Setting up your surf foil mast starts with its length: we recommend an 80 cm (31.5 in) mast. Then you set its position in your board’s foil tracks and, if needed, its angle with a rake shim. For the front wing, stabilizer and board, start from our surf foil page.
What mast length for surf foiling?
80 cm (31.5 in). That’s the length we recommend for surf foiling, beginners included.
In surf foiling, you ride a shorter mast than in wing foiling. The goal: stay focused on your footwork when conditions get more powerful.
We don’t recommend other lengths for surf foiling, with one exception: the 75 cm (29.5 in).
The 75 cm mast: who is it for?
The 75 cm comes in the UHM Skinny Carbon Mast. It’s made for shallow spots and experienced riders.
If you’re just starting out, stick with 80 cm.
Where to position the mast in the board tracks?
There’s no single position. It depends on your board and your front wing.
- On the Chipri Legacy, start with the mast centered or slightly back. Then try different foot positions: the ride changes a lot from one wing to another.
- With the Silk V2 Front Wing, if you go from the 750 to the 650, move your mast forward half a centimeter (about 0.2 in) in the tracks. A smaller wing gives you less front-foot pressure.
- If your foil is already at the end of the tracks, the Fuselink Advanced fuselage moves the wing forward relative to the mast. It gives you room to adjust again.
Adjusting the angle with a rake shim
With the Silk V2 in surf foiling, you can try a -1° rake shim under the rear baseplate screws. It takes pressure off your front foot.
In wing foiling and parawing, skip it on the Silk V2: the foil gets too nose-down.
Which carbon mast: HR, HM, UHM or Skinny?
All four of our masts are carbon. What sets them apart is the load they can handle. The load is your weight plus the span of your front wing, meaning its width from tip to tip.
| Your weight and wing | Minimum mast |
|---|---|
| 75 kg (165 lb) or less, and a wing under 1 m (39 in) span | HR carbon |
| 80 kg (176 lb) or more, and a wing of 1.10 m (43 in) span or more | UHM carbon |
| Everything else | HM carbon |
For reference: Silk V2 wings from 650 to 1050 have a span under 1 m (39 in).
Then your priority decides:
- Budget: the minimum mast for your load.
- Balance: one step up, as far as the UHM.
- Performance: the UHM Skinny Carbon Mast, in 75 cm (29.5 in). If you’re a beginner, don’t pick this priority.
Example: at 75 kg (165 lb) with a Silk V2 950, for balance, we recommend an HM carbon mast in 80 cm. On a budget, an HR carbon mast in 80 cm is enough.
To find your mast in a few clicks, use the “Which mast?” foil finder.
The setup we recommend
At 75 kg (165 lb), if you already fly and link waves: Silk V2 950 front wing (950 cm²), U Surf Stabilizer 150 (150 cm²), HM carbon mast in 80 cm (31.5 in) and Chipri Legacy 4’5 board.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best mast length for surf foiling?
80 cm (31.5 in). It’s the length we recommend for surf foiling, whatever your level.
Is a shorter mast better for beginners?
Start on 80 cm. The 75 cm (29.5 in) Skinny is made for experienced riders and shallow spots. For your first gear and the takeoff, read Getting Started with Foil Surfing.
Do I need an aluminum mast to start?
No. All our masts are carbon. The HR carbon mast in 80 cm is the most affordable. Our foils are made in France, at our factory in Brittany, France, and come with a 2-year warranty.
Can I adjust my foil without changing the mast?
Yes. Move the mast in the board tracks, add a rake shim, or switch to the Fuselink Advanced fuselage to move the wing forward.
Where can I find a used surf foil mast?
On our marketplace.
In short: an 80 cm (31.5 in) mast, positioned for your board and wing, then a construction picked for your load and your priority. Find wings, boards and the foil finder on our surf foil gear page.