The REAL crew joined up with Team Armstrong at Tavarua Island Resort for a week of all things foiling. If you’re headed to Tavarua or Namotu and want to know what foil gear to bring, here’s a peek inside Matt and Randall’s gear bags. If you’re foiling at the beginner to intermediate level and are headed in that direction, take a look at Randall’s tips below, or give us a call at the shop. We’re glad to help dial you in!
Matt Nuzzo
5’10 x 170lbs
- Armstrong XPS MKII 4m and 5m
- Ozone Pocket Rocket 3m and 4.3m
- Armstrong 795 Performance Mast w/ 60 Fuselage
- Armstrong MA MKII 590, 690, 790 w/ Surf MKII 170 & 130 Tail
- Armstrong UHA 870 Front Wing
- Armstrong Surf Foilboard 32L
- Armstrong Midlength Foilboard 65L
Randall Baird
6’4 x 195lbs
- Armstrong Mid Aspect Foil Package - MA MKII 690, 890; Performance 865mm and 725mm Mast; 60cm Fusealge
- Armstrong Speed 180 Tail & Surf MKII 130 Tail
- Armstrong HA 880 Front Wing
- Armstrong Surf Foilboard 32L
- Armstrong XPS MKII 4m 5m
- Armstrong Ultimate Waist Leash
- Ozone Power Pack 3m 4.3m
- Ozone Parawing Stash Belt
- Vaikobi Vest
- Gath Neo Sport
- Armstrong Floating Tool
- Ride Engine Air Box
- Kaohi Double Coil Ankle Leash 6’ x 5.5 for Surf Foil
-
Kaohi Double Coil Ankle Leash 6’ x 8mm for Wing Foil
Randall’s RX:
If you’re headed to Fiji to foil, and you’re riding at a beginner to intermediate level, here’s Randall’s prescription for success:
- Fiji has a wide range of conditions that will change throughout the week. Bring a wide range of foil front wings to dial in your kit to the day’s conditions.
- Tow foiling is a great way to level up your skills. Bring a smaller foil than you normally ride. This last trip I rode the smallest foil I’ve ever ridden (MA MKII 590 @ 195lbs). There was one session I easily could have been on a 490 and will bring that foil next trip.
- Bring sand paper for sanding your foils when they hit the reef. Yes this happens. I normally bring wet/dry 300, 600, 1,000.
- Some days it’s not as windy as it looks. Tons of whitecaps, texture on the water, but no power in your hand wings. Talk to other wingers to see what they were powered up on, don’t judge it by the look alone.
- If you’re loading up the boat, always bring extra foil gear in case the conditions change.
- If you’re loading up your bar tab, it adds up faster then you think!
If you need help dialing in your gear for an upcoming trip, contact a REALpro at 252.987.6000 or email us at REALpro@realwatersports.com.
