The wrong kit is the most common reason a good day is wasted. Here are the starting sizes by weight and wind, explained: you do not need to memorise a table, you need to understand what changes when you move one size.
Pick the wing from the forecast wind and your weight, then adjust down if your foil is large and up if it is small. If the wind is gusty, take the smaller size: an oversized wing in gusts is unmanageable.
| Rider weight | 12-15 kn | 15-20 kn | 20-25 kn | Above 25 kn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60-70 kg | 4.5-5.0 m² | 4.0-4.5 m² | 3.2-3.6 m² | 2.8-3.2 m² |
| 70-80 kg | 5.0-5.5 m² | 4.5-5.0 m² | 3.6-4.0 m² | 3.0-3.4 m² |
| 80-90 kg | 5.5-6.0 m² | 5.0-5.5 m² | 4.0-4.5 m² | 3.4-3.8 m² |
| Above 90 kg | 6.0-6.5 m² | 5.5-6.0 m² | 4.5-5.0 m² | 3.6-4.2 m² |
If you buy only one to start with, take the 12-15 kn column: light days far outnumber strong ones, and staying ashore in too much wind costs you nothing.
The rule that works: as a beginner, litres = body weight in kg + 30/40. It lets you kneel and stand without sinking while you learn. Once you fly consistently, dropping 20-30 litres makes everything handier — but there is no prize for going small early.
| Level | Suggested volume | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First sessions | Weight + 30/40 L | Holds you standing at rest |
| Flying but still falling | Weight + 10/20 L | Balance of float and agility |
| Sustained flight, turns | Weight ± 0 L | Reactive, needs clean starts |
| Advanced | Weight - 20 L or less | Only with flying or pumped starts |
Front wing area changes the feel more than anything else. Large means early lift and slow flight — exactly what learning requires. Small means speed and tight turns, and forgives far less.
| Level / use | Front wing area | Mast |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner 70-85 kg | 1800-2200 cm² | 70-75 cm |
| Beginner above 85 kg | 2200-2600 cm² | 70-75 cm |
| Intermediate | 1200-1600 cm² | 75-85 cm |
| Advanced / fast freeride | 800-1200 cm² | 82-90 cm |
| Shallow or unknown bottom | Any | 60-70 cm |
A long mast helps in swell and choppy water; a short one forgives mistakes and touches the bottom less. For first sessions, short wins.
Bigger foil, without question. More front wing area means earlier take-off in less wind and far less effort; an oversized wing becomes heavy to handle the moment a gust arrives.
Two cover almost everything: one for the average wind at your spot and one about 1.5 m² smaller for strong days. A third only makes sense if you often sail below 12 knots.
Carbon is stiffer and lighter: sharper response and less effort when pumping. Aluminium costs far less and survives impacts better, which is the sensible choice while you are learning and occasionally hitting the bottom.
For the very first attempts with the wing, yes — it builds confidence. But without a foil box you will never fly, and fitting a foil to a board not built for it is not safe.