Beginner Wing Foil Gear Recommendations
Dakine Cyclone 2
The Cyclone 2 features the latest technology in wing design. The latest updates include redesigned hard handles, lighter and stronger materials and larger windows for better visibility. Dakine sells wings without leashes to allow for customization and I prefer to use the waist belt leash. The waist belt keeps your leash out of your way during transitions and getting back on the board after crashes. The Cyclone wing is very stable in a neutral position while riding waves and getting in and out of the water, while other wings feel heavier and require more attention and effort to keep flying. Dakine’s handles have been improved this year with a more comfortable grip and intentional flex built into the ends which allows the wing to flex in gusts. The “S bend” strut helps to create an optimal sheeting position and the Cyclone’s dihedral shape helps keep your wingtips off the water surface. I am 6’1”, weigh 175 lbs and the 5m wing is my most commonly-used size. My current personal quiver includes: Cyclone 2 5m/4.2m/3.7m and I plan to add a 2.7m and 6m before this summer. Over time, wings will lose some upwind ability and low-end power while pumping up onto foil. It may be tempting to save money on a used wing or past-season model, but I feel that you’ll get significantly better performance from a new wing and it’ll last much longer over time.
Dakine Phaze 100L & 130L
Dakine’s new Phaze board is a dedicated design for wing foiling and the larger 100 & 130L sizes are perfect for beginners. To calculate ideal beginner board volume, I recommend taking your weight in kilograms and adding 20. For slower learners, or those in lighter-wind locations, you can add up to 40 to your weight in kg to find an appropriate board volume. I have a 130L 5’8” board for teaching lessons and the 100L is a great size for smaller riders or those who already have some experience foiling. The Phaze has a very efficient shape for easy takeoff from the water surface, and Dakine packs a lot of volume into relatively short boards which makes them turn easily through tacks and gybes. I generally prefer to wing strapless and recommend learning without straps, although straps can be helpful getting smaller boards started in rough water conditions, making aggressive turns on waves or catching some air. I use the Dakine Primo straps and am excited to try to upcoming Foil Crush Straps as well. Be sure to add the Dakine Twist Control System when purchasing straps, as these will lock your straps in place while riding.
Dakine Wing Boards Dakine Primo Footstrap Dakine Twist Control
Dakine Charger 2 Foil Kit
Dakine’s Charger 2 makes for a great package for beginner wing foilers. This system is designed to make foiling safe, easy and affordable while still allowing the ability to upgrade components as you progress. The tips of the wings are rounded for safety, and the lower-aspect front wing provides easy and smooth lift. There are three sizes of Charger 2 front wings, the 930, 1500 and 2100. Most new wingers will find the 1500 provides plenty of lift, while heavier riders may want to opt for the 2100. These wings excel in light winds and I am able to ride the 1500 in water without whitecaps. I’ve tested the 930 and enjoyed its smooth carving characteristics in small waves. Charger masts are aluminum and come in 70cm and 90cm sizes. I’d recommend the 70cm mast for those new to foiling or for locations with shallow water. If you have access to deep water and already can ride a foil, the 90 cm will give more room for error on transitions and easier to ride through waves without breaching. The Charger 2 components are interchangeable with the Heckler mast and front wings, giving plenty of options to those ready to move on to a more challenging, higher-performance wing. Dakine offers three tails and I recommend the 230 tail to those who are proficient on foil and the 285 for those new to the sport. The 180 tail is the fastest and is an affordable way to upgrade your setup if you’re ready for more speed.
Dakine Vests and Helmets
Impact Vests and Helmets are a smart choice to protect yourself while learning to foil. Dakine is the leader in impact vests and they have designed a foil-specific product, the new Shock Wing Vest. The Shock vest offers full torso coverage, while most impact vests are designed for kite harnesses and will leave your low back exposed. These vests will provide flotation as well as impact protection, and the front strap even allows you to add a Hanger Hook to use your vest as a wing harness. The Seeker vest is another option if flotation is your main concern and this vest also features a hook hole for kite harnesses. Dakine also makes helmets and I prefer the Renegade helmet or the new Bump Cap depending on conditions. The Renegade helmet is a hard shell model that is CE approved for impact and doesn’t absorb any water. I have trouble finding helmets that fit my XL head and the Renegade’s XL size fits me with a little room to spare. There is a rear adjustment system to dial in your exact fit. The new Foil Bump Cap is not considered a helmet, but offers protection from smaller impacts and I prefer to wear this in flat water or mellow surfing conditions.
Dakine Foil Board Floating Board Leash
Wing foiling requires a board leash and I prefer the Dakine coil leash. The leash is 7’ long, 1/4” thick and has floats to keep it at the water surface and away from your board, wing and wing leash. Instead of wearing the leash on my leg, I remove the velcro cuff and connect the Dura-cord line directly to my wing harness (or waist belt if I’m going downwind without harness) so that it sits behind my back. This keeps the leash out of my way and allows me to ride comfortable with either foot forward. If you prefer a leg attachment, the latest leash features a calf cuff which I feel is a better setup compared to an ankle cuff. My leashes rarely get tangled when I’m getting back on the board after falls and the coil design keeps the board leash from dragging in the water.
