Is Parawinging the Answer for Light Wind? | 5m Parawing Test

Ever wondered if parawing is the answer for those super light wind days? Matt recently put a 5-meter Naish Morph Parawing to the test, and his experience offers some valuable insights, especially when it comes to gear choices.

The Initial Struggle and a Crucial Comparison

Matt started with the 5-meter Naish Morph Parawing in what he described as "super light and inconsistent wind." The struggle was real; he couldn't generate enough power to fly. This led him to a key comparison: light wind parawing versus light wind winging. He hypothesized that for parawing in such conditions, high-aspect light wind foils, like the Armstrong APF 1350, would be a much better fit due to their efficiency in generating lift from minimal power.

Optimizing Setup: What Matt Used

For his second attempt, with a slight bump in wind, Matt refined his gear for a more optimized setup. Here's what he was riding:

• Board: Armstrong 6'9" Midlength FG - 100L
• Front Foil: Armstrong HA 1180 Front Wing
• Mast: Armstrong A+ Performance Mast 725mm
• Tail Wing: Armstrong 220 Glide Tail Wing

This combination aimed to provide the best possible chance for success in the marginal conditions.

Partial Success and the Upwind Challenge

With a little bump in the wind, Matt managed to foil downwind with this optimized setup, but the challenge of getting back upwind was just too much for the 5m parawing. This highlighted a significant hurdle for light wind parawing: even with the right gear, staying upwind requires substantial power and technique.

The Takeaway: Skill, Conditions, and Gear

Ultimately, Matt concluded that light wind parawinging, at his current skill level, isn't a viable option. He believes it likely demands a highly proficient foiler with exceptional pumping skills to truly master it.

However, his experience wasn't entirely discouraging for the Naish Morph Parawing itself. He suggested that the 5-meter Naish Morph could be an excellent option in more powered conditions or for bigger riders who can generate more leverage and power.

If you need help deciding which parawing is right for you, contact a REAL Pro at 252-987-6000 or email REALpro@realwatersports.com