ride as small as 18" but on larger wingsets, it's nice to have more board with for offset of your foot stance to give more leverage in turns. I'd say 19" roughly is a good average. -Tucker

[@juanjogonzalez8084]

@@MACkiteboarding thanks mate!!

[@martinomovies]

I'm 100kg (218 pounds). I'm currently riding a 105L Slingshot Wingcraft V2 in light wind. I can go down to a 90L in heavier wind. What liter "barracuda" style board will you recommend for me?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Great question, JakeDawg-hope you're well, amigo. 🤙🏽 Let's get you on the line with Tucker sometime tomorrow so he can steer you right: messenger.providesupport.com/messenger/16yujhm0yez8m179lf6mgefdw1.html. -Aaron

[@MACkiteboarding]

I'd go around 110-130L deepending on the model and if you want to have the ability to downwind SUP with it.

[@henryhester1897]

I’m 91kg and old at 71 so had a 127 liter 8x21x6.5 shaped up. Foil is Zetti Coast 1800 6.5 AS with a 103cm width. Designed flat bottom no chime for knee paddle up. In San Diego we have light winds but I’d like to consider a small wing but maybe 3.5-4.0…

[@henryhester1897]

My Mountainbike shop guy says you can pay me or pay a shrink. Seemed logical.

[@karimkalache9984]

What was the size of the board......Was it the narrow or larger version? That you Karim

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thanks for asking, Karim. 🤙🏽 Appletree hasn't released that board or the specs just yet. However, that one was around 7' long and 20"-22" wide. Good winds. -Aaron

[@karimkalache9984]

@@MACkiteboarding Oh Okay. I thought max length for winging should not be beyond 6'11. One more question if you don't min. was it the Saab Leviathan 1350? Or di you go bigger:?

[@MACkiteboarding]

@@karimkalache9984 This one is 6'11x20", 99L. I could go a little shorter or longer but this one works great for me. I'm riding both the 1350 and 950 in this video. The 1350 gets up a little easier but I find it unnecessary for this kind of board so I typically ride the 950 or smaller foils. - Tucker

[@karimkalache9984]

@@MACkiteboarding Dear Tucker, I would order from you if I was based in the USA. Ordering right away one to Berlin for my light wind sessions in Qatar. Thanks Karim

[@MACkiteboarding]

@@karimkalache9984 Stoked you found what you need. Always feel free to reach out if we can help in any way. - Tucker

[@maca5645]

Please test this DW shapes in more realistic lenghts (5 to 6 feet).

[@MACkiteboarding]

Great suggestion, my friend. 🤙🏽 Most production downwind boards are in the 6' plus range. Looks like you may want to seek out a custom shape. Good winds to you. -Aaron

[@MACkiteboarding]

We'll have some review videos for specific models soon. For this concept to work properlly you'll need a longer, narrower board. The short boards just don't have enough speed on the water due to their drag. - Tucker

[@idguinness]

What is the URL for this Appletree DW board?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for asking, my friend. 🤙🏽 As soon as it's available, you'll be able to find it right here: www.mackiteboarding.com/search.php?search_query=%22appletree%22&section=product Good winds to you! -Aaron

[@airwayintact]

I’m convinced, but your definitions of “light wind” being 10kts is a medium day in Nashville 😢. I just built a “dog” of a foil kit with MacKite, hoping to just get out and on foil in the lightest possible conditions; 6kts anyone? If it doesn’t work I’ll just build some mean pumping skills or maybe try a starvation diet. Dragonfly 8’2”, 2450cm mid aspect foil, 7m wing, @ 94kg. I’ll let you know how it goes 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@MACkiteboarding]

I can ride a similar setup down to 5-6kn. The 2450 may be a little overkill due to drag but it should still work fine. I tend to use a 1700HA as my largest light wind foil but ride 1200 more frequently for more performance. -Tucker

[@airwayintact]

@@MACkiteboarding I managed to get a couple days of 4kts with 12kt gusts” (from consistent direction) and you are of course right; In my lack of experience I focused purely on lift and neglected glide entirely which would make linking the gusts more reasonable. The drag of the 2450 also prevents any meaningful flat-water SUP pop up or dock start which has become my new focus due to so many

[@Netgazum]

Board yes, but the wrong foil stops even the downwinder board from getting up in light wind.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Right on-thanks for sharing your opinion, my friend. 🤙🏽 Good winds! -Aaron

[@JonRoskill]

Good stuff but you guys should talk a bit more about the actual board options (brands)....you don't even mention what you are riding....FFB, Armstrong, Kamala all making them, what do you recommend? etc.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for your suggestion, Jon. 🤙🏽 This video is intended to talk about the specific style of board (downwind foil boards), not actual brands and models. We will, however, be covering specifics as we receive boards from our various brands. The board we used, as noted in the video, is the Appletree Skipper DW, which is not yet publicly available. Please let us know if you have a board you’d like us to discuss, and we’ll try to get that in the video queue. Good winds to you, my friend. -Aaron

[@Alyman1977]

The light wind solutions is a KITE!!! I have 21m go in 6kn, and can jump, tricks etc. With a wing, I can get on foil in 8kn but there is no fun, if I drop it then it is hard to get going again. U pretty much stuck with no learning curve. Below 12kn is a kite, above is a wing ;). Very simple.

[@MACkiteboarding]

For sure Alexey, you do get more power from a kite which gives you some more options. But... for people who don't kite and own a 21m ram air, the DW boards are a blast. They also work great for DW SUP which is another fun challenge. -Tucker

[@drlv3250]

Interesting, i prefer winging for lower Winds, and everything thing above is Kite. The point with kiting in super low wind is, if you drop your kite, you are spending a great time in the water struggeling relaunching.

[@alyman77]

@@drlv3250 I have 500 cm2 race foil (Chubanga V3), and not dropping kites, tacks and gybes are at 99.9%. Also can relaunch if above 8kn. Below it sticks to the water. Plenty of practice, so dropping is very rare when I go fast and the wind drops below 3kn, at 3-5kn I can keep it in the air until a gust comes to get on a foil.

[@BrettWae]

@@MACkiteboarding Also launching a large ram air anywhere but a beach is a pain. Wings launch from anywhere.

[@MACkiteboarding]

This is true@@BrettWae