All about wing foil board types
In this section, we go into the different types of wing foil board types. We look at the various board aspects to keep in consideration when choosing your wing foil board types. The different aspects you need to consider when you choose your wing foil board, are:
- Wing foil board type: inflatable or rigid
- Wing foil board volume: floatability vs. body weight
- Wing foil board type: short, mid-length or downwind
Your wingfoil board type may change with the progress you make. As you progress, most people tend to look for smalles size boards as they prioritise dynamics over stability.
Wingfoil board type: choosing your volume
Most riders size boards by volume (liters) relative to body weight—it’s the simplest way to predict stability and how easy the board will lift onto foil. We talk about this in percentage: 100% of your body weight means if you weigh 80 kilos your board is 80 liters. In this case, where body weigh is equal to board volume, the board will float just enough for your body weight. It will not offer a lot of stability as it does not have enough volume for that.
Beginner rule of thumb: choose a board between 120% and 150% of your body weight (in liters).
- Example: if you weigh 75 kg, start around 90–110 L.
This extra float keeps the board stable while you sort out wing handling, stance, and first flights. You’ll waterstart more calmly, stand sooner, and spend less time falling.
Going above 150% usually feels too big and clunky. The board bobs, catches wind, and can make pumping or turning awkward. It’s great for the first 1–2 sessions, but most people outgrow it fast.
Progressing riders typically drop to 100–150% of body weight.
- The same 75 kg rider might move to 75–110 L, depending on wind, foil size, and skill. You keep enough float to slog off-foil and start easily, but gain liveliness, quicker touchdowns, and better control.
Confident/advanced riders often go under 100% (sub-liter-per-kilo).
- For 75 kg, that’s 60–70 L (or less). Expect nimble handling, faster takeoffs in powered wind, and tighter carving—at the cost of stability in lulls and during waterstarts.
Tip: consider local wind and water. Light wind or freshwater (less buoyant) favors a bit more volume; strong wind and steady chop let you go smaller.
Wingfoil board types: Inflatable or rigid
Another aspect to consider is whether you are looking for a wing foil board type that is rigid or inflatable. The main differences are as follows.
Rigid (hard) boards are built from foam cores with composite skins (fiberglass/carbon). They’re stiff, responsive, and pop onto foil early because energy isn’t lost to flex. Touchdowns skip off the surface cleanly, and carving feels precise. Downsides: they’re bulkier to travel with, easier to ding, and usually cost more. Also they are unpleasant to follow on, a point of consideration when you are a beginner or when you start to learn difficult maneuvers like wingfoil jibe.
Inflatable boards use high-pressure drop-stitch construction. They’re light, packable, and tough against dock dings—great for car trunks, apartments, and airline travel. A soft deck is forgiving on shins and kids. The trade-off is less stiffness, so pump efficiency, upwind angle, and sharp rail control can suffer, especially in light wind or with smaller foils. Landings can feel “bouncy,” and some models flex at the tracks. However, in the last years, the quality and stiffness of inflatable boards has become very very good.
Who should choose what? If performance, early lift, and carving matter—pick rigid. If convenience, durability, and travel are key—pick inflatable. Many riders start inflatable for access, then add a rigid board as skills and local conditions demand more precision.
Read more about inflatable vs. rigid wingfoil board types.
Wingfoil board types: standard, downwind, and mid-length
Choosing the right board makes learning faster and sessions more fun. Below you’ll find what sets each type apart, who they suit, and when to use them.
Below, you see the three typical board shapes by Gong. But all wingfoil brands have these types of boards normally. A standard board on the left, a mid-length board in the middle and a downwind board on the right.
Standard wingfoil boards
What they are:
Shorter and wider boards (compared to windsurf boards) with generous volume and stable outlines.
Why they’re shaped this way:
Width adds side-to-side stability. Short length keeps the swing weight low, so the board pops up on foil easily and feels lively.
Best for:
- Beginners to progressing riders
- Choppy water, beach starts, and everyday conditions
- Freestyle and playful riding
Pros:
- Easiest to balance and waterstart
- Early lift-off with less pumping
- Forgiving touchdowns
Trade-offs:
- Less glide when slogging off foil
- Lower top-end efficiency for long crossings
What to look for:
- Volume about body weight (kg) + 20–30 liters for first board
- Compact length, moderate width, stable rails, reinforced foil tracks
Downwind (DW) boards
What they are:
Longer, narrower shapes designed to glide and link bumps downwind.
Why they’re shaped this way:
Length increases waterline and tracking; narrow width reduces drag—so they accelerate with small pumps and carry speed between bumps.
Best for:
- Riders chasing downwinders, light-wind sessions, and long glides
- Intermediate to advanced balance skills
Pros:
- Excellent glide off foil and efficient paddle/wing acceleration
- Smooth, early lift in light wind and small bumps
- Great for learning to read and link swell lines
Trade-offs:
- Less initial stability (narrow)
- More technical in shorebreak and crowded launches
- Longer boards can feel swingy in tight turns
What to look for:
- Narrow outline, higher volume for float, sharp entry, stiff construction
Mid-length boards
What they are:
A blend of standard and downwind designs—moderate length with a bit more glide, but still accessible.
Why they’re shaped this way:
Added length improves tracking and efficiency; kept width preserves stability for easy starts.
Best for:
- Fast learners stepping down from a big first board
- Riders who want one board for light-wind cruising and everyday sessions
- Spots with mixed conditions (chop + occasional swell lines)
Pros:
- More glide than a standard board, more forgiving than a DW board
- Versatile quiver killer for many riders
- Friendly touchdowns, decent early lift
Trade-offs:
- Not as nimble as the shortest shapes
- Not as efficient as a pure DW board on long runs
What to look for:
- Moderate length, balanced width, clean bottom, solid tracks, practical volume
Wingfoi board type: Quick chooser
- New to winging / want easy starts? Go standard board (stable, compact).
- Chasing bumps, light wind, distance? Choose downwind board (glide first).
- One-board quiver for mixed days? Pick a mid-length (accessibility + glide).
