Inflatable Wing Foil Boards: A New Way to Fly
Inflatable boards have earned their place in windsurfing and stand-up paddling – so it's no surprise they're now soaring in the world of wing foiling too. With the sport evolving faster than a summer sea breeze, it's easy to lose track. Here's everything you need to know to pick the perfect inflatable board for your adventures.
Inflatable Boards vs Hard Boards
Inflatable wing foil boards bring some brilliant advantages:
- Durability: Say goodbye to dings and cracks – inflatables shrug off knocks that would wreck a hard board.
- Compact size: Roll it up, pack it in a backpack, and store it anywhere. No van needed!
- Price: Entry-level inflatable boards can cost half as much as a hard board, making the dream far more accessible.
Of course, inflatables have a few trade-offs:
- Stiffness: Hard boards still offer a sharper, more direct ride.
- Water release: Hard boards have shaped rails for faster take-off. Inflatables need a little more encouragement.
- Weight: Slightly heavier, meaning less ideal for high-flying jumps.
Good news: because wing foiling happens mostly above the water, these disadvantages matter far less than they do in windsurfing. Even seasoned riders find inflatables a great choice for travel, fun sessions, and learning new tricks.
Choosing the Right Size
Volume, length, and width are the big factors to consider:
Volume: Your board's buoyancy and stability hinge on this. Beginners will have a much easier time with more volume. Remember: inflatables need about 1.3 to 1.5 times the volume of a hard board for the same stability.
Rough guide:
- 60 kg rider: 90-100L hard board → 130-150L inflatable board
- 80 kg rider: 110-120L hard board → 160-180L inflatable board
Length: Longer boards lift off more smoothly, but shorter boards are easier to pump and less prone to nosediving in chop.
Width: Wider boards mean greater stability – ideal for beginners finding their feet.
Board Construction: Built to Perform
Inflatable boards use dropstitch PVC construction – two reinforced layers connected by thousands of threads. The result? A strong, flat platform that’s lightweight and rigid.
The three main types of dropstitch are:
- Single Layer (SL): Light and affordable – perfect for casual riders.
- Double Layer: Extra durable and much stiffer, but heavier.
- Fusion Composite Dropstitch (FCD): The gold standard. Lighter, stronger, stiffer. Every Unifiber iFoil board uses FCD for a rock-solid, responsive ride.
Why Quality Matters
Not all inflatable boards are created equal. Cheap options might look tempting but can hide dangerous flaws. Always choose a brand or shop you trust – your safety is worth it.
Foil Connection Systems
The foil is your magic carpet, and how it's connected matters hugely:
- 4-Screw Inserts: Light and cheap, but flexy and less durable – not ideal for serious riders.
- Composite Double-Slotted Plate: Reinforced with fibreglass and carbon, offering stiffness close to a hard board and adjustable foil positioning. Standard on Unifiber boards.
- Bottom-to-Deck Insert: A solid block connection. Better than 4-screw, but not quite as stiff as a composite plate.
Footstraps: To Strap or Not to Strap?
Footstraps help keep your feet locked into the perfect pumping and carving position. Some prefer riding strapless for more freedom, while others run just a front strap for a balanced mix. Planning to jump? Two straps are essential – unless you fancy an unplanned swim!
PVC Rails for Extra Lift
PVC rails help inflatable boards release from the water quicker, making take-offs smoother – especially handy for smaller boards where every pump counts. For casual cruising, though, you might not notice the difference.
Why Choose Unifiber iFoil Boards?
We believe wing foiling should be fun, easy, and hassle-free. That’s exactly what our iFoil range delivers – built with Fusion Composite Dropstitch technology for unmatched stiffness, strength, and light weight, wrapped up in a portable package you can take anywhere.
Every board undergoes a 72-hour pressure test before it leaves the factory, so you can trust your gear when it matters most. Plus, we back our iFoil boards with a two-year warranty for peace of mind.
Wherever your wing takes you, Unifiber is ready to ride. #unifiber
