Whats the best downwind board for Florida?

• Posted on 9 February 2025
• By Ryan Goloversic
• 0

Choosing the Right Downwind Board: A Guide for Cocoa Beach and Orlando Riders

If you’ve been eyeing the downwind foiling scene, you’ve probably got a lot of questions: What kind of board do I need? How do I choose the right gear for Florida’s unique conditions? What should I focus on as a beginner? Let’s dive into the key things you need to know about downwind boards and how to pick the right setup for your goals.

This guide will break down everything, from what makes a good beginner board to the gear that works best for Cocoa Beach and the beaches near Orlando. Along the way, we’ll highlight a few standout products that hit the mark.

What Should I Look for in a Beginner Downwind Board?  

 If you’re just starting, stability is king. A wider board with more volume gives you the balance and buoyancy you need to build confidence. Look for forgiving boards that make it easier to focus on paddling and getting up on foil rather than worrying about tipping over. There is a debate about what's too wide and too narrow right now. The truth is a board can be a little wider if the hull is hydrodynamic and fast. Narrower is not always better. Efficiency is paramount so don’t get caught up in trends that will hold you back. This is ever prevalent in Hydroiling right now. So many advanced riders influence the beginners, and progress becomes impossible with the wrong equipment.   

• AK Nomad Foilboard: This board is one of the most beginner-friendly options out there. It’s stable and smooth, making it easier to progress without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, its windsurfing crossover lightwind performance is perfect for those gentle Cocoa Beach mornings.
• Starboard Ace Foil Lightning 8'2" x 18": This board is perfect for beginners and intermediate riders. It’s designed for stability and speed, making it a great choice for learning while also being performance-focused enough to grow with you. This board is 34 liters lighter than the nomad and quite a bit narrower. Be sure to use a wider hydrofoil when you first start out. 

What’s the easiest downwind board for beginners? The AK Nomad is incredibly user-friendly. While it’s not as narrow as some, you can get speed and break the surface tension of the water so easily. We love the nomad because it’s a touch wider than other downwind boards. This means it will be easier to learn with. The Ace Lighting has the needed volume, but it won’t have the same lateral stability. However, it will paddle faster and pop up easily. We recommend pairing it with a wide, high-aspect-ratio wing for stability and glide while learning. Only after you pass the beginner stage should you consider a smaller high aspect.  

What Makes a Good Beginner Downwind Board? Stability is the top priority for beginners. A board with extra width and volume helps keep you steady while you get the hang of paddling and balancing. It’s all about making the learning process smoother so you can focus on progression. 

What volume downwind board should I get? Volume is important, but size and shape are monumental for this sport. Unlike wingfoil, you’ll be relying on the board a lot more for power and speed. If you have a lot of experience with a small volume wingboard, you can opt for a smaller downwind board but be ready to fall a lot. Use the right high-aspect foil to help balance at first and work your way into smaller wing spans for better turns. We recommend most riders start with something around 135 L or more and in the 18 to 21-inch wide range.  

How Do I Choose the Right Volume and Size for a Downwind Foil Board? 

Volume is an important factors when selecting a downwind board. It directly impacts stability, ease of paddling, and how quickly you can get up on foil. The right volume and size depend on your weight, skill level, and riding conditions. Most start with something around 110L to 140L, but you can choose for something closer to 100L if you’re looking for high performance and a slightly longer learning curve. That said, we do find a huge wingspan goes a long way on all narrow boards and will solve 80% of the difficulty issue.  

Why Does Volume Matter? 

Higher volume = more stability and easier balance. A board with more liters of volume helps distribute weight evenly, making it easier to stand, paddle, and get up on foil—especially in choppier water. If you’re just getting started, a high-volume board will give you more confidence and reduce frustration as you learn. You can ride these more like a big sup and just grove with the waves.  

Lower volume = more agility and performance. As you improve, you’ll likely want a smaller, lower-volume board that allows for faster acceleration, quicker turns, and better response to the swell. These boards demand more skill but allow for a more dynamic and efficient ride. Imagine ripping for miles down the coast, dropping in on countless waves, and doing hard fast turns.  

Beginner Volume & Size Guidelines 

• Volume: At least 1.5 to 2 times your body weight in liters (e.g., if you weigh 80kg (176 lbs), look for a board with 120-160L+ volume).
• Length: A longer board (7'6" – 9'0") makes balancing and paddling easier.
• Width: Around 20" or wider for extra stability.
• Best for: Riders who are new to foiling or still working on paddle balance.

Intermediate Volume & Size Guidelines 

• Volume: 1.3 to 1.5 times your body weight in liters (e.g., an 80kg (176 lbs) rider should look for 105-120L).
• Length: Around 7'0" – 8'0", offering a balance between paddle speed and agility.
• Width: Slightly narrower, around 18"-20", for better performance in bumps.
• Best for: Riders comfortable with paddling and linking bumps but still need some extra stability.

What Kind of Foil Should I Pair with My Board? 

 The foil setup is just as important as the board itself. A good foil provides lift and stability, allowing you to stay on foil longer and ride with more control. For beginners, a forgiving foil with pitch stability is key. For more experienced riders, performance-focused foils add speed and maneuverability. 

Pro tip: Beginners should start with the largest high aspect possible You want the extra lateral stability and the glide. The right board and the right foil will pick up speed fast, break the surface tension of the water and pop up with minimal effort. The wrong gear will stick to the water and take far more work than the average human is capable of.  

• Code Foils R-Series Complete Foil Set: The R-Series is perfect for beginners and intermediate riders. It’s smooth, stable, and has a predictable lift, so you’re not constantly adjusting while you ride.
• Code Foils S-Series Front Wing: If you’re ready to step up your game, the S-Series delivers sharper turns and more dynamic performance, making it ideal for riders looking to push their skills.
• Ak Durable Supply co Plasma wings: These are incredibly user-friendly and somehow high-performance We have a full review you can read here. The 2050 is very easy to learn, but consider something in the 1300 to 1600 range when you’re advanced. 

Are Downwind Boards Good for Florida’s Light Winds? 

Yes! In fact, downwind boards and foils are designed to excel in lightwind conditions, which is why they’re so popular in places like Cocoa Beach. A good setup can get you on foil even when the wind is barely there, allowing you to take advantage of Florida’s consistent but mellow breezes. 

• AK Nomad Foilboard: Known for its lightwind capabilities, this board is a favorite for riders in Florida. Whether you’re cruising on flat water or catching small swells, it gets the job done. Read our full review here. 

We’ll expand on this topic later and dive into the details for choosing a good crossover board. 

How Do I Progress from Beginner to Advanced Gear? 

Progression in downwind foiling comes with practice and the right equipment. As you improve, you’ll want to transition to gear that’s faster and more maneuverable. The key is to find products that grow with you, so you’re not constantly replacing everything. 

• Beginner Setup: Start with something like the AK Nomad and the Code Foils R-Series, which prioritize stability and ease of use.
• Intermidiate Setup: Move up to the Starboard Ace Foil Lightning paired with the Code Foils S-Series Front Wing for better speed, control, and carving ability.

Code Foils offers two distinct front wing series: the S Series and the R Series, each tailored to different foiling disciplines and rider preferences. 

S Series Front Wings: 

• Versatility: Designed as an all-around wing suitable for various foiling activities, including prone, wing, SUP, and downwind.
• Performance: Features a foil section that provides early, smooth, and predictable lift, making it adept in both critical sections and smooth, flowing lines.
• Range: Available in eight sizes (500, 615, 720, 850, 980, 1130, 1300, and 1540), accommodating different rider weights and skill levels.
• Ideal For: Riders seeking a versatile wing that excels across multiple disciplines and conditions.

R Series Front Wings: 

• Specialization: Specifically designed for downwind foiling, focusing on comfort, glide, speed, and efficiency.
• Performance: Engineered to enhance the downwind experience by providing exceptional glide and speed, allowing riders to efficiently connect swells.
• Ideal For: Riders dedicated to downwind foiling who prioritize maximizing glide and efficiency in their sessions.

What Makes Cocoa Beach and Orlando Ideal for Downwind Foiling? 

Cocoa Beach and Orlando are prime spots for downwind foiling because of their consistent conditions in the winter and proximity to miles of coastline with limitless entry and exit locations. You can set up vehicles on most of our beaches and organize a downwind ride catered to your level and the time you want to be on the water. With miles of sandy beaches and countless sandbar breaks, you’ll never be lacking for a session here.  

The rivers don’t have much for swell and waves but the chop can fire up from time to time if you want to practice paddling away from the ocean. We love writing about our home spot and we’ll soon have a blog about the Best places to downwind foil in Cocoa Beach. If you’re interested in in learning about cocoa Beach, check out our wingfoil spot guides here. Jaques beach and Kelly park. 

1. What is the Best Downwind Board for Beginners? 

Stability and volume are key for beginners. A wider, higher-volume board helps you balance while you’re learning, making it much easier to get up on foil. 

• Starboard Ace Foil Lightning 8'2" – This board is perfect for learning downwind foiling. It has a long, narrow shape that gives you the stability needed for your first rides but still has enough speed and performance to grow with you.
• AK Nomad Foilboard – A great choice for new riders looking for extra control and a forgiving feel in light wind conditions.

We’ll expand on this topic later and dive into the details for choosing a good crossover board. 

How Do I Progress from Beginner to Advanced Gear?

Progression in downwind foiling comes with practice and the right equipment. As you improve, you’ll want to transition to gear that’s faster and more maneuverable. The key is to find products that grow with you, so you’re not constantly replacing everything.

• Beginner Setup: Start with something like the AK Nomad and the Code Foils R-Series, which prioritize stability and ease of use.
• Intermidiate Setup: Move up to the Starboard Ace Foil Lightning paired with the Code Foils S-Series Front Wing for better speed, control, and carving ability.

Code Foils offers two distinct front wing series: the S Series and the R Series, each tailored to different foiling disciplines and rider preferences.

S Series Front Wings:

• Versatility: Designed as an all-around wing suitable for various foiling activities, including prone, wing, SUP, and downwind.
• Performance: Features a foil section that provides early, smooth, and predictable lift, making it adept in both critical sections and smooth, flowing lines.
• Range: Available in eight sizes (500, 615, 720, 850, 980, 1130, 1300, and 1540), accommodating different rider weights and skill levels.
• Ideal For: Riders seeking a versatile wing that excels across multiple disciplines and conditions.

R Series Front Wings:

• Specialization: Specifically designed for downwind foiling, focusing on comfort, glide, speed, and efficiency.
• Performance: Engineered to enhance the downwind experience by providing exceptional glide and speed, allowing riders to efficiently connect swells.

Ideal For: Riders dedicated to downwind foiling who prioritize maximizing glide and efficiency in their sessions.

What Makes Cocoa Beach and Orlando Ideal for Downwind Foiling?

Cocoa Beach and Orlando are prime spots for downwind foiling because of their consistent conditions in the winter and proximity to miles of coastline with limitless entry and exit locations. You can set up vehicles on most of our beaches and organize a downwind ride catered to your level and the time you want to be on the water. With miles of sandy beaches and countless sandbar breaks, you’ll never be lacking for a session here. 

The rivers don’t have much for swell and waves but the chop can fire up from time to time if you want to practice paddling away from the ocean. We love writing about our home spot and we’ll soon have a blog about the Best places to downwind foil in Cocoa Beach. If you’re interested in in learning about cocoa Beach, check out our wing foil spot guides here. Jaques beach and Kelly park. 

1. What is the Best Downwind Board for Beginners?

Stability and volume are key for beginners. A wider, higher-volume board helps you balance while you’re learning, making it much easier to get up on foil.

• Starboard Ace Foil Lightning 8'2" – This board is perfect for learning downwind foiling. It has a long, narrow shape that gives you the stability needed for your first rides but still has enough speed and performance to grow with you.
• AK Nomad Foilboard – A great choice for new riders looking for extra control and a forgiving feel in light wind conditions.

2. How Do I Choose the Right Volume and Size?

Volume determines how easy it is to balance. More volume = more stability. A higher-volume board is ideal for beginners, while intermediate and advanced riders will often size down for better maneuverability.

• For Beginners: Stick with higher-volume boards like the Starboard Ace Foil Lightning. This gives you better float and makes it easier to get up on foil.
• For Progression: As you improve, you’ll want a lower-volume board to enhance speed and responsiveness.

How Do I Progress from Beginner to Advanced Gear?

The key is choosing gear that grows with you. Start with stable, forgiving equipment, then transition to faster, more responsive boards and foils as your skills improve. We recommend you spend at least one or two years on a beginner-friendly setup before making the leap. After 6 months, consider using a smaller, more maneuverable hydrofoil for waves. After another year, consider getting a smaller, narrower board. 

This gives you ample time to develop skills, and you’ll have your pick of the latest gear as it advances yearly. 

What’s the First Step to Getting Started?

If you’re serious about getting into downwind foiling, the best thing to do is start with the right gear and get out on the water as much as possible.

• Visit a local shop for expert advice: Epic Boardsports has everything you need to get started with downwind foiling in Cocoa Beach and Orlando.

Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic: 

Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing specialist and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. An avid waterman, he's passionate and knowledgeable about all things watersports from wing foil to wake. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.