kg ie t a r s h e d : h a r d b o a r d s
Double bubble – Indiana Wing Foil 5 ’ 8 x 128L x 28 ”
Review & pics : Tez Plavenieks Indiana Surf & Foil is a new brand to the UK with a large range of gear covering a wide range of disciplines . From SUP , to foil , surf to skate they really do it all . A large portion of that equipment is wending its way to the UK as I write and should , at time of publishing this article , be widely available .
Price :
£ 1520
Info : https :// foilshop . co . uk /
CONCLUSION
The first board from Indiana I ’ ve tested and it ’ s lovely . Whilst certainly not a distance machine it ’ s a worthy contender for your attention if SUP and wing foiling are to your taste . The unusual aesthetics only add to its appeal . Whilst performance is right up there . If you fancy some flying above water antics , with double bubble versatility , you could do a lot worse .
Whilst the Wing Foil 5 ’ 8 says ‘ wing ’ on the label it ’ s another example of a cross discipline flight board that ’ ll accommodate riders with multiple tastes . Indiana also do a ( supposed ) SUP foil specific model . The difference between a more rounded shape with wider tail . We also assume this can be wing foiled as the Wing Foil 5 ’ 8 , tested here , can be SUP foiled .
Straight off , Indiana ’ s eye catching livery will grab attentions . The tribal influenced graphic is a real head turner . As is the brand ’ s top end carbon construction . Chinned rails make the 128L look futuristic , which is common among foil boards . And the sled ’ s compact nature only adds to the intrigue . Especially to those not acquainted with flying above water .
On the brine there ’ s plenty of stability whilst paddling for the accomplished rider . Of course , this is a 5 ’ 8 board so there ’ s definitely yaw and straight line tracking isn ’ t exactly efficient . But then that ’ s not the point . The board ’ s nimbleness off foil makes getting into position super easy . Picking up waves is then a case of hammer down time . You have to paddle hard due to the board ’ s short length ( again ). Relying on glide , as you perhaps would with a longer board , isn ’ t the correct technique . Instead , powerful paddle strokes in tandem with pumping the foil ( and board ) will see early lift and flight achieved . ( Top tip : a foil with low stall speed will aid this process no end – for wing or SUP foil ).
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