Hi,
Started winging with a 120L board, then got the Ensis R&R 97L six months ago.
Was comfortable already during the first session on the 97L, and that had me wonder.
I'd like to experience a smaller board. I'm 85 to 88kg dry, 190cm.

I'll probably keep the 97L. Part of the time we have a weather type where the wind dies without much notice - typically when I'm in the outer archipelago looking for waves. This kind of volume is great for getting back.

A new smaller board will be used in another and more stable weather type, wind no less than 9m/s (18knots).
I like the Ensis R&R as it works well with numerous Sabfoil items I have. It feels balanced and has a light swing weight for the size.

So I'm thinking of the 57L version. Could of course consider another brand. But I don't have much demo options where I live.
I have Slingwing V3 in 2.5, 3.5, 4.0, 5.5 and 7.5 and surprised myself by starting to like even the flexing handles after a few sessions. And I think my Sabfoil W945/799/899/etc should fit the task.

I have not had pressing needs for other than the regular knee start, but now I will of course try the stinkbug technique.
Given that I become a good stinkbug, and I avoid lighter winds with this board - could the huge drop from 97 to 57L still be painfully much, for some other reason that I don't see?

From www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Wing-Foiling/Wind-Wings/Next-step-smaller-board it looks like @wicka has this board/size and approximately the same body weight, but is most likely well beyond my intermediate level.
Advice for this leap?

Thanks, comments will be much appreciated!

The reality is that once you start using a smaller board, you aren't going to want to use your 97L except for the very lightest of days. In an Ideal world - sell the 97 and get a 60/85 quiver. Otherwise, the 57/97 split would work, but at your weight, you are going to be on the 97L a bit more than you want to be and I bet you will try to really stretch the range on the 57L. If you did 65L or 70L to accompany the 97L you will be on the smaller board more.

I'm in a similar situation and at 80kg, I got a 60L to accompany my 90L. I now use the 60L 90% of the time (even down to 12/13 knots). Personally, I think my Ideal quiver would be a 50L and a 75L, and I would spread my use across those boards more evenly.

Velocicraptor +1. I'm 82kg. I started on a 95L, then sized down to a 75L, and now have a 60L for 10-23kts and 34L for 23-30kts.

I'm 77kg. Was on a 105L 5'10", then 5'4" 95L - no difference but the swing weight was better. Then 4'6" ~70L and planning on keeping the bigger board just like you are now.

I sold the bigger board immediately. I can slog the -10L board unless there is absolutely no wind, so there is no benefit to the larger board.

Now I want a ~50L board (I've tried a 38L - too small and annoying to get started for little gain). 50L would be slightly sketchy in current, under the golden gate bridge, out in the ocean offshore out of season when the wind is not predictable, and not ideal for racing if you have any trouble getting started after a crash thats the difference from 10th to 20th place, etc. so I'm not in a big rush to make one, but I would use it in warm places with lots of wind for sure.

So, what you don't want to hear - get a tiny board and then get another "larger" board you can slog that's -10L to your kgs. If the bigger board is custom it might be the same length and lighter than any brand's tiny boards as well which is a big plus. Guys around here are making 7lb 70L boards and mine is 9lbs with the pad.

i recommend same as above: Go smaller on your large board. I'm a tad bit heavier than you (95kgs) and ride a 75L 11 knots and up. I have a 56L for 16+ days. Found that below 56L it starts taking me significantly more wind to get up (tried the next size down / 48L and was a lot harder to get going, think I need 20+, maybe even 23-25+ to consistently start a 40-50L board).

For a lightwind board I'd say bodyweight -10L is smallest you can go while not skipping out on the low end. Add to that that in my opinion 75L boards are the best compromise for winging in terms of volume and size (85L boards become big to jump etc., 65L boards become quite small to get going for anything else than featherweights) I think thats the size to get next.

Thanks a lot everyone!
So I realize that the 97L is probably not a keeper.

If I continue with Ensis R&R, I guess I should end up with the 77 and 57L., the two smaller sizes.
Getting a super deal on the 57 right now, but I'll also get the 77 or similar to lower frustration while learning a better start.

Before finally selling the 97L, I'll have to figure out a neat way to get back to the shore when the wind is about to get below 3m/s. I usually sense the situation in time, but now and then I'm getting a 2-3km downwinder, slow sailing sitting with the wing. I wonder if the bodyweight -10L board will be a whole lot slower.

Other brands/models I should look for these days, covering the semi-small sizes well?

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olav said..
Thanks a lot everyone!
So I realize that the 97L is probably not a keeper.

If I continue with Ensis R&R, I guess I should end up with the 77 and 57L., the two smaller sizes.
Getting a super deal on the 57 right now, but I'll also get the 77 or similar to lower frustration while learning a better start.

Before finally selling the 97L, I'll have to figure out a neat way to get back to the shore when the wind is about to get below 3m/s. I usually sense the situation in time, but now and then I'm getting a 2-3km downwinder, slow sailing sitting with the wing. I wonder if the bodyweight -10L board will be a whole lot slower.

Other brands/models I should look for these days, covering the semi-small sizes well?

Think you are on the right track. For me at around 78kg riding Takuma CK 80ltr is perfect for even the lightest days, the 65liter works great for most conditions but when you have super big lulls the 80liter will allow you to wobble in standing up in almost nothing. The 50liter needs solid gust to get up & wobbling in bad lulls is not an option. If Takuma had 75 & 60ltr that would work as well... For your weight a 57liter will be quite challenging at first IMHO... Think something in the 75-85 liter range would be your best bet, then you will see if you can get rid of the 97 & acquire a smaller board after learning Stinkbug on the new board.

It depends. 75kg I started on a 90L - then went stupidly small to a 34L sinker - settled on a 39L sinker and then got a 60L. Always using stink bud.

Then a eventually did a turn about and now have a 76L although it feels smaller than that to be honest given it's shape. Sold the 60L and now have a 38L (only 4.4') sinker which I use for prone mainly but plan on winging it now and then.

Even on the 60L - at isolated spots and with less than ideal winds in winter I was always winging on the side of caution. Starting was still harder than it should be. I was still second guessing wing ding sizes - especially during winter without steady thermals.


since getting a body weight board I now push it much harder, fly faster and try much more things because I know I can get going with ease. And to be honest - it doesn't feel that much more cumbersome.


so shape of the board is important not just volume for starters. And the board has to pair with what wind and water conditions and also how hard you want to go - given the more you try different things, go deeper and harder at waves - the more you fall in.
I wouldn't go more than -10 on your weight for sure as your "big board". And make sure you don't over do the length (my 76L could be shorter). Get a good shape as well with what we know now.

To me I'd rather have a decent size main board now and then something real small like a proper sinker. Otherwise you have aboard somewhere in the middle and not much gained. Given your wind condition I would err on the side of body weight or minus 5.
I'd get that first then after a while consider a small
board.


one thing I learnt now it's about having fun - trying new tricks, doing crazy DW etc rather than being a hero on the smallest board. I'm a slow learner of course.

I would definitely keep a big board if possible. Our conditions are likely quite different though - for some 6 months our water is if not cold then frozen : ) I am 72 kg and learned with a 80 L board and for quite some time I thought that's the biggest board I will ever need. But lately I have not used the 80 L at all, and settled on a 32, 62 and 115 L boards combo instead. Big boards are perhaps not for jumping haha, but they are still super agile and fun to ride, especially if you have unreliable winds like we do. Today's clip with the 115 L. Fun!

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olav said..
Thanks a lot everyone!
So I realize that the 97L is probably not a keeper.

If I continue with Ensis R&R, I guess I should end up with the 77 and 57L., the two smaller sizes.
Getting a super deal on the 57 right now, but I'll also get the 77 or similar to lower frustration while learning a better start.

Before finally selling the 97L, I'll have to figure out a neat way to get back to the shore when the wind is about to get below 3m/s. I usually sense the situation in time, but now and then I'm getting a 2-3km downwinder, slow sailing sitting with the wing. I wonder if the bodyweight -10L board will be a whole lot slower.

Other brands/models I should look for these days, covering the semi-small sizes well?

FYI Ensis R&R are coming with 87l board soon. But you will be fine on the 77l one. I tried that board an lived it!