Stand-Up Paddleboard at Little Kaiteriteri

Stand-up paddleboarding, often referred to as SUP, is a fantastic way to explore waterways and stay active. Whether you plan to cruise on calm lakes, explore harbours or coastlines, ride ocean waves, or explore serene rivers, selecting the right stand-up paddleboard is essential for a successful and enjoyable experience. As a beginner, navigating the world of SUP boards can be overwhelming, but fear not! This beginner’s guide will walk you through the key considerations when choosing a stand-up paddleboard.

Why Stand-Up Paddleboarding?

Before we dive into the details of choosing a SUP board, let’s quickly explore why so many people are drawn to this watersport:

  1. It’s Accessible to All Ages and Skill Levels: SUP is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, making it an inclusive activity for families and individuals alike.
  2. It Provides a Full-Body Workout: Paddleboarding engages your core, arms, legs, and back muscles, providing an excellent full-body workout while enjoying nature and getting a dose of Vitamin D.
  3. It’s Versatile: SUP can be enjoyed on various water bodies, from lakes, rivers, oceans harbours and estuaries, to even small ponds and creeks.
  4. It’s Relaxing!: Paddleboarding offers a peaceful way to connect with nature, unwind, and reduce stress.  You can even do yoga on some SUPs!

Stand-Up Paddleboard Bag

Now that you’re excited about the possibilities, let’s explore how to choose the right stand-up paddleboard for your needs.

Types of Stand-Up Paddleboards

SUP boards come in various shapes and sizes, designed for specific purposes and water conditions. Here are the primary types:

  1. All-Round SUPs: These boards are versatile and suitable for beginners. They perform well in various conditions, from calm lakes to small waves.
  2. Inflatable SUPs (iSUPs): Perfect for those with limited storage space, or in situations such as on boats where a more forgiving material is preferred, iSUPs are portable and easy to transport. They’re also quite durable and can handle a variety of conditions.
  3. Surf SUPs: Designed for catching waves, surf SUPs are shorter and more maneuverable, making them suitable for ocean use.
  4. Touring SUPs: Longer and narrower than all-round boards, touring SUPs are ideal for longer excursions and more efficient paddling over longer distances.
  5. Racing SUPs: Long and streamlined, racing SUPs are built for speed and are typically reserved for competitive paddlers.
PPC Carbon Surf Stand-Up Paddleboard

PPC Carbon Surf SUP

Considerations for Choosing a SUP

Now that you know the different types of SUPs, it’s time to consider various factors when making your selection:

  • Board Size & Width: Choose a board size that matches your weight and skill level. The size of your paddleboard is crucial for stability and performance. As a beginner, opt for a board with more volume and width, as these factors contribute to stability. A wider board (around 30-34 inches) is easier to balance on, making it an ideal choice for newcomers.
  • Weight Capacity/Volume: Ensure the board can support your weight and any additional gear or passengers you may want to carry. Ensure that the board you choose has a weight capacity that comfortably accommodates your needs. Overloading a paddleboard can compromise stability and safety.  There are many ways of trying to work out what size board you should use but there is no exact science when choosing (even if you find a SUP Size Calculator somewhere online). It will vary on your ability to balance as well as the conditions you take it out in. Someone who has not done any paddle boarding before is going to feel a bit wobbly on any board you put them on to start out – the more time they spend on it the stable they will feel. Having lessons or joining a SUP group will help iron out any flaws in your technique which should make balance less of an issue. A good indication is to multiply your body weight by the specified amount below to find an approximate volume and buoyancy that works for your skill level.  Eg If you are an intermediate paddler weighing 80kg and mainly touring, a board volume of approximately 160L would be recommended.
    • Beginner/Touring: 2.75
    • Intermediate/Touring: 2
    • Intro Surfer: 1.5
    • Experienced Surfer: 1.1
  • Board Length: Longer boards (10-12 feet) track straighter and glide faster, while shorter boards (under 10 feet) are more maneuverable. Select the length based on your intended use.
  • Board Thickness: Thicker boards provide more buoyancy and stability. Most SUPs are around 4-6 inches thick.
  • Materials: SUPs can be made of various materials, including epoxy, fiberglass, carbon and plastic. Inflatable boards are typically made of PVC.  Solid stand-up paddle boards are always going to be more efficient through the water as they will not flex at all. They also will have more shape to them – meaning the rails will sharper and harder giving a better release of water and less drag. These more defined rails will be more evident on the surf and race boards and will make the board faster, nimbler and will give you more feeling in what the board is doing. Depending on their construction they may be heavier than their inflatable counter parts but the more you pay the lighter it will be.
    • Epoxy: Epoxy boards are rigid and provide excellent performance. They are a bit heavier but offer durability and responsiveness, especially in windy conditions.
    • Inflatable (iSUP): Inflatables are made from durable materials like drop-stitch PVC. They are lightweight, easy to transport, and surprisingly rigid when properly inflated. Consider the durability and weight of the material, and the stitching and glue used on inflatables as cheaper options may not last as long.
    • Plastic: Plastic boards are incredibly durable and resistant to dings and scratches, making them a good choice for rocky waters or rental fleets.  They are also more cost effective.
    • Carbon: Carbon boards are the lightest however can be more susceptible to damage.
  • Fin Setup: Fins affect the board’s stability and tracking. Most SUPs have a single center fin, which is suitable for cruising in calmer conditions, but some have multiple fins for better stability or maneuverability in the surf.  For beginners, a single large fin is generally easier to handle and offers good stability.
  • Local vs Overseas Brand: Buying a local brand like PPC will mean better quality & smoother & faster process if there are any warranty issues.
  • Transport and Storage: Consider how you will transport and store your SUP. Inflatables are the most convenient for portability.
  • Budget: SUPs come in various price ranges. Set a budget and look for options that fit within it, considering additional costs for paddles, safety gear, and accessories. Package deals are common.
  • Try Before You Buy: If possible, rent or borrow different types of SUPs to see which one suits you best before making a purchase.
  • Accessories: Don’t forget to budget for essential accessories like a paddle, board bag, leash, life jacket and a waterproof bag for your belongings.

Conclusion

Choosing the right stand-up paddleboard is essential to ensure you have a fun and safe experience on the water. Take your time to research and consider your needs, and if possible, consult with our experts or experienced paddlers for additional guidance. Once you’ve selected the perfect SUP, you’ll be ready to embark on countless adventures and enjoy the many physical and mental benefits this sport has to offer. So, grab your board, hit the water, and start paddling your way to a healthier, happier you!

What Is Wing Foiling And How Does It Work?

Spotted someone out on the waves holding a wing while their board hovers above the water with a hydrofoil underneath? Then that’s probably Wing Foiling! Want to know what it’s all about and how you can get some of that action? Then you’ve come to the right place – find out everything you need to know about Wing Foiling and more!

What Is Wing Foiling?

Wing Foiling is the latest innovation in board sports. It combines the expertise of riding a short SUP board mounted with a hydrofoil with the thrill of holding a specially designed ‘wing’ that is not attached to the board. Wing Foiling provides the rider with maximum freedom on the water, utilising both the wind and water energy for the ultimate ride.

Not to be confused with Wind Foiling, Kite Foiling, Surf foiling or SUP Foiling, Wing Foiling is different because it uses both the forces of the wind (using the wing) and water (using the foil). The specially designed inflatable wing is used to provide customisable momentum while launching the hydrofoil into action whose aircraft-like design provides lift.

Basic Wing Foiling Terminology

  • The inflatable handheld sail-like structure used for propulsion which looks a bit like a hang glider wing crossed with a windsurfer sail but less rigid, and it’s not attached to the board.
  • Sometimes referred to as a Foil Board or SUP Foil Board, this is where the rider stands. It is shorter and wider than a traditional SUP board.
  • This is the underwater hydrofoil structure that provides the lift when passing through the water. The hydrofoil is basically a wing-shaped underwater fin that provides lift when it reaches the required speed. A hydrofoil significantly reduces drag which in turn increases speed out on the water.
  • There are two leashes for connecting both the board and the wing to the rider.

Brief History Of Wings And Foils

Hydrofoils in various forms have been around for over a hundred years. Originally only used on boats, it wasn’t until the 60s and 70s that hydrofoils were trialled on more recreational activities like water skiing and kneeboarding. Driven by the desire to find the best way to play, water sports enthusiasts like Laird Hamilton, Kai Lenny, Mango Carafino, Austin Kalama, Neyl Pride and Robby Naish brought hydrofoiling into the surfing, wind-surfing, and kite surfing arena. From here, the technology has been refined over the years and tweaked to suit the more individualised sports that have emerged like Wind Foiling, Stand Up Paddle Hydrofoiling, Surf Foiling, Kite Foiling and of course; with the addition of the ‘Wing’ – Wing Foiling (in some countries it’s called Wing Surfing).

Speaking of the ‘wing’, the use of handheld sails in water sports dates back to somewhere around the early 1980s. As the hydro foiling technologies advanced, pairing a light handheld inflatable wing was sort of a natural progression, particularly with the growing popularity of the Stand Up Paddle Board. However, early attempts at a ‘kite wing’ were heavy and cumbersome, without any real benefit to the sport. It was only in recent years that the super lightweight and inflatable frames were developed, enabling a more durable and functional design. These days Wing Foiling has grown to be more mainstream, becoming widely accepted as a sport in its own right.

How Does The Hydrofoil Work?

The underlying concepts of the hydrofoil are similar to the design of an aeroplane wing and much like the hydrofoils used in boating and yachting for many many years. The fins (wings) of the hydrofoil are shaped to create lift when passing through the water; the faster the speed, the higher the lift.

Because water is much denser than air, a smaller wing is all that is needed to provide the necessary lift. Under the right conditions, the hydrofoil provides enough lift to raise the rider and board completely clear of the water.

3 Parts Of A Hydrofoil

There are three main parts to the hydrofoil; the mast, fuselage, and the fins (or wings).

  1. As the name suggests, the mast forms the vertical shaft between the board and the fins. It is usually anywhere from 45cm up to 100 cm in height. The mast creates stability and allows for greater manoeuvrability in the water. Taller masts are best for more advanced riders.
  2. The fuselage is the middle section of the foil that connects the mast and the front and rear fins. The length of the fuselage affects the riding height and the responsiveness of the ride.
  3. Fins/Wings. The fins (or wings) of a hydrofoil sit at the front and back of the fuselage. The front wing is the larger of the two and has a shape similar to that of an aeroplane wing; it provides lift by deflecting water downwards as the foil passes through the water. The rear fin provides stability and affects the dynamics of the ride. The front and rear fin can be mixed and matched to customise your ride performance. A smaller rear fin can provide a looser response during turns for more advanced foiling, whereas a larger fin provides more stability for beginners.

Choosing A Foil

When it comes to choosing the best foil for your Wing Foiling kit, it’s a bit of a trade-off between stability, manoeuvrability and agility. Beginners will want more stability, but the more advanced you get, the more you’ll be looking for speed and turning capability, as well as the ability to pump the foil. Here are a few tips on choosing the right foil for you; however, ultimately, you will be guided by your level of progression.

4 Tips On Choosing The Best Foil

  1. Mast Length. A shorter mast is easier to learn on as it’s more stable; a longer mast adds more manoeuvrability. Aim for around 60 to 80 cm for beginners.
  2. Fin/Wing Surface Area.The bigger the wing/fin, the more stability, the easier the ride and the more lift it generates. Smaller fins are faster and more manoeuvrable.
  3. Wing Aspect Ratio.  Foil wings or fins have low, medium and high aspect ratios. Low aspect foils have a rounder shape offering more stability. The higher the aspect ratio, the higher the speed and the greater the responsiveness, which means the more difficult the ride.
  4. Fuselage Length.The greater the distance between the front and back wings, the greater the stability and less sensitive the foil is to movements in height.

How Does The Inflatable Wing Work?

When you first see a Wing Foiling inflatable wing, you’ll find it looks a bit like a windsurfing sail; however it is shaped and constructed quite differently. Wing Foiling wings are extremely light and built around an inflatable framework that needs to be fully inflated to take shape, however, as the sport is still developing, there are some variations on equipment design and some wings may have a physical boom structure to increase structural stiffness.

The inflatable wing works very similarly to a kite or sail in that it provides a collective barrier for the wind as it blows, which causes the wing to lift or pull in the direction the wind is blowing. This pulls the rider and board forward in the direction of the wind.

Choosing A Wing

There are quite a few different brands of Wings available here in NZ, all with slightly different features and benefits. Two of the main contenders are the PPC Surge Wing and the Armstrong A-Wing. Differences might include handle placement, windows or no windows, construction materials, weight and slight differences in the shape of the wing. As you improve and head out in more varied conditions, you may find that having more than one wing offers greater flexibility on the day.

4 Tips On Choosing The Best Wing

  1. Windows Or No Windows? Yes, the added visibility is great, but windows do add weight. In addition, over time, they may stretch or decay differently to the surrounding material.
  2. It’s All In The Handles. It is important to match the size and style of the handles to suit your hands while also taking note of the handle placement. You need to be able to keep control of the wing, and this means being able to hold on to it!
  3. Shape vs Performance. The shape of the wing does have an effect on its performance; the wings are usually defined by their aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the length of the wing over the width of the wing. A low aspect wing is great in gusty conditions providing more stability, and it is smaller, making it easier to handle. A high aspect wing is better for light winds as it works great in low winds and goes upwind really well.
  4. Perfect Price. Pretty much all of the top brands are around the same price here in NZ. You’ll be looking at $1400 to $1700 for the Armstrong a-Wing (sizes range from 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 metres) and $1300 to $1600 for the PPC Surge Wing (sizes 2.8, 3.8, 4.8 and 5.8 metres).

What Kind Of Board Is Best?

As with foils and wings, there are a number of different brands of Wing Foiling Boards out there. Some brands make crossover boards that can be used for other foiling sports but generally speaking, you want a dedicated SUP foiling specific board for the best Wing Foiling experience. This shorter, wider and thicker stand up paddle board provides the extra stability needed for the rider to remain upright on the board.

As a general recommendation beginners will want to choose a board 30-40 litres of volume more than their body weight, this provides the much-needed stability when learning to Wing Foil. For example, if you weigh 90 kilograms, you will want a 120 to 130 litre board. As you progress, smaller boards will offer greater manoeuvrability and more of a challenge, but you need to get the hang of it first.

What Is Wing Foiling Like?

Wing Foiling offers water sports enthusiasts an exciting introduction to the epic sensation of hydrofoiling. This challenging water sport will appeal to anyone who loves the water – including surfers, kiters, windsurfers, paddle boarders, and even sailors.

Windsurfers will find it’s a lot less gear to set up and easier to pick up, kiteboarders will love the fact that the gear takes up a lot less space, and there is no need for an assisted launch or landing. For surfers, the drawcard is you can still do it when there are no decent waves or the wind is up.

The great thing about Wing Foiling is it’s easy to learn, low impact and a great workout all in one! Plus, all the gear packs up into relatively little space. This sport is an awesome thrill, and it offers new challenges for all ages out on the water.

How To Learn Wing Foiling

Never tried Wing Foiling before and want to know a few tips to get you started? Read on for our top tips when learning to Wing Foil.

  • Practice Handling The Wing On Dry Land. Spending a bit of time on dry land getting used to the handling of the wing is a good idea. Keep practising until you have a good understanding of how it responds to the wind and how changes in hand and body position will affect the wings performance. Check out these introductory videos that will give you some quick basics. Or you can even practice while on a skateboard or snowboard.
  • Figure Out How To Carry It All. This may sound silly, but trying to carry a wing that catches the wind and a large foil board together can be tricky. Nobody wants their shiny new equipment all banged up on the first run.
  • Practice On A SUP. Have a go with the wing on a plain old Stand Up Paddle Board. This means you can focus on learning how to use the wing before the added complication of the hydrofoil.
  • Use Your Wing Foiling Board Behind A Boat. Having a go on your Foil Board while being towed behind a boat can allow you to focus on mastering the dynamics of the board before adding the wing into the mix.
  • Get The Wind Right. Strong enough winds are crucial for beginners to get the hang of Wing Foiling. Trying to Wing Foil in light winds is a rookie mistake and makes the wing more difficult to handle requiring a lot of pumping and good technique to get the board onto the foil.
  • Take A Lesson. There are some Wing Foiling lessons for all levels available around the country. The cost for a 1 hour lesson is around $300; all of the foiling equipment is provided if you don’t have yours yet or just want to give it a try.

 

NZ Foil Board & Wing Demo

 

Looking for the best gear for Wing Foiling and want to optimise your foiling experience? Give the guys at the NZ Foil Centre & PPC boards a call today!

 

 

 

NZ Foil Centre. Shop Foil Boards, Wings & Accessories

 

wing foil

A lot has happened to say the least over the past few months since the wing debut.

Wings have improved dramatically (our own coming off as one of the best in an international review) was a bonus too.

We’ve been playing around on Moses Foils, a Foil company manufacturing in Italy in a helicopter blade factory (can’t go wrong there!) The 950 Sabfoil is now available & we will be doing demos for anyone interested in trying these & comparing them to their current foil. Contact us to book a demo!

We have tested a lot of foil variations from Moses (and there are a lot!) because to sell them we need to ensure they perform like we want for wing foiling & by god these things do perform.

The 1100 kit combined with the 82 mast is 2100 in area. At ideal starting point for anyone over 70-80kg to get onto wing foiling. Lots of low end (low wind) lift & actually pretty good at higher speeds. We used up to 20knots then we felt like we needed to change down wing sizes.

We love the 790 which is around 1550 in area, great for anything from 10-15 knots right up to 25-30 knots. Insanely good in waves & it seems to enjoy speed… however not as much as the next wings I’m going to talk about.

The 679 is also a great performance wing for stronger wind days & surf. Its area is 990 so it requires a good amount of ability to dial this one in but once dialled its an incredible wing!

The 800 & 1000 wings enjoy speed like a Ferrari at a F1 GP in Monaco… they are fast/ ‘glidey’, they’re carvy too (for their higher aspect design)

The 1000 has an incredible window of wind for wing foiling. Its wing tip can be breached & you can recover easily. This wing would suit anyone wanting more glide & efficiency on the light – medium wind days. The 800 requires a little more wind / surf. Very carvy for its span & is incredibly efficient.

They don’t have a very good bottom end left due to the lack of cord in the wing, however once going they just want to keep going & going. I got away with the 800 in 20 knots with a 4.8m PPC wing (I’m 90kg) which has lots of power… our team rider Josh who’s 75kg loved the 800 in 10-20 knots …

The 1000 has a much bigger window & seems to be good in 10knots for me & enjoys winds up to 20-30knots. Both wings we were hitting around 40 km/h – I think we can it get much faster once totally dialled in.

We mainly used +1 to + 2 shims.

There is a 950 & 1250 is coming out soon which I feel fit into the range nicely.

The S400 tail has been our favourite & works across all set ups we’ve tried.

This is a very broad intro the Moses foil range.  Drop into the store or call Sam & Josh for any more feedback required.

 

How to choose your wing foil set up?

First off if you have no experience whatsoever foiling, we strongly recommend coming out with us for a lesson behind our fully equipped jet ski so you can get a feel for the sport.  https://nzfoilcentre.co.nz/product/foil-coaching/

Wing:

Lets start at the top with the wing. After a few months of seeing this sport develop & learning which wings are better suited to certain wind conditions & rider weights / abilities I have worked out what is really working best for people getting into the sport.

Firstly go bigger with the wing, my rule of thumb, which has been working well, has been a 4m wing has been good for anyone under 70kg & anyone over a 5m is a good option. That’s if you only wanted to purchase ONE wing. The more power the better when learning & generally here in New Zealand the wind is under 20 knots.

If the customer has wanted a couple of wings to cover more wind ranges then someone around 70kg or less may want to consider a 3.5 & a 5m & someone over 70kg may want a 4m & a 6m ensuring they can wing in super light conditions & have that smaller wing for anything over 10-15knots.

Board:

 

We have a new wider model of foil board on the way called the Soar! This model comes in 5 sizes from 3’10 – 33L right up to 6’0 – 130L. The Soar features smooth lines for easy, fast lift off & ideal volume to size proportions ensuring maximised swing – weight for easier handling. The deck has a really nice skate – like flowing concave, allowing you to be nearer the foil, for much more control. The Soar is made in New Zealand & our factory in Vietnam.

Again speaking from what I have seen in the early days of wing foiling I have noticed some factors, which seem to be consistent to choosing the right board.

The rule of thumb for anyone new to the sport & not yet used to a low volume board has been to go for a wing board around 10-20L more than their body weight. Example – A complete learner who is 80kg may want to consider our 5’7 which is 99L.

For more advanced riders, its body weight (kg) minus 10-20  (non sinker). For example someone around 90kg could go for the 5’3 at 76L.

We have made sure our boards are relatively short vs the amount of volume, so riders wont outgrow their equipment too fast. Luckily we are in the early stages of the sport & if you feel like you have outgrown your board there is a solid second hand market for wing boards & we will do trade-ins on our boards saving you the $$ on the swap over.

Our wing foil boards are plug moulded, ensuring they are super light weight & bullet proof. They have inserts for footstraps with a large amount of adjustability to suit a large range of wing foilers. Our wing boards are made in Vietnam, in the worlds leading board factory. https://nzfoilcentre.co.nz/product/wing-sup-foil-board/

Foil:

Lastly but definitely not least, the foil set up has been proven crucial. Our game plan is pairing the entire set-up so all parts match each other in terms of performance. For example there is no point purchasing a top of the line wing & board & then putting a cheap foil set up on it. That will degrade the entire set up & you wont get the performance out of the good gear.

Lately we have been pairing our boards & wings with the Armstrong Foils. We have been wing foiling with them for months now & have a good understanding of which set ups work for winging in their incredibly versatile foil range.

The learner foil set up has been the 2400V2 kit with either the 85cm mast or 72cm mast depending on where you are foiling. I personally think that the 85cm mast has been the one for wing foiling, giving you good height, keeping you from breaching in ocean chop. The 60cm fuselage & HS232 tail has been working really well too & we have made set ups in the shop based off our testing.

Now for when the wind increases even a learner will want another foil option. The HS1550 has been a really good all-rounder wing foil wing in the Armstrong range, so we have been using that within the 12-25 knots wind range. Anything over 20-25 knots the 1200 & HS1050 have been great wing foils.

We have learnt that dropping the foil size can be a better option than dropping the wing size. For example I will still use our 5m wing in 20 knots of wind, & will just use the 1200 or HS1050 foil. Its always handy to have power in the wing through lully wind patches rather than being ‘under powered’ – This is all proportional to riders weight.

If someone is wanting a ‘one foil’ wing set up, the 1600 wing set up has been a good one. Due to its cord thickness it has good lift ‘out of the hole’ so it is able to handle a large range of wind conditions.

Our goal is to make sure we put our customers on the right gear to begin with, ensuring their wing foiling experience is 100% optimised. Too often we see people unhappy with gear they were sold cheaply or maybe as an ‘only what a retailer has left scenario.’

We will have ALL this gear available for demo as we do believe in ‘try before you buy’

 

Foiling Lessons: (coaching)

 

We are using the Armstrong 2400 wing, 60cm mast for teaching anyone new to the sport of foiling, along with the 70cm fus, 300 rear & -2 TTF shim. This set up allows super slow speed foiling (10-12km), minimising injury risk & ensuring stable low speed controlled foiling. We have had 100% success rates over the summer with this set up. Much of the success comes down to foil specific tow set up. We are using HSA ropes, our rescue sled (great for foil gear storage). We ensure we tow with really smooth throttle control making first time foiling a walk in the park with us.

wing foil

wing foiling

foil board

One of the most achievable ways to learn how to foil with no foiling experience is behind a jetski with PPC/ NZ Foil Centre.

We use the large 2400 Armstrong Foils wing combined with a 60cm (short) mast. We use our stable high volume carbon sandwich foil board, which allows you to feel extremely stable on your feet before lift off.

This combination of gear is like training wheels on a kids bike for foiling. Its allows you to foil at a very slow speed, taking all the danger & initial fear out all-together. Foiling is for everyone!

We use Gath helmets, safety vests for all our foil intro lessons. These lessons usually go for around 2 hours max on the water. We start with a coffee & a land lesson get out on the water, the a chill debriefing.

 

FOIL EQUIPMENT

 

At PPC / NZ Foil Centre we use only the very best foils on the market. Armstrong foils are incredibly over-engineered foils, where there is zero compromise. They use full composite construction with titanium hardware. Nothing will seize of corrode, after all we are mostly using our foils in salt water.

Armstrong foils have a wide range of masts, wings, fuselages, tail wings & of course the very unique ‘chop shop’ tail option which loosens up your set up for ultra tight turns & also speeds up the set up for wind winging or tow foiling.

Our new foil boards are specifically designed for wind winging & SUP foiling, even tow/ wake foiling behind a boat. They are installed with 20″ track system, which is double the standard track size for more adjustability. We have added carbon stringers which go through the entire boards, through the track boxes, allowing you to really feel the foil.

All the gear is really important as it all works in as one. The foil set up, the connection point to the board, the board, the track placement on the boards, the foot straps. We thought about everything so all components work in as one giving you ultimate feel & performance while foiling. After all foiling is very much a feel sport, our goal is to bring you closer to the foil.

 

 

 

NZ Foil Centre Paddle Boards. 10'6 Inflatable

When it comes to Stand Up Paddling (SUP), NZ Foil Centre has got you and your family covered.

We have a variety of boards that can be for used children, right through to mum and dad.

We have a designed a 9’6 with children and smaller adults in mind.  It’s also a great option to play in the waves.

Normally we wouldn’t recommend inflatables for the surf, however we have designed this one with continuous rocker, making it an ideal learner for kids!

https://nzfoilcentre.co.nz/product/ppc-airline-inflatable-series-96/

Pacific Paddle Company 10'6 Inflatable

Another great option if you’re after a durable hard board for the family is the DuraSUP.

Constructed with a regular EPS core, the DuraSUP features a hard PVC outer shell for the ultimate in durability.

Ideal for flat-water paddling & great for playing around in the small waves, this model is designed for anyone wanting to experience the sport of stand up paddling.

From the kids to the Grandparents, EVERYONE will enjoy this model due to its incredible stable design & increased volume.

https://nzfoilcentre.co.nz/product/durasup/

We also have kids paddles so come in and chat to our friendly staff at the Takapuna store.