GEAR: THE CONCEPT OF FLOW AS APPLIED TO A WING BOARD

News
Wing

13 november 2024 0

In the unique blend of gliding and flying that defines wing foiling, the flow of your board is a key factor of your sensations and performance.

The concept of flow on a wing board (and more broadly in board sports) is central to describe the smooth gliding sensation of a moving board. Flow is to board sports what groove is to music. That moment when everything aligns perfectly to produce a state of grace, a connection between surfer and gear, musician and instrument. The wing foil board that will allow you to achieve this flow meets several criteria: volume distribution, scoop line, inertia, hull, glide and maneuverability.

Wing foiler: Bastien, GONG team rider, on a Cruzader Diamond FSP Pro with a Droid UPE Aramid X.

Volume distribution and its impact on flow

The distribution of volume across the length of the board plays a key role in the feeling of flow. A board with well-distributed volume, especially with a smooth transition between nose and tail, favors a fluid, natural glide. This allows the board to better “read” the water surface and react smoothly to the rider's movements and water variations.

On the contrary, a more pronounced volume distribution, for example with a larger nose, may offer easier take off, but will slightly reduce the feeling of fluid glide, as the board will tend to brake during touchdowns..

Scoop line and flow

The board's scoop curve has a direct influence on flow. A harmonious scoop helps smooth transitions between the different phases of navigation (take off, flight, touchdowns) and maintains gliding speed.

A scoop that's too flat may give more speed on the water, but will reduce flow on choppy water, making the board less forgiving of small surface irregularities. On the contrary, a scoop that's too pronounced can slow the board down, limiting its natural glide.

Relation between flow and maneuverability

Flow can sometimes be at odds with maneuverability. A very fluid board will often be less responsive in tight turns, as it favors stable glide over reactivity. On the contrary, a more compact board, even with less flow, will be more maneuverable and enable fast, tight transitions.

It's all about finding the right balance between a board that maintains its fluid trajectory (flow) and one that can pivot and react to the rider's rapid movements.

Flow and board inertia

The inertia of the board, due to its length and weight distribution, also plays a role in the flow. A longer, heavier board will have more inertia, which can give a smooth, continuous gliding sensation, especially on smooth water. However, this also means it will be less responsive when it comes to changing direction quickly.

Experienced riders often appreciate this inertia, as it allows them to maintain a stable trajectory in strong winds or longer waves.

Hull and glide

The design of the hull (concave, double concave, flat, etc.) has a direct influence on flow. A concave hull, for example, can “channel” the water under the board and promote a more stable, controlled glide, thus improving flow.

On the contrary, a flat hull allows faster acceleration, but may be less pleasant to maintain a continuous glide over a long distance.

Flow and gliding sensations

Flow also refers to the sensations experienced when gliding on the water, particularly in the transition phases between flying on the foil and touching the water. A board with good flow makes it easier to go from gliding on the water to flying on the foil, without a sudden break in speed.

It also depends on how the board reacts to the rider's small corrections of trajectory. A well-dosed flow allows subtle adaptation to variations in the water surface, offering a more pleasant and intuitive riding experience.

Individual feeling and the importance of choosing the right shape

Flow is very much a matter of personal preference. Some prefer a more “twirling” board, with a less pronounced flow but offering great responsiveness. Others prefer a board with a long, smooth glide, even at the cost of reduced maneuverability.
So it's crucial to try out different shapes to find your own flow degree, the one that best suits your style and riding expectations.