Para Wings for Wing Foiling – The Ultimate Downwind Experience

What is Parawinging?

Parawinging has taken the foiling world by storm, offering an entirely new way to experience the freedom of foiling. Unlike traditional wing foiling, where you constantly control an inflatable wing, parawinging allows riders to seamlessly transition between powered flight and pure wave riding. With a parawing, you can efficiently get onto the foil, then pack away the wing and let the ocean’s energy carry you forward. This unique blend of wind and wave power opens up an exciting new dimension of the sport.

Why Choose a Parawing?

Many riders initially react to parawinging with skepticism. Some see it as the ultimate downwind tool they’ve always wanted, while others compare it to kiteboarding or traditional wing foiling. However, parawinging stands apart for several reasons:

• Efficiency and Freedom: The beauty of foiling lies in its efficiency. With the right setup, you can generate lift even on the smallest wind swell. Parawings take full advantage of this by giving riders a simple way to get up on the foil before tucking the wing away to ride purely on wave energy.

• Perfect for Downwind Riders: If you love chasing endless waves, a parawing is your ideal tool. It allows you to effortlessly reach the right take-off spots, then enjoy the energy of the swell without the distraction of handling a wing.

• A Unique Hybrid Experience: Unlike an inflatable wing that must always be controlled, a parawing can be completely stashed mid-ride. This means riders experience an unfiltered connection with the water, much like prone foiling but with the added benefit of wind-powered assistance.

• Easy to Transport and Setup: Since parawings do not require inflation, they are incredibly compact and easy to carry. This makes them an excellent choice for riders who value quick and hassle-free sessions.

Who is Parawinging For?

Parawinging is best suited for intermediate and advanced foilers who are already comfortable riding waves. If you have experience with: Down Wind Foiling, Wing Foiling, Prone Foiling, or Kite Foiling, this might be for you. Riders without Foiling experience may struggle with this sub sport as it requires a unique combination of efficient foiling skills, the ability to read swell, and experience understanding wind conditions.

Best Conditions for Parawinging

Parawinging excels in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile tool for foil enthusiasts. Here’s where it shines:

• Downwind Runs: Whether it’s open ocean swells or coastal wind-driven waves, a parawing makes downwind foiling more accessible and enjoyable.

• Onshore Wind: When the wind direction makes prone take-offs difficult, a parawing lets you easily get on foil and start riding.

• Reaching Offshore Waves: In locations where the best swell is far from shore, a parawing provides an efficient way to reach them without burning up your energy paddling.

What You Need to Get Started

To maximize your parawing experience, you’ll need the right gear.

• Parawing Size: Parawings are generally sized similarly to inflatable wings. However, if you’re new to parawinging, starting with a slightly larger wing can help with easy take-offs and a better low-end range.

• Foils: Any foil will work, but for the best experience, opt for a high-aspect downwind foil with a large wingspan. This setup enhances glide and efficiency in long rides. remember the goal is to hop on swell and pack the wing away, so a foil you can pump easy and maintains lots of glide will be key. 

• Board Choice: Mid-length boards or downwind boards are great options for this sport as they cut through the water efficiently and require less power to get speedy take-offs. 

• Leashes: Since a parawing doesn’t float like an inflatable wing, a board leash is essential to keep your setup within reach. You cannot self rescue with a parawing like you can with an inflatable wing. 

Learning Curve – How Hard is Parawinging?

For experienced foilers, getting up on foil with a parawing is doable. The biggest challenge lies in learning how to handle and pack the wing efficiently mid-ride. Unlike an inflatable wing, a parawing requires different control techniques, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Packing and unpacking your wing will take time to master. 

The Future of Parawinging

As this segment of the foiling industry grows, we’ll continue to add new products and innovations to ensure you have access to the best gear. As of 2025, Parawinging is still in its infancy.  Expect to see new developments that refine rider experience as the sport develops.