Our Approach to Foil Design
Designing foils is always a balancing act. Speed, control, safety, and ease of use are all connected, and pushing one too far usually affects another. When we started working on the MANIAC foil range at ENSIS, we had one clear goal. Design foils that work the way people actually ride.
That means everyday sessions, real world conditions, not just perfect wind and flat water. We wanted a foil system that feels intuitive, is easy to use, works across a wide range of conditions, and does what it is meant to do every time you go foiling.
Designed for how foiling really happens
Some foil designs look great on paper. Ultra sharp edges, aggressive wingtips, and extreme shapes can be efficient in theory, but they are not always the best choice in real life.
Wingtips are a good example. Very sharp tips can reduce drag, but they also increase the risk of damage and injury, both to you and your equipment. That is why we round our wingtips as much as possible and avoid unnecessary sharp corners. It makes the foil safer to handle, more durable over time, and simply more enjoyable to ride. The performance stays where it needs to be, while peace of mind on the water increases.
Small details that make sessions easier
A foil does not only need to perform on the water. It also needs to fit into your day. Packing the car, traveling, rigging at the beach, and packing down after a session all matter more than most people expect.
On our monobloc systems like the INFINITY ACE and STRIDE ACE, the fuselage splits into two parts and connects with a single screw. This gives you the choice to fully disassemble the foil for compact travel or leave the glider assembled for quick sessions. No complicated alignment, no fiddly parts. Just a clean, solid, and reliable system.
To keep things even simpler, the entire MANIAC foil system uses one tool for all the hardware. Same bolts, same fittings, same tool. Whether you are mounting the mast, assembling the foil, or swapping wings, everything works the same way. It speeds up rigging and makes packing down easier. Less time on the beach, more time on the water.
Keeping foiling simple and accessible
One of the best things about foiling is how accessible it has become. More riders, more disciplines, more spots. We want our foils to support that, not complicate it.
That is why we are not big fans of relying heavily on tail shims. While shims can be useful, they also add extra steps and move the setup away from the original design intent. Our foils are designed to work as they are, straight out of the box. Bolt it together, head to the water, and trust that it will behave the way it should.
The result is a foil that feels predictable, balanced, and easy to use. Less tuning, less tinkering, and more riding. And for us, that is what good foil design is all about.
Learn more about the MANIAC foil range
All of these ideas come together in the MANIAC foil system. It is a modular range designed to cover different riding styles while keeping the setup simple and intuitive across the board.
The MANIAC range currently includes four foil lines: INFINITY ACE, PACER, STRIDE, and STRIDE ACE. Each range is designed with a specific use case in mind, from easy access and progression to high performance riding, while sharing the same design principles, hardware, and system compatibility.
If you want to dive deeper into the MANIAC foil system and see which setup fits your riding, head over to the MANIAC foil page to explore the full range and learn more about how each foil is designed to be ridden.
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!
