If you’ve landed here and wondering what an inflatable stand up paddle board brand are doing talking about foils and wings then initially you may be confused. We appreciate that on the face of it this isn’t the right place you. But wait a sec…
First off McConks actually sells the Go Fly wing, in a choice of sizes, which is proven for wing foiling as well as messing about on boards stuck to the water ala wing surfing mode. Also, our sister brand, Fly McConks sells eFoiling gear, the aforementioned Go Fly wing foiling wing and other fly toys to get you stoked on levitating.
We don’t actually sell hydrofoils themselves (yet) but we know a thing or two about foils and can call on others with extensive experience regarding flying above water. So whilst initially this might seem like an odd place to find foiling articles, images and vids, when you delve a little deeper you see it’s not so strange after all.
But back to the main topic in hand…
A while back, 2020 in fact, we published a discussion piece about the differences between high and low aspect foil wings. This seems to have now picked up quite a bit of traffic and is why you may be here – because you’ve found the article when searching Google.
It stands to reason, with the UK heading towards spring 2021 at full pelt, that the bubbling under interest in wing foiling is beginning to ramp up. Many riders don’t fancy learning a new water skill in the depths of winter. Particularly if said skill involves taking numerous dunkings whilst he/she develops the necessary skills. Spring, however, signals warmer weather and more motivation to get afloat. It might still be quite chilly in the water but it’s usually bearable with a decent wetsuit and less cool air temps.
So with this in mind we understand why potential new or progressing wing foilers are searching for all the info they can digest regarding foils, foiling and wings.
In a nutshell high aspect foil wings require more rider input to get them flying, whereas low aspect types lift earlier with less power. The trade off is low aspects are slower and don’t glide as well. The trend currently leans towards higher aspect foils because of the enhanced speed and glide properties yet these aren’t always the best choice.
For instance new wing foilers will benefit more so from the earlier lifting properties of a low aspect foil. Likewise anyone flying in gusty wind locations or with spots featuring heavy chop and/or current/tide. As riders progress and skills improve swapping to a high aspect foil might be doable but actually a lot of the performance advantages don’t warrant the additional blood, sweat and tears to get them working. It may be wiser (and more fun – which is ultimately the name of the game) to stick with a low aspect foil.
Whatever type of foil you choose you’ll need to accompany with a wing. You mightn’t have heard about or seen the Fly McConks Go Fly but it’s comparable to other more widely recognised wings. The Go Fly’s bottom grunt is admirable but it’s the top end range and super lightweight nature of the design that’s most appealing. The Go Fly wing foiling wing is super comfortable to drift and ride swell whereas moves and transitions are achievable because of its ultra low weight.
The above properties of the Go Fly are also what make the wing appealing to riders who want stuck to the water performance. Effortless to catch gusts and powerful enough to propel stand up paddle boards along it’s a tool that makes breezy session much less arduous than using a paddle.
Whether you’re looking to foil or wing surf the McConks Go Fly wing is a great option. Partner it with high or low aspect foils or a McConks Go Free SUP – the choice is yours.
McConks windsup, wingsup, SUP surf, whitewater crossover board.
If you have any questions about wing foiling, foils, wings or any other aspect of the Fly McConks or McConks SUP range then get in touch.
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