Just wondering how many different brand wind wings are there that have proven performance at a good price?
So far before my research it's Naish & Slingshot.
Love the look of the Naish.
Looking forward to the reviews & comparisons.

Its too early for performance comparisons, but there is multiple brands releasing versions shortly. Based on social media photos and info released by some brands:
Slingshot slingwing
LE with Single strut with handles
2 or 3 sizes tbc
Wind range tbc
Cost about 1k

Doutones
LE with boom
Sizes 2, 3, 4, 5m tbc
Cost tbc

Naish wingsurfer
LE with Single strut with handles
Sizes tbc
Cost tbc

Signature Foils air wing
LE with boom (I think)
Sizes tbc
Cost tbc

FOne kites
LE with Single strut with handles
Sizes tbc
Cost tbc

Ozone tbc
Kai Lenny was put on a proto, so assume something is coming.

If anyone has more brands or further details on the releases above please chime in .

Based on the videos, I would look for wings whose roll is easy to control. I suspect the ability to have the wing in a vertical plane or horizontal (over the head) to power/depower is key, as the hands position give no leverage for this. I was trying to compare marketing videos of the pros (where the mistakes are edited out) and normal people to see what could be the tricky bits, and the roll stability seemed to me the biggest difference I could see.

An exemple: she doesn't seem to be able to position the sail in a vertical plane for more efficiency, so that she could use a smaller sail. Is that just a lack of technique, or some sails are harder to control wrt roll? The hands being on the center line, they have no leverage on the roll, so I guess the control is done in a indirect way, where the sail design is important.

Nice video Colas. I think she forgot her top.

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gibo said..
Its too early for performance comparisons, but there is multiple brands releasing versions shortly. Based on social media photos and info released by some brands:
Slingshot slingwing
LE with Single strut with handles
2 or 3 sizes tbc
Wind range tbc
Cost about 1k

Doutones
LE with boom
Sizes 2, 3, 4, 5m tbc
Cost tbc

Naish wingsurfer
LE with Single strut with handles
Sizes tbc
Cost tbc

Signature Foils air wing
LE with boom (I think)
Sizes tbc
Cost tbc

FOne kites
LE with Single strut with handles
Sizes tbc
Cost tbc

Ozone tbc
Kai Lenny was put on a proto, so assume something is coming.

If anyone has more brands or further details on the releases above please chime in .

Thanks Gibo. I didn't know there were that many.

Been looking at a few IG photos and videos of Jeff Spencer on the slingwing, and it seems like there might be an inflated trailing edge on the Slingy version?

Good pick up Gibo didn't notice that

This photo makes me wonder when we can start to take flight.

The original wind weapon was meant to be used for propulsion and vertical flight.

This photo makes me wonder when we can start to take flight.

The original wind weapon was meant to be used for propulsion and vertical flight.

There is a series of IG videos where Robby does a Q&A about the Naish wingsurfer:
Size: 4sqm (3m wingspan)
Wind needed to get going: Foiling with a large sup wing (Naish XL) Robby says 12 knots.
Available: From May-June

You would need strong arms to stay out for any length of time. I kite foil and that is a workout and you have a harness taking all the weight. Looks like a fade.

Here is the excellent Q&A video Robby did to help with understanding the WingSurfer. It's a poor screen record (on my part), but serves the purpose.

FYI - We are approx. 85% sold through our first shipment ETA 1st June. I believe these are going to sell very fast, especially once they land. I suggest getting into your local dealer and dropping a deposit to secure your now!

Enjoy,



Ride safe,

JB

Whats the price?

Whats the price?

Lots of haters in the kiter forums, can't see the benefit of this. But most of them don't surf or sup foil, some seem to think that kiting on a twin tip is surfing or being near waves with a high speed kite foil is foil surfing. I can see 2 benefits.....saving a 20 minute paddle after a 700m ride....and potentially unlimited down winders. mmmm

I suspect it won't be hard on arms especially for down winding. ...wing will just luff as you ride.

I wonder about toeside riding while powered. ...if difficult it will be a major step for many sup foilers to get proficient riding wrong foot forward.

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juandesooka said..
Lots of haters in the kiter forums, can't see the benefit of this. But most of them don't surf or sup foil, some seem to think that kiting on a twin tip is surfing or being near waves with a high speed kite foil is foil surfing. I can see 2 benefits.....saving a 20 minute paddle after a 700m ride....and potentially unlimited down winders. mmmm

I suspect it won't be hard on arms especially for down winding. ...wing will just luff as you ride.

I wonder about toeside riding while powered. ...if difficult it will be a major step for many sup foilers to get proficient riding wrong foot forward.

Good points juandesooka

Kiters will always be kiters , Twin tip v Surfboard , strapped v unstrapped , hooked v unhooked and never agree on anything. They need to take their blinkers off this one and look at new possibilities . This is definitely targeted at existing Sup foilers , not kiters or wind surfers. I can't see this being epic downwinding as it will just get in the way , like when you are free foiling doing a down winder kiting , constantly trying to park the kite and stop trying to foil in front of it and pull it out of the sky. The wing will just get in the way when you are sitting on 20 to 25kph riding a bump about to drop into the next trough. Once you are up and foiling you really don't need it anymore.

The big plus I see for it is open water ways and none surf type zones where you can tack out and come home downwind doing loops , don't think I would want to be anywhere near the surf on this with a Sup foil tied to a leg and the wing tied to my arm . Also great for the boat anchored in the middle of the bay , just using it on a normal Sup or bolt a foil on. Not trying to boat launch a kite or rig windsurfer in a boat. The other best part is if the wind dies just let it down and paddle back in on your Sup , try doing that on a kite foil rig. So a few pros there opening up more water time , there are a couple of cons if you have never kited before learning to ride toe side ( your back to the wing on opposite tack) or riding switch ( going Goofy one way , Natural the other) will be a challenge for most but practice makes perfect. Riding constantly unhooked ( no harness ) may lead to tennis elbow or Popeye arms but guessing at that will have to wait until I try.

Will I buy one ......maybe

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Piros said..

juandesooka said..
Lots of haters in the kiter forums, can't see the benefit of this. But most of them don't surf or sup foil, some seem to think that kiting on a twin tip is surfing or being near waves with a high speed kite foil is foil surfing. I can see 2 benefits.....saving a 20 minute paddle after a 700m ride....and potentially unlimited down winders. mmmm

I suspect it won't be hard on arms especially for down winding. ...wing will just luff as you ride.

I wonder about toeside riding while powered. ...if difficult it will be a major step for many sup foilers to get proficient riding wrong foot forward.

Kiters will always be kiters , Twin tip v Surfboard , strapped v unstrapped , hooked v unhooked and never agree on anything. They need to take their blinkers off this one and look at new possibilities . This is definitely targeted at existing Sup foilers , not kiters or wind surfers. I can't see this being epic downwinding as it will just get in the way , like when you are free foiling doing a down winder kiting , constantly trying to park the kite and stop trying to foil in front of it and pull it out of the sky. The wing will just get in the way when you are sitting on 20 to 25kph riding a bump about to drop into the next trough.

The big plus I see for it is open water ways and none surf type zones where you can tack out and come home downwind doing loops , don't think I would want to be anywhere near the surf on this with a Sup foil tied to a leg and the wing tied to my arm . Also great for the boat anchored in the middle of the bay , just using it on a normal Sup or bolt a foil on. Not trying to boat launch a kite or rig windsurfer in a boat. The other best part is if the wind dies just let it down and paddle back in on your Sup , trying doing that on a kite foil rig. So a few pros there opening up more water time , there are a couple of cons if you have never kited before learning to ride toe side ( your back to the wing on opposite tack) or riding switch ( going Goofy one way , Natural the other) will be a challenge for most but practice makes perfect. Riding constantly unhooked ( no harness ) may lead to tennis elbow or Popeye arms but guessing at that will have to wait until I try.

Will I buy one ......maybe

Im surprised you dont have one already :)

Mine is literally in the air somewhere over the Pacific Ocean (or sitting in some customs warehouse). Fingers crossed for Friday delivery.

Can't.

JB

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colas said..
Based on the videos, I would look for wings whose roll is easy to control. I suspect the ability to have the wing in a vertical plane or horizontal (over the head) to power/depower is key, as the hands position give no leverage for this. I was trying to compare marketing videos of the pros (where the mistakes are edited out) and normal people to see what could be the tricky bits, and the roll stability seemed to me the biggest difference I could see.

An exemple: she doesn't seem to be able to position the sail in a vertical plane for more efficiency, so that she could use a smaller sail. Is that just a lack of technique, or some sails are harder to control wrt roll? The hands being on the center line, they have no leverage on the roll, so I guess the control is done in a indirect way, where the sail design is important.

It goes without saying that if a girl can do it............

At this stage the main reason why I would get one is to foil upwind. Then pack it into a back pack & down wind back. But still wondering if you can store a paddle easily?

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Seajuice said..
At this stage the main reason why I would get one is to foil upwind. Then pack it into a back pack & down wind back. But still wondering if you can store a paddle easily?

3 piece travel paddles

in a special backpack could be an option

Select to expand quote

MarcCRider said..

Seajuice said..
At this stage the main reason why I would get one is to foil upwind. Then pack it into a back pack & down wind back. But still wondering if you can store a paddle easily?

3 piece travel paddles

in a special backpack could be an option

Or maybe strap it to the board, similar to a kayak?
For me, I can't see paddling downwind if wind assisted take off was an option ... like your own personal jetski! I guess it depends if the wing is in the way or uncomfortable while you're foiling downwind. I picture it luffing effortlessly overhead, like holding a kite upside down ... but that may not be the reality.
Bringing a paddle for backup / safety / end of trip logistics sounds wise though.

I think you're all going to be surprised how fun this is.

There is straps especially to attach your paddle to the centre strut, so you can commit to long runs without fear of the wind dropping.

I do not think this will replace DW'ing in 25kn, but in 12kn it will be a big game changer. Whilst DW is possible now with big wings in 12kn, it is bloody hard work, this will totally change the distances we are happy to embark on in 12-15kn. But in reality, with the ability to loop back upwind at ridiculous angles, why bother will all the car dropping and transferring most of the time, Scooting out to point breaks and reefs that are not breaking, whipping onto swells with the WingSurfer then putting it in neutral and surfing endless glides before heading back out and doing it again, all fast, all light and all effortless will be amazing.

Also largely overlooked here is the SUP application, wait til you see this!

Can't wait to get out there - footage top come.

Ride safe,

JB

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scubaste said..
Whats the price?

The Naish wing surfer is AUS $1399.

Hey JB,
Thanks for all the insight
what do you mean by "Also largely overlooked is the Sup application "
Are you saying you don't need a foil???I sorta thought that's what Robbie Naish was saying.
Thanks if you have time to reply

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MarcCRider said..

Seajuice said..
At this stage the main reason why I would get one is to foil upwind. Then pack it into a back pack & down wind back. But still wondering if you can store a paddle easily?

3 piece travel paddles

in a special backpack could be an option

Thanks heaps MarcCRider. Something that will fit in backpack.

Select to expand quote

Windgenuity said..
Here is the excellent Q&A video Robby did to help with understanding the WingSurfer. It's a poor screen record (on my part), but serves the purpose.

FYI - We are approx. 85% sold through our first shipment ETA 1st June. I believe these are going to sell very fast, especially once they land. I suggest getting into your local dealer and dropping a deposit to secure your now!

Enjoy,

Ride safe,

JB

Just about all questions answered. Thanks!

What air pump? And how long does it take to pump up? I have seen those plunger type pumps that kite boarders use & wondering on price of those also.

Yes will be fun just on a normal Sup plus if you haven't kited or windsurfed before that's how you will need to start on a bigger normal Sup.

Don't for a second think you are just going to jump on your Sup Foil and sail away . Plus those guys who aren't experienced Foil downwinders , you won't be tacking up wind and packing up the wing and foiling home.

As JB said best use for this is light wind downwind loops or playing around on wide Bommies using the wing the whole time . I wouldn't be buying any back packs just yet. Pump wise you will only need a very basic single piston manual kite pump not expensive at all and it will pump up in 30 secs , it's only a single strut and the leading edge , both are very small.

Thanks Piros. Good warning. I know some people would try to do anything on their first go. But I am looking far ahead for all my possibilities. I have yet to be proficient at DWind foiling before considering a long run. And yet need an XXL wing anyway for that.
But if I am going to buy an expensive kite I want to explore all options.
So far everything looks good. I dont need to buy a sail for my SUPs. The kite will be easier for set up & storage. Plus being recommended for a foil board to help with downwinding is also a bonus.
It will also give me more foiling time on flatwater too.

Just wondering who would be the nearest Naish dealer to Wollongong. Or is Windgenuity the closest. Just looking at shipping price plus deposit & how soon do you need to pay when they come in. Still saving the dollars. Aaargh! Another toy says the missus!