This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire.
In this episode, we dive into the world of parawings with Matt On Foil, a dedicated watersports enthusiast and content creator from Switzerland. Broadcasting from opposite sides of the globe, Matt joins us to share his meticulous testing process, honest reviews, and insights from the hyper-competitive watersports industry. From the F-One Frigate to the Gong Lowkite Plus, Matt walks us through his comprehensive para wing comparison, offering a candid look at what works, what doesn’t, and the challenges of staying unbiased.
- Parawing Rankings: Matt unveils his detailed infographic, ranking 18 parawings based on metrics like bar weight, bridle length, pre-flight behavior, pumpability, and upwind performance. The F-One Frigate takes the top spot, while the Gong Lowkite Plus impresses as a budget-friendly standout. Matt explains why some wings, like the FlySurfer Pow, shine in specific conditions but require skill to master.
- Testing Challenges: Matt shares the behind-the-scenes effort of measuring and testing parawings, from weighing canopies at a local shop to battling inconsistent wind at Lake Silvaplana. He discusses the difficulty of giving honest feedback, especially when brands provide free gear or personal support, and the importance of staying authentic for the community.
- Gear Evolution: From depowering innovations to material durability concerns, Matt and Luc explore how parawings are evolving. Matt questions whether ultra-light canopies are worth the trade-offs and highlights unique designs like the 777 PT Skin’s integrated harness system.
- Safety and Accessibility: The duo discusses the physical demands of parawinging, cautioning beginners about the learning curve and potential risks, especially for those with prior injuries. They look ahead to future innovations that could make pair wings more accessible and user-friendly.
Follow Matt - https://www.instagram.com/mattonfoil/
