What size should my first wingfoil board be?

• Posted on 15 December 2024
• By Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic
• Posted in beginner wingfoil, Bestwing board size, First wingboard
• 0

Choosing the Best Beginner Wingfoil Board

Selecting the right wingfoil board can significantly influence your learning experience. A good beginner board should offer stability, ease of use, and features that support your progression. In the early days of wingfoil, beginner boards were long and wide. The volume was on point, but with so much surface area, they would lack the fast takeoff of intermediate wingboards.  In 2024, designers had plenty of rider feedback and ample time to use R&D gear to work out the finer details.

We’ve been loving the longer, narrower boards for all levels, from smarter beginner wingfoil boards to the popular mid-lengths we’re seeing take over with intermediate to advanced riders. This article will help you decide what size board to choose for your first wingboard and what design features to look for that will make the experience better and your progression faster.

Beginner Size Chart for Wingfoil Boards

What size wingboard? 

To help you find the right board, here’s a beginner-size chart based on rider weight:

• 50-60 kg (110-132 lbs): 100-120 liters
• 60-75 kg (132-165 lbs): 120-140 liters
• 75-90 kg (165-198 lbs): 140-160 liters
• 90+ kg (198+ lbs): 160+ liters

These sizes offer a balance between stability and maneuverability, making it easier for beginners to focus on learning wing control and maintaining balance. For most beginners, starting with a higher-volume board provides the stability needed for a smoother learning curve.

What's the best size beginner wingfoil board? Regardless of your weight, opting for something a little larger is okay.

Can I share a wingboard with my wife or family? if you are a couple sharing a board or a family learning together, it’s practical to choose the best size for the heaviest rider in the group. We recommend looking for a modern wingboard from 2024 and beyond with a faster takeoff and reduced drag. Our favorite so far has been the 110 and 140-liter AK Durable Supply Co. Phazer. This all-arounder was the first large wing board that was actually fast and still checks all the boxes for a rider looking to progress quickly.

What size should my first wingfoil board be?  

Beginner wingfoil boards

When it comes to choosing your first wingfoil board, it’s important to consider the type of experience you want. Generally, beginners fall into two categories:

• Those Who Want an Easy Experience:
• If you prefer a smoother, more gradual learning process, it's best to start with a larger board like the 140L AK Phazer. Pairing it with a larger foil wing (such as a 1600 cm² wing) will give you a stable platform, allowing you to learn wing control and balance comfortably. Spend the first year or two using this setup to gain confidence and develop the foundational skills needed for more advanced riding.
• Those Who Want a Challenge:
• If you’re looking for a more challenging start and want to save money in the long run, you could opt for a smaller board, such as the 110L or even a 90L model (depending on your weight). While this will be a more demanding learning experience, the smaller board can offer a more responsive ride once you’ve mastered the basics. However, be prepared for a steeper learning curve, as it will be harder to balance and get up on foil initially.

How to decide: The biggest consideration is the learning curve here and your athletic ability. Former windsurfers or highly motivated athletes who love the process and don’t get too frustrated might be better served sizing down 20 to 30 liters out of the gate. You’ll be buying one less wingboard in the long run over the years as you progress. If you get frustrated easily or are not ready for the athletic endeavor of falling constantly, you’ll be best served getting the recommended larger board.

First board light wind hack: One new consideration is thinking about your quiver. If you are up for a mild challenge, consider starting on a 135- or 115-liter light wind board like the AK Nomad. The board is very narrow but has the volume a beginner needs. You will sacrifice lateral stability, but some of that will be made up of a very large hydrofoil like a 1600. This option means you’ll still have a somewhat longer learning curve, albeit not as long as sizing down, and when you’re ready to get a smaller board, you can keep the larger board in your quiver for light wind days. These new light wind boards are extremely fast and have an incredible takeoff. Beginners will love how fast they paddle out with their hydrodynamic hulls. In some ways, they will make your life easier, while the loss of lateral stability will be a challenge in the first month of learning.  

Recommended Strategy for Most Beginners: Start Large, Then Size Down

For most new riders, patience is the best strategy. Start with a larger board like the 140L AK Phazer, and pair it with a bigger foil wing to make learning easier. Stick with this setup for one to two years, then consider downsizing to a board that is 20 to 30 liters smaller when you feel ready.

Many riders find that the 90L board is a good intermediate size that can be used for years of fun riding before progressing to smaller sizes. In general, most wingfoilers aim to eventually transition to a board in the 65-80 liter range, which offers a great balance between performance and ease of use. This progression typically takes about two to three seasons.

Considering the Next Step: Length and Performance

Once you’re ready to move down to a smaller board, it might be time to think about a longer wingboard like the 95 L or 75L AK Nomad. Longer boards provide faster paddling speeds and better performance in choppy conditions, making them ideal for intermediate riders who are ready to take their skills to the next level. When stepping down, it’s best to do it around 20 liters at a time, but there are other considerations. The AK Phazer and AK Nomad can be a great combination for riders looking to gradually transition to smaller, performance-focused setups. Check out our video and blog about sizing down your wingboard.

Why the AK Phazer is a Great First Wingfoil Board

The AK Phazer's blend of volume optimization, thoughtful design features, and high-quality construction make it an ideal choice for those new to wingfoil. It’s a board you can start with as a beginner and continue to enjoy as you advance.

Tips for your first time as a beginner wing surfer

Persistence, patience, points of contact. I often teach my students the 6 P’s. Place, practice, and body position are the other three. First, consider where you will be learning. Look for moderate winds around 17 knots with smooth, flatter water and no waves. When you’re getting started, it’s going to take lots of practice. You’ll need to be consistent and persistent. There is a J curve where it will be difficult at first and then exponentially get easier and faster! You’ll need a little persistence to get past the beginner's dip. Points of contact are important for balance.

For your first water starts, Keep your body low and close to the board.  A hand on the nose, an elbow on the wing, a wingtip in the water, your chest tucked into your knees. All these contact points will keep you stable as your muscle memory is trained. It will only be this unstable the first month of your riding. When I say position, I mean be present with how you balance. Consider where your feet are and where your balance point is. Do you need to shift your hips forward? Do you need to keep the wing higher? Being aware of these details is a form of deliberate practice. Consider the details and listen to your instructor, as this will become an automatic process with time. You can really refine the details with good coaching or watching tutorials and being present on the water. Watch the habits you lock in.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What size AK Phazer should I choose for my first wingfoil board?

Beginners should look at the 110L, 125L, or 140L models, depending on their weight and desired level of stability. Larger sizes will be easier for new riders.

2. Why is it recommended to start with a larger wingfoil board?

A larger board offers better stability, making it easier to learn wing control and stay balanced on the water. This helps build confidence and foundational skills faster.

3. Can I start with a smaller board?

While possible, it’s not ideal for beginners. Smaller boards are less stable and will be more difficult to balance, making the learning process more challenging. Consider a light wing wingboard like the 135 Ak nomad for its versatility as you progress. 

4. What’s a good long-term board size goal?

Most riders eventually transition to boards in the 65-80 liter range, which provides a good balance between fun and ease of use. This usually takes about two to three seasons.

5. When should I consider moving to a mid-length wingboard like the AK Nomad?

The AK Nomad is a great next step if you’re ready to downsize and want a board that offers faster paddling and better performance in various conditions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wingfoil board size is crucial for a smooth learning experience. Start with a larger board like the 140L AK Phazer and gradually downsize as you improve. Whether you prefer a patient, steady approach or want a bit of a challenge, the AK Phazer provides a versatile and durable option for wingfoil beginners. Visit Epic Boardsports in Cocoa Beach to check out the AK Phazer and other wingfoil gear.