Wingfoiling is rapidly gaining popularity, and for good reason. It combines the thrill of surfing, wind-powered sports and foiling into one exhilarating experience. However, choosing the right equipment can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to hydrofoil configurations. So here we're going to break down the differences between high and low aspect ratio foils, fuselage lengths, stabilisers, and mast lengths, and discuss what’s best for various levels and disciplines within the sport.
What Is Aspect Ratio?
The aspect ratio of a hydrofoil is a measure that compares the wingspan (the length of the wing) to its chord (the depth of the wing). It's calculated using the following formula: Aspect Ratio=Wingspan (Squared) divided by Surface Area
Aspect Ratios: High vs Low
High Aspect Ratio Foils
Characteristics:
Longer wingspan and narrower chord wings.
Performance:
These foils excel at efficiency and speed. They glide through the water with minimal drag and are ideal for riders looking to maximise speed, efficiency and glide distance.
Best For:
Advanced riders and those wanting to ride at high speeds. The higher speed and efficiency come at the cost of ease of use, making them less forgiving for beginners.
Pros:
High top end speed
Exceptional glide
Great pump ability
Cons:
Require a high speed to get on the foil
Will stall easily if not ridden at a high enough speed
Less manouvability due to the large wing span
Low Aspect Ratio Foils
Characteristics:
Shorter wingspan and deeper chord wings
Performance:
These foils provide more lift at lower speeds, making them easier to control. They are stable and forgiving, which makes them perfect for learning on.
Best For:
Beginners and intermediate riders focusing on stability and maneuverability. Mid low aspect ratio foils will particularly excel in waves.
Pros:
Lots of lift at a slow speed
Low stall speed
Good manoeuvrability
Cons:
Reduced efficiency
Reduced glide
Low top speed
Fuselage Length: Short vs Long
Short Fuselage
Characteristics:
Offers a more compact setup
Performance:
Increases manoeuvrability and responsiveness. Ideal for carving tighter radius turns.
Best For:
Wave riding and pumping where quick direction changes are essential.
Pros:
Easy pitch changes
Tight turning radius
Compact size
Cons:
Can feel unstable
Can feel twitchy when riding at high speed
Long Fuselage
Characteristics:
Provides a more extended setup
Performance:
Enhances stability and tracking. Great for maintaining a straight line and maximising speed.
Best For:
Riding for riders where stability and speed are priorities
Pros:
Stable at high speeds
Easy to use
Cons:
Larger turning radius
Less sensitive to pitch changes
Increases the overall size of the foil
Rear Stabilisers: Large vs Small
Large Stabilisers
Characteristics:
Stabilises the lift created by the front wing
Performance:
Offers greater stability and control, which helps maintain balance and ease of use.
Best For:
Riders using larger front wings due to the increased lift genereated by the front wing.
Pros:
Increased stability
Better accessibility
Not great at high speeds
Cons:
Increased drag
Less glide
Reduced manoeuvrability
Small Stabilisers
Characteristics:
Stabilises the lift created by the front wing
Performance:
Allow for faster manoeuvres and reduced drag. They can lead to a more dynamic ride but require better balance.
Best For:
Advanced riders and those focused on speed and/or a loose surfy feel.
Pros:
Improved efficiency
Increased glide
Better manoeuvrability for turns
Cons:
Not as user friendly
Not suitable for large wings with lots of lift
Mast Length: Short vs. Long
Short Masts (around 55-75 cm)
Pros:
Easy to use
Reduced weight
Responsive to rider inputs
Crashes are from a lower height
Cons:
Easy to breach the foil
Not much margin for error
Not great with high aspect ratio foils due to the large wingspan
Best For:
Beginners or those riding in shallow waters or perhaps wave riding where quick adjustments are necessary.
Long Masts (around 80-100 cm)
Pros:
Ideal for choppy or wavy locations where the water level is constantly changing
Good for riding at high speeds
Easier to ride upwind as the board can be railed more without breaching the foil
Cons:
Reduced responsiveness
Increased weight
Crashes are from a greater height
Longer so potentially harder to travel with
Can be prone to flexing if not manufactured from high modulus carbon
Best For: Advanced riders looking to maximise performance in varied conditions, especially in waves or rough seas.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Setup for Your Level and Discipline
When selecting a hydrofoil setup for wing foiling, consider your skill level, intended riding style and the location where you'll be riding:
Beginners:
Start with a low - medium aspect ratio foil, long fuselage, large stabiliser, and short mast for maximum stability and ease of learning.
Intermediate Riders:
Transition to a medium -high aspect ratio foil with a shorter fuselage and medium stabiliser, allowing for more speed and manoeuvrability.
Advanced Riders: Opt for mid high - high aspect ratio foils, short or medium fuselages, small stabilisers, and longer masts to push the limits of speed and performance.
As you can see there are many variables to consider when choosing your foiling setup. Keep in mind that nearly all brands manufacture the foils in a modular way meaning if you buy something thats not working for you, it may not mean you need to replace the entire foil. Perhaps just tweaking the system by trying a different front wing, fuselage, stab or mast may solve the issue.
The trend in the wingfoil industry was leaning towards high aspect ratio foils with super short fuselages to counteract the reduced turning efficiency of the foil. However, now brands are starting to go towards slightly longer fuselages again, this improves pitch stability when riding at high speeds. Brands are also reducing the size of the stab to improve turning radius and give a looser more surfy feel while reducing drag and improving top speed.
By understanding these components, you can tailor your wingfoiling experience to fit your personal style and skill level, ensuring a fun and progressive journey in this thrilling sport. Happy foiling!
If this article has got you pumped for learning to wing, drop us an email on info@be-rad.co.uk and we can book you in for a lesson and advise you on equipment.
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