Innehållsförteckning för Issue 20 från Foiling Magazine

A while back, I was on a call with Ryan Arzy, our distinguished Digital Editor here at Foiling Magazine, and co-presenter of our weekly Friday Pump newsletter (if you’re not signed up to that yet, tap it into a search engine of choice and you should find your way in). There was a brief mention of upcoming events at the time, and specifically the Foil Surf Racing League and how that event does a great job of pulling together the pro and amateur foiling community, the brands, as well as plenty just there for the vibes. I guess I wanted to use my little podium here this issue just to pay a brief tribute to the seemingly ever-present close community aspect to this sport, particularly at a time when its…

As the sun began to rise, engines churned, horns blared, and the Howard Frankland Bridge rumbled to life with the morning rush hour. This eight-lane highway carries commuters three miles over the waters of Tampa Bay, connecting St.Pete and Tampa. Little did they know the adventure that was about to unfold beneath them… We arrived the evening before with the Axis A24 in tow, eager to get our feet wet and assess the area. My research – using YouTube, Google Maps, and Navionics – could only get us so far; it was time for an on-site inspection. Multiple bridges were at our disposal, but we needed to find the perfect one. The first bridge we idled past had tight, uneven pillars. Some were three to four board widths wide, while…

Dylan Wichmann is no stranger to these pages, even having scored – amongst other things - the prestigious cover shot in an earlier issue. But more recently, his brother Donovan has also started to find his own way into the magazine, in footsteps that were trailblazed by his brother, but ones he’s now stepped out of as he sets off on his own pro riding path… Here Dylan writes about the life-long sibling dynamic that has made these two riders so successful in what they do. In the sporting world, there always seems to be a ring that comes with having siblings all excelling in a single sports discipline. But at the same time, when siblings are only a few years apart, it can become a sibling rivalry. My brother…

The talented team at Fliteboard continue to pioneer design and innovation this year with the release of their much-anticipated 2024 range of products, which promise a new level of accessibility and performance, and a merger of foiling disciplines. In the arena of high octane eFoiling and wave riding, Flite has now revealed their latest board – the ULTRA L2. This is the lightest and most refined system we’ve seen from them so far and is the next design iteration in the ULTRA L series of lightweight boards intended to blur the line between surf foil and eFoil. In simpler terms, it’s an electric-powered shred-weapon, and after finally taking one through its paces last week, it’s hard not to agree with Flite team member Adam Bennetts who, after riding it for…

The RRD EVO WING GOLD Y29 is the next step from the winging aficionados at RRD. With a fresh design and some new materials we were stoked to get out on the 5m. One of the standout features of the EVO WING GOLD is its innovative use of the Aluula fabric in the middle panels of the leading edge. This material, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, contributes to a robust yet lightweight frame in the center of the leading edge, maintaining a super stiff central structure while the use of Dacron fabric on the tips and on central strut ensures flexibility and responsiveness in high-wind conditions. This combination creates a stiff, self-regulating central frame while maintaining flexibility where it is most needed, resulting in a wing that is capable…

Following on from the Flux and Fusion releases, which were both race and performance focused this year, Ozone have now filled in a gap in the range previously occupied by their long running WASP series with a more wave and freeride focused model in the form of the all-new Flow, arriving in a range of six sail area sizes between 2.4 and 5.7m. Ozone have employed their new OzCAD software again which has proven successful in the Flux and Fly wings respectively and you can almost feel the genetics. Shape-wise, the Flow is notably lower aspect than the Flux, and generally more compact in shape. Materials employed are well considered and all sourced from Japanese manufacturer Teijin, with tough Dacron for the tubes and three core 55GSM cloth on the…

Solite boots have gained non-stop praise since their arrival to the market in 2017, winning Stab Best Bootie 2024 and turning heads throughout the surf community for good reason. Designed by surfers in NE US with heaps of experience in the surf industry and taking inspiration from heat-molded snowboard boots, the Solite 5mm Custom Pro 2.0 has been through five years of rigorous testing to produce a design which screams durability out of the box. The boot has minimal seams to reduce any weak points, and the sturdy rubber Thermo-Form layer that wraps around most of the foot is nearly twice as durable and half the weight of neoprene. The one-piece 1mm natural rubber sole strikes a solid balance between being thin enough for ample board feel whilst enabling peace…

The Appleslice returns, and three is the magic number! What are the key features of the V3? Yes! It is indeed. And this board is really magic, the way it just instantly comes up to the surface is like nothing else. We have achieved this by taking design features from our Skipper wing and downwind boards, which have a hull shape designed for speed and efficiency. The downside is that they are not the most stable boards and as the Slice boards are our all-round favorite model, we need to add some stability. So key features are that the board is longer and narrower than the V2 version, with an added displacement hull shape in the nose and longer, harder bevels that run all the way into the nose. The…

So a sparkly new wing range, and there’s even a bit of Aluula in there too! First up, can you give us a little overview of the three new wings? Our new WFS V5 freeride wing was the first release this season and is targeted at all levels and all conditions, available in a very wide range of sizes: 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6m. The WFS V5 now also features a full carbon wing bar for very intuitive hand positioning. The GT2+ is our super lightweight wing made using XTC TEX material in the inflatable structure. Due to its light construction, it is a favorite for wave riders and is also a very good freeride crossover wing. The GT2+ features two carbon handles for very natural handling. Our upcoming…

First up, give us a little background on the brand, where does your product development take place? Soöruz was founded in 1999, by two water sport enthusiasts, Yann Dalibot and Matthieu Barat, in France. Specializing in surf and water sport equipment, Sooruz is dedicated to designing and crafting high-quality products through collaborative innovation, enabling you to fully embrace your passion. We continually collaborate directly with our riders to innovate and adapt our products to meet their evolving needs. Early on, we also prioritized environmental considerations in the development of our wetsuits. Our product development takes place in our headquarters in La Rochelle, France. Here, we work on the designs and the improvements of our wetsuits to ensure quality products. So who is the Guru Wind fullsuit primarily aimed at? The…

All hail the ElCapitano! This sounds like a progressive new range… what’s pushed you in this design direction? ElCapitano has been on our minds since we first started making foils: a high-performance, fast, forgiving, easy pumping machine. To achieve this, we needed the right manufacturing. This year, we began working with a new production facility truly capable of delivering the high quality that ElCapitano requires. The design is relatively simple; we built on the FlightAttendant range, which has proven to be very easy yet high-performing thanks to its unique outlines and profiles. When we launched FlightAttendant three seasons ago, its convex trailing edge was unique and innovative. This shape has proven to be extremely stable and easy to handle, while also providing excellent pump performance for a medium AR foil.…

RIDER Tom Soupart LOCATION Siargao, Philippines PHOTOGRAPHER Oli Bayer Tom: A new era of hybrid surfing slowly enters the Philippines as well. Foiling is still in its early stages in the tropics, and now with the Foil Drive in the mix, it’s quite an alien scene. Seeing someone hover along the line up, foiling sections of the wave and go to areas where no others can reach, it’s an entertaining feature, almost too good to be true. I’m mainly using the drive to take me to outer waves where it’s too hard to surf, too hard get to by boat. Or I'll go out in windy surf conditions that aren’t enjoyable on regular set ups. RIDER Xavi Corr LOCATION Tarifa, Spain PHOTOGRAPHER Samuel Cardenas Samu: When you go to do…

The first time I heard about the Lofoten Islands, I was in a fairly different place, much closer to the equator, talking to the Austrian surf photographer Lea (@letschbetsch) in Boa Vista, Cabo Verde. I immediately took a note of the place, gave it a search and wondered if that would be a place where I could wing… The idea of riding in the Arctic was to me equally fascinating and nerve-wracking, and the thought of exploring some snowy locations like that had already crossed my mind several times, but it always stayed in the realm of “maybe one day”. Coincidentally around a month later I came across a video of professional kiters Reno Romeo and Hannah Whiteley in some beautiful cold spot, checked the location and, you guessed it,…

This winter has been a really good one conditions-wise, and I had a lot of fun riding all the toys I have, thanks to my sponsor, North. I’ve had so much fun downwinding, surf foiling, and wing foiling. Such a sick experience doing all these different disciplines in my hometown. What I really love about Sint Maarten is that you land close to the beach, it's one of the most famous airports in the world because of this. The plane gets super close, and even as you land there, you can feel the ocean vibe welcoming you – the clear water, the tropical wind blowing in the trees – just pure excitement, pumping you up to get in the water. I started surf foiling to escape the crowds at first.…

There’s already a 1600 and 2050 in the Plasma range… was it always the plan to bring in the smaller sizes? With the evolution of hydrofoiling, foils are getting both smaller and bigger. Nowadays, we are able to get the same amount of lift with a smaller foil than we could before with bigger foils. This has allowed us to go smaller and smaller, making foils even more maneuverable. High aspect foils used to just want to go straight, but with the reduction in size and wingspan, high aspect foils are becoming weapons in the surf and on downwinders as a result of the increased turning ability. These are optimized for performance wing, surf, tow and downwind. How’s the feedback been from the team? We’ve received really good feedback on…

Firstly, tell us the concept behind the new Glider series… We created the Glider HA series (1400 and 1800) with ease of pumping for dock and beach starts in mind. The name gives it away, as they provide maximum glide making pumping for long distances as easy as possible. Our second objective was to create a foil range that can also be used for lightwind downwind foiling. So what makes it such a banger for dockstarts? The large wingspan in combination with its efficient foil section provides maximum pumping performance. The foil section we came up with for these wings has enough thickness and a good amount of camber to provide lots of low-end lift. What this does is takes the load off your legs, making it easier to conserve…

So firstly, talk to us about Concept Blue, and what marks this Slick out from the rest in the range… The 2024 Slick Concept Blue is a standout in our freeride and freestyle wing range. With sustainability at its core, this model shares the same updates as the Slick, delivering identical performance and durability. Prioritizing sustainability with undyed fabrics, bio-based bladder material, recycled plastic parts and reduced printed graphic applications, the Slick Concept Blue ensures an environmentally conscious and elevated wingfoiling experience. Available in eight sizes, from 3m to 6.5m. Last year, we established the Concept Blue initiative, leveraging all available resources. We thoroughly analyzed the raw material production process to identify the areas with the highest potential for CO2 savings. Our goal was to explore alternative materials that could…

Hey Dom. What design considerations have been factored into these boards that make them so Foil Drive friendly? Dom: Primarily, they are designed to be VERY quick to build up board speed and get onto the plane – this is the most important design factor for Foil Drive. The easier you can build up board speed, the easier it is to get on foil. The most obvious design feature is the overall long, narrow shape. This, in combination with the flat hull in the rear half of the board, a relatively wide tail, and very little rocker allows the board to plane as quick as possible. A rounded, slightly domed nose with a bit more volume than most downwind-specific boards allows you to push down on the nose when accelerating,…

LIGHTER & STIFFER SUPERNATURAL has been completely revamped with an extreme focus on weight and stiffness. The leading edge and strut are now made from Aerolite, our High Tenacity Polyester, making the whole wing more rigid, and resulting in a drastic weight reduction. Combined with our all-new full carbon handles, these are one of the lightest rigid handle wings on the market right now. reedin.com…

RAGLAN BAR: OSKAR JOHANSSON I’ve seen photos of Raglan in surf magazines ever since I was a grom, its corduroy swell lines stacked to the horizon with a seemingly endless left hand point break in the foreground. Being shown around this magical spot by Armie and the Armstrong family with their deep local knowledge was such a dream come true. This was also the first time my fellow Aussie Armstrong teammate Jeremy Wilmotte and I got to meet our Armstrong teamrider counterparts and all-around legends, Noah Flegel and Austin Tovey. For years, I have watched the strapped foiling madness these two pull off, so I was psyched to see it firsthand and learn as much as I could. Our first few Raglan sessions were a bit up and down, plagued…

Close your eyes and imagine being whisked away to the year 1492. After weeks of sailing on the open sea, you finally spot land. What lies before you is an island of unspoiled nature, breathtaking untouched landscapes awaiting discovery. This is the sensation you experience upon arriving at San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, named after the first land to the west discovered by Christopher Columbus, over five hundred years ago. Our adventure began at an incredible beachfront house, which boasted an amazing lagoon sat directly in front. This spot right on our doorstep was our initial playground, where we rode and explored the incredible surroundings, fully immersing ourselves in the beauty and tranquility the island had to offer. The lagoon, with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, was…

Over the last few seasons, I have set myself the task to really start to explore some of the places slightly closer to home. Home, for me is on the Isle of Wight on the south coast of the UK, a small island that is naturally graced with some of the best water sports conditions that the south coast of the British Isles has to offer. However, if there is one thing that the era of Covid did teach us, it is there is more than meets the eye at your home spots! Now with the added addition of ‘foil goggles’ and the multitude of ways to ride the oceans, there are so many more spots that are open to us… Once the world started opening up again, I started…

The Vayu EOS is the 4th generation of the VVING from Vayu. This is a compact and high-performance wing designed with a shorter wingspan than its predecessors, to suit both freestyle and freeride riders. It also comes with an optional carbon boom. The lightness of the wing is immediately noticeable as you grab it on the beach, especially with that super light carbon boom. Once you’re in the water, the EOS makes water starts easier than ever, especially in light wind conditions. The initial pump effortlessly lifts you from the water, and the second one gets you up on the foil and cruising along immediately. The wing's power originates from its center, significantly helping in your water start, and its ability to generate power through pumping is really impressive –…

For V2 of their SuperNatural, the focus for Reedin has been on reducing the weight and increasing the stiffness of the wing. The wing looks like a complete revisit compared to V1 so we were intrigued to see how this new approach translated to performance. In terms of materials, V2 is built with lighter and stiffer Dacron, this material permits narrower diameters on both leading edge and strut, thereby boosting overall performance, handling and usability. The canopy features a 3x3 yarn configuration with a reinforced trailing edge ensuring durability. These attributes, coupled with vertical seams and strategic reinforcements, are designed to significantly enhance the wing's stiffness, durability and performance and – on initial pump up – this definitely seems to be the case with a super-stiff canopy and obviously lighter-weight…

Flysurfer have released the TAO to complement the well-established OG Mojo a while back now, and responding to consumer demand have now introduced a rigid-handled version. The TAO is pitched as the all-encompassing, multi-discipline Swiss army knife. It caters for the complete beginner to pro level wing as we witnessed at this year’s Ponta Preta event with Nathan van Vuuren tearing it a new one. We were intrigued to see how the addition of some carbon handles would change the feel. Shape-wise, we’re presented with something quite unique. The forward swept leading edge gives the TAO a broad-shouldered appearance and theoretically moves the pull point forward. We’d say this is a success with its upwind ability being a standout. The strut length is noticeably extended and the canopy batwings into…

The Aero Carve 850 2.0 is an agile foil which seems to sit smack bang in the middle of most performance characteristics, making it extremely versatile regardless of your intended usage. Its unashamed freestyle leanings have characteristics which are tempered by the v2’s improved pump-and-glide characteristics, meaning a better crossover into waves if necessary. Shape-wise the Aero is a swept back batwing affair and quite an evolution over the previous shape with a thinner section and noticeable improvement in top end. We tested with the SLS Aero 82cm mast, which sports three sturdy M8 bolts to attach the plane set. This is the strongest and stiffest mast from the Duotone system, with a pre-preg carbon mid-section attached to an aluminum base. It’s designed to handle larger span foils with ease,…

Tell us what marks out the FLY II Pro from the FLY II? The 2024 FLY II PRO is an innovative advancement of the first FLY edition from 2023 – the lightwind and high-performance model in the NeilPryde range. The shape has undergone revisions similar to those of the FLY II, but it has also been enhanced with premium materials to deliver exceptional performance and user experience. The FLY II and FLY II PRO are very close. The big differences concerning the shape are the leading edge diameter (the PRO is much smaller) and that – because it has a flatter entry angle to leverage the leading edge stiffness of the Aluula and reduce drag – the FLY II PRO canopy appears slightly smaller when shown as flat pieces. From…

In what ways does the new lightwind version of the CROSS differ to its standard counterpart? The most visible difference is the frame with its three struts. The extra struts towards the tips have two main purposes. Firstly, a frame with three struts allows us to design the outline of the wing much more compact in order to keep the wing-span reasonable. Looking at the outline, you can see that the chord is kept long all the way to the lateral struts and then the trailing edge is “cut-away” in order to keep the tip narrow. This cut-away prevents the tip dragging in the water. Secondly, the lateral struts allow us to keep a fairly deep (and longer) profile closer to the tip. Those lateral struts do have a profile…

Hey team. Where are you based, and where does the majority of the testing and development take place? SiFly AI Ltd. is proudly based in Bulgaria, where all our development, testing, and production take place. It's a fantastic environment for innovation and pushing the boundaries of eFoil technology. Being headquartered here allows us to closely monitor every stage of the process, ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance in our products. So… are we right in thinking this is the first ever adjustable fuselage for an eFoil?! Yes, that’s right! At SiFly, we're dedicated to pushing the boundaries of performance, usability, and safety. With the Hydrofoil V3, we've achieved a milestone in eFoil technology by creating the first customizable hydrofoil unit. Not only does the Hydrofoil V3 offer interchangeable…

First up, tell us about the EVO and which disciplines it’s built for… The EVO range is a line of foils that we wanted to be extremely versatile and highly adaptable. The wide range of wing sizes (from 950 to 1650) allows for evolution in all conditions, whether it's for flat water cruising, jumps, surfing, or downwind. We made sure that the usage range of our foils is as wide as possible to ensure great accessibility and performance. These foils are adaptable because of their ability to gain in performance depending on the combination of equipment you choose to use, which is the strength of the EVO range. It has proven itself on all types of water and in all practices, be it freeride, freestyle, freerace, surf, or downwind. You…