What Parawing Setup do you need as a beginner?
Parawinging is everywhere right now. Do you want to start parawinging but you’re not sure where to begin?
In this blog will walk you through the essential gear: the parawing, the board, and the foil. We’ll also share tips to help beginners progress faster, ride with confidence, and enjoy every session.
Want the full deep dive? Martijn walks through everything in our latest parawing foiling video check it out for more!
What Is Parawing Foiling?
Parawinging originally started as a tool to tow riders into downwind swell or waves. Once you reach the spot, you can pack the wing down and ride hands-free—turning small bumps into a skatepark and letting you enjoy the wave without the drag of a wing or kite.
Modern parawings are designed for both efficiency and fun. Different brands and models have their pros and cons, but the newer generation of wings is perfect for beginners looking to fly above the water with ease.
Choosing Your Parawing
Here’s what to look at when choosing the right parawing:
Profile
- Deeper profile: More power, easier take-off. Great for beginners.
- Flatter profile: Better efficiency and upwind performance, but less forgiving for first flights.
Bridle Length
- Short bridles: Easy to pack, less room to find the perfect wind window.
- Long bridles: More stable flight, slightly harder to pack quickly.
Canopy Material
- Lightweight: Easier to fly and pack, better in light wind.
- Heavier: Durable, but slower in light wind and harder to handle.
Size Recommendations
Beginner-friendly sizes depend on weight and local wind conditions (ideal: 18–23 knots):
| Weight Riders | Parawing size |
| Under 80 kg | 3.5 m² |
| 80–93 kg | 4–4.5 m² |
| 93+ kilo | 4.5–5 m² |
Picking the Right Board
The board you choose affects your learning curve more than you might think. Unlike wingfoiling, the parawing pulls you forward rather than upward, so you need a board that accelerates efficiently.
Why Mid-Length Works Best
- Provides quick acceleration for take-off
- Offers stability while staying responsive
- Short, wide boards can feel draggy and sticky, making learning harder
Volume Recommendation
- At least 10 liters more than your body weight
- Keeps rails above water for easier acceleration
Popular Beginner Boards
- North Midi Mid-length – stable and efficient
- F-one Rocket Wing Mid-length – proven performance
- Slingshot Flow-Craft – smooth, reliable ride
Choosing the Right Foil
Your foil setup is as important as your board and parawing. The goal is to stow your wing and ride purely on the foil.
What to Look For
- Lift and stability at low speeds
- Aspect ratio 8–10 for easy take-off and control
- Surface area: 1000–1500 cm² depending on weight
- Optional shorter mast for reduced drag and improved stability
Recommended Beginner Foils
- North SF Series (SF830) – fast take-off, stable at low speed
- F-one Seven Seas V2/V3 – stable, lots of glide
- Slingshot Glide Series – locked-in control, smooth glide
- Duotone Crest – great for light and heavy riders
- Armstrong HA Series – large foils for slow and stable rides
Final Tips for the Right Beginner Setup
Learning parawing foiling isn’t always easy. Tangled lines and upwind walks are part of the process, but with the right gear, it becomes much more manageable.
👉 Want to see the full review video?
Check the full video guide where Martijn walks through the known brands, all available to test at our Test center at the Brouwersdam!
