Pick Your Glide: Wing, SUP, or Parawing
Before hydrofoils hit the scene, downwind riding meant paddling long distances on a SUP or surf ski, working hard just to catch and connect wind swells. Then came the hydrofoil – suddenly, you could ride faster, longer, and with far less effort. The foil lets you link swell after swell in what feels like an endless glide. It transformed open-water downwinding into something more accessible and exciting. Today, there are more ways than ever to experience it, whether you’re interested in SUP foiling, wing foiling, or using a parawing. In this post, we’ll dive into the different downwinding disciplines, the gear, their unique advantages, and some tips to help you get started.
Preparation, Location, and Safety
There’s a bit more planning involved when it comes to downwinders. You need to organize transport for yourself and your gear between your starting and finishing points. The easiest option is to team up with a friend and leave a car at each location.
As for choosing a spot, thanks to hydrofoils, downwinding is no longer limited to the ocean. Our Swiss ENSIS riders Balz and Michi are pioneers in the inland lake downwinder scene – crazy, right? Here’s what to look for when choosing a spot: on the coast, look for long stretches of beach with accessible entry and exit points. You want the wind to be onshore or cross-onshore so you’re able to ride toward your finishing spot.
If you’re looking to try a downwinder on a lake, it’s trickier but definitely possible. You’ll need access to a larger lake with a long stretch of open water that aligns with the wind direction. Ideally, you want a route where the wind has enough fetch (the distance it travels over water) to generate rideable swell.
Wherever you choose to go, safety is key. Make sure you’re familiar with the coastline or shoreline along the entire route in case you need to exit early. Always carry your phone in a waterproof pouch, and use a board leash. Knowing the area makes a huge difference – if you’re new to a spot, reach out to local riders and ask to join them. It’s the best way to learn and stay safe.
Wing
For many riders, wingfoiling is their first introduction to hydrofoils – and it also happens to be one of the most accessible ways to try downwinding. One of the biggest advantages is how easy it is to get up on foil. You can ride with smaller gear and higher-aspect foils, which typically allows for faster speeds and more efficient gliding.
Another key benefit, especially compared to SUP downwinders or parawing setups, is the versatility. You’re not limited to following open-ocean swells. With a wing in your hand, you can head in toward the coastline, search for breaking waves, go for jumps, or simply explore. It lets you make the most of whatever conditions you’re given.
One possible downside – depending on who you ask – is that you’re always connected to the wing. Unlike SUP foiling or parawinging, where it’s just you, the board, and the swell, wing foiling is less of a pure foil-to-wave experience. But the added control and freedom make up for it for most riders.
As for gear, start with what you’re already comfortable riding. If you have options, go for a high-aspect foil with good glide and speed – something like the MANIAC INFINITY ACE series works well. When choosing a wing size, go a bit bigger than you think. On a downwinder, you won’t feel overpowered, and that extra surface area gives you the confidence and lift you need to get up on foil more consistently.
SUP Foil
SUP foiling is the most stripped-back, hands-free way to experience a downwinder. It’s just you, the board, the paddle, and the energy of the ocean. Unlike wingfoiling, there’s no wing or sail to help you generate speed – everything comes down to paddle power and reading the bumps. That makes it more challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. When you manage to link swell after swell using only the glide of your foil and your timing, it feels like flying. It’s also a great way to sharpen your pumping technique and wave-reading skills.
For gear, a long, narrow board helps with paddle speed and early lift – something like our WALTZ is ideal. A high-aspect foil with plenty of glide will help you stay up once you’re foiling. The larger MANIAC INFINITY ACE or smaller STRIDE ACE are great options, depending on your skill level.
SUP foil gear can be bulkier to carry and manage, and the learning curve is steep. But those who stick with it are rewarded with a uniquely direct and connected ocean experience.
Parawing
Parawing is relatively new to the scene and sits somewhere between SUP foiling and wingfoiling in terms of gear and feel. It helps you get up on foil easily, but once you’re flying, you can fold it up and enjoy a hands-free ride – similar to the pure glide of SUP foiling. Some see parawing as a stepping stone into downwinders, but it’s quickly becoming a discipline of its own. Because you’re not relying on paddle power, you can ride smaller boards than traditional downwind SUP boards and pair them with more agile, faster foils.
While learning to parawing can be tricky – especially in open water – it’s a super rewarding experience. It gets you into the bumps easily, and in the right conditions, you can even explore the coastline or catch breaking waves like you would with a wing.
Parawing works especially well with mid-length boards like the JIVE or dedicated downwind boards like the WALTZ. Our newly updated parawing, the ROGER, now comes in a broader size range to suit more conditions and rider preferences.
Get on the water!
Whichever path you choose, downwinding is all about freedom and flow. Whether you’re hunting open ocean swells, navigating lake chop, or skimming along the coast, the foil turns every ride into something special. Start with the gear you’re confident on, join up with other riders, and just go explore. You’ll never look at wind and water the same way again.
Interested in anything wing or foil?
If you’re into wingfoiling or foiling and want to stay updated on events, demos, or the latest ENSIS gear, follow us on social media or check out our DEMO DAY page for upcoming opportunities. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, our experienced team and worldwide retailers are here to help. Reach out to learn more or find an ENSIS retailer near you!
