Wing foiling Big wing thing – (big wang thang #2).

Wing foiling big winging is on the rise. A number of brands have recently chucked new designs into the mix – Hyde Sails being one with their Rush 7m, 8m and 9m offerings. We got hold of the Hyde 9m Rush to check out.

Big wings as they stand today (as of 2023).

Wing foiling with big wings is talked about in this post from a while back. Fast forward to now and things have changed as far as wing design goes.

Materials have improved, brand/designer knowledge has increased and performance overall is much better. Granted, prices have also increased with this newfound understanding – especially where big wings are concerned.

Why use a big wing for wingsurfing?

There are many reasons a rider would want a big wing. Rider weight can play its part. Heavier wingers may simply want more grunt. And being bigger they’re probably able to handle a big wing foiling wing without issue.

Wing foiling local conditions could also be a factor. If you ride in a particularly light wind or gusty locations big wings will help you get on foil easier and cruise through the lulls more efficiently.

Wing foiling pumping.

Foil pumping in general is a foundational skill to be locked down if you can. Some riders, however, simply aren’t physically able to pump.

In this instance a well manufactured and thought out big wing will push wingers on foil without as much need to pump. This can mean an easier time of it with less fatigue setting in.

Big wing foiling with the Hyde Rush 9m.

The Hyde Rush 9m is a well thought out design. You can see from the pics how low aspect and compact it is.

With wing tips pulled in even at this size there’s a reduced risk of wing tip strikes. Of course, it’s still big but usability and accessibility have been kept in mind. Materials used are high spec and these also make the wing very durable.

On the water with the Hyde Rush 9m.

We roped our friend Mike in to test the Hyde Rush 9m. A bigger rider he took the 9m out in around 10knts of flukey breeze.

As soon as a small gust hit Mike was up and foiling easily. Of course, the foil he was using (with its low take off speed) helped. But still, there’s no question the 9m was doing its best to fly Mike in such low end conditions.

Mike’s comments.

After the session Mike gave us a few comments about his experience with the Hyde Rush 9m wing.

‘Well that was rather good. It gets going in force f-all super easy! Wind was 10knts when I started. It then picked up – enough for me to be on a 6m – but I stuck with the 9m and it held its own. When there is some wind boy does it get going quick! A harness may help with increased breeze as there is a lot of power in the beast. I got 16 knots max speed where I normally top out at 14 or so. In that wind it felt quick and seems that the power / weight ratio is in favour of the wing. I think with a harness and a fast foil, there’s a good speed recipe there. Of note I started to feel the same adrenalin rush I get when IQ foiling coming on….which is something that can be missing from winging.’

Summing up the big wing experience in 2023.

According to some, using a big wing has diminished returns. Yet findings whilst using the Hyde Rush 9m on this occasion suggest these are less than previous. Better wing design – born from greater understanding – coupled with better materials and manufacturing make big wings a more viable option these days.

You don’t necessarily need to go 9m. But equally if you have a scenario that may require you to use a bigger wing foil wing then don’t discount it. And if price is a deal breaker then don’t forget Hyde Rush wings are coming in far cheaper than many other premium brand big wings.

Big thanks to Mike Pringuer for helping with this article.

Check out more about the Hyde range of Rush wings here.