New ultra-light wind and downwind board, the Sroka DW. Or the board that will make people forget the "tea bag" nickname, which has too often been associated with Wing Foil practitioners. Here, you will discover how to take off with less than 10 knots of wind and experience downwinding.
A wingfoil board for ultra-light wind?
Downwind, like ultra-light wind, are practices that sometimes require specific equipment. The new Sroka DW will allow you to optimize the low-end in Light Wind, and to take off very early in Downwind.
The type of board for Down Wind and ultra-Light Wingfoil or sup foil.
Taking off early means opting for a long and straight board. The wider the board, the more drag it will generate in the water, thus slowing you down during takeoff phases. Opting for a narrow and long board reduces drag and therefore allows you to accelerate with little wind or few waves in the case of Down Wind.
But why is that?
The drag in water, due to its higher viscosity than air and its density being 800 times greater than in air, is proportional to the frontal contact surface of the board. Therefore, a wide board will have a larger frontal surface and thus greater drag, while length helps to limit turbulence during the board's glide in the water.
What is the difference between the LW and the DW?
The LW: this board is dedicated to Light Wind Wing foiling specifically and generally to versatile Wingfoil practice. It will allow you to do everything in all conditions from five to 35 knots depending on the size. The DW: This board will allow you to glide in the least amount of wind possible for Lightwind, but above all, it will put you on a rail to allow you to take off on the smallest bump during your Downwind practice. It will therefore, by definition, be less versatile, less easy, but will allow you to maximize your performance in Light Wind and Downwind. The DW is currently divided into two models:
- The 7’2, which, thanks to its 110 L and 20 inches wide, will offer exceptional glide and, consequently, a superior level of performance.
- The 7’2W, more generous with its 22 inches wide and 130 L, will give access to Down Wind for heavier riders, but also to Light Wind for these same riders by limiting the difficulty.
It is important to note that each board in Sroka's elite range includes an exceptionally high-quality bag edge, which will allow you to transport your new toy without any risk.
How to take off efficiently and in the least amount of wind possible with a Downwind board?
These boards are made to glide on the water, which is their most crucial advantage that you must use during your Ultra Light Wind practice. It is therefore important to use this ability to your advantage. Let's take an example: an 88 kg rider with the DW 7'2 board, a 1350 foil, and a 7 m² wing can take off in five knots of wind if they apply the following method: Once standing on the board, pump with the Wing, only to make the board glide on the surface of the water. Once you have gained speed, simultaneously pump three or four big times with the Wing, and at the same time pump with the Foil to perch yourself on top of the Foil. That's it, you just have to glide and enjoy your session. This method allows an 88 kg rider to take off in five knots with the equipment mentioned above. You no longer have excuses, whether on a lake or at the ocean in summer. Both light and heavy riders will now have a Light Wind wingfoil practice, as well as stronger wind practice, similar to its siblings kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Sroka's new DW (Down Wind) board is designed for Wingfoil and Sup Foil in light wind conditions and for downwind runs. It optimizes performance in light wind and allows for quick takeoffs during downwind runs. The DW is less versatile than the LW (Ultra Light Wind) but offers maximum performance in light wind and downwind. It is available in two models and allows for efficient takeoffs thanks to its ability to glide on the water. It offers new possibilities for Wingfoil practitioners in light wind and downwind conditions.
If you still have questions about this, or for any other request, do not hesitate to contact us!