Foiling with a Parawing / pocket wing

A Parawing is a small kite with short lines that pulls you forward, while a wing for wingfoiling is held manually. A Parawing does not have an inflatable leading edge, allowing you to easily retrieve it and make it very compact. This means it doesn’t get in the way during downwind foiling or on a wave, which is often the case with a regular wing.

This largely depends on your board, your foil, the size of the Parawing, and of course your weight. To learn Parawing foiling, we recommend a consistent wind of at least 20 knots. Once you master the Parawing, you can extend your wind range.

Yes, in many cases. However, so-called mid-length foilboards work better. The extra length combined with less width helps generate speed, allowing you to get on foil sooner. Short wingboards don’t generate enough speed, and long DW foilboards are often too long. DW boards cannot turn quickly enough with the wind, and the nose of the board often gets caught in the lines.

A stable foil front wing with sufficient lift (medium to large front wing) works best for beginners. Wide foils with a high aspect ratio, offering relatively good lift and still a reasonable top speed, are the easiest to use. For someone weighing 80 to 90 kg, you could consider an Axis Fireball 1250 with a surface area of 1133 cm². With strong winds, you can, of course, opt for a smaller foil.

Short lines make it possible to quickly fold the Parawing while foiling. The shorter the lines, the easier this is, which also makes relaunching the Parawing easier. The disadvantage is that very short lines often provide less stability and upwind capabilities.

Relatively safe, provided you wear a helmet and impact vest. The lines are short, which reduces the risk of entanglement compared to larger kites.

You can quickly unfold the Parawing again once the wind returns, or calmly paddle or drift back to shore.

Yes, but basic experience with foiling or wingfoiling is recommended. The technique requires balance and a feel for the wind.

With wingfoiling, you hold the wing in your hands; with Parawing foiling, you control a small kite on lines. Wingfoiling is easier to learn than Parawing foiling. Also, with wingfoiling, you can get on foil more easily in lighter winds.

Mainly for moderate to strong winds. It can also be done in light wind, but it’s relatively difficult to get on foil then. What helps here are large, wide foils and long foilboards, and of course, larger Parawings.

Yes, both are possible. At sea, you benefit from waves and swell; on inland waters, it’s ideal for practicing in more stable water.

Absolutely! The Parawing is specifically designed for downwind foiling. You use it to gain speed, fold it away, and then continue surfing the waves. We recommend Parawings not much larger than 4 m² for this. Larger Parawings are harder to fold quickly and to relaunch.

Pay attention to size, build quality, line length, and ease of use. For beginners, stable, easily foldable models are best.

Absolutely. It makes downwind foiling more accessible, efficient, and less dependent on downwind SUP paddling techniques — a true innovation within the foil sport.