Ready to dive into wing foiling but feeling overwhelmed by board choices? This guide will help you pick the right board for your height, weight, fitness level, and wing foiling dreams. Spoiler: bigger is better when you’re just starting out.
Understand buoyancy
Buoyancy is a Big Deal for Beginners. It’s what keeps your board (and you) afloat as you work on balance and get up on the foil. As a beginner, you’ll want a board that’s buoyant enough to keep you steady, even in light winds or while your legs are still getting the hang of things. The more buoyant the board, the easier it’ll be to hop on, stay upright, and start winging.
Big boards have their drawbacks – so here they are, just so you can’t say we didn’t warn you. But for beginners, the pros far outweigh the cons. Picking the wrong board can seriously slow down your progress (and amp up your frustration!).
Big boards pros and cons
CONS | PROS |
Less Maneuverable: Larger boards respond slower, limiting quick turns and agile movement. Challenging in Strong Winds: More surface area catches the wind, making it harder to control. Bulkier: Bigger boards are heavy and awkward to carry and transport. Less Responsive for Foiling: They require more effort to lift and control on the foil, limiting agility. Limits Progression: While ideal for learning, a big board can feel restrictive as you advance. | Increased Stability: The wider, longer surface provides a solid platform, making it easier to find and maintain balance. Better Buoyancy: Higher volume keeps you afloat effortlessly, essential for new riders who haven’t yet mastered balance. Easier Take-Off: A larger board supports your weight as you stand up, reducing the likelihood of tipping over. Forgiving in Light Winds: Big boards are less reliant on wind power, letting you practice control without needing ideal conditions. Gentler Learning Curve: Larger boards allow beginners to focus on learning skills without worrying too much about board control or balance. |
Find your sweet spot with board volume
Once you’ve got buoyancy in mind, it’s time for the numbers.
Quick volume math
Formula: Board volume should be about 40% more than your weight. For instance, if you weigh 80 kg, you’ll want around:
80 kg x 1.4 = 112 litres
Quick reference table for board volume
Rider Weight (kg) | Ideal Board Volume (L) |
50 | 70 |
60 | 84 |
70 | 98 |
80 | 112 |
90 | 126 |
100 | 140 |
Adjust for fitness & experience
With the volume sorted, consider your skill level. Are you balancing-challenged or born to ride?
New to boards? A bigger, stable board will make life much easier. Think “easy rider” rather than “acrobatic act.”
Experienced in board sports? A slightly smaller board might feel right, but don’t rush it! You’ll have plenty of time to downsize later.
Consider the second-hand market
Progression can be fast in wing foiling, and you may outgrow your first board quickly. Spending big on a new board might feel like overkill when you're still figuring things out. If your loaded with cash, get a new one, they smell so good! If you're not ready to invest in something shiny and new, consider the second-hand market. You can get a new board once you are confident on the foil.
Perks of Second-Hand: A used board can save you money and still give you everything you need to learn. Save the big splurge for when you’re more skilled.
Quality Check: Just make sure it’s in good condition—no one wants a board that springs a leak! If it had repairs, you want to make sure it didn’t get water in.
A second-hand board can help you build your skills without breaking the bank, making it easier to upgrade when you’re ready to foil. Start with a board that’s forgiving, then look to size down once you’re confident and ready to take things up a notch.
Consider Other Important Features
Volume and buoyancy are key, but there are a few other features to consider when selecting your board:
Shape: A wider and longer board is best for beginners. These boards are stable and forgiving, making them ideal for the learning phase.
Material: Lighter boards are easier to manoeuvre but may be less durable. If you’re a beginner, go for a durable board—it’ll be seeing a lot of “close encounters.”
Consider Your Riding Spot: Bigger boards add stability, especially in less-windy spots, so a little extra buoyancy goes a long way.
Height and Width Considerations: While volume and stability are crucial, your height can also influence which board will feel more comfortable.
Taller Riders: You might prefer a wider board for that added stability.
Shorter Riders: A more compact board can feel easier to control. However, don’t stress too much over height—a stable board is far more important as a beginner.
Inflatable vs. Solid Board?
Choosing between an inflatable and a solid board comes down to your priorities: portability vs. performance. Both options have their unique advantages, so here’s a quick guide to help you decide which might suit your beginner journey best.
Inflatable Board: The Practical Choice
Inflatable boards are a favourite among beginners for a reason. They’re lightweight, easy to transport, and can be stored just about anywhere – no roof racks required. You can roll it up and tuck it into your car boot or closet, making it perfect if you’re limited on space or plan to travel with your board. And, if you’re worried about knocks and scrapes while you’re still learning, inflatables are surprisingly durable and resistant to bumps.
The Downside: Inflatables lack the rigidity of solid boards, so they’re a bit less responsive and can feel bouncier, especially when you start foiling. They’re not as efficient in choppy water, which might make upwind progress a bit tougher.
Solid Board: The performance pick
For those looking to get serious about wing foiling, a solid board has a few clear advantages. They offer a more rigid, responsive feel that gives you better control and manoeuvrability, which becomes more noticeable when you’re up on the foil. Solid boards handle rougher water conditions with ease, making it easier to cut through chop and maintain balance.
The Catch: They’re bulkier and more challenging to transport and store, so you’ll need to be prepared for a bit more hassle moving it around. Plus, they’re a bit more delicate and can pick up dents or scratches with rough handling.
The Verdict
If portability, durability, and ease of storage are your top concerns, an inflatable is a great starting point. But if you’re aiming for a smoother, more precise ride that could speed up your progression on the foil, a solid board might be worth the investment. Either way, both options offer plenty of stability to help you get started – so choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and wing foiling ambitions!
Recap: Key Points for Choosing Your Beginner Wing Foil Board
Buoyancy is Key: Choose a board with enough volume to keep you steady. A buoyant board is your friend when you’re just getting started, giving you extra support as you learn balance and basic moves.
Size Matters: A larger board provides stability, making it easier to get on and stay upright, especially in lighter winds. But remember, bigger boards can feel bulky and may be less agile once you're ready to progress.
Consider Shape & Material: Wider and longer boards are more stable, and durable materials will handle the bumps and falls that come with learning. You’ll want a sturdy setup that doesn’t mind the occasional rough treatment.
Evaluate Storage Needs: Inflatable boards offer portability and easy storage, while solid boards provide better performance and responsiveness on the water.
Explore the Second-Hand Market: Progression can be rapid, so a second-hand board could save you money while you’re learning, letting you invest more when you’re ready to move to advanced gear.
With these points in mind, you’re on the right path to selecting a board that’s perfect for your beginner wing foiling journey.