After a lot of back and forth, I finally decided to buy a smaller rear wing for my foil last year. Especially when riding with my smaller front wing, I realized that I had to constantly put pressure on my front leg. After a while my knee always hurt. (The usual ailments of a person over 40 🙂 )
The small rear wing was handed to me with the words: “This is the game changer!” . At first, skepticism prevailed, as the part was only about the width of a small kitchen knife and I wondered how it would work at all with such a mini wing. As a result, I put the new rear wing to one side for the time being so as not to “mess up” my next foil sessions.
During our annual Wingpassion team trip to Denmark, I broke out of my comfort zone. The small rear wing was mounted on the foil together with my small front wing. Because that’s exactly what I had bought it for. Of course, the maiden voyage had to take place in the waves of Cold Hawaii instead of trying out the new rear wing at our home spot on flat water. (Why keep it simple when you can make it complicated?)
First flight
Surprisingly, the first flight was much more relaxed than expected. My foil wasn’t as nervous as I thought it would be. On the contrary, it felt more as if the small front wing had finally been freed from its load. It could now turn up in terms of speed and variability. The small rear wing was actually the game changer.
I now only use the small rear wing and also use it in combination with larger front wings. This changes the characteristics of the entire foil. You can save yourself the trouble of buying another front wing just by using a new rear wing.
What effect does a smaller rear wing have on the foil?
- higher top speed
- higher variability, tighter curve radii, more maneuverable
- less lift, therefore less pressure on the front leg
- slightly more nervous, not quite as smooth
The foil generally feels sportier.
Conclusion
It is worth buying a smaller rear wing. You may even be able to save on buying a new front wing if you want a sportier foil.
Maybe you have the opportunity to test drive a smaller rear wing if a friend already has a smaller one. Take advantage of this opportunity!
Many manufacturers give appropriate recommendations on their websites regarding weight and riding ability.
Beginners and intermediates do not need to worry about a smaller rear wing.
