For Surf foil, the reference configuration is a SW board, a UHA 1260 front wing and a 70 cm mast. Surf foil is not an introductory foil discipline: it's better to already know how to fly, in Wing foil, Dockstart or Kite foil. The best conditions to learn are soft swell of 30 to 80 cm, with some depth under the foil.
Surf foil, who is it for?
Surf foil consists of flying above the water thanks to a foil fixed under a board, using the energy of the wave. Once in flight, you can extend the glide by Pumping and reconnect a second wave without returning to shore.
It's a demanding discipline, and we prefer to tell you frankly: this is not where you should start foiling. If you've never flown, first try Wing foil or Dockstart, where the number of repetitions is much higher and learning is much faster.
On the other hand, if you already know how to fly and control the height of your foil, Surf foil opens up all the waves that nobody wants: the soft ones, those that reform, the simple summer ripples.
Which Surf foil board to choose?
In Surf foil, the board is used to paddle, catch the wave and take off. Length gives paddling ease and earlier takeoff, reduced width gives maneuverability once in flight.
The SW Elite range is our range dedicated to Surf foil, in full carbon sandwich construction, available in three sizes.
| Model | Volume (liters) | Weight (grams) | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| SW 4'4 (132 x 48 cm) | 32 L | 3,85 kg | Small builds or expert riders. Maximum maneuverability, also perfect for tow in. |
| SW 5'0 (152 x 50,8 cm) | 40 L | 4,5 kg | Average builds, from 65 to 85 kg. The versatile choice, the one that suits the most people. |
| SW 5'6 (168 x 52 cm) | 50 L | 5,0 kg | Builds over 85 kg, or those who want the easiest paddling and earliest takeoff. |
The Superfly Elite is an alternative for Surf foil, in its small sizes only, from 4'2 to 4'8. It's a board oriented towards Wing foil that confirmed riders also use in the waves.
Find all models in the Surf foil boards collection.
Which front wing for Surf foil?
This is the choice that changes your session the most. In Surf foil, you're looking for a wing that takes off with little speed, that Pumps effectively and that remains manageable in turns.
| Front wing | Generation | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| UHA 1260 | Current generation | Our recommendation, from Surf foil beginner to expert. Best Pumping performance. |
| HA 1190 L or W | Previous generation | Works very well and remains a valid alternative, especially the Wave version in formed waves. |
The general principle remains the same regardless of brand: the larger the surface, the easier the takeoff and the slower the flight. The smaller it is, the more you gain in speed and radicality, but you need wave to feed it. As the swell grows, the more you can reduce surface.
See all foil front wings.
Which Surf foil configuration based on your weight and level?
Here are our reference configurations, crossed by build and level. In all cases, 70 cm mast and 180 stabilizer.
| Rider weight | Beginner in Surf foil | Intermediate | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 65 kg | SW 4'4, wing 1100 UHA or 1190 W | SW 4'4, wing 930 UHA | SW 4'4, wing 930 UHA |
| 65 to 80 kg | SW 5'0 or 5'6, wing 1100 UHA, 1260 UHA in small waves | SW 5'0, wing 1100 UHA | SW 4'4 or 5'0, wing 930 or 1100 UHA |
| 80 to 95 kg | SW 5'6, wing 1260 UHA | SW 5'6, wing 1260 UHA | SW 5'0 or 5'6, wing 930 to 1260 UHA |
| Over 95 kg | SW 5'6, wing 1260 UHA | SW 5'6, wing 1260 UHA | SW 5'6, wing 1100 or 1260 UHA |
The beginner level in Surf foil assumes you already know how to fly on foil in another discipline. In small soft waves, go up one wing size. As the swell grows, the more you can reduce surface to gain control and speed.
Which mast, which Fuselage and which stabilizer?
The mast. Take 70 cm by default. It's the easiest length to control, it limits flight height and makes falls less impressive. Move to 85 cm if your water surface is choppy: a longer mast keeps you above the chop and avoids permanent touchdowns. The choice is therefore made first according to your spot, not your level.
The Fuselage. Short to medium in Surf foil. It makes the foil more lively, easier to turn and easier to oscillate when Pumping. A long Fuselage stabilizes and favors speed, which is not the priority in waves.
The stabilizer. The 180 is our reference in Surf foil, on all configurations. A larger stabilizer stabilizes but limits maneuverability, a smaller one requires more precision.
Construction. The S-Foil aluminum is the economical choice, heavier but very solid. The carbon version of the Elite range in 14 mm brings efficiency and responsiveness, at the cost of greater fragility to impacts.
What conditions and what spot for Surf foil?
Forget the criteria of surfing. In Surf foil, you're looking for exactly the opposite of what a surfer is looking for.
- A swell of 30 to 80 cm is more than enough.
- A soft wave, with a gentle slope, that breaks and reforms.
- Depth under the foil: always plan a safety margin, especially at low tide.
- Waves that break far from shore rather than right on the beach.
- A quiet spot, and distance from other practitioners.
Check with locals before getting in the water at a spot you don't know. A foil is rigid and sharp, and the first falls always happen.
A complete kit to get started
If you prefer a turnkey solution, the Surf Foil Kit SW + S-Foil brings together the board and complete foil: HA 1190 Lift front wing, 70 cm mast, standard Fuselage and 180 stabilizer. The SW size is your choice, at the same price.
If you want the UHA 1260 instead, contact us and we'll adapt the kit.
How to progress in Surf foil?
Progress is based on three points, in this order.
- The takeoff. Paddle flat like in surfing, build up speed before the wave catches you, then let the foil rise gradually without pushing brutally on your back foot.
- Height control. Look far ahead, never at your feet. The foil is piloted by hip transfer and center of gravity displacement, not by foot pressure.
- Pumping. This is what changes everything: it allows you to climb back to the peak without paddling and reconnect a second wave. We've dedicated a complete article to it, Pumping in Surf foil.
To work on Pumping outside the waves, pump foil in Dockstart is by far the best exercise. The number of repetitions is much higher, and everything you gain there transfers directly to the waves.
FAQ Surf foil
Can you start foiling directly in Surf foil?
This is not what we recommend. Surf foil requires you to already know how to fly and control the height of your foil. Wing foil and Dockstart offer many more repetitions per session, so much faster progression.
What size Surf foil board based on my build?
The SW 5'0 in 40 L suits most riders, between 65 and 85 kg. Over 85 kg, or if you want the easiest paddling, take the SW 5'6 in 50 L. The SW 4'4 in 32 L is reserved for small builds and expert riders.
What Surf foil configuration for a 90 kg rider?
A SW 5'6 with a UHA 1260 front wing, a 70 cm mast and a 180 stabilizer. A confirmed rider of the same build can move to a SW 5'0 and go down to a UHA 930 wing.
What front wing surface for Surf foil?
The UHA 1260 is our recommendation, from Surf foil beginner to expert. The HA 1190, in L or W version, belongs to the previous generation and remains a very functional alternative.
What mast length for Surf foil?
70 cm by default, 85 cm if your water surface is choppy. The choice depends first on the spot and depth, not the level.
What waves to learn Surf foil?
A swell of 30 to 80 cm, soft, with a gentle slope, on a quiet spot and with depth under the foil. A wave that breaks hard near shore is the worst learning terrain.
Do you need a carbon or aluminum foil for Surf foil?
Both work. Aluminum is more economical and more resistant to impacts, carbon is lighter and more responsive. Start with aluminum if budget matters, you can upgrade the foil piece by piece later.
Bruno Sroka, three-time world champion in Kitesurfing and Kitefoil. Cape Horn crossing in 2008, English Channel record in 2012, France-Ireland link of 444 km in 2013. Former PE teacher, founder of SROKA Company, Breton brand of foil, Wing foil, SUP and Parawing.
A question about your Surf foil configuration? Contact us, we answer ourselves.
