At the AWSI 2025 trade show, F-One founder and designer Raphael Salles showcased the company’s latest gear, which has caught the attention of wing foiling enthusiasts worldwide. The most exciting trends this year, as Salles discussed in his interview with Windsurfing Magazine’s John Bryja, are the introduction of mid-length boards and the cutting-edge CWC wing technology. These innovations cater to riders looking for a balance between performance, accessibility, and versatility.
Pioneering Mid-Length Boards for Wing Foiling
F-One is no stranger to innovation. As one of the pioneers of downwind foiling boards, they were quick to adapt this concept to wing foiling. Raphael Salles explained how the company’s downwind boards initially opened up new possibilities for wing foiling in light wind conditions. Riders discovered that the longer, narrower boards allowed for easier planning and faster speeds when submerged in the water.
“The trick is that if you want to get on the plane, you need to go fast while you’re still in the water,” Salles explained. “A long, narrow board gives you speed, which makes pumping much more efficient. The foil can take off only when you have enough speed.”
However, downwind boards were often too long to be practical for everyday use. Enter the mid-length board, designed to strike a balance between ease of use, speed, and portability. By keeping the boards narrow, but shortening them for greater convenience, F-One has created a product that is ideal for wing foilers who want the best of both worlds.
Salles emphasized that the key design element for mid-length boards is positioning the mast farther forward. This setup ensures the board remains nimble and responsive while pumping or turning, making it feel much shorter than it is.
“You need some length to maintain speed, but the board is designed so you don’t feel like you’re riding a 6’0″ boat. It’s all about balance,” he said.
The Rise of Mid-Length Boards
While F-One’s new mid-length boards aren’t necessarily aimed at beginners, they offer a fantastic option for riders with a bit of experience who are looking to upgrade. These boards come in sizes up to 130 liters, but their narrow shape may be a little unstable for first-timers. Riders who have already mastered the basics of wing foiling will benefit from the speed and performance the mid-length boards offer.
“Once you understand the concept, you can use a smaller wing because you don’t need as much power to move these narrower boards in the water,” Salles noted. “It’s a whole new process, and everything becomes lighter and more efficient.”
CWC Wing Technology: Lightness Meets Performance
F-One’s new 2025 CWC wing is another highlight of the show. The goal behind its design was to create a wing that is both lighter and more performant, especially in light wind conditions. The development process involved experimenting with different materials like Aluula, a high-performance fabric. However, Salles and his team discovered that while Aluula improved performance, it didn’t reduce the weight as much as expected and significantly increased costs.
“We decided to use Aluula only where it made the most impact—on the center strut. This placement saved weight and enhanced performance, particularly in light wind conditions, without making the wing too expensive,” Salles explained.
By strategically using Aluula, F-One was able to reduce the swing weight of the wing, making it easier to jibe and handle in low-wind scenarios. This feature is particularly beneficial when riding in winds as light as 12 knots, where the apparent wind can be as low as two knots during certain maneuvers.
Salles noted that the CWC wing provides a feeling akin to riding with a much smaller wing. “When you’re jibing or riding, the wing feels like it’s two square meters smaller because of how light and easy it is to handle.”
Simplifying the Choice for Riders
The F-One wing collection for 2025 has been designed with simplicity in mind, making it easier for riders to select the right gear. The company’s product line includes three main models: the Origin, Swing, and Strike.
- Origin: This model is designed to help riders start planning quickly and maintain control of their speed.
- Swing: Ideal for wave riding and tough conditions, the Swing offers excellent control in overpowered situations, allowing riders to navigate through challenging terrain like white water and choppy seas.
- Strike: A performance-oriented wing for riders who want to go fast, high, and tackle freestyle moves. The Strike is the go-to wing for anyone looking to maximize acceleration and upwind performance.
Salles highlighted how each wing is designed for specific rider needs: “The Origin helps with control and ease, the Swing is perfect for big wave and tough conditions, and the Strike is the high-performance choice.”
No Windows, No Problem
One unique aspect of F-One’s wings is their lack of windows, which many brands include for visibility. Salles explained that despite testing different window materials, he found them either too heavy or too stiff, making it difficult to integrate them seamlessly with the rest of the wing.
“I’ve tried windows, but I never found the right material,” Salles admitted. “Most of the time, I didn’t even know where to place the window because it can be difficult to align with your vision while riding.”
Not having windows also enhances the durability of the wing, especially in cold climates where windows tend to become brittle. F-One’s wings are built to withstand even the harshest conditions, from snowkiting to cold-weather wing foiling.
Looking Forward
F-One continues to push the boundaries of wing foiling technology with its innovative designs. The 2025 mid-length boards and CWC wings are a testament to the brand’s commitment to performance and rider-friendly solutions. With a focus on lightweight, efficient equipment, F-One is leading the charge in making wing foiling more accessible and enjoyable for riders of all skill levels.
For more information on F-One’s 2025 product lineup, visit their website and explore how these innovations can elevate your wing foiling experience.
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