High aspect and medium aspect front wings are the two most common types of foils used in wingfoiling. Unlike low aspect foils, which are ideal for sports with continuous power, such as kiting or boat-towing, high and medium aspect foils are better for wing-foiling, and when there may not always be a continuous power source.
High aspect foils have better pump and glide, which means that they can maintain their speed even when the wind, waves or the swell is not strong enough to keep the rider moving. This is particularly useful in wing-foiling, when the rider needs to generate their own power by pumping the foil up and down in the water. On the other hand, medium aspect foils are more playful and offer better turns, which is particularly useful when riding waves.
The fuselage, which is the part of the foil that connects the front and rear wings, can also affect the foil’s stability and playfulness. Shorter fuselages tend to be more playful, while longer ones are more stable. This is something that riders need to consider when choosing their foil setup.
The size of the rear wing can also affect the foil’s overall drag and stability, with bigger rear wings offering more stability but also more drag.
Here is an excellent video showcasing different F-One foils, and how their different aspect ratios changes each foil’s experienced performance.
The entire F-One foil line up is available for sale through We Love Kiteboarding.
- Gravity FCT, 5.0 – 1800 cm² / 2200 cm²
- Gravity Carbon, 5.0 – 1800 cm² / 2200 cm²
- Phantom FCT, 6.0 – 1280cm² / 1480 cm² / 1680 cm²
- Phantom Carbon, 6.0 – 980 cm² / 1080 cm² / 1280 cm² / 1480 cm² / 1780 cm²
- Phantom S Carbon, 6.5 – 740 cm² / 840 cm²/940 cm²
- Seven Seas Carbon, 7.5 – 1000 cm² / 1200 cm² / 1400 cm²
- SK8, 8.0 – 550cm² / 650 cm² / 750 cm² / 850 cm² / 950 cm² / 1050 cm²
- Eagle HM Carbon, 9.5 – 690cm² / 790 cm² / 890 cm² / 990 cm² / 1090 cm² / 1290cm²
- Jam Carbon, 10.0, 1600cm² / 1900cm²
- Eagle X UHM Carbon, 12, 700cm² / 800cm² / 900cm² / 1000cm²
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Riders focusing on downwinders want to generate power from the swell, and they will want to pump the foil to generate a lot of speed and a lot of glide, to connect the swell points or waves. Very high aspect foils can tap into the energy of an ocean swell or bump, and can carry a rider for quite a distance. The perfect foil for this is the F-one Eagle and Eagle X. However, very high aspect foils are harder to get up on foil, as they need more speed to get started initially. Keep this in mind.
Riders focusing on waves want to generate power from the wave, and also carve in the pocket of the wave, and sometimes cutting into the white-wash. This requires a foil that turns very quickly, but still also offers pump and glide, to connect the waves. The perfect foil for this is the F-One SK8. The SK8 750/850/950 is probably the #1 selling wave carving foil in the world at this time – 2023/2024!
For riders who want the best of both worlds, a foil of around 1000 cm² – 1400 cm², like the very popular F-One Seven Seas Carbon (AR 7.5), can offer pump & glide performance while also being suitable for riding swell or in the waves. This type of foil can be a good choice for riders who want to do both freeriding and wave riding. This can also be a better beginner foil for downwinders, since it’s lower aspect ratio makes it easier to get started again once you crash.
The type of waves being ridden can also affect the choice of foil. Long rolling waves are better suited to medium aspect foils, where continuous carving is possible as the wave is generating consistent power for some time. Less consistent or more random waves may require a high aspect foil to glide and connect the random waves together.
For dock-starting and pump-foiling, F-One now offers the Jam. With proper technique you can ride with no wind and no waves. The Jam can probably also be used for downwinders, depending on your weight and the conditions.
Whatever your progression, whatever your foil, you need to consider most how challenging it will be to get back up on foil after you crash. That is where your research will pay dividends. Choose a foil system to advanced for your level and you will spend more time trying to ride than actually riding.
Our website’s product page for the Eagle, SK8, Seven Seas and Phantom foils also include YouTube videos showing the specific conditions in which these foils are being used. Studying the YouTube videos will give you a lot of knowledge to help you in your purchasing decision.
The best foil for you depends on your..
- Weight – heavier riders lean towards bigger foils.
- Preferred spot’s conditions – downwind swell vs breaking wave, etc.
- Equipment – foilboard and wing sizes are important factors too.
- Skill level – Medium AR is better for beginners.
Want a complete breakdown about all F-One foils, and how to choose the right one for you?
