top of page

Written By The Be-Rad Team

Search
Writer's pictureBradley Mackelden

Understanding Hydrofoils For Wingfoiling

Updated: Oct 12


Wingfoiling is rapidly gaining popularity, and for good reason. It combines the thrill of surfing, wind-powered sports and foiling into one exhilarating experience. However, choosing the right equipment can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to hydrofoil configurations. So here we're going to break down the differences between high and low aspect ratio foils, fuselage lengths, stabilisers, and mast lengths, and discuss what’s best for various levels and disciplines within the sport.



What Is Aspect Ratio?

The aspect ratio of a hydrofoil is a measure that compares the wingspan (the length of the wing) to its chord (the depth of the wing). It's calculated using the following formula: Aspect Ratio=Wingspan (Squared) divided by Surface Area


Aspect Ratios: High vs Low


High Aspect Ratio Foils

Characteristics:

Longer wingspan and narrower chord wings.


Performance:

These foils excel at efficiency and speed. They glide through the water with minimal drag and are ideal for riders looking to maximise speed, efficiency and glide distance.


Best For:

Advanced riders and those wanting to ride at high speeds. The higher speed and efficiency come at the cost of ease of use, making them less forgiving for beginners.


Pros:

High top end speed

Exceptional glide

Great pump ability


Cons:

Require a high speed to get on the foil

Will stall easily if not ridden at a high enough speed

Less manouvability due to the large wing span


Low Aspect Ratio Foils

Characteristics:

Shorter wingspan and deeper chord wings


Performance:

These foils provide more lift at lower speeds, making them easier to control. They are stable and forgiving, which makes them perfect for learning on.


Best For:

Beginners and intermediate riders focusing on stability and maneuverability. Mid low aspect ratio foils will particularly excel in waves.


Pros:

Lots of lift at a slow speed

Low stall speed

Good manoeuvrability


Cons:

Reduced efficiency

Reduced glide

Low top speed


Fuselage Length: Short vs Long

Short Fuselage


Characteristics:

Offers a more compact setup


Performance:

Increases manoeuvrability and responsiveness. Ideal for carving tighter radius turns.


Best For:

Wave riding and pumping where quick direction changes are essential.


Pros:

Easy pitch changes

Tight turning radius

Compact size


Cons:

Can feel unstable

Can feel twitchy when riding at high speed


Long Fuselage


Characteristics:

Provides a more extended setup


Performance:

Enhances stability and tracking. Great for maintaining a straight line and maximising speed.


Best For:

Riding for riders where stability and speed are priorities


Pros:

Stable at high speeds

Easy to use


Cons:

Larger turning radius

Less sensitive to pitch changes

Increases the overall size of the foil


Rear Stabilisers: Large vs Small


Large Stabilisers

Characteristics:

Stabilises the lift created by the front wing


Performance:

Offers greater stability and control, which helps maintain balance and ease of use.


Best For:

Riders using larger front wings due to the increased lift genereated by the front wing.


Pros:

Increased stability

Better accessibility

Not great at high speeds


Cons:

Increased drag

Less glide

Reduced manoeuvrability


Small Stabilisers

Characteristics:

Stabilises the lift created by the front wing


Performance:

Allow for faster manoeuvres and reduced drag. They can lead to a more dynamic ride but require better balance.


Best For:

Advanced riders and those focused on speed and/or a loose surfy feel.


Pros:

Improved efficiency

Increased glide

Better manoeuvrability for turns


Cons:

Not as user friendly

Not suitable for large wings with lots of lift


Mast Length: Short vs. Long


Short Masts (around 55-75 cm)


Pros:

Easy to use

Reduced weight

Responsive to rider inputs

Crashes are from a lower height


Cons:

Easy to breach the foil

Not much margin for error

Not great with high aspect ratio foils due to the large wingspan


Best For:

Beginners or those riding in shallow waters or perhaps wave riding where quick adjustments are necessary.


Long Masts (around 80-100 cm)


Pros:

Ideal for choppy or wavy locations where the water level is constantly changing

Good for riding at high speeds

Easier to ride upwind as the board can be railed more without breaching the foil


Cons:

Reduced responsiveness

Increased weight

Crashes are from a greater height

Longer so potentially harder to travel with

Can be prone to flexing if not manufactured from high modulus carbon


Best For: Advanced riders looking to maximise performance in varied conditions, especially in waves or rough seas.



Conclusion: Choosing the Right Setup for Your Level and Discipline


When selecting a hydrofoil setup for wing foiling, consider your skill level, intended riding style and the location where you'll be riding:


Beginners:

Start with a low - medium aspect ratio foil, long fuselage, large stabiliser, and short mast for maximum stability and ease of learning.


Intermediate Riders:

Transition to a medium -high aspect ratio foil with a shorter fuselage and medium stabiliser, allowing for more speed and manoeuvrability.


Advanced Riders: Opt for mid high - high aspect ratio foils, short or medium fuselages, small stabilisers, and longer masts to push the limits of speed and performance.



As you can see there are many variables to consider when choosing your foiling setup. Keep in mind that nearly all brands manufacture the foils in a modular way meaning if you buy something thats not working for you, it may not mean you need to replace the entire foil. Perhaps just tweaking the system by trying a different front wing, fuselage, stab or mast may solve the issue.


The trend in the wingfoil industry was leaning towards high aspect ratio foils with super short fuselages to counteract the reduced turning efficiency of the foil. However, now brands are starting to go towards slightly longer fuselages again, this improves pitch stability when riding at high speeds. Brands are also reducing the size of the stab to improve turning radius and give a looser more surfy feel while reducing drag and improving top speed.


By understanding these components, you can tailor your wingfoiling experience to fit your personal style and skill level, ensuring a fun and progressive journey in this thrilling sport. Happy foiling!



If this article has got you pumped for learning to wing, drop us an email on info@be-rad.co.uk and we can book you in for a lesson and advise you on equipment.


If you've enjoyed reading our latest blog, please share it on social media and tag us in the post, thanks for supporting Be-Rad Watersports and look forward to seeing you on the water soon!

28 views0 comments

Comentarios


bottom of page