DownWind UHA Range

The UHA foil front wing range specially designed for downwind,

We have developed this range with a very high Ratio aspect to maximize glide and speed.  These UHA kites will be perfect for Fast downwind – Pumping – dosck Start – Pump race, Sup – Sup race- downwind – Freefly and freeride in wing foil.

Downwinding involves sailing along currents and descending winds, using a board (such as SUP foiling or wing foiling), or as a paddleboard foil.
The objective is to let yourself surf and slide in the direction of the swell with the wind at your back.
It’s like dancing with the natural elements!

Downwind and sup foiling are really disciplines in their own right and technical that require specific equipment.
The feeling of flying over the water effortlessly And going down the swell trains is really a magical feeling and very difficult to describe.

To navigate in these conditions, you have to generate enough speed with the paddle to take off and then follow the wind swell.
Therefore, you have to adapt your equipment in order to optimize performance and thus be efficient in downwinding when rowing.
This requires a very elongated board, and tapered to maximize glide and reduce drag.
And in terms of foiling, you have to increase the wingspan of the foils to make it easier to glide and thus fly with very little energy and above all to be as efficient as possible.

Which foil to choose for downwinding?

The choice of foil is really an important element to maximize glide and reduce drag.
It is therefore necessary to increase the wingspan, reduce the chord and, if possible, have a profile that is ultra-fast and efficient.
However, you must adapt your foil to several criteria:

  1. Your size :

    • A smaller size will need a smaller foil.
    • A big guy will need a bigger foil.
    • Under the same conditions, the weight will partly determine the surface area of the foil to be chosen.
  2. The place of the downwinder :

    • If you are in a roadstead or a closed bay, where the swell power is low, opt for a larger foil front wing size.
      This will make the flight easier.
    • On the other hand, if you are in the open sea or in a place where the swell has time to form and gain power, a smaller foil can be considered without any problem.
  3. Your technical level :

    • A beginner will need a more buoyant and easy foil to take off quickly.
    • An expert will be able to reduce the size of the foil, which he will be able to compensate for with his technical level

So to start, we advise you to opt for the 1260 UHA or the 1100 UHA.
If you are confirmed to expert, the entire range is will be adapted to your practices.

FAQ

What is downwinder?

Downwinding is a practice that consists of descending downwind and currents with a foil and a sup foil or wing foil board.
The objective is to let yourself be carried by the wind and the swell and to let yourself slide downwind over more or less long distances.

Wind : Opt for a 15 to 25 knot wind blowing in the same direction as the swell.

Swell : Choose a route with a swell that has already formed and a period that is not too fast.
(the faster the period, the faster you will have to go and vice versa).
A medium period will allow you to maintain a good speed without having to accelerate all the time.

Don’t forget all the safety equipment because you will move away from the edge and therefore you will not be as visible as at the edge in case of a problem.

    • Board : Choose a long and narrow board (at least 7’2 feet to 8’3 feet for better take-off.
      The width will depend on your agility and size.
      The wider the board, the more stable it will be, but the less easily it will slide.
      And vice versa.
    • Foil : Start with a foil with a generous surface area (front wing at least 1260 cm²) to facilitate the flight.
      Then, explore foils which will bring you a better guide and a higher speed as you progress.
    • Rowing technique : Having a good stroke of the rowing is essential.
      Practice rowing straight while rowing on the same side to maintain the trajectory.
      You can practice on the flat to understand the technique.
      This will also allow you to progress in the frequency of paddling.
    • Then try your hand at small downwinders with little logistics; Practice synchronizing board pumping and paddling technique

Wear a good SUP leash to avoid losing your board in the event of a fall.
A thicker leash will ensure better safety.
A leash that breaks in the middle of the sea is not a fun experience.

Be aware of weather conditions and currents to avoid dangerous situations.

Inform your entourage or the cross-country of your departure.

Always leave with the necessary equipment for your safety (phone, GPS, mirror, warning light, etc.)

A good wetsuit can save your life if you stay in the water for a long time.

You can use a carbon or aluminum foil to downwind.
The Carbon Foil will have a higher output with less drag and more glide.
This will further optimize the glide of the UHA range.
However, the S-foil Alu will do just fine.
You will slide a little less but the glide and speed will be excellent.