We have already been able to test the new Vayu Edge Wing DW board with 75 l extensively. The downwind shape is specially designed for wingfoiling. The Edge Wing is available in four sizes from 65 l to 100 l.
We deliberately decided to test the board with 75 l, as our private boards are also in this volume range and we therefore have the optimum comparison to normal boards. The test included everything from light to strong winds.
On land
The Vayu Edge Wing DW has a classic tear-drop shape, as we know it from paddle downwind foil boards. The only difference is that the Edge Wing is also available in smaller sizes. As already mentioned, the version we tested has only 75 liters, a volume that you wouldn’t necessarily associate with a downwind board. It is 6’0″ (183 cm) long. The shape is therefore very stretched and narrow.
The board is built as a carbon sandwich construction with an EPS core and weighs 5.4 kg (self-weighed).
Its standing area lies in a concave and is lined with a comfortable pad. The inserts offer the option of attaching foot straps, but due to the narrow shape, only one strap or a so-called V-loop can be attached at the front. In the area of the rear loop, the standing area is so narrow that the foot fits right in. For people with shoe size 50 or more, the toes may already be hanging over the edge. 🙂
It feels like there is more tail behind the rear foot than nose in front of the front foot.
underwater hull
The underwater hull of the Vayu Edge Wing DW is characterized by a continuous plan. Its widest point of the gliding surface is approximately at the height of the front footstrap inserts. The shape tapers extremely towards the tail and ends in an approx. 10 cm wide, sharp trailing edge. The rails are kept quite sharp over the entire underwater hull.
Its double US box is much longer than on conventional wingfoil boards and is equipped with a number scale as an orientation aid. The distance from the end to the rear is approx. 40 cm.
The Vayu Edge Wing DW is equipped with a recessed grip in the underwater hull for transportation to the water. The diaphragm bleeder valve is located at the rear next to the leash eyelet.










On the water
The ascent is a little wobbly due to the construction. The narrow shape does not give you as much confidence as with conventional boards. Once you are standing and close the wing, you are ready to go. The Vayu Edge Wing DW immediately starts to glide and takes off. It is not even necessary to motivate the board to lift off by pumping. Even in light winds, only pumping with the wing is sufficient.
In maneuvers, the board behaves like any other board in this volume class. With the Vayu Edge Wing DW, you don’t notice any of the “sluggish” behavior you get from conventional paddle downwind boards due to the large volume. On the contrary, the short nose makes you feel like you’re standing on a compact board if you don’t look to the rear. The board can be agilely navigated through all curves.
Of course, the board is not suitable for jumping, even though there is the option of mounting foot straps.
On touch-down, the Vayu Edge Wing DW simply slides on and then immediately takes off again. Due to the long area behind the double US box, the tail sometimes hits the water surface first, but this does not give an uncomfortable feeling, but gives the board an extra push to stay in flight without touching the water again.
The position of the double US box also has a positive influence on the pumping behavior. It is easy to connect waves with the board or to generate the necessary power to stay on a wave.
The narrow standing area takes some getting used to and doesn’t necessarily make changing feet any easier.



Conclusion
Finally, a real downwind shape makes sense in the wingfoil sector! Thanks to its low volume, the Vayu Edge Wing DW is lively and therefore really fun to ride in turns.
The shape starts extremely early and extends the light wind limit in this volume class downwards enormously.
For people who don’t particularly care about jumping, this would be the one-board solution, especially for riders who live in a light wind spot.
The board is not suitable for beginners and intermediates, even with more volume, due to the wobbly dumping behavior and the narrow stance area.