I’ve been reassessing what size kite wings I need in my quiver recently. I typically use a 5m but have spent the last 3 weeks using a 3.5m F-ONE Swing and decided that together they will cover almost any wind range for me.
What size kite wing should I buy?
This is one of the most common first questions we hear from anyone learning to wing foil. Frustratingly, it’s not as straight forward to answer as you’d hope it is. It depends on varying factors such as weight, skill level, likely water conditions and common wind state.
When answering this question there are few rules that need to be taken into account, such as:
- A heavier rider will require a larger wing
- If you water state is flat you will get away with a slightly smaller wing than choppy conditions.
- If you have lighter winds (for instance if you are inland) you may require a larger wing.
Power is your friend
All of these need to be taken into consideration when considering what size kite wing you need but it is also worth remembering this very important point.. when you are first learning to wing foil and looking to get lift from the foil then POWER is your friend. Any extra power will allow you to generate more speed and more speed equals more lift. In short it will help you get going on the foil.
An ideal world
In an ideal world a two wing quiver could cover most people from about 12 knots to 30 knots, with experience this could even be widened. For a first wing it is a good idea to start with the larger wing (as declared, power is your friend) but also you will be able to use this in lighter winds, which should also convert to flatter conditions (this again will make your life easier).
As you get more experience and you improve your technique you will most likely find yourself using a smaller kite wing more and more as they are more manoeuvrable, lighter and flag out better. With most brands when choosing a quiver you can essentially “miss” out a size.
Kite wing sizing guide
Below is an example of some guidelines for quiver sizing, it’s worth noting that the size may be altered slightly depending on other factors such as location and general wind speed.
| Weight (kg) | First wing | Rough wind range (knots) | Ideal Quiver | Rough wind range (knots) |
| 100+ | 7m | 12 – 20 | 7m & 5m | 12 – 30 |
| 90+ | 6m | 12 – 20 | 6m & 4m | 12 – 30 |
| 60+ | 5m | 12 – 20 | 5m & 3.5m | 12 – 30 |
| Less than 60 | 4m | 12 – 20 | 4m & 2.5m | 12 – 30 |
If you’re after any more advice on quiver sizing then feel free to contact us. We’ll happily take you through the essential points and find you the best solution for your own situation.
