Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:14:14 +0000

Light Wind Kiteboarding Magic? The Reedin WhisperModel Might Be the Answer


Jeff from MACkite had a chance to meet up with Kevin Langeree of Reedin in Cape Town, South Africa. Aside from the beautiful weather and scenery, Jeff was there to get an early look at the WhisperModel, Reedin's new light wind kite. Although the wind isn't usually lacking at the Cape, Kevin recognized that this isn't the case in many places and felt that was a problem he could solve. The WhisperModel was developed with Damien Girardin and Ralf Groesel of Brainchild and is a kite for people with limited session time to get out even when there's only 10 knots of wind.

Damien Girardin and Ralf Groesel of Brainchild

Manufacturing the WhisperModel at Brainchild's facilities means the kite can take advantage of the same technologies and sustainability that the HyperModel already enjoys. Light but strong Proweld seams and digital printing are two ways Kevin was able to get the kite's weight down to the bare minimum without sacrificing quality.

Flying Characteristics

A lot of riders aren't a fan of big kites and would rather skip the light days because they tend to turn like a truck and really limit what you can do. The WhisperModel is different; it handles more like a 9m, and when you jump, it goes straight up. It depowers when you need to. You're likely to drop your kite in light wind, and the WhisperModel sheds water and relaunches effortlessly. Yes, you are actually allowed to have fun while riding in light wind now! In fact, the design is so successful that it will be replacing the SuperModel Light Wind kite. The SuperModel will still be available up to 12m, and then the WhisperModel will fill in with 13m, 15m, and 17m sizes.

When you jump, it goes straight up

Jeff's especially excited to try the WhisperModel because he's been riding the SuperModel LW all winter and it was a favorite. A lot of MACkite's customers live in areas prone to light wind, so a big kite that is as fast and responsive as a smaller kite would be a great fit for many of them. Most light wind kites sink at the edge of the wind window, but the WhisperModel maintains its height. Although it's not made to kiteloop, it'll downloop for transitions and jumps. It's user-friendly and works for any level rider.

it'll downloop for transitions and jumps

On a 15m, an 80kg (180lb) rider can get up in as little as 5 or 6 knots on a 133 KevPro. A very skilled rider can even get up with a 153 Big E in just 3.9 knots. Now, anything under 9 or 10 knots is going to take a lot of skill, but the WhisperModel gives you the confidence to go for it, and the more you ride, the faster you'll develop the skills to get out in lighter and lighter winds.

get out in lighter winds

Design Characteristics

The WhisperModel has a swept wingtip and battens to reduce flutter. That and the pulleyless bridles give the kite instant response, contributing to the feel of a much smaller kite. The outside lines have three settings for the steering pressure. Most people will be comfortable with the medium setting, but you can go lighter or heavier if you prefer.

swept wingtip and battens to reduce flutter

The color is reminiscent of the ocean on a calm day, making it a perfect fit for a light wind kite. It's got three struts, which keeps the kite light while still providing enough structure to take advantage of every puff of wind. It also helps the kite turn and be well-suited to a variety of disciplines.

The color is reminiscent of the ocean on a calm day

Who's It For?

If you're looking for a kite that will get you out in the lightest wind possible, the WhisperModel may be a great option. The three sizes are more for riders of different weights rather than different wind speeds, so choose the one that fits you. A 15m is good for the average-sized rider of 80kg (180lb), so if you're much more or less than that, choose one of the other sizes.

choose the size that fits you

Summary

While the WhisperModel will go up in just a whisper of breeze, there wasn't even that when Jeff and Kevin headed to the beach to film. Still, Jeff pumped up anyway. It's a high-quality kite that should last many, many sessions in spite of its lightweight construction, and he wanted to be ready to take it for a test drive the minute the wind picked up. Jeff has largely switched to winging, so his excitement about a kite speaks volumes about its potential.

Jeff pumped up anyway


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Mr. Jeff

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:07:00 +0000

Hot New Releases: MACkite Brand Parawing & Mystic Majestic Ex Custom Harness

MACwing v.5 Beta

Single Skin Single Use

 

Jake and Ryan from MACkiteboarding unveiled an exciting new product in their latest video: the all-new MACkite Parawing, a lightweight, ultra-packable wing designed for simplicity, portability, and fun. This innovative release marks MACkite’s first foray into branded gear, developed in response to shifts in the industry such as rising prices, potential tariffs, and a growing trend toward direct-to-consumer models. Their goal was to deliver a product that balances accessibility, creativity, and value—all while offering a new twist on wing design.

 


What Is the Majestic Ex Custom Harness?

For the 2025 season we're super excited to introduce the all-new Mystic Majestic Ex Harness. Building off the highly successful Artist Series, the new Majestic Ex now allows for a fully customizable shell design, specifically for your Ex. Understanding that stuff happens--"you ride too much", "why do you have a second phone", "you marched on the capital"--Mystic now allows you to immortalize that "one that got away". They might not still be in your life in like a dating or married way, but they can still be with you every session, when it really matters.

april-1-mystic-custom-ex-harnesses-edit-v1.jpg

 

 

How Do I Customize My Harness?

The customization process is super easy - simply submit your favorite photo through the Mystic portal, and their team will get to work. Understanding that this is an extension of their brand, Mystic's team of Photoshop professionals will make sure your ex truly looks fire, a 10/10. Who knows; you might just find yourself falling in love all over again. Sublimated on a stiff carbon shell (because obviously), these harnesses are specifically designed to accommodate only the largest 320mm (that's 12 American inches) spreader bar because that was definitely not a factor. You can expect your harness to arrive in 4-6 weeks, knowing you'll soon be the talk of your local spot, your friends, your ex and her family, and maybe the police. At Mystic, it calls. Not your ex though, that's definitely over.

Customize My Harness


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Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:35:45 +0000

Code Foils 1250R, with Josh Ku and James Casey | Training, Gliding, and Light Wind Downwinding


Introduction: The Rise of the 1250R

The Code Foils 1250R is the latest and largest addition to Code’s high aspect "R Series" front wings. At 1250 cm², 1275 mm span, and with a 13 aspect ratio, this foil is engineered to combine impressive glide, sustained speed, and exceptional upwind pumping efficiency. Designed with versatility in mind, it’s ideal for light wind downwinding, cross-training, flatwater fitness sessions, and endless laps in the surf zone.

In this detailed breakdown, team riders Josh Ku and James Casey dive into how and why the 1250R has quickly become a go-to training and exploration foil. Whether you’re a seasoned downwinder, a dock-start obsessive, or simply want more from your sessions, the insights shared here are a masterclass in making the most of your gear and conditions.


Specs at a Glance

  • Surface Area: 1250 cm² (193 in²)
  • Span: 1275 mm
  • Aspect Ratio: 13
  • Series: R Series (High Aspect)

Training Insights: Why the 1250R Stands Out

Built for Momentum and Glide

“The beauty of this foil to me is the glide and momentum it carries. Once it has speed, it holds it.”

  • Maintains momentum even in light conditions
  • Glides effortlessly across long distances
  • Excellent for pumping exercises due to lower required cadence

James Casey compares it to “longboarding” on foil — less about aggressive turns, more about smooth, sustained travel.

Cardio Training Without Leaving the Water

Many athletes turn to biking or running for cardio, but for watermen like Casey:

  • The 1250R makes endurance training on the water enjoyable
  • Works in both aerobic and anaerobic zones
  • Ideal for those who prefer ocean sessions over land workouts

“I'd rather do a foil training loop in 7 knots than run around a lake.”


Upwind & Downwind Mastery

The Long Reef Loop Training Session

James regularly performs a unique training loop in light northeast winds:

  • Start: Paddle upwind from Lagoon at Long Reef
  • Midpoint: Pump to Butter Box
  • Finish: Downwind glide back to Dee Why (DY)

Performance Highlights:

  • Speed while pumping: ~16–17 km/h average
  • Peak speed: ~27–30 km/h on swells
  • Heart Rate: ~170 bpm upwind / ~120 bpm downwind

“I do two and a half loops for around 10–12 km per session.”


Key Comparisons: 1250R vs. 1540S

Feature1250R1540S
Glide Superior Moderate
Lift Moderate Higher
Turning Moderate More responsive
Best for Ocean runs, light wind Bay runs, tight bumps
Paddle Up Ease Slightly harder Easier
Pump Efficiency Better once up Easier entry, harder to sustain

“If I’m doing a light wind bay run, I’ll use the 1540S. But for ocean runs, the 1250R wins.”


Equipment Setup & Tuning Preferences

Mast, Fuselage & Tail Combinations

  • Mast: 75 cm Plus

  • Ideal for light wind and efficient pumping

  • Occasionally uses 80 cm in messier, faster conditions

  • Fuselage: Long

  • Favored for upwind pumping and flatwater training

  • More efficient with less cadence

  • Tail Wing Options:

  • 142AR (shimmed -0.5) – more common choice

  • 151R – used in the featured training session


Light Wind Downwinding Techniques

Pro Tips for Maximizing the 1250R in Light Conditions

  • Be Patient
  • Don’t chase every bump; let the foil do the work
  • Work the Angles
  • Cut across swell at sharp angles (hard left/right) for longer glides
  • Use Troughs Strategically
  • Pivot and stall in troughs to reset and glide longer
  • Slow is Smooth
  • Discover the foil’s true low-end by easing off the pump

“Do less, and you will feel more. The foil tells you when it's gliding or climbing.”


Pumping Tips

  • Don’t overwork — the 1250R rewards finesse, not brute force
  • Use 30-second pump intervals, then ride energy bumps
  • Flatwater pumping becomes much more accessible with the 1250R

Training Strategy: Heart Rate Zones & Endurance

James shares how his sessions include both cardio peaks and recovery:

  • 170 bpm when pumping hard upwind
  • 120 bpm when gliding downwind
  • Excellent for interval training and cardio base-building

“It’s a workout, but the fun kind.”


Key Takeaways

  • 1250R = Glide Monster: Incredible carry and efficiency once up and riding
  • Perfect Cross-Trainer: Allows for long, sustained, low-cadence workouts
  • Versatile Tool: Equally at home on flatwater, small surf, or light ocean bumps
  • Light Wind Hero: Opens up conditions others can’t ride
  • Preferred for Training: Makes foil-based cardio both effective and enjoyable

Final Thoughts: The Daily Driver

The Code Foils 1250R isn’t just a niche wing — for many advanced riders, it’s become a daily driver. Whether you're chasing personal bests, putting in cardio work, or just enjoying glide-heavy surf zones, this foil provides a stable platform for serious fun and fitness.

“It’s the foil that’s in my car every day and I use it five to six times a week.”


Whether you're dock starting, SUP foiling, or training for your next Hawaii run, this wing is built to go the distance — and help you enjoy every meter of it.

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:54:04 +0000

2025 F-One Rocket Surf Prone, Rocket Wing Crossover, and Rocket Midlength Boards


Mid-length foilboards are rapidly growing in popularity and could soon dominate the market, especially as a second board for your quiver. F-One has responded with three offerings in the category, each with a distinct appeal. Jeff and Tucker were able to get their hands on the pre-production models and take them for a spin, and now they're ready to share some early insights on what each one does and who it's for.

Mid-Length Boards

What Is Mid-Length?

Mid-length is a rather broad term that can apply to a variety of boards, but generally they're boards that are longer and narrower than a typical foilboard of similar volume. They're often very efficient at planing and building speed to get up on foil. They offer a lot of performance and even some crossover potential, making some of them candidates for a one-board quiver.

Rocket Surf Prone

The Rocket Surf Prone is a little narrower, thinner, and has a lower volume than the others. It's the high-performance ripper of the bunch and, not surprisingly, requires a higher level of expertise for winging or parawinging. However, for prone surfing or Foil Driving, it's actually the easier option, short of getting into a more wing-specific board.

It's essentially a surf shape, but is elongated for more efficiency, easier paddling, and better front-to-back stability. Because of its length, you can ride a smaller foil when proning. Depending on your skillset, you could cross over to winging with this board. It's a little narrow at 18", but its 5'8" length has some performance benefits to get you up to speed, even at only 57L. It feels more like a 65-70L board for getting on foil. In fact, you don't want to pay too much attention to the volume on mid-length boards, as a rule of thumb. The length and planing ability, or bottom shape, are far more important qualities since the amount of flotation doesn't matter once you begin to move. A low entry rocker is super efficient and will get you up on a smaller foil than less efficient boards need.

Rocket Surf Prone

With this being such a narrow board, Tucker felt the pad could have gone a little closer to the edges. While he had no trouble winging it and found it to be a great ripper in good conditions, if he planned to ride it with a wing regularly, he'd either bump up a size or wax around the edge of the pad so he could use its full width. Of course, it wasn't designed for winging, so that's not really a critique, but more of an observation for those looking to cross over with this board.

The Surf Prone has a somewhat sunken deck but is flat throughout the standing area. The nose has a bit of a bulb to help shed water, and there's a little kick in the tail. The pad, as mentioned, is pretty narrow, and you can wax around it or add a strip of pad if you like a wider stance than the stock pad gives you. For most surf foils, you probably won't need to go that wide, though.

Rocket Surf Prone

The track box is pretty short, but it should be fine even for Foil Drive unless you're riding a foil that likes to be mounted far forward like the old Armstrong foils, or way back like early release Axis foils used to. Most foils today are designed to be ridden under your back foot, and for those this box is in a nice, neutral position. So don't worry about that and focus on getting the board length that's appropriate for your conditions and the size foil you're on.

Rocket Surf Prone

A neat touch that comes with F-One boards is a mini-pad to protect the top of the board when you have it face-down for mounting your foil. Just stick it to the highest point forward of the main traction pad, which could be anywhere between the vent plug and the tip of the nose, and no longer will you scuff your board when you're putting it together in the parking lot.

scuff guards

Rocket Wing Crossover

The Rocket Wing Crossover is a crossover board between prone surfing and winging/parafoiling, and you can even SUP on the larger sizes. It's more stable than the Surf Prone and is essentially a Rocket Wing S elongated and is offered in a lot more sizes, especially at the larger end. If you've ridden the Wing S and loved it but wished for a longer version, the Crossover is a no-brainer. If you want a board that can get up in lighter wind but still charge in higher wind and ride waves, you won't find a lot of drawbacks here.

Rocket Wing Crossover

The Wing Crossover could be a one-board quiver for most riders. It's also a good choice for sizing down your current board to gain a lot of performance without sacrificing stability, ease-of-use, and light wind ability. Go ahead and size down 20 or 30 liters on this compared to a normal wing board and you won't give up any low-end performance.

The length is the spec you want to pay the most attention to. It's easy for us to adjust our balance side-to-side, but front-to-back is much harder. If you get the appropriate length for your skills and conditions, the board's length will give you the stability you need. The narrower width will give you efficiency while planing and get your rails out of the way when making a hard turn on foil. The specs on the board the guys have been testing is 5'6" long, 22" wide, and a volume of 80 liters. It's not quite so narrow compared to its length as the other boards, which is what makes it ideal as a crossover board.

Rocket Wing Crossover

The tradeoff for the extra width and stability is that the Wing Crossover won't get up to speed quite as quickly, but if you're coming from a larger board, you're going to feel more at home on a board like this and progress naturally into it. It's a board an intermediate or advanced rider will enjoy with a 1000 to 1400 cm2 foil in knee to head-high waves and 10 - 25 mph wind.

To attest to its crossover abilities, Tucker can take this one board out to wing in light wind or high wind, to do jumps, to ride waves, to parawing, to prone foil, to Foil Drive, and even to kite foil. It is that versatile and, if you choose your size wisely, really can be your one-board quiver.

Rocket Wing Crossover

Rocket Midlength

The Rocket Midlength is the largest in F-One's mid-length range. The one the guys checked out is 6'2" x 20" x 5.75" and has a volume of 95 liters. It's ideal for intermediate+ wing foilers who want to get out in light winds or ride small foils. A couple years ago downwind boards filled that niche, and they do still have their place in winging, but if you want to add some performance to your light wind riding, this shape is ideal. It's been a popular choice for the locals that are ready for their next board and need something to get them through the summer doldrums but still be manageable when the wind picks back up in the fall where a downwind board would be a lot to handle in higher winds and waves.

The Rocket Midlength is at the upper end of what we'd consider a mid-length board; it's almost a small downwind board. But that length gives you the speed and efficiency that you need to ride the smallest wing and foil possible, especially in lighter winds. If this is your goal, choose at least your usual volume since you will be using it to stay afloat until you can build enough power to get on a plane.

Rocket Midlength

Now, if you're not planning to use this board in under 10 knots, then you can size down quite a bit. The only problem is that the boards do get narrower as you lose length, and with the pad not coming out to the edge you may wish to use some wax or extend the pad so you can get more purchase out toward the rails when you're on a wider foil, which is what you'll be on a lot of the time in lighter winds.

If you find yourself sizing down, you might want to take a look at the Rocket Wing Crossover instead. The Rocket Midlength is a super light wind machine and makes a better complement to a main board to get the very most out of those light days, rather than standing alone as a one-board quiver.

One exception would be if you only ride inland lakes and efficiency is your primary need. If you're not ripping turns or jumping and just need something that'll get you moving, then this would be your main board.

Another exception would be for new riders. If you're not going into big waves and charging in wind over 25 knots, this is a great board. It can still handle winds around 18 or 19 knots, and that's going to be the upper limit where a rider that's still learning is going to feel comfortable.

While it can be used as a downwind SUP by those very skilled in that area, this is really a board for winging, and it works well with a parafoil too. Tucker's been out with the Midlength on a parafoil, cruising around and riding waves, and he had fun.

Rocket Midlength

Summary

It's exciting to see what different brands are coming out with in the mid-length range. It's always nice to have more options to find that board that's a great match for your goals out on the water and will maximize your fun. Of course, with more options comes a more difficult decision, so don't hesitate to give us a call to talk through what you want to do and hear what we'd choose in your place.

Rocket Mid-Length


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Mr. Jeff


Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:32:04 +0000

Slingshot One-Lock System Overview - Gimmick or High Performance?


You've probably heard about Slingshot's toolless One-Lock System by now. You get to the beach, you put your front and back wing sections into the mast, lock it in, and off you go. That sounds amazing, but is it actually a good foil, or are you going to sacrifice quality and customizability for convenience?

Tucker's impressed with Slingshot for tackling some issues that foilers have come to accept as something that comes with the territory, specifically, the challenges that come with using hardware to assemble the components of your foil. Some have tried a one-piece design, but that's hard to travel with and isn't customizable, so it's not a good option for most riders.

But hardware gets lost, it corrodes, and it strips. It needs tools that also get lost and wear out. Slingshot refused to accept that this was a necessary evil and began development on something they hoped would be better. A few years later, we now have the One-Lock System.

Slingshot's toolless One-Lock System

One-Lock System

While the concept and execution are simple, there is some clever engineering in the design. The two pieces of the fuselage are wedge-shaped and nest together for a very tight fit the more they are pulled together. Even the mast collar that they fit into is triangular. All this ensures a stiff foil once assembled, yet one that still comes apart with just a little tap and wiggle.

mast collar

The front and back wings are a monocoque design with the wing integrated into the fuselage. It's perfectly stiff and eliminates two sets of screws right there. These attach to the mast through a collar and lock with a lever. It's extremely fast and it's secure.

two pieces of the fuselage

That in itself is a huge accomplishment, but Slingshot hasn't forgotten the connection to the board. They developed the Rapid Track System (RTS), which is also toolless once it's set up. The mast pedestal slides into a couple sled pieces that you position wherever you want in the track and tighten down. The mast slides into these, then you lock in the mast with two wing screws that tighten by hand. The wings can be lifted and locked into an orientation parallel to the flow of the water so that any drag is minimal. So there are a total of two screws to tighten in the whole setup, and those are toolless.

Rapid Track System

As great as all of this is, it only matters if it's a system you'd actually want to ride. Fortunately, Slingshot has years of foil design under its belt, and it's brought that to the table with its mast, front wing, and stabilizer offerings. It's a whole new ecosystem with everything available for it and all interchangeable with one another for a ride that you can customize as your needs and interests evolve.

Front Wings

Kite

The Kite front wing is currently available in three sizes from 755 to 1255 and is the lowest aspect ratio of the wing offerings. As the name implies, it's popular with kite foilers and works great in light wind and freeride. It doesn't need much speed to get on foil and has a surfy, shreddy feel.

Kite front wing

Ease

The Ease is available in four sizes from 1250 to 2250 and is a medium to medium-low aspect wing. It bridges the gap between the Kite and the high-aspect Glide wings and is a true all-around wing. You can surf, wake, kite, wing, parawing... whatever you need to do, you can on the Ease.

As the name implies, it's an easy wing to ride, so it's accessible to new foilers. It's got good, but not aggressive, lift and is quite mellow. It's got just a little dihedral, which gives it an intuitive, flowy ride that isn't technical or twitchy. It isn't high-performance, but it's versatile and fun.

Ease

Glide

The Glide is an efficient high aspect wing. It comes in four sizes from 725 to 1325 and uses the carbon veil construction, which allows it to be thinner while remaining strong and stiff.

The Glide is the high-performance wing of the One-Lock System and provides the most range. It's ideal for winging, surfing, and downwinding. It's twitchier than the other two wing models, but it pays off in performance.

It's the most expensive of the wings due to its higher level construction, but this gives it the stiffness that the advanced riders who are going to gravitate towards this design want.

Glide

Stabilizers

Turbo

The Turbo tail is 180 cm2 and is the smallest of the three tails. It's Tucker's favorite to pair with any of the front wings. It's playful, maneuverable, and pumps well. It's not as stable or locked-in as the other options, so it's best for intermediate and advanced foilers.

Turbo tail

Carve

The Carve is 200 cm2 and boosts performance by reducing lift and enhancing tail lock with its winglets. It's great for upwind and unlocks pitch. It's not for everyone, but it's fast.

Carve

Verse

The Verse is the most stable and predictable of the tails. If you're just starting your foil journey or prefer a relaxed ride that boosts confidence, this is a great choice. Its 270 cm2 size is enough to boost stability while still allowing you to work on your pumping and turning skills.

Verse

This range of stabilizers allows you to mix and match and get a completely different feel from your front wing. With how easy it is to swap out parts, it'll be more tempting than ever to pick up one of each to see how it affects your ride.

Masts

There are three mast constructions, and with a $1000 difference between the most and least expensive, it really comes down to your budget. That said, even the aluminum mast is no slouch on the water and offers a surprising amount of performance for the money. The Carbon and High Modulus Carbon masts feel similar but are increasingly stiffer for high speed riding, so choose the one that offers the performance you need but can still afford.

Each mast comes in a variety of sizes, from 72 - 92 for the carbon masts and 52 - 92 for the aluminum, in 10cm increments. If you ride at varying depths or swap among different disciplines, the aluminum mast has the best range of sizes, and at a price that allows you to buy more than one, though you can invest in the sizes available in carbon if you prefer.

three mast constructions

Accessories

There really aren't a lot of accessories for the system because each part comes with everything you need. You get a cover for your front wing, your stabilizer, and your mast. Each front wing includes a replacement One-Lock latch. And the masts include the RTS system to connect to your board's track without tools. Slingshot has done a great job of making sure you have everything you need rather than leaving it up to you to make sure you picked up every little thing.

One-Lock system

Tips, Tricks, and Reviews

We've already got some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your One-Lock system, so if you're thinking about picking one of these up or already have, be sure to check those out. After we've logged a few more hours on it, we'll also have a review, though our first impressions have been quite positive. So far the One-Lock System seems to be the real deal and not just a toy for beginners. It's certainly accessible for new riders and packs a lot of tech into a reasonable price point, but it's got options for more demanding riders who are willing to invest in that as well. Stay tuned for more on this intriguing system!

One-Lock system


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Thu, 27 Mar 2025 07:58:58 +0000

Slingshot One-Lock Tips and Tricks


Slingshot's One-Lock system is an interesting new concept in foil assembly with the goal to eliminate the need for tools as you're headed out to ride. Since there's nothing else like it out on the market, Tucker's got some tips and tricks to make sure you're having a smooth experience with your new foil and getting the most performance out of it.

1. Unlocking the Fuselage

By design, the two halves of the fuselage wedge together extremely snugly inside the mast collar. That's great for making sure it's nice and stiff while you're riding, but when it comes time to take it apart so it fits into your car, you might feel like it's gotten stuck. You've undone the release lever, but no matter how you tug, it just won't come apart! Now what?

Fortunately, there is a trick to get the pieces out without damaging them. Just rock the back half of the fuselage up and down. This action will cause it to wiggle free so you can pull it out. From there it's a simple matter to remove the front half. If it doesn't come out smoothly, press down on the front wing and then lift up and it should slide right out.

Unlocking the Fuselage

2. Set Your Line Tension

Having the correct tension in your locking line is critical to getting the best performance out of your One-Lock foil. However, as you use it, the line will stretch a bit and your fuselage won't seat quite as snugly. Fortunately, it's a simple matter to re-tension your line.

Inside the locking lever is a set screw. Turn it counter-clockwise. (You can do this with just a finger, so it's toolless too!) That'll cause the screw to extend and shorten the line. It's possible to go too far so that you can't lock down the lever, so you may need to play with it a bit until you find that sweet spot where it'll lock down nice and tight, but not so tight that you're struggling to lock it.

Set Your Line Tension

Eventually, the line will stretch to the point that you can't get a tight fit by adjusting the screw anymore. Then it's time to replace it, which is easy and takes just a couple minutes and an allen wrench. If you don't have a replacement on hand, there is a trick you can use to get back up and running while you're waiting for your replacement to arrive.

Back out the allen screw like you're replacing your line, but after you remove the old line, put a lark's head loop in the end and loop that around the allen screw. Tighten the allen screw back up and then adjust the line length as usual with the set screw in the lever. That lark's head loop will use up just enough line to get it tight enough again and buy you time to get a new line.

It does take many, many cycles of locking and releasing to stretch the line to that point, and some people may never need to replace it, but the replacement lines are inexpensive enough that there's no reason not to just keep one on hand. But if you misplaced yours, this trick will get you by.

3. Keep It Clean

The Slingshot guys did a short video showing that they could still get the One-Lock system apart even packed with sand in it. While impressive, it's still not ideal and will cause undue wear and tear on the parts, so do your best not to get any debris on the locking part of the fuselage or inside the mast collar.

sandy One-Lock

Anyone who's been to a sandy beach knows that's easier said than done, so here is a tip to help with that. Sunscreen is a must for any outdoor activity, but try not to get any on your foil parts. Sand loves to stick to anything greasy and won't wipe off easily. If you can, assemble your foil at your car before you apply your sunscreen and before you step onto the sand. As long as the fuselage and mast collar are clean and dry, you should be able to blow or wipe off any sand before putting it together.

4. Find the Sweet Spot

In its quest for toolless assembly, Slingshot has also released the Rapid Track System (RTS) mast to board assembly. It works great, but it isn't adjustable on the fly. Pick up a set of Click Nuts where all four screws can be adjusted. You can figure out exactly where you like your mast to be and then switch to the Rapid Track System if you want.

Find the Sweet Spot

The One-Lock system does a great job of eliminating screws to use and lose and does get you on the water even faster. We hope these tips will make your experience that much better.


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Thu, 27 Mar 2025 07:57:41 +0000

Waydoo Evo Pro Lite Overview - What You Get for the Price


The Waydoo EVO eFoil is a great, low-key way to get out on the water and experience the sensation of flight. Or if you're looking to learn to take hydrofoiling to the next level, whether behind a boat, a kite, with a wing or parawing, or just in the surf, an eFoil is an easy way to get comfortable riding on foil and build the skills you'll need before adding other elements into the mix.

Of course, an eFoil can be a bit of an investment, and there seem to be so many options on the market, even within a single brand. The EVO comes in four models: the Master Plus, the Max Plus, the Pro Plus, and now the Pro Lite. Each is for a different rider, so Eli from MACkite is going to go over the EVO Pro Lite so you can see if it's right for you.

Waydoo EVO eFoils

Right off the bat, the Pro Lite's price point makes it an attractive option. It's significantly less expensive than the other options. But what's the tradeoff, and is it still a good board? The Pro Lite does scale back on its features, but for someone looking to get out casually or who is just learning and hopes to progress away from eFoil to other hydrofoil disciplines, it may be exactly the right board.

Board

The first hint is in the name: the Pro Lite instead of the Pro Plus. "Pro" tells you which board it is, and those two models use the same board specs, minus the sensors for the Lite. The sensors make the board self-leveling. While that's an interesting feature, most riders will quickly progress beyond needing it, and if you're using your eFoil as a learning tool to get into non-powered foils, you won't want the sensors anyway since they'll slow your progression toward becoming a self-sufficient foiler.

Both the Pro Plus and Lite are 90 liter boards with closed-cell EPP foam. That's a durable material that's ding-resistant and won't absorb water if you do ding it. It's ideal for new riders, families with kids, and anyone who needs to travel to get to water. The size works for all but larger riders. (If you're over 215 lbs, you should look at the Max board.) The Pro Plus is blue, while the Pro Lite is mint green.

Pro Plus and Lite

Battery

The Pro Lite includes the smaller Powerflight 1800Wh battery, which is still going to give you around 45 minutes to an hour on the water. If you're just learning or want to get out for casual sessions, that's going to be just about right.

Powerflight 1800Wh battery

Propulsion

The Pro Lite is also paired with the standard 4000W propulsion unit. Unless you will have heavier riders using the board, you'll have plenty of power to get on foil without draining the battery faster than necessary.

Mast

You get the 27" mast included with the Pro Lite. That's the shortest option, and it's the most stable. It's still plenty of height to get the sensation of flight without adding weight and drag for more mast than you may want or need.

Evo Pro Lite mast

Wings

The Glider 1500 wing and Gliding 320 tail are included, which are perfect for new or casual riders. It's a stable pair that will get you on foil at lower speeds and help you build confidence. The wings are glass rather than carbon, but the carbon just adds a little stiffness that most riders won't notice until they're at the advanced level.

Glider 1500 wing and Gliding 320 tail

Fly Now, Customize Later

The nice thing is that the Pro Lite is completely customizable with all the same parts the other models can use. You can get different wings and masts for it, and you can upgrade your battery and propulsion unit if you ever decide you need to. The Pro Lite is a nice way to get into eFoiling as inexpensively as possible without locking yourself into those specs forever. In the meantime, you're not paying for features you may not ever need. It's a great addition to the lineup and will hopefully enable a lot more people to get out and experience flight on a foil.

Pro Lite is completely customizable


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Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:01:17 +0000

Foil Drive MAX Battery Guide - Which One Do I Need?


If you're just getting into Foil Drive, the options can feel a little overwhelming. What's the difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2? Should I get the Max or the Slim? Do I need 3 props on my motor or are 2 enough? And perhaps most confusingly with four options now available for the MAX Gen 2 unit, which battery do I need?

The MAX is the larger unit of Foil Drive's current generation. While the Slim is lighter with a little less drag, the extra power and runtime the MAX offers is well worth it for the majority of foilers, so we're going to cover the batteries that are available for the MAX and help you decide which may be the right one for you.

the Max or the Slim

When Foil Drive released the MAX Gen 2, there were only two batteries to choose from: the Power and the Sport. These are different lengths, so the MAX includes two nose cones to accommodate either battery. The longer is nose cone "A" and the shorter is nose cone "B".

the MAX includes two nose cones

Power Battery

The Power battery weighs about 5.8 lbs and will give you around 45 minutes of ride time. It uses the longer "A" nose cone. Although it's larger and heavier, it may be the best option for a good session if you need to ride out to your spot, whether that's to get out to the good wind for winging, or to get out past the break and sandbar for a downwind swell run and still have enough juice to get back.

Most people will pick up the Power Battery as their first battery since it does offer the most time out on the water.

The Power battery

Sport Battery

The Sport battery is the lightest of the MAX batteries at about 4 lbs. That's almost a 2 lb weight reduction under your board, along with the reduced drag from using the shorter "B" nose cone. That much weight does make a difference when you're prone foiling and pumping around, but it comes at the cost of runtime. While there are a lot of variables like rider weight, skill, gear, riding style, and weather conditions that will all determine how much time you'll get on a charge, if you're getting about 45 minutes on the Power battery, the Sport will give you closer to 30 minutes.

Now, if your spot is close to shore and you're only using your Foil Drive for a little boost every now and then, that might be plenty to last your entire session. In that case, the lighter weight and reduced drag will be worth the tradeoff on power. It really comes down to how much torque you need and how much you want to run your propeller.

The Sport battery is the lightest

Travel Battery

The Travel battery has a weight very similar to the Power battery: around 5.8 lbs. It's also the same size as the Power battery and uses nose cone "A" as well. Its main feature is that it breaks down into 3 pieces which each fall within airline regulations and allow you to fly with your Foil Drive. You do lose some cells to the space needed to connect each section of the battery, so you won't get quite as much runtime as with the Power battery, but if you want to travel with your Foil Drive, it's your only option.

While you wouldn't pick up the Travel battery to only use at your local spot, if you do fly and buy it for that, it makes a nice second battery when you're home. That'll help you get more use out of your investment even when you're not on vacation.

The travel battery breaks down into 3 pieces

High Power (HP) Battery

In 2025 Foil Drive released a fourth battery option, the High Power battery. It's for the MAX Gen 2 unit and uses the same "A" nose cone as the Power battery. Although it's the same size as the Power battery, it does weigh about 100g more and uses newer technology to store more power.

It's the heaviest and most expensive battery option, so what do you get in return for that? It stores more power, so you can get longer sessions or, if you need more torque, you can unlock the full 28 percent Boost Mode on the remote when the HP battery is installed. You can get all the details on that and the HP Motor in this blog article.

If you're getting 45 minute sessions with the Power battery and you don't use the extra boost, you'll get sessions around an hour with the HP battery. If coming in to swap batteries isn't ideal, this is the way to extend your session.

High Power (HP) Battery

So Which One Is Right for Me?

If you need to fly with your Foil Drive, the Travel battery is the obvious choice since it's the only one the airlines will allow. Otherwise, you'll want to look at one of the other three batteries since there isn't any weight or size advantage with the Travel battery and you do lose a little power.

If you're new to foiling or like long sessions with a good amount of assist, you'll probably be happiest with the Power or, if you can afford it, the High Power battery. Even as an experienced foiler, Ryan opts for the Power battery unless he's only surfing waves close to shore and doing a lot of pumping where the added weight does make a noticeable difference.

long sessions with a good amount of assist

If you feel that you won't be using the assist a lot, or you have a Power battery and are consistently coming in with a good charge still on it, then the Sport battery may be your go-to. The shorter length means there'll be less drag so you can get on a plane and up on foil a little faster, and the lighter weight will be noticeable in the tight turns of prone foiling and while pumping.

only surfing waves close to shore

Of course, we're here to help you feel confident you're making the right choice. There are a lot of situations we didn't cover here, or maybe you just want to talk it through with one of our foilers. We're happy to chat with you and make sure you're on the best gear for your session.


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Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:45:58 +0000

Slingshot One-Lock Is Here!


Foilers all have their preferences on gear, riding style, and location, but perhaps the one thing we can all agree on is that screws suck. They get lost, they need tools (which also get lost), they corrode, they can strip out... it's not a perfect system, but it does work and there isn't much you can do to get around it.

Until now, that is. If you're ready to go completely toolless, Slingshot has just released their new One-Lock system. And it's not just toolless; it's fast, strong, and stiff. It doesn't corrode and it's low drag. You can swap foil wings in seconds when conditions change.

Slingshot One-Lock

What Is One-Lock?

A lot of the One-Lock system's qualities are thanks to its two-piece design. The entire plane breaks down into just a front and a back, with the fuselage split between the front and rear wings. Each half of the fuselage slides into a collar at the bottom of the mast that forces them tightly together and secures with a locking lever. That's it- you're ready to go!

Slingshot One-Lock

It comes apart just as easily. Unlock the lever, rock the rear wing a bit until it slides out, then press down on the front wing and lift up to remove it. Swap wings, or pack up and go home to rest after a great session.

Slingshot One-Lock

What About the Mast?

Of course, there's still the connection to the board, right? Slingshot's got you covered there, too. The RTS (Rapid Track System) kit makes mounting your mast to your board toolless as well. You simply hook in the front of your mast pedestal and hand tighten the two rear wing nuts, which you then lift and turn to align with the flow of water for minimal drag. (Full disclosure: you do need a tool to set up the RTS, but this is a one-time job.)

Slingshot One-Lock

Can I Retrofit It to My Gear?

While this is a whole new ecosystem that's not backward-compatible, there are already full quick-start kits out for kite, wing and wake. Carbon and aluminum masts are available in multiple lengths, along with an array of front wings and stabilizers. If you're a new foiler or looking to revamp your old setup, this is a very tempting option that's priced not to break the bank. (Although, with wings and stabilizers being so easy to swap out now, you'll be even more tempted to experiment with different combinations!)

Slingshot One-Lock


One-Lock & Load: How to Assemble


We're excited to give these a go and enjoy the luxury of getting on the water without the fuss of screws!

Slingshot One-Lock


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Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:54:20 +0000

2025 F-One Wing Lineup: Which One Is Right for Me?


At MACkite, we've always found F-One's wings to be a solid choice, and this year's lineup looks like it will live up to our high expectations once again. But with five options on the board, it might be a bit overwhelming to decide which is the best choice for you, so we're going to break it down.

First, there are really only three models: the Origin, Swing, and Strike. You'll choose among those by what sort of riding you want to do. Second, if you choose the Strike, you'll have three options based on what sort of performance you want or what the conditions are like at your spot, so it's not going to be as complicated a decision as it seems at first glance.

In general, the Origin is for newer riders and those looking for an accessible wing that's comfortable for everyday freeriding. The Swing is for those who need a wing that flags out so well you almost forget it's there, like wave foilers and downwind SUP foilers. And the Strike is a speed and freestyle machine for those who want to push their limits, with the Aluula edition delivering the highest performance and stiffness and the CWC being tailored for light wind.

Origin, Swing, and Strike

Let's break down the features of each wing:

Origin

Sizes: 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0 / 3.5 / 4.0 / 4.5 / 5.0 / 5.5 / 6.0m

Origin

For anyone who isn't trying to achieve top speed, doesn't like riding overpowered, and wants a smooth and easy-going session. Ideal for longer sessions, larger boards and foils, and progression.

  • Forgiving and comfortable
  • More flex
  • Better low end and light wind performance
  • Accessible to new riders
  • Easy take-offs
  • Intuitive and easy power delivery
  • Controlled speed for reduced effort and fatigue

Swing

Sizes: 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0 / 3.5 / 4.0 / 4.5 / 5.0 / 5.5m

Swing

For waves and downwinders, the Swing floats steadily behind you while you're focused on surfing or reading the bumps. It's also got a compact shape that's ideal for newer or shorter riders.

  • Light and well-balanced for effortless flagging
  • Smooth traction and power delivery
  • Increased upwind angle and good speed
  • Efficient in onshore and rough conditions

Strike

Sizes: 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0 / 3.5 / 4.0 / 4.5 / 5.0 / 5.5m

Strike

If you want to accelerate and go fast, the Strike is your wing. It's stiff and punchy, yet stable, powerful, and precise. It's well-behaved in stronger winds and delivers the pop and hangtime freestylers need.

  • Stiff for a crisp and punchy feel, yet still comfortable to ride.
  • Fast, stable, powerful, and precise
  • Impressive forward traction
  • Maintains control while overpowered
  • Exceptional upwind ability and angle
  • For faster foils and foils with more glide
  • Pop and hangtime for freestyle

Strike Aluula

Sizes: 2.5 / 3.0 / 3.5 / 4.0 / 4.5 / 5.0 / 5.5m

Strike Aluula

If the Strike sounds like your wing but you want the highest performance possible, the Aluula version is the stiffest and lightest wing in the lineup with an Aluula strut and control panel on the leading edge.

  • All the features of the Strike plus Aluula strut and leading edge Sweep Control Panel
  • Stiffest, lightest wing in the lineup
  • Responsive and efficient

Strike CWC Aluula

Sizes: 6.0 / 7.0 / 8.0 / 9.0m

Strike CWC Aluula

Light wind days can still be fun. The Strike CWC packs the performance of the Strike into F-One's Compact Wing Concept (CWC) for the surface area you need to catch the wind without extended wingtips to catch the water. All three struts are Auula to keep the stiffness up and the weight down on these larger models.

It's also ideal for larger riders who need the extra power, as well as for new riders looking to learn on calmer days.

  • Large but light and stiff thanks to Aluula struts
  • Compact design to keep your wingtips from dragging
  • Pull-and-go low end
  • Impressive high end to absorb gusts
  • Powerful even in light wind

Every F-One wing is built with the quality they're known for and is optimized to be as lightweight and efficient as possible. They also all have the interchangeable handle system to let you further customize your session. This means you can choose the wing that's right for your riding style without compromising on other areas.

F-One wings


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