Wing Boards - Short and Fat or Long and Skinny

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 837 Posts Opinionated

Seem like many manufacturers are moving towards long and skinny boards, as opposed to the short and fat models.

Moving down in board size as we all do in the progression of this sport, and wondering what the consensus is on the pluses and minuses of each of these two basic design concepts, liters of the board being the same.

shred_da_gorge · Mon Apr 22, 24 6:00 pm

I think it depends if you plan to develop SUP foil skills. The long and narrow boards tend to have more of a 'V' hull to release quickly when paddling up, whereas the short & wide design allows you more stability on your hands and knees (helpful in chop) getting up winging, which I've appreciated as a newb winger.

@Slappysan probably has much better insight; I've followed his journey learning to wing on a SUP foil board on YouTube (Angus MacKay).

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 424 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

... another plus is that most manufacturers of the mid-length boards are moving the mast track more forward now, so it is decreasing the swing weight, and making it feel more like a short board ride. Very Happy

sleestack · Since 07 Dec 2006 183 Posts Land of the Lost Stoked

[quote="Pete"]Seem like many manufacturers are moving towards long and skinny boards, as opposed to the short and [b]fat models[/b].

Moving down in board size as we all do in the progression of this sport, and wondering what the consensus is on the pluses and minuses of each of these two basic design concepts, liters of the board being the same.[/quote]

[b]The more the cushion, the better the heal and toe-side pushing.

Fat bottom boards make the world go round.[/b]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMnjF1O4eH0[/youtube]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMnjF1O4eH0

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2595 Posts The 503 METAL

There are folks out there who don't see a reason to have a non-skinny but I plan to keep a shorter chip-style board around for ease of transport and storage. I tried a 118L Barracuda with a wing and the glide was impressive but not enough for me to give up a wide board and wing with an open forward facing stance.

When I do get a skinny I will go big for DW paddling and not so much to use with the wing.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1487 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

I've been experimenting with wing boards that are longer and narrow compared to the tradition shapes we see the past few years.
The concept is that they will accelerate faster on the water and lift off with less effort.
The concept is inspired from the Downwind boards.
So far I've built and tested a 88l, 77l, and two 66l boards.
I call them Torpedoes.
88 - 5-9x22
77 - 5-7x21
66 - 5-6x21.

My conclusions.
Pro
Easy to water start - balance on knees, stand up. The extra length makes them stable.
Faster acceleration on water.
Smooth easy liftoff.
Able to wing with a smaller hand wing (.5m smaller).
Longer boards are more pitch stable.
More likely to try new tricks and transitions - if you fall, it's easy to get back on foil.
Foot switches are easier.
If foil box is positioned correctly - swing weight is not much different than compact boards.
CON
I had to modify my van setup to accommodate longer boards. Cool

.

Conclusion.
I weigh 185 and I'm an advanced rider.
I'm a convert. The 88l is fun in 10-15 knots of wind. The 77l is really fun on breezy days.... and the 66L is my new favorite for days of 20+.

The red board is a normal shape 66L. The Blue and white boards are 66L. The green board is 77L

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 837 Posts Opinionated

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 424 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed