Any thoughts on the optimal mast length for downwind on a parawing in moderate wind speeds?
I favour longer mast lengths generally, but wondering if a 85-90cm mast creates noticeable extra drag when trying to get on foil...?
90 cm would probably be too long, most people will prefer 80-85 cm. I only have an 80 cm which is probably easier in most conditions for starting and downwinding, but I'm tempted to get an 85 cm for easier upwind on bigger days and more aggressive carves.
I used a 90 the other day and didn't notice a big difference getting on foil. Turning is worse/slower and glide is compromised a bit until you get used to flying high. You need a little more stab (shim or bigger stab) with a taller mast so that will also reduce speed & glide a bit. Not enough to be an issue if you are bump riding short runs but a little compromise for long downwinders or marginal conditions. I prefer 80
I’ve been down winding on a 80cm for several years now. First with a sup and paddle and now with a parawing. A lot of downwind foilers here on 75cm because they can paddle up faster on smaller wings.. The 80cm I has a bit of grace with wider wings and unexpected chop when flying downwind. I don’t think I would go any longer than 80cm as your turns may not have the quickest responses you need in the ever changing bumps.
I have used 80cm for SUP DW for a few years and now PW for a year.
A few months ago i went to 85cm for PW and Prone and i am not going back. I would say there isn't any noticeable difference getting on foil for PWing. For turning the 85 allows a lot more commitment to lay the board right over in turns. Many or our top prone foilers are using masts over 80cm and with some using the 865 so i would worry about the turning thing. The biggest benefit is going upwind fast with less chance of breaching in the chop while canted over.
I’m the opposite, coming from winging on an 85 mast I learnt to parawing on an 85 mast but after 40 sessions in I put on a 75 mast and haven’t touched the 85 since. 75 is definitely easier to get going, less nose pitching down at speed, chalk and cheese control and efficiency difference. I tried an 80 the other day and couldn’t wait to get back on the 75. Upwind definitely better with a longer mast and when the swell gets big a longer mast helps but if your mainly riding shoulder high and below DW bumps I’d try a 75-80 mast. Personally preference, skill level and water state will also come into play here.
I have the AFS UHM 85 and the Skinny 75. The Skinny 75 is noticeably easier to get onto foil and stay on foil when I'm at the low end of my power range. That said, I do prefer the additional buffer of the 85 length when I'm properly powered. So I choose my mast depending on conditions and what other gear selections I'm making (foil, board and sail).
77-85cm for me. Freedom of the longer mast is really nice but the response from the 77cm is great too. I go back and forth depending on swell size/riding speeds.
Been riding an 84cm for the past couple of years - just recently tried a 76cm and after doing so I have changed to the 76cm as my preferred size.
Easier to get up, easier to pump, better foil reactions on the bumps, more lift from the swell, easier to swap feet on foil.
Only when it's very choppy do I need to concentrate a bit more as it is easier to breach the 75cm in rough conditions.
I've been winging an 85 cm in the gorge, but am interested in trying shorter as I become more downwind focused with the parawing. Any opinions on 75 or 80 cm in the gorge? Is upwind through the short and steep waves still OK?
Select to expand quoteWhiteSalmon said..
I've been winging an 85 cm in the gorge, but am interested in trying shorter as I become more downwind focused with the parawing. Any opinions on 75 or 80 cm in the gorge? Is upwind through the short and steep waves still OK?
I like 80cm for the Gorge ; 75 is a little short especially if you're super lit on the PW. You just don't have the length buffer in big gusts edging upwind through steep chop or maching down wind, but many people like the sportier feel if they can keep the foil in the water. You'll adjust to either really.
Select to expand quoteWhiteSalmon said..
I've been winging an 85 cm in the gorge, but am interested in trying shorter as I become more downwind focused with the parawing. Any opinions on 75 or 80 cm in the gorge? Is upwind through the short and steep waves still OK?
I've been stuck on an 80cm in the gorge recently but still prefer the 75cm. The 75 is especially beneficial, IMO, with a little more span on your foil (850-1000) and the 80 is fine with faster smaller foils that roll easier. Upwind on a 75 in the gorge is a skill like any other. I'm not sure I have breached any less with the 80 going upwind in steep chop (I have thousands of miles of experience on a 75) but I do notice my riding is sloppier on the 80.
Really looking forward to being on a 75 again ASAP!
