What’s a mid-length board?

Looking for performance and versatility? The mid length is a board that could well be the ideal solution. With its generous length and volume (more or less 85 to 115 liters, even for experienced riders), it offers an excellent compromise between stability and maneuverability. And this shape will enable you to ride in a wide range of weather conditions. So it’s no wonder that mid-length boards have rapidly gained in popularity in the wingfoil world! We explain it all in our new article.

What is a mid-length board?

Mid lenght wingfoil boards benefit from an intermediate and elongated size, slightly longer than standard boards and, above all, much thinner. These boards, which generally vary in length from 6 to 7 feet (or around 1.80m to 2.10m), offer an interesting compromise between maneuverability, buoyancy and speed in light winds and light water, and are also used for downwind sailing.

What are its characteristics?

• Shape: Mid-length boards have a hollow deck to lower the rider’s center of gravity, closer to the foil. The nose is rounder, as are the rails, for better bounce on touchdowns. And the T-shaped tail has a reduced wetted surface, for less drag at the start. The board’s slender shape and better-distributed volume also enable you to get airborne more quickly, thanks to almost instantaneous acceleration. Last but not least, the position of the foil box is just as effective: it’s positioned further forward than other boards, making it easier to take off in ultra-light winds. This positioning reduces the board’s inertia in flight, giving you all the take-off benefits of a long board with the more direct feel of a small wingfoil board.
• Versatility: These boards are great for riding in a wide variety of ideal conditions, such as flat water or small waves, and even downwind riding in good swells. They make it easier to catch waves than a short board, while offering more maneuverability than a very long board.

Why choose a midlength board?

The choice of this type of wing foil board depends on many criteria, such as the rider’s skill level and size. Another important criterion is the choice of spot where they usually ride. More and more riders see only advantages and are turning to mid-length boards, but why?

• Progression: for intermediate levels, the mid-length is an excellent choice for rapid progress (but not recommended for complete beginners). Its ease of planning and take-off, and its stability, help build confidence. This allows you to focus fully on maneuvers and the pleasure of sailing.
• Versatility: its shape allows it to adapt to a wide range of conditions. On flat water, this board offers excellent speed for racing enthusiasts. It is also ideal for sailing in light winds and up to around 30 knots. This board is also perfect for learning to surf small waves, improving your jibes, and learning to pump. For downwind enthusiasts, it stands out for its maneuverability and ability to get back up quickly after hitting the water. Whether in small or larger swells, as long as the wind remains moderate, it will be your ally of choice.
• Comfort: its generous volume provides great stability and planning comfort, making long sessions particularly enjoyable.
• Fun: The midlength shape is fun to ride and surf, whatever your level, from beginner to expert. A unique gliding sensation!
• Back to basics: For experienced riders as well as surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers, this type of board will give you that old-school feel. Its retro look and versatility make it an excellent, no-nonsense board for cool riding.

If you’re looking for a board to improve your skills, have fun, or simply change your style, a mid-length board could be just what you need. However, there are two minor drawbacks to consider: mid-length boards are long, so they take up more storage space. On the other hand, they are limited when the wind is strong and the waves are too big. This makes them less maneuverable, especially during transitions.

How to choose a mid-length board

These boards have become a must-have for wing foilers and wing foilers looking for easy, all-terrain riding between small and long boards. Whether you’re an intermediate or an experienced rider, choosing the right board is essential to getting the most out of your sessions. By taking into account a few key criteria, you’ll find the ideal board for your level and your desires.

1. Level :

• Advanced beginners: choose a board with plenty of volume (around 110 liters) and thick rails. A wide nose will also be an advantage, making it easier to catch waves and get back into the air quickly. On flat water, this type of board remains accessible and offers excellent stability before taking off.
• Intermediate: opts for a slightly smaller board (around 100 liters) and a more high-performance shape, with pronounced concaves on the hull for greater maneuverability.
• Expert: you can sail on a shorter, less voluminous board (around 90 liters), and less wide for tighter turns.

2. Weight :

• The heavier you are, the more volume you need to float before the water start (takeoff). For example, if you weigh 70 kg, it’s better to go for a 90L ML board. And if you weigh around 90 kg, choose a 110L board.
• Brands often provide a size chart to help you choose the right volume for your weight and skill level. Take the time to find out more!

3. Wave conditions :

• Small waves: a wide nose, deep deck and advanced foil box will help you catch waves more easily.
• Medium waves: a more versatile shape, with a smoother volume distribution, will enable you to surf in a variety of conditions with greater fluidity.
• Big waves: a very compact shape, with a shorter length and reduced volume, will be ideal for avoiding burying before take-off. What’s more, it offers greater maneuverability in hollow waves.

4. Navigation style :

• Freeride: Choose a mid-length board, neither too long nor too short, offering a good compromise between balance and maneuverability. Rails should be soft and thick for greater comfort.
• Wave: turn to a more high-performance shape, with thinner rails and a more pronounced bridge, to gain in responsiveness.

The characteristics to be taken into account are :

• • Volume: determines the board’s buoyancy.
  • Length: the longer and wider the board, the more stable it will be.
  • Width: a wide board offers maximum stability, while a narrow board is more maneuverable and faster.
  • Shape: The overall shape of the board (outline, deck, hull, rails, nose, tail) influences its performance. The mid-length board is less taut than the prone foil. It has a wider rocker, while limiting the wetted surface area to minimize drag during takeoff. The thickness of this type of board is greater in the center (beam).
  • The foil box: the further forward it is (towards the nose), the more efficient the take-off on a board of at least 6 feet.
  • Budget: the last point is price! Prices vary depending on the type of midlength board. So it’s important to define your budget before you start looking. This will depend mainly on the materials used to manufacture the board and the work done by the shaper.

What midlength boards does AFS Foiling offer?

At AFS, our range of wing foil boards includes 2 high-quality ML boards: the Whitebird mid-length and the Blackbird mid-length.

1. Whitebird ML :

This board comes in sizes 5’8, 6’6, and 6’8, with volumes of 85, 100, and 115 liters, and widths of 20“, 21”, and 23″. Highly versatile, it is equally suited to downwind riding (with a paddle or wing), SUP surfing, and wingfoiling (on calm water). It combines the trends of long and narrow shapes while maintaining ideal compactness for riding in light winds and small waves. Pumping will become even easier than on a shortboard.

2. Blackbird ML :

This AFS model offers a choice of three sizes, 5’6, 6’0, and 6’3, and volumes of 75, 90, and 100 liters. And widths of 20.5“, 22”, or 22.5″. It’s THE board you need for a wide range of riding styles. This hybrid model is suitable for several disciplines: freeride wingfoiling, SUP foiling (in 6’3“), downwind (paddle or wing) and even surf foiling (in 5’6”). With a more compact shape because it is shorter and wider, the advantage of the Blackbird ML is that it is more focused on precision and superior performance. Equipped with an advanced box and a more hollow deck than its big sister, this board excels in downwind and speed. In downwind conditions, its lift is impressive and its maneuverability will allow you to ride without difficulty. With a little experience in wing foiling, the Blackbird will soon be your new toy.

In conclusion, mid-length wingfoil boards are ideal for wingfoilers looking for a good compromise between performance and comfort. Thanks to their longer size, they offer great stability and better takeoff and planing in light conditions. Their versatile shape also allows them to adapt to various riding styles. In short, they are perfect for satisfying the most demanding enthusiasts of our favorite board sport. A true Swiss Army knife of wingfoiling, they shine just as well in small and medium waves as they do on flat water. With a little technique, all that’s left to do is try them out! Aloha!