LE MAGAZINEWhat size wing board to choose foil The complete guide
Il ne faut pas négliger le choix de la taille de votre planche de wing foil pour votre progression. C’est une étape cruciale pour progresser rapidement et prendre du plaisir. En effet, la taille de la planche va influencer directement votre stabilité, votre maniabilité et votre capacité à planer. Dans cet article, nous allons voir comment choisir la taille idéale en fonction de votre niveau, de votre poids et de la discipline que vous souhaitez pratiquer.
Choosing the right board: size and volume
Small boards: for experts
Small boards, generally under 80 liters, offer exceptional maneuverability and responsiveness. They are ideal for experienced riders who want to perform technical tricks and exploit the full power of the wind. However, their low volume makes them less stable in light wind conditions, and may require a good command of balance.
- Advantages:
- Improved handling
- Responsive maneuvers
- Ideal for freestyle and wave riding or for smaller riders.
- Disadvantages:
- Less stable in light winds, needs more wind to take off.
- Requires a good technical level
Medium-sized boards: versatility
Medium-sized boards, between 70 and 95 liters, offer an excellent compromise between stability and maneuverability. They are suitable for a wide range of riders, from advanced beginners to intermediate riders. Their extra volume makes it easier to learn and practice all wing disciplines foil, freestyle or waves.
- Advantages:
- Versatility
- Good stability if wide
- Easy to learn
- Disadvantages:
- Less handy than small boards
- Can be a little bulky for experienced riders.
Large boards: for beginners and light conditions
Larger boards, above 100 liters, offer maximum stability (if wide enough), making them the ideal choice for beginners.
For sailing in stronger winds, smaller boards offer greater comfort and manoeuvrability.
Advantages:
-
- Maximum stability
- Easy to learn
- Ideal for beginners and light winds
- Disadvantages:
- Less maneuverable at high speeds
- Can be cumbersome to transport
Let’s go into detail about board sizes by level
For beginners
For beginners, stability is paramount. A board that’s too small will be difficult to control, and you’re likely to fall off frequently.
- Size: Opt for a relatively long board (between 5’4 and 6’3 feet, depending on your size) and one that’s wide enough (28 to 30 inches).
- Volume: Volume is an essential criterion. For a beginner, a volume of between 100 and 140 liters (for the heavier models) is ideal. This will give you great buoyancy and facilitate planning starts. But remember. Many people only talk in terms of volume. But volume is length x width x thickness. So you can have two boards with the same volume but completely different widths and lengths. This will result in greater or lesser stability. So don’t just talk in terms of volume, give priority to length and width.
- Shape: Beginner boards generally have a fairly rectangular outline for maximum lateral stability. A fairly flat rocker makes it easy to glide off the planning board.
- Hard or inflatable board? Inflatable boards are often preferred by beginners, as they are easier to carry and store, and above all cushion falls. They also offer great buoyancy, which is an asset for learning. However, you’ll need an inflatable board with about 30 L more buoyancy than a hardboard. The inflatable wingfoil board is perfect for those who want to travel easily. On the other hand, a rigid foil wingfoil board will be bulkier but more reactive underfoot. So it’s easier to learn, but a little more fragile.
For intermediate and advanced levels
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can refine your choice according to your riding style and size. For experienced riders wishing to ride in light wind conditions, longer, narrower boards are the best option. Their increased length facilitates rapid take-off with very little drag, and makes it easier to glide over lakes, for example. However, they can be less maneuverable at high speeds.
- Freestyle: For freestyle, you’ll need a shorter, more responsive board, to perform rotations and tricks more easily. A volume of between 45 and 85 liters will be sufficient.
- Race: Race boards are generally longer and narrower to enhance glide and speed. Volume is smaller, around 80 liters. Dimensions are around 5’7 x 20 wide.
- Wave: Wave boards are designed for surfing waves. They are shorter and thicker than race boards, with a pronounced rocker to facilitate touchdowns in the waves. A board around 5 feet and 23 inches wide seems like a good alternative for a 75 – 80 kg weight.
- Versatile: If you want a board that can do it all, opt for a versatile model with an intermediate volume (between 85 and 110 liters).
- For sailing in very light or irregular winds. Choose light wing or middle lenght or downwind boards. They’ll make it much easier to take off in very light winds. These boards are rather long and narrow. Ideal for very flat water.
What other criteria should I take into account when choosing a board size?
- Votre poids: Plus vous êtes lourd, plus vous aurez besoin d’une planche avec un volume important.
- Les conditions de navigation: Si vous voulez naviguer dans des conditions de vent très légères, une planche type middle-lenght ou Downwind sera un facteur de glisse indéniable.
- Votre style de navigation: Si vous préférez les manœuvres engagées, une planche plus courte et plus réactive sera plus adaptée. Si vous recherchez plutôt de la stabilité et de la faciliter, optez pour une planche un peu plus large pour être stable lorsque vous monter sur la planche.
- La polyvalence avec d’autres disciplines. Si vous désirez faire que du wing foil, vous pourrez choisir une planche plus spécifique et typée. Dans le cas où vous recherchez la polyvalence (Downwind et wing foil par exemple) alors il faudra faire un compromis sur le choix de la planche
Essential wing accessories foil
In addition to your board, you’ll need a few essential accessories for wing foil:
- A wing foil: The choice of wing will depend on your level and the conditions of the water.
- A foil: The foil is the element that will enable you to glide. There are different types of foils, adapted to each discipline.
- A leash board: The leash will connect you to your board to avoid losing it in the event of a fall. There are two types: the leash, which is attached to the foot or the hip.
- A helmet: Helmets are highly recommended to protect you in case of impact.
- An impact vest for shock absorption.
- A wetsuit: A wetsuit will keep you warm and protect you from UV rays.
Additional tips:
- Ne lésinez pas sur la qualité: Une bonne planche vous durera plus longtemps et vous offrira de meilleures performances. Mais surtout, elle sera mieux construite donc plus raide et donc facilitera votre apprentissage. La manière dont est construite une planche déterminera votre rapidité d’apprentissage. Donc le critère prix ne doit pas être votre seul référence. Prenez le temps de vous renseigner, de comparer afin de choisir la meilleure option. Chez SROKA, nous faisons tout pour sortir les meilleurs planches du marché en terme de performance mais surtout de construction. Nous voulons que votre planche de wing foil rigide soit efficace longtemps mais surtout qu’elle vous simplifie et accélère votre apprentissage.
- Essayez différentes planches: Avant d’acheter, essayez différentes planches pour trouver celle qui vous convient le mieux.
- Tenez compte de votre évolution: Votre niveau évoluera, il faudra peut-être changer de planche à terme. Donc ne prenez pas trop petit ni trop grand. Certains d’entre vous, prennent tune planche plus petite en se disant qu’ils n’auront pas à la changer ultérieurement.
Le wing foil est bien plus qu’un simple sport nautique ; c’est une expérience unique qui allie sensations fortes et liberté. En choisissant la bonne planche, vous mettez toutes les chances de votre côté pour vivre des moments inoubliables. Que vous soyez débutant ou rider confirmé, SROKA vous propose une gamme de planches conçues pour répondre à toutes vos attentes. Alors, prêt à découvrir de nouvelles sensations ? Explorez notre collection et trouvez la planche qui vous permettra de planer sur l’eau en toute sérénité.
Si vous avez encore des questions à ce sujet, ou pour toute autre demande, n’hésitez pas à nous contacter !
Le Magazine
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