To choose a foil surfboard, start from your foiling level, not your surfing level. Just learning to fly? We recommend the Single F. Already flying and linking waves? The Chipri Legacy 4’5. Experienced and looking for a very responsive board? The Chipri Legacy 4’1. You’ll find these boards on our prone foil page, along with the tool that builds your complete setup.
Which foil surfboard for your level?
One level, one board. Here is what we recommend.
| Your foiling level | Recommended board | Volume | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner: you’re learning to fly | Single F | 40 L (5’4″) or 50 L (5’8″), depending on your build | Beginner-friendly and easy to paddle. You get volume under your feet. |
| Intermediate: you fly and link waves | Chipri Legacy 4’5 | 35 L | For surf foilers already comfortable on foil. A balance of responsiveness and forgiveness. |
| Advanced: you want responsiveness | Chipri Legacy 4’1 | 30 L | For very responsive wave riding. |
A good surfer who has never flown is still a beginner at foil surfing. Start with the Single F. If you’re between two levels, pick the board for the lower one: you keep more volume under your feet.
Choosing your first board, on video
Richard Boudia, from the AFS team, explains how to choose a board to start foil surfing (video in French).
What volume for a foil surfboard?
A foil surfboard is small. At AFS, ours range from 30 L to 50 L. Don’t reuse a volume rule of thumb made for wing foiling. In foil surfing, you paddle to catch the wave, then the foil carries you.
Volume follows your level first, then your build:
- Single F 5’4″ (40 L): lighter riders.
- Single F 5’8″ (50 L): light to mid-weight riders.
- Chipri Legacy 4’5″ (35 L): the vast majority of intermediate to advanced riders.
- Chipri Legacy 4’9″ (40 L): bigger riders who already fly, or softer waves when you want more lift.
Beginner with a bigger build? Your case deserves tailored advice: talk to an AFS expert.
Single F or Chipri Legacy: what changes
The Single F, your first board
You know how to paddle and read a wave. What’s missing is flight. The Single F is a mid-length foil surfboard with a stretched outline and a light concave deck. It measures 163 cm (5’4″) and 173 cm (5’8″). It paddles easily, which helps you catch waves while you learn to take off. To learn more about this shape, read what’s a mid-length board.
It stays useful as you progress. We also recommend it for small-wave sessions, like flat summer days.
The Chipri Legacy, when your board holds you back
You fly, you link waves, and your board feels too forgiving? It’s time for the Chipri Legacy. It ranges from 124.5 cm (4’1″) to 145 cm (4’9″). Its generous rails stay forgiving on touch-downs, those moments when the board brushes the water.
For your first sessions, from gear to first flight, read getting started with foil surfing.
Can you foil surf on a wing or SUP foil board?
No. Our wing foil, parawing and SUP foil boards are not made for foil surfing. For foil surfing, we only recommend the Single F and the Chipri Legacy. Not sure? Ask an AFS expert.
Which foil goes under your foil surfboard?
Your board doesn’t do it all. At 75 kg (165 lb), we aim for a front wing of about 917 cm² (about 142 in²) for foil surfing, with an 80 cm (31.5 in) mast. The Single F and the Chipri Legacy mount to the foil with US-style dual tracks: check that your mast plate is compatible.
For the exact wing size for your weight, use the tool on the prone foil page or the Foil Finder.
How are our foil surfboards built?
The Single F is a fiberglass and wood sandwich. The Chipri Legacy is a triaxial carbon sandwich with high-density foam. It’s built in our shaping workshop in Brittany, France. For the details, read AFS and AFS Advanced board construction.
Frequently asked questions
What size foil board do I need as a beginner?
The Single F. It’s beginner-friendly and easy to paddle. Pick the 5’4″ (40 L) if you’re a lighter rider, the 5’8″ (50 L) if you’re light to mid-weight.
How do I pick foil board volume for my weight?
Your level comes first. Your build then decides between sizes: 5’4″ or 5’8″ for the Single F, 4’5″ or 4’9″ for the Chipri Legacy. If in doubt, ask an AFS expert.
Is a surf foil board different from a wing foil board?
Yes. A surf foil board is smaller: ours range from 30 L to 50 L. You paddle into the wave, then the foil carries you. Don’t size it with a wing foil volume rule.
Is a mid-length good for learning to foil surf?
Yes. That’s the Single F format: a mid-length that paddles easily and helps you catch waves while you learn to fly.
Does the Single F come with a pad?
No, it ships without a pad. You can order it with the optional pad.
Can I buy a used foil surfboard?
Check the AFS marketplace.
What if the board isn’t right for me?
For returns, see our terms of sale. All our products come with a 2-year warranty.
Once you’ve picked your board, you need the foil that goes with it. Find the Single F, the Chipri Legacy and the tool to build your setup on our prone foil page.