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The 7 best Foil SUPs 2024?

by Simon

foil-sup-header
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Foil stand-up paddling boards are characterized by their foil, which consists of a front wing, mast and hull. It is located at the rear end of the underside and provides buoyancy so that the board is lifted out of the water.
By alternately shifting the body weight to the front and back leg, a wave-like movement is created that propels the SUP forward quickly.

Find the right Foil SUP:

Foil SUPs require the paddler to have a certain basic level. We present the top 5 Foil SUP’s 2024 and show you the most important features to look out for when buying in our guide. These boards allow you to move forward dynamically and with a lot of momentum, without a paddle!

Contents:

  1. Top picks: The best Foil SUPs 2024 reviewed.
  2. Checklist: These features are important in the test.
  3. Bestsellers: Overview of the most popular Foil SUPs.
  4. Guide: How to make the right decision.
  5. FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about Foil SUPs.

The best Foil SUPs 2024 reviewed

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

1. Best Foil SUP for beginners

For beginners
Starboard sup Surf Foil Starlite SUP 2020 5'6*

The Starboard SUP offers plenty of room to stand. The anti-slip surface makes the board stable to ride. A foil paddle board fin is integrated directly on the board.

What we like:

  • Stable flight experience
  • Suitable for beginners
  • Large board
What we don’t like:

  • Price

Why we like it: The foil SUP board from Starboard sup impresses with its high quality of workmanship. The SUP is very stable and durable. The integrated large fin is great for steering.

Recommended for: The board is very stable and lies securely in the water. It is well suited for beginners to foil SUP and is easy to ride thanks to its size.

2. best SUP for wing foiling

Unisex
Fanatic Sky Wing Foil Board 2022*

    This board is suitable for everyone and is 163 cm long. It has been specially developed for wing foiling and is great for all freeriders. It has a deep double concave that enables good planing. It also has practical foot straps.

    What we like:

    • Multiple foot straps
    • Soft landing
    • Lots of tipping stability
    What we don’t like:

    • Rather small board

    Why we like it: Fanatic is one of the world’s leading water sports brands. Accordingly, the Fanatic Sky Wing Foil is a high-quality board that impresses with its stability and stylish design.
    The board offers a lot of stability and foot straps for a firm stance when wingfoiling.

    Recommended for: The foil board is particularly suitable for wingfoiling thanks to the foot straps and high tipping stability. Thanks to the deep double concave, the board glides well and behaves softly on landing.

    3. best foil SUP set with inflatable wing

    Complete
    F2 Glide Surf Hardboard*

      F2 offers a complete set with board, foil set and wing. The viewing window in the wing helps to create a safe riding experience and maintain control during turns. The board is stable in the wind.

      What we like:

      • Set with everything included
      • Viewing window in Wing
      • Lots of speed
      What we don’t like:

      • Not suitable for beginners

      Why we like it: The included inflatable wing opens up completely new possibilities for paddlers. If it is used in windy conditions, it allows the rider to travel at high speed, saving energy that would otherwise be needed for pumping.

      Recommended for: This set with board, foil and wing is an all-round package. Higher speeds can be achieved with the Wing. The set is more suitable for experienced foil riders who want to have more fun in the water.

      4. best sail for foil SUPs

      Wings
      WATTSUP - WingsUP wings 3.2 m*

        The very robust surf wing from WATTSUP is made from a rigid and durable material. It is easy to install thanks to the Velcro fasteners. The wing is supplied with a carrying bag and a safety line. The sail weighs approx. 3 kilos.

        What we like:

        • Good small pack size
        • Stable due to Kevlar reinforcement
        • Catches the wind well
        What we don’t like:

        • Quite expensive

        Why we like it: The sail has a grab handle at the front and also a paddle holder. The Kevlar reinforcements make it very robust and quick to inflate. It also offers a good field of vision thanks to the large viewing windows.

        Recommended for: This surf wing is ideal for anyone who would like to get started with foil SUP riding. The simple assembly and good wind and weather resistance cut a fine figure in any weather. The sail is supplied with a carrying bag and a safety line.

        5. best separate foil

        To take off
        F2 Glide Surf Foil Set Full Carbon*

          The Foil Rocket combo from Aztron consists of a wing, fuselage and boom. It is easily adjustable in length and suitable for many sports. The foil makes the SUP board agile and maneuverable when riding.

          What we like:

          • High-quality materials
          • Good workmanship
          • Bag included
          What we don’t like:

          • Price

          Why we like it: This foil is a high-quality model and ensures easy take-off from the water. When climbing out of the water, the foil offers enough stability and does not tip to one side. It is made of durable prepreg carbon material, which makes the front and rear wings stable.

          Recommended for: This foil is easy to mount on suitable SUP or windsurf boards and offers good control. It is suitable for many types of water sports, making it an all-rounder for experienced water sports fans.

          Foil SUP Checklist: These features are important in the test

          • Experience level: Foil SUPs are more suitable for slightly more experienced SUP athletes.
          • Material: Inflatable SUPs and hardboards offer different advantages and disadvantages.
          • Foil dimensions: The size of the front wing, mast and fuselage must be adapted to the level of experience.
          • Accessories: Some boards come without paddle and wing. The choice of suitable accessories plays a decisive role in the purchase.

          Also interesting: The best Windsup 2024?

          Bestsellers: The most popular Foil SUPs

          What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

          (**Last update 2024-11-18)

          Buy Foil SUP:
          How to make the right decision

          foil-sup-guide

          If you want to experience a true feeling of freedom on the water, a Foil SUP is the perfect choice. Thanks to the foil at the end of the board, it rises above the surface of the water. The purchase of a foil SUP must be carefully considered and is more suitable for experienced SUP riders. The following factors are important when buying the more expensive boards:

          Experience level: Why is previous experience important?

          Every water sports enthusiast interested in a Foil SUP should already have experience with conventional SUP boards. Basic knowledge, such as balance or steering skills, is essential for the learning process.

          Of course, beginners can also try their hand at these models, but it must be expected that the first successes will be a little slow in coming. This video shows what foil surfing looks like in practice:

          You are currently seeing a placeholder content of YouTube. To access the actual content, click on the button below. Please note that data will be passed on to third-party providers.

          More information

          Material: Inflatable or hardboard?

          The material and construction of the Foil SUP are crucial for learning success. There are two different types of board with individual advantages:
          Inflatable:

          • Small pack size
          • Easy to transport
          • Suitable for lower experience levels

          Hardboard:

          • For professional use
          • Higher speeds possible
          Note: The larger the board and its volume, the more weight it can carry and the more suitable it is for beginners.

          Foil dimensions: What size front wing, mast and fuselage?

          foil-sup-mass

          The different sizes of front wing, mast and hull determine how challenging surfing with the Foil SUP is:

          1 Front wing

          The front wing is responsible for ensuring that the board can glide on the water. It can be found at the lower end of the mast and is available in various sizes:

          • Small: Small front wings offer a lot of maneuverability and speed, but they require a very high level of experience and make balancing difficult.
          • Medium: The medium-sized wings are ideal for beginners to foil surfing. They offer a good compromise between stability and controllability and enable fast and efficient pumping.
          • Large: Large front wings are somewhat sluggish when pumping and require a little more effort. But they are very stable and offer a lot of buoyancy.
          Tip: Most Foil SUPs have medium-sized front wings as they ensure the most flexible use.

          2Mast

          The mast is the long piece that connects the front wing and fuselage to the board. The longer the mast, the more stable the board glides on the water. A mast length of more than 70 cm is recommended for beginners.

          3Hull

          The fuselage is located at the lower end of the mast and is the rearward extension of the front wing. The length of the hull influences the handling of the Foil SUP.

          The longer the hull, the more stability it gives the board. The shorter it is, the more maneuverable it is. The length of a fuselage ranges from 55 cm to 70 cm.

          Accessories: What equipment is essential?

          To enjoy the best possible driving experience, two equipment features are particularly crucial:

          Paddle

          A paddle is an essential accessory, especially for beginners. It serves as an additional starting aid if pumping is not running smoothly at first. However, paddles are very often not included in the scope of delivery.

          Click here for the best models.

          Inflatable wing

          With an inflatable wing, paddlers can harness the wind and move across the water in a much more relaxed manner. The surfer holds the sail in his hand and the attached handles make it comfortable to carry.

          Some boards, such as the F2 Glide Surf Foil Set, come with a matching sail. However, this is not the case for all models. Wings are also available separately if required.

          FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

          How does foil surfing work?

          The secret is the foil, which is mounted on the underside of the board. When done correctly, it ensures that the SUP develops enough buoyancy to glide over the water. Wave-like movements can then propel the board without a paddle, sometimes at high speed.
          This video shows what foil surfing looks like in practice:

          You are currently seeing a placeholder content of YouTube. To access the actual content, click on the button below. Please note that data will be passed on to third-party providers.

          More information

          Which foil SUP for beginners?

          The slightly cheaper models, such as the NSP DC Foil SUP 2020 or the Aztron SUP Falcon Foil, are particularly suitable for paddle boards for beginners. Beginners should also make sure that the base is large enough to ensure stability. A mast with a length of more than 70 cm and a medium-sized front wing are ideal for the foil.

          What is the best Foil SUP?

          There is no such thing as the very best foil SUP. It depends on many factors, such as the stiffness of the board and the level of the rider, which board should be chosen. In our recommendations, we have put together some good models with different features that provide a good overview.

          What does a good Foil SUP cost?

          Foil SUPs are definitely among the more price-intensive models in the SUP sector. A paddler must be prepared to pay at least around 600 $ for a good board. With all the accessories, however, a Foil SUP can cost more than 2000 $.

          Where can you buy Foil SUPs?

          Foil SUPs are available from Amazon. Empty also has a large selection of different accessories, such as wing foil sets, SUP paddles and foils.

          Is there an alternative to foil SUPs?

          Foil SUPs are more difficult to ride and can build up a lot of speed. They are therefore more suitable for people who have already developed a safe riding experience. A “normal” SUP board is a good alternative.

          Have Consumer Reports or Which? chosen a Foil SUP test winner?

          Consumer Reports or Which? have not yet come up with a test winner for Foil SUPs. However, there are a few customer favorites waiting to be discovered in our bestseller list.

          Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

          *Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

          Simon

          Expert for lifestyle and outdoor sports
          Simon is very keen on sports and loves stand-up paddling and longboarding. He spends a lot of time on the water and enjoys exploring the river or the sea on his board.

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