GEAR: WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED FOR DOWNWIND SUP FOIL?

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SUP foil

17 september 2025 0

Put comfort and safety on your side with these essential accessories!

A well-prepared foiler’s checklist for a downwind run involves a bit more gear than a simple SUP foil or wing foil session. Because you’re far from shore, the effort is physical, and unpleasant surprises don’t just happen to others. To stay safe and enjoy every moment on the water, here are our recommendations:

A Bodyguard cut-resistant outfit over your wetsuit — top and shorts to protect your upper and lower body. The bright neon yellow color is a huge plus for being spotted from afar. In case of trouble, this vivid color against the ocean’s blue background can make all the difference!
A waterproof backpack with safety essentials: a communication device, distress flares, a snack, a water bottle, and possibly a lowkite to help you get back to shore easily if you’re exhausted.
A cap, sunscreen or protective stick, and ideally a hooded top such as the Bodyguard or Sunguard, for full sun protection.

Comfort is also a matter of equipment:

A streamlined board with maximum glide like the Intruder, which lifts off the water quickly and forgives touchdowns like no other, saving you a huge amount of energy. Its length also adds stability, so you can focus on take-off and lateral balance. If you’re just starting out in SUP foil, go for the Biggy or NOTW for their all-around stability.
A foil with glide to connect bumps without having to pump frantically. With high-aspect foils like the Veloce or Veloce HDW—fast and highly efficient at speed—the need for pumping is dramatically reduced. Just a few subtle flexes are enough to catch the next bump. New to SUP foil? Opt for the Fluid or even the Curve, which lift off at lower speeds than the Veloce.
Ideally, an HM mast, which delivers the best efficiency in pumping with perfect energy transfer from your stance to the foil. Its stiffness ensures direct contact with your foil.
A premium paddle like the Carbon Pro: dynamic, lightweight, and strong, it provides superior efficiency with every stroke—and physical comfort that really matters over long distances.