THE PLAYERS
NICHE NO LONGER… FOILING IS NOW BIG BUSINESS, AND WITH THE UPTAKE GROWING DAILY, BOTH BACKYARD TINKERERS AND BIG BRANDS ALIKE HAVE RECOGNIZED THAT THERE IS A THRIVING MARKET FOR THESE WONDERFUL TOYS.
CONSEQUENTLY, OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, THE NUMBER OF SOPHISTICATED FOIL PRODUCERS HAS PROLIFERATED, AND WATERSPORT STORE SHELVES NOW PLAY HOST TO A RANGE OF SHAPES, STYLES AND VARIATIONS FOR A MULTITUDE OF FOIL DISCIPLINES.
OVER THE NEXT FEW PAGES, WE PROFILE THE BRANDS WHO ARE NOT ONLY CREATING AND SELLING THIS INCREASINGLY WIDE VARIETY OF FOILS AND BOARDS, BUT ARE ALSO THE DRIVING FORCES OF INVESTMENT AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE SPORT.
THEY ARE…
BRAND
Armstrong Foils
THE TEAM
Robert Whittall, Andrew McGregor, Bryce Rhodes, Armie Armstrong
WHERE’S YOUR HQ? Raglan, New Zealand.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE FOIL SCENE? After a lifetime of sailing the globe, Armie Started developing foilboards and foils in 2014 – then teamed up with Rob Whittall (legendary sport wing designer) to design our first production foils and boards which we started selling in early 2017. Armie was the first person globally to compete in a downwind SUP race on a prototype Armstrong board and foil at the Gorge Paddle Champs in 2016.
BREAK DOWN YOUR CURRENT RANGE FOR US… At the heart of our system is the high-tech Carbon Fuselage with solid Titanium Core for a future proof modular design delivering access to all foil sports. The easiest foil to learn on and progress to pro level, as new parts will all fit the system. We have multiple mast lengths (up to 110cm) and four front wings currently on the market (we were the first to name wings by size in cm2!). Our main foil kits are:
Our Carving Freeride CF800 Foil Kit delivers the perfect combination of performance, stability and rail to rail carve-ability to take your foiling to the next level. Ideal for kite freeride and medium to large wave riding and intermediate level and above surf/tow foiling.
CF1200 Foil Kit is the do-it-all combination for all round foil riding, amazing range in the surf and awesome to carve turns. Super easy with a kite, SUP and windsurf foil (with TCW80 fuse). Then our CF1600 Foil Kit is perfect for wing foiling, SUP or small wave surf and wake plus high wind downwind foiling. Primarily for smaller waves or SUP, this setup delivers confidence inspiring stability and carving performance across a huge range of conditions. Finally our CF2400 Foil Kit is a great choice for riders starting out in wake foiling or catching micro surf and cruising. Its large size makes learning very easy due to the slow speeds at which the wing will fly and the wing shape creates unparalleled stability.
For boards, our new SUPs and surf/kite/tow boards feature a new triple concave bottom for early takeoff, then have a slight deck recess, ultra-stiff Dual Carbon Stringer system and reduced swing weight to take your foiling to the next level.
WHAT’S THE ONE PRODUCT EVERY SELF-RESPECTING FOILER SHOULD HAVE IN THEIR ARSENAL? Our high-grade titanium T-nut and mast top washer system is next level light and strong – goes with any of our setups…
WHAT DRIVES ARMSTRONG FOILS FORWARD EVERY DAY? Foiling is such a sublime feeling and we want to share this sensation. When we started foiling we broke everything we rode and became frustrated with inferior materials and design being used in foil construction. We set out to design a strong, reliable reliable, non-corroding modular foil system that will last several generations of wings, so riders can progress with the sport and get the most out of their gear, season after season.
WHO’S ON THE TEAM? Reo Stevens, Chris Bertis, Myles Padaca, Billy Kemper, Sylvio Mancusi, Bevan Gooche, Daniel Kereopa, Hayato Maki.
WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT TO TEST OUT NEW KIT AND WHY? Raglan and Pauanui in NZ and anywhere in Hawaii – there’s almost always something to ride on the foil for surf, kite and tow.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? We have taken a no compromise design approach to the materials we use in our foils. ALL components like our titanium Tail Trim Fairings and T-nuts are custom produced high grade titanium. All threaded screw holes are tapped into large diameter titanium. Our proprietary strengthened 316L screws lock perfectly into these titanium threads, for a zero corrosion solid connection that will last. Also, our striking original graphics reduce heating of carbon when in the sun and is a proven predator deterrent.
ANY EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS ON THE HORIZON? We are always looking to make it easier for beginners to get in on the foil buzz. New big wings combined with our high-tech mast/fuselage system are so stable anyone can foil. We also have a new HS (High Speed) Wing series in the late development stage that will keep chargers like Chris Bertish, Myles Padaca and Sylvio Mancusi pushing the envelope.
BRAND
F-ONE
THE BOSS
Julien Salles
WHERE’S YOUR HQ? France.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE FOIL SCENE? We started to develop foils for kites in 2013, and we got into surf foiling in 2017.
BREAK DOWN YOUR CURRENT RANGE FOR US… We offer our Gravity front wings in three sizes. 1200 is a surfing/carving machine that goes fast and holds bigger waves, the 1400 is the all-round model, it surfs and pumps very well to connect multiple waves, and the 1800 performs in downwind and pumping. It can surf and turns very well for a wing of that size.
Then we offer a foil surfing-specific board called the Rocket that comes in four sizes, from 4’2 to 6’4. The shape has been designed for early take-offs, comfort, and maneuverability during flight. All the foil parts are interchangeable, and we offer two sizes of fuselage.
WHAT’S THE ONE PRODUCT EVERY SELF-RESPECTING FOILER SHOULD HAVE IN THEIR ARSENAL? I would say the Rocket 4’2 and Gravity 1400 wing, as it is a set-up you can use in any conditions, from bigger waves to small foamers, from wake-foiling to a bit of downwind.
WHAT DRIVES F-ONE FORWARD EVERY DAY? We are passionate watermen and women, and we want to make the most of our time in the water. The foil brought us a unique connection to the ocean, and we are working to improve this connection.
WHO’S ON THE TEAM? Alright, so we got: Big wave legend Grant Twiggy Baker. Brazil-based ripper Rémi Quique. Matt Maxwell from South Africa – the kid is ripping on any foil and any board. Patrice Chanzy, a well-respected waterman from Tahiti. Young and very promising grom Ulisses Vinicius and the downwind master Titouan Galea… Give him 12 knots and he can downwind for miles.
So here’s our process: firstly, we test our samples ourselves in France. We have some crappy wind swells in the Mediterranean that are perfect for foiling, and we’re just a few hours away from the best spots in the Atlantic. Once we know we got something interesting, we send the
