Can a beginner use a Mid-Length board?

The world of wing foiling is progressing so quickly; boards, wings, and foils are now improving to make getting up onto the foil even easier, AND in even lighter winds!

 

In the current market you will find:

Beginner foil boards - Large volume boards that have good width and stability for standing comfortably on the board while you are learning to get up onto the foil. (125L+ boards, generally 6'0" or longer and 30" wide).

Compact board - These wing foil boards are generally your next step down from the board you learn to foil on. They are shorter for better manoeuvrability on the foil for progression into turns and / or jumps, and the smaller volume is more concentrated in standing area to help get you up onto the foil quickly. It depends on the volume you require but these boards range in size from 4'5" -5'10" and generally 24"-28" wide.

Downwind boards - A specialised route for intermediate wing foilers, a downwind board challenges a rider and is designed specifically to get up in lighter winds and great at pumping for downwinders too. These boards are significantly longer and narrow, to provide the ultimate glide efficiency, speed, and take off, with easy re-launch due to the narrow pointed nose. Downwinders are generally 6'8"-7'7" long and with widths of 18"-22", so definitely a board for those capable of foiling. 

 

What is a Mid-Length?

Mid-lengths are the boards that bridge the gap between a downwind foil board and a compact board, as they are longer and narrower than standard wing foil boards, ensuring a blend of glide efficiency with a manageable size for manoeuvring.

These boards are becoming increasingly popular as due to the longer, narrower outline, they pick up speed quicker and with less drag and surface area, can get you up on the foil more easily - and who wouldn't want that!!

A noticeable difference in a mid-lengths to compact boards is the vee-shaped nose which reduces drag and offers forgiving, controlled touchdowns for quick re-pop on foil. The rounded V shape on the underside enables you to smoothly touchdown, but enables a softer resurface up onto the foil as the water continues to be dispersed efficiently and doesn't slow you down as much.

A mid-length foil board often features a parallel mid-section, meaning the rails run more or less straight through the mid-section of the board rather than narrowing dramatically. This design creates a longer, stable platform that helps the board track smoothly as it accelerates. For beginners and progressing riders, that straight mid-section translates into a balanced, predictable ride and makes it easier to maintain direction while building speed for takeoff. The board doesn’t wobble or wander as much, giving you more control and confidence as you lift onto the foil. 

 

Our most-popular mid-lengths:

> Naish Chimera - (we have all used this in the shop and think this is a great all-rounder, an go surprisingly smaller in volume but gets up so nicely and remains stable. Speed through the water and air is fantastic and great for every day sessions but reliable when inconsistent wind too)

> Starboard Above - (this model now comes in a wider range of bigger volumes so is more popular for those with water sport experience getting into wing foiling as more progression on this board)

> Duotone Skybrid - (popular for those looking for a light-wind board but want to keep the stability and swing weight low).

 

 

Pros of Learning on a Mid-Length Wing Foil Board

1. More Glide = Easier to Get on Foil

Less surface area, less drag. Pointed nose cuts through the water and air more efficiently to increase glide. Narrower shape, means more glide and as such less wind required to get up smoothly onto the foil, and getting the right winds can be a big issue when learning. Their design prioritises glide, stability, and long-rides over airtime or aggressive manoeuvres so for those struggling with early lift, this board does the work for you! 

 

2. Extra Stability Without Feeling Like a “Boat”

Mid-lengths typically offer the option of going for a smaller volume board but maintaining the ability to get up onto the foil due to the shape and volume distribution. They have more bevelled rails so that there is more roll stability than downwind boards, they have less wobble than shorter compact boards as they have more length, plus the volume is centred around your standing area. All of this combined with less volume on the nose again makes it easier for you to get up on. 

3. Better Progression Potential

Unlike huge beginner boards (130–160+ liters), a mid-length board can grow with you. Wing foil board purchases are something to take time considering as they are an investment and expensive, so purchasing a board that is so versatile and lng-term (or a 'quiver killer') is definitely a best value option!
You’ll likely keep it for:

> All round sessions but with smaller foil and wing

> Light-wind sessions

> High-volume board option is good learning for to jibe and tack.

> Smaller-volume board option is good for practicing quicker manoeuvres and longer air-time.

> Delving into different foiling specialities such as downwind, or sup foil.

Many riders never outgrow these boards.

 

Drawbacks to Be Aware Of

1. Less Stability Than Full-Size Beginner Boards

These boards are narrower as that helps with aero and hydrodynamics, yet as someone learning to wing foil, this comes at a cost of stability, particularly in chop. They are great to get you up on the foil, but when in your beginner stage you can spend a lot of time moving across the water or getting up onto the board, and when static, this board can feel tippier due to the bevelled rails and narrower width. Something to consider on if this board is right for you currently on your wing foiling journey.

 

2. Volume to Weight 

Generally heavier riders will always be more suited to a wider board which is more compact with the volume distribution. Extra volume and wider board translates into easier waterstarts and a more stable platform to stand on, vital during the early stages when balance, power delivery, and foot placement are still developing. A mid-length is more suitable to someone not requiring stability through the width.

 

3. Gusty Conditions and Chop 

If you’re learning in gusty, inconsistent, or choppy conditions, a big beginner board can make the experience far more enjoyable. In challenging wind, the extra stability helps smooth out the learning curve and reduces the number of frustrating restarts. A mid-length can get you up when the wind drops, but you have to be able to stand on the board when on the water first! 

 

So… Should a Beginner Start on a Mid-Length?

With the right volume for a beginner (30-40L above weight in kg), a mid-length should provide all the right shaping to make getting up on the foil as easy as possible. Balanced volume distribution and refined rocker line, ensures that mid-lengths have early takeoffs, soft touchdowns, and smooth rail-to-rail transitions.

The larger sizes offer stability and ease, making them ideal for beginners. Mid-sized boards suit intermediate riders looking to progress, while the smaller models are tuned for advanced wave riding and prone foiling.

Mid-Lengths strike a sweet spot between stability and performance, making them perfect for riders with some water experience or who want a single board that can take them from beginner to intermediate. However, if you are a complete newbie to wing foiling and water sports, we think lessons or a normal compact beginner wing board will provide the most enjoyable journey in the sport. 

So, this board is a good option for those that have had lessons and looking to buy their first board, but for complete beginners, a bigger compact shape board will make learning far easier and more enjoyable.

For example,

If you are 80kg and a windsurfer, looking to buy your first board after a few lessons, we would say you could go for the Above 120L. 

If you are 80kg and not done any watersports but had a few lessons and want to get kit, we would suggest a 115L Sky Free.

If you are 80kg, can wing foil but want to buy first board for all conditions, we would recommend the Chimera 108L. 

 

Check out our mid-length options!!