Paul Wakelin gives us the lowdown on AFS Foils Whitebird, a versatile and suitable for SUP Foil Surf, Downwind, and light wind wingfoiling sessions. The Whitebird offers riders exceptional stability, efficiency, performance, durability, and value. It is designed for various downwind experiences, whether a short paddle or a long journey! Find out more in this tech talk!

AFS, one of the first brands to bring a specific Downwind board to market with the Blackbird. Primarily developed for the art of Downwind SUP foiling, the benefits of the longer, quick-releasing shapes when wingfoiling were fully anticipated. These advanced shapes extend the range of conditions that flight could be achieved and the scope of use of progressive downwind designs.

As part of the AFS advanced range, development products pushing new levels of performance, the Blackbird flew in its full carbon, custom-built construction. Over this last year, as the downwind discipline has gathered momentum and a wider following, further expert experience and Blackbird DNA has now been applied in the making of our brand new AFS downwind board, the Whitebird. The Waterman spirit is personified in a board. A high-performance yet accessible board aimed at allowing more riders to enjoy the readily downwind experience and maximise their wingfoiling sessions in the lightest of wind conditions

As many have experienced, the downwind journey is far from easy; physicality aside, logistics also play a part! Initially, it was the norm to put in place a vehicle for the return journey. 

That takes time and effort and isn’t the most environmentally sound option. The development has been mini downwinders, bite-sized chunks, paddling upwind (prone, knees or standing) to paddle up using a bump and come back down, repeat until spent.

Alternatively, simply wing hard upwind and then flag back down, finishing where you started, the perfect lunchtime power hour. A further option is winging upwind with a paddle along the centre strut of the wing, deflating, and then downwind home. The joy and purity of only the paddle in hand when riding the waves. With mini pumps now available, the option of re-inflating is also there for the well-prepared; the possibilities go on…

Versatility is key; that’s precisely where a supportive downwind design of the Whitebird allows greater creativity to your activity. Relatively stable, very doable, yet with fantastic glide and release, allowing the rider to reach foil speed for super efficient take effortlessly-off.

Accessible, lightweight, and high-performing, the Whitebird is for SUP Foil Surf, Downwind and light wind Wingfoiling sessions. Available in two sizes, 6’6” x 21” x 100l and 6’8” x 23”x 115l, with a perfect volume distribution to ensure the broadest range of riders experience smooth glide, manoeuvrability, easy wave catching and early flight.

Its compact shape and stretched lines make it an encouraging downwind freeride board with relatively good stability. Its moderate width allows for excellent glide to facilitate speed acquisition for takeoff.

The volume bulb in the nose helps limit the risk of nosediving when gaining speed and provides strong support under the front foot to facilitate takeoff. The rounded forward  rails provide comfortable tolerance for touchdowns, giving a gentle rebound and giving the rider confidence to push.

The highly efficient underside tail shape is complemented with a reduction of the wetted surface through the aggressive pin tail, providing even more glide and release. The pintail is supported above by tail extenders, providing stability in the build-up to a wave or bump.

Optimal foil precision and control are enjoyed thanks to the hollowed, concave deck that brings your contact closer to the foil and lowers your centre of gravity. Combined with longitudinal and lateral concave, rider input is direct and precise. The level of foil control, feel, and precision is maximised. Some may choose a wider stance, with feet further outboard over the foil ends, to increase control over wider HA span foils. Front foot strap inserts are included.

The perfectly placed US foil tracks' forward position and exceptional rigidity provide highly effective take-off capability in low wave energy and ultra-light wind conditions. This advanced forward track positioning increases the board's flight capabilities, allowing you to have all the takeoff benefits of a longer board with the ride feel of a much smaller board once up on foil.

The construction is a one-shot sandwich technique utilising an outer mould for accuracy and consistency. Strong, stiff, and light at just over 6kg. A responsible build using eco epoxy over an EPS core with PVC reinforcement in all the essential supportive areas.

By a subtle combination of all these characteristics, the Whitebird offers exceptional overall stability, efficiency, performance, durability and value for its riders.

There’ll always be the special occasions when you simply need to go downwind, 1km, 10km, 100km!! A gathering of friends, a perfect forecast, a new route to be run…

Let the Whitebird take you on your journey and help fulfil your adventures…

 

By Paul Wakelin

Comments