Wing foil racing is wing foiling in a race setting: a course, other riders, and a leaderboard. To race, you’ll need a fast foil, a suitable mast, a wing, and a board that comply with the rules. At AFS, our race setup is the Pure Race 560 on the UHM 95 RACE mast. Here’s a breakdown of wing foil racing gear, piece by piece, along with the rules you need to know. For all wing foil gear—from your first flight to racing—visit our dedicated page.
What is wing foil racing?
You sail along a marked course, alongside the other competitors. You sail upwind, perform a series of tacks and gybes, and then sail downwind quickly. At the French Championship, the FFVoile recognizes two disciplines: freestyle and race-slalom. There are also long-distance races, such as downwind racing.
Racing remains a niche activity: most riders practice freeriding. In racing, the AFS team prioritizes two things above all else: speed and stability. Maneuverability and lift come second.
Which foil should I use for wing foil racing?
The Pure Race 560 is AFS’s racing foil. Its dimensions:
| Play | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Front wing | 560 cm², wingspan 750 mm, aspect ratio 10 |
| Stabilizer | 139 cm², wingspan 350 mm |
| Fuselage | 667 mm |
| Aircraft Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Construction | Kevlar and UHM carbon |
It is a one-piece design: the fuselage, front wing, and stabilizer form a single unit. It is therefore always assembled with its stabilizer attached, without any position adjustment.
It was certified at the 2022 Weymouth Speed Week, a speed competition, with speeds exceeding 30 knots over 500 meters.
The Pure Race 560 is a foil manufactured in France at our factory. It comes with a cover and screws.
The aspect ratio measures the wing’s aspect ratio. To understand what it affects, read “What Is Aspect Ratio?”
What weight is it for?
The Pure Race 560 comes in one size: 560 cm². Not sure which size is right for you? Ask an expert.
Which mast is best for wing foil racing?
The Pure Race 560 can only be mounted on the 95-cm UHM mast designed specifically for it: the UHM 95 RACE mast. This is the mast recommended by the AFS team for racing.
| Mast UHM | Length | Thickness | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95 Freeride | 95 cm | 14.0 mm | 2.1 kg |
| 95 RACE | 95 cm | 12.3 mm | 2.3 kg |
The RACE version is thinner. It is made of UHM carbon with a Corecell core. Its baseplate is integrated into the mast and is compatible with US double-rail boards.
A slimmer mast is faster, but it’s not recommended for your first attempts. To improve, an 85- to 90-cm mast is still the best choice (see “What Size Foil to Choose for Wingfoiling”). The 95 RACE is designed for riders who have already mastered flying.
Please note: A 95-cm mast—whether RACE or not—cannot be used with a front wing that has a wingspan greater than 1.00 m. The Pure Race 560 (750 mm) is an exception. To compare our mast lengths and constructions, read “How to Choose the Right AFS Carbon Mast.”
Which wing is best for wing foil racing?
AFS does not make wings specifically designed for racing. Above all, your wing must comply with the rules. In FFVoile competitions, it must have:
- an inflatable leading edge and at least one inflatable center strut;
- a shape that is symmetrical about the central axis (manufacturer’s tolerance of 10 cm);
- handles along the center rail, held directly in the hand;
- It must not be attached to the board in any way, and it must float.
You can sail while wearing a harness: harness straps are permitted (source: FFVoile wingfoil equipment regulations).
As for the wing size, our article “Which Wing for Which Wind Speed in Wing Foiling” provides guidelines based on your weight and the wind conditions. These are intended for recreational use. The entire lineup is available on the Wings page.
Which board should I use for racing?
AFS doesn’t make boards specifically designed for racing either. According to the FFVoile, the board is unidirectional: it has a front and a back. You’re allowed a maximum of four footstraps, placed wherever you want.
The regulations do not specify a particular type of foil housing. However, to accommodate the UHM 95 RACE mast, your board must be compatible with a US double-rail plate.
All of our comic strips are on the ” Comic Strips” page.
What are the equipment rules for competition?
At the French Championship (FFVoile rules):
- Hope (ages 15–20), race-slalom: equipment of your choice, limited to 2 wings, 2 front wings, 1 stabilizer, 1 fuselage, 1 mast, and 1 board. You must specify your equipment when confirming your registration.
- Open (ages 15 and up), slalom race: free choice and number of pieces.
- Wing leash: required, minimum 4 mm in diameter. The board leash depends on the organizer and the course.
The GWA (Global Wingsports Association) international circuit has its own race class. According to its equipment page, updated in 2022, it only allows stock equipment registered with the class, with a front wing of at least 700 cm². Helmets are required. The Pure Race 560 (560 cm²) does not meet these requirements. If you’re aiming to compete on this circuit, read the GWA Race Class equipment page and the notice of race before making a purchase.
In any case, be sure to check the event rules: they may change from one season to the next.
The race setup recommended by AFS
- Foil: Pure Race 560, foil only.
- Mast: UHM 95 RACE.
The Pure Race 560 is also available as a complete foil set (mast + wing + fin).
The foil and mast are covered by a 2-year warranty. You have 14 days to return a product; you are responsible for the return shipping costs.
Are you looking for used running gear? Check out the AFS marketplace.
How can I prepare for the race?
Before your first regatta, practice these three techniques:
- Sailing upwind without losing speed: How to sail upwind on a wingfoil;
- Jibing while staying on the foil: How to jibe while wingfoiling;
- Getting Back into the Water: How to Pump While Wingfoiling.
The faster you go, the more painful a fall can be. Wear a helmet and read our tips: Wing Foil: Dangers and How to Avoid Accidents.
To review all the equipment, from beginner to expert, go back to the wing foil page.
Wingfoil Racing FAQ
Which foil should you choose for wing foil racing?
At AFS, it’s the Pure Race 560: a 560 cm² front wing with an aspect ratio of 10, a one-piece construction, mounted on the UHM 95 RACE mast.
What mast length is best for racing?
The Pure Race 560 requires the UHM 95 RACE mast, which is 95 cm long and 12.3 mm thick. To improve your skills before the race, an 85- to 90-cm mast is more suitable.
Can you run with a recreational wing?
Yes, in the French Championship, provided it complies with FFVoile regulations: inflatable leading edge and center strut, symmetrical shape, and hand-held handles.
How many footstraps are there on a racing board?
A maximum of 4, according to the FFVoile, placed anywhere.
What speed did the Pure Race 560 reach?
Over 30 knots over 500 meters at the 2022 Weymouth Speed Week.
Is the Pure Race 560 suitable for a beginner?
No. It’s designed for speed and mounts on a 95-cm-long, slim mast. To get started, read ” What Gear Do You Need to Get Started with Wing Foiling?”