In short. Choosing the size of a parawing is not just a matter of its surface area in square meters. The actual power depends on precise aerodynamic parameters: the aspect ratio, the profile thickness (the camber), the construction type (single-skin or double-skin) and the drag generated by the bridle. For the same surface area, a compact or double-skin wing will not cover the same wind range as a high aspect ratio or single-skin wing. On the FYNIX, four full sizes (3, 4, 5 and 6 m²) are enough to cover all conditions. Thanks to the PushBar System®, which offers dynamic sheet in / sheet out, the wind range of each wing is considerably widened, which eliminates the need for half sizes.
What determines the power of a parawing? (Beyond surface area)
Before choosing a surface area, it's important to understand that square meters are not everything. Surface area is just one parameter among others. The actual power generated by a wing depends directly on the architectural choices made by the designer:
- Profile thickness (the camber): In simple terms, the power generated is proportional to the profile thickness. The more camber a wing has, the more power and low-speed torque it generates.
- Aspect ratio: A high aspect ratio wing (narrow and slender) will glide better, reach a higher top speed and get going earlier in light wind. On the other hand, it will be less packable (more complex and bulky to fold on the water or on the beach). Conversely, a more compact wing offers greater maneuverability and is much easier to fold.
- The bridle (the stability/drag trade-off): The bridle is essential for maintaining the profile. The more bridle lines there are, the better the wing is held in strong wind. However, each bridle line adds aerodynamic drag, which slows the wing down. The art of design lies in finding the perfect compromise: excellent structural hold with a minimum of lines to reduce drag.
- Your equipment (foil and board): A high-lift foil (large shape) and a board with volume will get you up on foil earlier, allowing a smaller wing. A small, fast foil will need more power to perform. This topic is covered in detail in our guide which foil to choose for parawing.
Single-skin vs double-skin: the truth about drag and power
This is the key point that explains why two 4 m² wings from different brands don't work at all in the same wind:
Double-skin (glide first): Contrary to popular belief, a double-skin wing does not generate less intrinsic power, but it generates much less drag. It offers maximum glide and acceleration, approaching the feel of kitefoiling. However, its profile requires a minimum airflow speed to inflate and establish itself, which shifts its usable range upward (it needs more wind to get going).
Single-skin (torque and lightness first): A single-skin wing generates more drag, which gives it a lot of power and low-speed torque (bottom of the range). It's ideal for lifting out of the water easily. However, this higher drag means it reaches its top speed sooner and will end up pulling harder on the arms as the wind picks up.
| Construction | Dynamic behavior | What you gain | The aerodynamic trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-skin | More drag, big low-speed torque | Lifts very early, ultra-light and compact to pack. | Reaches top speed sooner, pulls harder on the arms at max. |
| Hybrid | Balanced drag / glide compromise | Smooth glide, less hand effort, excellent upwind ability. | Slightly less compact when folded than a pure single-skin. |
| Double-skin | Minimal drag, high penetration through the air | Maximum speed and glide (kitefoil feel). | Requires more apparent wind to establish the profile at takeoff. |
For the same construction, the fabric matters too. The FYNIX uses a lightweight 30 g/m² fabric that is naturally water-repellent. This lightness improves flight in light wind: the wing stays dry and responsive, it holds up better in the air when the wind drops, which makes takeoff easier. Conversely, a fabric that soaks up water gets heavier, increases its drag and loses a lot of its low-end power.
Keep this in mind for what follows: the construction shifts the wind range. That's why the ranges listed below always apply to a specific construction, here single-skin. Choosing your construction therefore already guides your size.
Which size for the wind and your body weight?
The table below gives the wind ranges of the single-skin FYNIX. One critical point to note: these ranges are those of the FYNIX, wider than the market average thanks to the PushBar System®. A conventional wing without dynamic power management will not cover the same range.
| FYNIX size | Wind range (single-skin) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 6 m² | 8 to 20 knots | Light wind, ideal for larger body weights or low aspect ratio foils. |
| 5 m² | 10 to 25 knots | The all-rounder for light to moderate wind, perfect for beginners. |
| 4 m² | 14 to 29 knots | The go-to size once the wind settles in properly. |
| 3 m² | 23 to 35+ knots | Strong wind, for experienced riders. |
These ranges apply to a reference rider weighing around 80 kg, and assume you adapt the foil and board size (the top of each range is a gust margin handled thanks to the PushBar System®, not a comfortable established wind). Adjust for your weight: if lighter (60 to 70 kg), you can go down one size. If heavier (90 to 100 kg), go up one size to compensate for the power needed at takeoff. For the full method, see our guide how to choose your parawing.
Why the FYNIX range does away with half sizes
When you look at the market, you will notice that most brands offer up to 6 or 8 different sizes (e.g. 2.2m, 3.5m, 4.7m, etc.). When the usable wind range of a fixed-profile wing is narrow, multiplying intermediate sizes is the only way to fill the gaps between two surfaces.
At SROKA, we took the opposite approach through technological innovation. Why buy and carry two wings when one can cover the same range?
The FYNIX is the first parawing with true dynamic sheet in / sheet out thanks to the PushBar System®. This system, a registered trademark with patent pending, works with lines that slide inside the carbon bar. Instead of suffering wind variations or having to manually change the angle of attack at the bridle, it modifies the wing's geometry in real time. By considerably extending the top of each profile's wind range, the PushBar System® radically widens the versatility of each surface.
The result: 4 full sizes (3, 4, 5 and 6 m) are enough to cover a huge range from 8 to over 35 knots. Your quiver is simpler to choose from, lighter to carry, and much more economical to buy. Discover the range in the SROKA parawing collection.
The top of each range corresponds to the gusts handled thanks to the PushBar System®, not to a comfortable steady wind.
| Brand and model | Number of sizes in the range | Wind range management |
|---|---|---|
| FYNIX SROKA (single-skin) | 4 full sizes (3, 4, 5, 6) | PushBar System®: Dynamic sheet in / sheet out that stretches the wind range of each profile. |
| BRM S3 | 5 sizes | Fixed profile. Multiple surfaces needed to avoid gaps in the wind range. |
| Flysurfer POW 2 | 5 sizes | Fixed profile. Narrow usable wind range per wing. |
| Ozone PowerPack | 6 sizes | Fixed profile. Requires buying intermediate sizes. |
| F-One Frigate | 8 sizes | Fixed profile. A very wide range of half sizes is needed to cover 8 to 30 knots. |
Data taken from the brands' official technical documentation, checked in 2026.
One wing in the bag. Where a classic rider has to carry two fixed wings to handle any wind variation, the FYNIX's wind range lets you ride with a single wing. Less bulk, less budget, more peace of mind.
One wing or a complete quiver?
To get started in parawing, there is no need to overcomplicate your gear. A 4 m or a 5 m covers the vast majority of needs. A slightly bigger wing gives more lift at the start, which helps stabilize the precarious balance of your first flights.
The ideal setup for beginners: a single-skin 5 m FYNIX, a downwind board (such as the Sroka LW Mid around 7'2), and a high-aspect-ratio front wing from the UHA range between 1,300 and 1,500 cm²: this aspect ratio maximizes both lift, to get up early, and glide once you are moving. You move on to smaller foil surfaces once the basics are mastered.
FAQ: Which parawing size to choose
Which parawing size to start with?
A 4 m or a 5 m. They provide more power and stability than a small size. In light summer wind, go straight for the 5 m.
Which foil to choose to start parawing?
A front wing of 1,300 to 1,500 cm² with high aspect ratio, from the UHA range. This aspect ratio maximizes both lift, to get up early and at low speed, and glide once you are moving. See all the details in our guide which foil to choose for parawing.
Single-skin or double-skin to start parawing?
Single-skin, without hesitation. It creates more drag but offers excellent low-speed torque to get out of the water easily, while remaining ultra-light and easy to fold (packable).
Why doesn't the FYNIX come in half sizes?
Thanks to the PushBar System®. This dynamic sheet in / sheet out system (registered trademark, patent pending) modifies the wing's geometry in real time, widening its usable wind range and making intermediate sizes unnecessary.
Does a parawing's aspect ratio change how you choose the size?
Yes. High aspect ratio glides better and gets up sooner but is bulkier to fold. A compact profile is extremely manoeuvrable and easy to pack on the water, but will need a bit more surface area for the same very light wind.
About the author
Bruno Sroka, three-time world champion, four-time European champion and three-time French champion in kitesurfing. Kitesurfing crossing of Cape Horn (2008), Channel record (2012), France-Ireland crossing of 444 km (240 nautical miles) in 16 h 40 min (2013). Former PE teacher, founder of SROKA Company, a Breton brand of foil, wing foil, SUP and parawing. Co-designer of the PushBar System® with Gaël Contal, SROKA ambassador who came up with the idea of sheeting in and out.
To go further in your technical knowledge: discover our complete comparison between parawing and wing foil and our ultimate guide to the 30 essential questions about parawing.
