You may have heard about the word “quiver” when speaking or reading about wing foil. On this page, we go into quiver. What is it and what do you need to know about it?
In the context of wingfoiling, a “quiver” refers to a collection or set of different wingfoil equipment that a rider owns and uses for various conditions or purposes. Just like in other water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, or kiteboarding, a quiver in wingfoiling typically includes multiple wings, foils, and possibly boards, each designed to perform optimally in specific wind and water conditions.
For example, a wingfoiler might have a quiver that includes:
- Different Wing Sizes: Wings come in various sizes, each offering different levels of power and performance. A quiver might include larger wings for lighter wind days and smaller wings for stronger winds.
- Various Foil Wings: Foil wings have different shapes and sizes, affecting lift and stability. A quiver could comprise foils with larger wings for early planing or smaller wings for speed and maneuverability.
- Multiple Mast Lengths: Different mast lengths can influence the ride height and stability. A rider might have a selection of masts to adapt to different water depths and riding preferences.
- Specific Boards: While not always part of the quiver, some riders might have different board sizes or shapes for specific conditions. A shorter board might be used for wave riding, while a longer board could be preferred for freeride cruising.
The purpose of building a quiver is to have the right equipment available to match the varying wind strengths, water conditions, and riding styles encountered during wing foiling sessions. Having a well-curated quiver allows a rider to maximise their enjoyment and performance on the water, ensuring that they’re well-prepared for any situation.
What do you need in your wingfoil quiver?
First of all, it’s good to notice that wing foiling requires less variety in shapes and sizes of material compared to other surf sports like windsurfing. Wing foil gear can be used in a broad set of circumstances. In example, the range of different wind speeds that one wing can handle is very extensive. A good 6 meter wing may get you on the foil at 12 knots and can still get you foiling at 20 knots. Obviously depending on your other equipment, your size and weight, level and the local conditions, you get that this is an example.
Your quiver is not a static thing. While you progress and the market progresses, your quiver also evolves. You start with beginner equipment for wingfoilers, then you move on to advanced equipment as you progress.
Innovation
Wing foiling is a young sport. This is one of the aspects of it that makes it so exciting: there is plenty of innovation in the market! Every year you see new technology, new models of wings, boards and foils and new gadgets for wing foilers.
This means that what you ride on today may be awesome. But, maybe in a year or two they come up with a new type of the same piece of equipment, that just works better. A board that gets out of the water faster and easier, a light wind wing that gives more power, a foil that has better glide,….
So you are not married to your wingfoil quiver. What works for you now is great, but keep your mind open for innovation.
Your progress
The second element that influences your quiver is your own progress. When you start wing foiling you are thrilled to be on the foil and flying over the water at 15 km per hour.
Then you speak to the other guy flying at 40 in the same wind and he tells you you will be bored by your equipment in 6 months. You don’t believe him, and after a couple of months you may still be very happy with your equipment. But you do realise that maybe a bit of a challenge may be good for you again.
You may have started with a beginner kit that focusses on foiling at low speed and safety, and now you are ready for new (faster, better, more exciting) equipment.
Wing foil quiver example
Let’s say you live at a place where wind is typically between 12 and 22 knots, your weight is about 85 kilos and you are a beginner wing foiler. In that case, you may be able to go riding quite often if you have one board (let’s say a 130 liter), one foil and one 6 meters wing. You will probably be able to go riding most of the days and have a lot of fun meanwhile.
However, you do see that over time, riders have 2 or sometimes 3 (or more wings). In the example above, a good addition would be a 4 meters wing and maybe even a 7,5 meters light wind wing. The 4 meter wing would help you on days of 18 knots and stronger, where it’s just more fun with a bit of a smaller wing. The 7,5 meters light wind wing would help you get going on days with 10 knots and a gust of 14 every now and then.
As you improve, your quiver may need some updates as well. Read more about advancing from a beginner set to more advanced equipment and discover more wingfoil equipment tips.
Here’s the good news:
- There is a lot of second hand gear out there. This allows you to buy equipment, try it and renew it when you feel you need to.
- Wing foil brands organise testing sessions and days where you can use their equipment for 30 to 60 minutes, which allows you to feel how a new piece of equipment works for you.
- Wing foilers love to speak to each other and exchange experiences and lessons learned.
