The new Enduro 1600GLT paired with the Dock Star board is AFS’s most refined pump foil setup yet. In this Tech Focus, we spoke to Paul Wakelin to dive into the design details behind this efficient, stable, and ultra-responsive dock start machine.

Dock starting seems to be really taking off as a standalone discipline within the foil world, was this new foil a response to that growth?

Our AFS foil range is continually developed to cater for all foiling disciplines and rider abilities. The Enduro 1600 GLT excels in Dock start and helps riders expand their foiling opportunities further. Dock start is getting super popular in Europe and the United States. It can be done anywhere, on the coast or inland.

We’re indeed witnessing more dock dwellers for sure; many young guns are into the pump game too. It’s winning over riders everywhere, and no wonder. It’s kind of crazy to be able to foil on any body of water, anywhere, in any country. We must have foils that match their needs.

You developed it with the legend Gwen Le Tutor, arguably one of the most accomplished foilers and coaches. What was he looking for in a dock start foil?

It all started with a simple goal: Create a foil that gets everyone flying. Not just the pros. Not just in perfect conditions. But a foil that’s fun, accessible, high-performing and above all, built to grow with you. That’s how the Enduro 1600 GLT was born from a clear brief designed to support riders of all levels.

To make it happen, we needed someone who truly understands riders, their frustrations, their goals, and their passion. Gwen Le Tutour, a skilled rider and a passionate coach, was the perfect fit. He brought a clear vision: design a foil that delivers instant fun from your very first dockstart, and keeps pushing your progress, session after session.

Together, we built a detailed, field-tested spec sheet. Then Laurent Borgna, our designer, turned it into a foil: the AFS Enduro 1600 GLT.

The result?

A foil that lifts off quickly, glides for ages, stays stable through turns, and offers real room to grow. Whether you’re just getting into dockstart or working your way up to rockstart and beachstart, the Enduro 1600 GLT is your all-terrain, all-level pumping wing.

It’s our vision of foiling, combined with Gwen’s: pure, honest sensations that made accessible to all.

The Enduro 1600GLT comes in one size. Will that change in the future, considering rider weight is a significant factor when it comes to pump foiling?

The AFS Enduro foil range is massively comprehensive, with sizes ranging from 700-800-900-1000-1100-1300 and now the 1600, a size for everyone. For sure, we’re rider-driven; if there’s a demand for something bigger at some point for the very biggest riders, then of course we’ll consider it. However, the 1600 is incredibly supportive for most riders already. Lift and efficiency from our latest foils exceed legacy sizing measures; new generation foils perform well above their perceived physical sizing.

How do the bumps/tubercles help in the pump foiling situation?

Laurent’s signature tubercles help prevent stall, optimise control, and improve glide, primarily through a wide range of pitch movement as required for pump foiling. Quite simply, tubercles help maintain flow for longer. It’s one of those design features that you need to experience to appreciate fully; those who know, know!

How easy is it to start from the dock? We’re seeing a lot of “Gen 2” pump foils coming out, which are considerably harder than some of the classic foils available for beginners. Does the Enduro GLT buck that trend?

For sure, ease of use was a key design principle; if it’s hard to start, it’s hard to continue! The 1600 GLT has super accessible low-end performance, allowing riders to enjoy the effortless glide and development of technique rather than needing to be highly practised at the tricky take-off stage.

What fuselage and stab are you recommending riders use with it?

For most riders, our standard fuselage will work well, which offers smooth glide and stability. For experts seeking a higher pump cadence and liveliness, the short fuselage is also an option. Interestingly, the short fuse brings the front foil 20mm closer to the mast to increase manoeuvrability. Both fuselage lengths have two stab positions to allow further individual tuning without the need for additional kit. AFS also have a wide range of stabs to suit all abilities: the supportive Cruiser 245 for max feel and pump right down, the Silk HA 43 and the Silk HA 40 are also excellent options, to the new Glide 41 - super high aspect and minimal drag at just 123cm2 and options in-between, mix and match to your heart’s content. All AFS foil components are fully compatible with each other.

What’s the recommended mast to use?

80cm UHM or HM would be the performance choice supporting the wide-spanned foil with max torsional stiffness and minimal dimensions, increasing efficiencies. However, again, as budget and lower speeds can be considered, the incredibly well-priced HR 80 would also be perfectly suitable…

The new Dock Star has dropped as well; it’s a tiny nugget of a board at 83cm long and 38.5cm wide. What made you decide on the dimensions? What’s the thinking behind the perfect size for dock starting?

Less is more! Minimal size, volume and weight allow maximum transference of effort into performance. Big enough to cater for all rider stances but no more. Its dimensions strike a balance between the board’s minimalism and the control needed for large foils. Importantly, it looks pretty special too. It has been designed to shine!

It’s billed as extremely stiff for maximum pump response. How have you achieved that while keeping the weight low?

Extreme board stiffness and durability to counter the inevitable bumps and scrapes are achieved by the use of a complete pre-preg carbon construction wrapping a SAN polymer core (Corecell™) with carbon longitudinal stringers, a slight bevel in the underside shape, and a shaped deck, all adding to stiffness and weighing just 1.6kg

Let’s not forget that the board’s geometry (its shape design), combined with the carbon construction, has a significant impact on its stiffness.

Can you tell us a little bit about the forward-inclined deck? What does that achieve?

The very slightly forward-inclined deck is a subtly designed that facilitates a natural, propulsive motion, allowing riders to engage more easily in pumping. The remaining deck is shaped to give max grip, drive, comfort and precise foil control.

You sold the Dock Star as a package in the past; will that continue?

The Dock Star is brand new and equally comfortable on any foil; however, there’s always a little extra magic if an AFS board is paired with an AFS foil. Our foils are among the lightest on the market; combined with the Dockstar, it makes for a super lightweight combo that's really enjoyable and easy to ride.

We also offer the SK8 pump board both individually or as a package, with slightly more volume and a keener price point with strap inserts, it gives a further great pump foil option.

When are these products available to buy?

The Dock Star, Enduro 1600GLT and SK8 are all available to purchase on our website or our AFS dealers in Europe and USA.

Great, thanks so much, Paul!

Anytime, Rou!

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AFS ⏐ Enduro 1600 GLT : Ultimate glide & all-terrain foil performance
By Rou Chater
Rou Chater has been kitesurfing for over twenty years, paddleboarding for the last six years, and was there testing the first wingsurfer from Naish in Tarifa when it arrived on the continent. He is passionate about riding waves and exploring new places. As the publishing editor, he oversees everything at Tonic but also our sister magazines IKSURFMAG and IMB. He's been on the water since he was born and has never looked back, in the winter you'll find him chasing swells in the Caribbean and during the summer he can be found all over Europe at various SUP, Kitesurf and Mountain Bike events getting features for the magazines.