Downwind foiling means riding from point A to point B with the wind at your back, using the swell, the wind and the current to fly from one bump to the next. To pick your gear, start with the AFS downwind foil range. A bump is a small, steep swell or wind chop that pushes the board forward. You can ride downwind with a paddle (SUP foil), with a wing or with a parawing. Riders call a downwind run a downwinder. It is not a first foiling session: you need a solid take-off and good pumping first.
Why ride downwind?
You start upwind, head out to sea and ride back with the wind and the swell. There is no wave to paddle back out for and no fixed spot. You choose your distance. Once the foil is up, each bump gives you a push, and your job is to keep the board flying from one to the next. For conditions, gear and technique in more depth, read our downwind foil guide.
Are you ready for your first downwinder?
Check these three points before you go:
- You take off on your own in flat water, every time.
- You stay up on the foil by pumping, without touching the water, over a distance you choose in advance. Our article mastering the art of pumping foil breaks the movement down.
- For the paddle version, you already ride SUP and SUP foil.
How do you learn downwind foiling step by step?
1. Flat water
Work on your take-off and your pumping. Aim to stay up as long as you can with smooth, steady leg movements.
2. A short first downwinder
Keep your first downwinders short: 2 to 3 km (about 1.2 to 1.9 miles). Most of your energy goes into the starts. Every time you touch down, you have to get back up, and that is where you get tired.
3. Longer runs
Go longer once you link several bumps in a row without coming off the foil.
Paddle technique: how do you get up on the foil?
- Paddle on the same side. Take a series of strokes on one side and keep the board going straight.
- Stand slightly sideways. A staggered “surf” stance, paddling on your toe side, helps you control the angle, direction and trim of the board. You catch the swell more easily.
- Pump as you paddle. Your legs push the board up and down at a steady rhythm, with no sudden moves.
How do you pick the right bump?
Look for a bump that is steeper than the others. First you feel a pull, as if the board were being sucked back. Then comes a push of 2 to 3 seconds. It is short but strong. Paddle hard and without stopping during the pull, so the board has the speed to take off when the push arrives.
What wind and swell do you need?
For a first SUP foil downwinder, we recommend a fairly steady wind between 15 and 25 knots, blowing in the same direction as the swell. Stay within the wind and sea you already handle on a foil. If in doubt, start at the low end of that range. With more technique and better pumping, you will go out in lighter wind.
What gear do you need to start?
Here is the setup we recommend to start downwind with a paddle:
| Part | Our recommendation |
|---|---|
| Board | A stiff, long and narrow downwind board, between 7′ and 9′ |
| Front wing | Ultra front wing: 900 cm² to start, 750 cm² once you are experienced |
| Mast | 80 cm (about 31.5 in) |
A long, narrow board takes off more easily than a standard wing foil board. To size the full foil for your weight and your riding, use the foil finder. To choose a mast material, read how to choose the right AFS carbon mast.
Can you downwind foil with a wing?
Yes. With a wing, a mid-length or standard board works. If you already master wing foil and SUP foil, there is another way in: go out with the wing and ride back with the paddle. Strap the paddle to your wing handles and wear a waterproof bag. Once you are out, pack the wing in the bag, unstrap the paddle and ride the swell back. Use a board of at least 85 to 90 liters so you can paddle and get up on the foil. Practice packing the wing close to shore before you try it offshore.
The wing is less tiring than paddling to get out to the swell.
How do you stay safe on a downwinder?
A downwinder takes you away from the beach. Plan it before you go. Check the rules for your area and carry the equipment required locally.
- Never go out alone: ride with at least one other person.
- Tell someone on shore where you go, your start and finish times, your route and how many of you there are.
- Know how to reach the local coast guard or marine rescue service.
- Bring a VHF radio, an inflatable belt with a CO2 cartridge and a flare, a bright rash guard, an impact vest, a helmet and water.
- Plan where you land and how you get back to your car before you leave.
Our downwind foil guide details each piece of safety gear.
FAQ
Is downwind foiling hard?
Yes, it is harder than foiling in flat water. You need a stable take-off, steady pumping and the eye to read bumps. The starts are the hardest part, which is why first runs stay short.
How long does it take to learn downwind foiling?
It depends on your pumping and on the conditions. Rather than a timeline, watch one sign: when you link several bumps without coming off the foil, you are ready for longer runs.
Do you need to paddle to downwind foil?
No. You can ride downwind with a paddle or with a wing. If you already wing foil, the wing is a good way in.
What is the difference between downwind foiling and wing foiling?
In wing foiling, the wing gives you power the whole time. In downwind foiling, the swell gives you the push, and you ride from one point to another with the wind at your back.
Is downwind foiling dangerous?
It can be, because you ride away from the shore. Never go alone, tell someone your route, and bring a radio, an inflatable belt, a helmet, an impact vest and water.
Looking for gear for your first runs? Browse the downwind boards, foils and parts from AFS. Our foils are made in France, in Brittany, and come with a 2-year warranty.