By Brian Finch

*IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

This guide provides general safety recommendations based on community knowledge and expert insights, but cannot account for the infinite variables that affect your specific situation. Factors including but not limited to: local water conditions, weather patterns, your individual skill progression, physical fitness, experience level, specific equipment characteristics, gear tuning and setup, local regulations, rescue service availability, water temperature, visibility, sea state, wind patterns, tidal conditions, marine traffic, and countless other variables will significantly impact your safety requirements.

Equipment sizing recommendations are starting points only. Your optimal setup depends on your specific skill level, local conditions, risk tolerance, and equipment characteristics that vary between brands and models. What works safely for one rider in one location may be completely inappropriate for another.

No guide can replace proper instruction, progressive skill development, local knowledge, and sound judgment. Always seek qualified instruction, start conservatively, learn from experienced local riders, and make decisions based on your actual conditions and abilities rather than general recommendations.

Downwinding is an inherently high-risk activity that demands extensive preparation, proper equipment, and progressive skill development. The biggest safety advantage is that you can self-rescue by paddling at approximately 5 km/h, but if you lose your board, you are in immediate danger.

Use this information as one input among many in your decision-making process, not as definitive instructions for your specific situation.

 

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CRITICAL WARNING: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THIS SPORT

Dave Kalama said learning to downwind foil was "the most humbling experience of his life as a waterman". This is not an exaggeration. Even experienced watermen are regularly challenged and can get into trouble downwinding, regardless of the discipline.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1: Pre-Flight Safety Checklist
PART 2: Skill Prerequisites and Progression
PART 3: Equipment Safety by Discipline
PART 4: Emergency Procedures and Protocols
PART 5: Location-Specific Hazards and Conditions
PART 6: Community Wisdom and Expert Insights
PART 7: Equipment Maintenance and Final Reminders
Conclusion

 

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PART 1: PRE-FLIGHT SAFETY CHECKLIST

Essential Safety Equipment

Mandatory Equipment (Never Leave Shore Without)

CRITICAL PREREQUISITE: Strong Swimming Ability

You must be a confident, strong swimmer capable of swimming at least 1 km in open water conditions. This is non-negotiable. If you lose your board, swimming may be your only survival option.

Board Leash

Your most important safety device. The foil makes your board drift away incredibly fast if lost.

• Waist leash preferred over leg leash for SUP downwinding

• For winging: consider both wing leash (waist-mounted) and board leash

• Waist systems reduce interference and offer attachment points for other gear

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

• Minimum: belt inflatable for shorter runs

• In water below 70 F (21 C), hypothermia becomes a major risk

• Consider impact vests that combine buoyancy with protection

High-Visibility Clothing

• Fluorescent orange, pink, or yellow recommended

• Essential for SUP foiling due to low rider visibility

• Add reflective tape to board, paddle, or wing

Communication Devices

• Cell phone in waterproof case (coastal range depends on tower proximity)

• Apple Watch with cellular (wind may interfere with voice control)

• VHF radio for longer or offshore runs

• Satellite communicator for remote locations

Emergency Signaling Tools

• Whistle

• Strobe light

• Signal mirror

Medical Emergency Equipment

• Tourniquet in waterproof pouch (CAT or similar)

• Basic waterproof first aid kit with pressure bandages

 

Pre-Departure Safety Protocol

Tell Someone Your Plan

Always inform family or friends of departure location, intended route, group size, and expected arrival time. For long runs, consider notifying local Coast Guard or CROSS.

Weather Assessment

• Wind direction near weather fronts is unpredictable and dangerous

• Offshore winds are extremely dangerous and can blow you out to sea in 35 knots or more

• Check multiple forecasts and understand the trend, not just the snapshot

Route Planning

• Have backup plans that do not depend on emergency services

• Know bailout points and alternative landing sites

• Avoid overshooting headlands. Disorientation offshore is extremely common.

 

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PART 2: SKILL PREREQUISITES AND PROGRESSION

Minimum Skill Requirements by Discipline

SUP Foil Downwinding

• Comfortable SUP foiling waves

• Mastery of pumping technique

• Ability to catch small unbroken waves consistently

• Straight-line paddling technique and sprint paddles

• Master double and triple dip prone surfing for pumping ability

Wing Foil Downwinding

• Competent wing foiler in varied conditions

• Ability to foil neutrally without relying on wing power

• Experience linking bumps and swells

Parawing Downwinding

• Advanced wing skills with ability to depower and repower quickly

• Understanding of wind windows and safety systems

• Ability to manage foil and wing during rapid condition changes

Universal Prerequisites

• Foil competency in waves

• Ability to read bumps and ocean energy

• Pumping skills to maintain flight

• Emergency skills: prone paddle, adjust equipment, basic self-rescue

 

Progressive Learning Path

Stage 1: Flat Water

• Practice large-foil paddle-ups

• Refine straight-line paddling technique

Stage 2: Protected Bay Training

• Bays offer single-source energy (wind), making them easier

• Point board downwind and practice selecting bumps

Stage 3: Open Ocean

• Attempt only after mastering bay conditions

• Multiple power sources increase complexity and instability

 

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PART 3: EQUIPMENT SAFETY BY DISCIPLINE

Board Selection for Safety

SUP Foil Downwinding

• Start with 7 to 9 foot boards

• Example guideline: 110 L for 77 kg rider, 120 to 130 L for 90 kg rider

• If you cannot stand, you cannot catch, and if you cannot catch, you cannot fly

• Length improves stability, while excessive width creates drag

Wing Foil Downwinding

• Crossover boards (6 to 7 foot) work well

• Balance paddling ability with wing handling

• Consider board usability during pack-down scenarios

Parawing Downwinding

• Smaller boards acceptable due to wing power

• Must handle sudden gusts and variable wind

 

Equipment Sizing by Weight and Discipline

SUP Foil Downwinding

60 to 70 kg: 7 to 8 ft, 90 to 110 L, 1800 to 2200 cm2 foil, 4 to 6 m2 wing
70 to 80 kg: 7.5 to 8.5 ft, 110 to 130 L, 1600 to 2000 cm2 foil, 5 to 7 m2 wing
80 to 90 kg: 8 to 9 ft, 120 to 140 L, 1400 to 1800 cm2 foil, 6 to 8 m2 wing
90 kg+: 8.5 to 9+ ft, 130 to 150+ L, 1300 to 1700 cm2 foil, 7 to 9 m2 wing

Wing Foil Downwinding

60 to 70 kg: 6 to 7 ft, 70 to 90 L, 1400 to 1800 cm2 foil, 4 to 6 m2 wing
70 to 80 kg: 6.5 to 7.5 ft, 80 to 100 L, 1200 to 1600 cm2 foil, 5 to 7 m2 wing
80 to 90 kg: 7 to 8 ft, 90 to 110 L, 1100 to 1500 cm2 foil, 6 to 8 m2 wing
90 kg+: 7.5 to 8.5 ft, 100 to 120 L, 1000 to 1400 cm2 foil, 7 to 9 m2 wing

Parawing Downwinding

60 to 70 kg: 5.5 to 6.5 ft, 60 to 80 L, 1200 to 1600 cm2 foil, 3 to 5 m2 and 5 to 7 m2 parawings
70 to 80 kg: 6 to 7 ft, 70 to 90 L, 1100 to 1500 cm2 foil, 4 to 6 m2 and 6 to 8 m2 parawings
80 to 90 kg: 6.5 to 7.5 ft, 80 to 100 L, 1000 to 1400 cm2 foil, 5 to 7 m2 and 7 to 9 m2 parawings
90 kg+: 7 to 8 ft, 90 to 110 L, 900 to 1300 cm2 foil, 6 to 8 m2 and 8 to 10 m2 parawings

 

Wing and Equipment Specific Safety

Wing Foil Equipment

• Wing leash essential

• Practice wing pack-down while foiling

• Have a wing failure plan

Parawing Equipment

• Proper safety releases and quick release systems

• Understanding of wind windows and safety positions

• Consider carrying a backup parawing

 

Universal Foil Selection Impact on Safety

• Larger foils (1500 to 2000 cm2) are more forgiving

• Match foil speed to bump speed

• Too fast: outruns bumps, increases fatigue

• Too slow: stalls, hard to link bumps

• Optimal match requires minimal effort

 

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PART 4: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOLS

Group Safety Management

Buddy System

• Always use it

• Establish regrouping intervals

• Separate groups by skill level

Communication Between Foilers

• Foilers move at 15 to 20 mph when flying

• Struggling riders move at 3 mph or less

• Separation happens quickly offshore

 

Crash and Injury Prevention

Common Injury Scenarios

SUP: mast contact, strap entanglement
Wing: shoulder injuries from leashes, collisions during wing handling
Parawing: powered crashes, line entanglement
Universal: head impacts, severe cuts from foil wings

Crash Prevention Strategies

• Always wear a helmet

• Impact vest adds buoyancy and protection

• Maintain stable stance and look ahead

• Do not look behind you. Conditions change before they reach you.

• Wing specific: practice emergency releases

• SUP specific: avoid overly aggressive back-foot pumping

 

 

Emergency Response Procedures

If You Fall or Lose Your Board

• Practice this scenario ahead of time

• Check leash immediately

• If board is drifting away, swim hard to close distance

Wing-Specific Emergencies

• Wing damage or failure: know if you can still paddle

• Overpowered wing: use safety releases

• Wing tangled in foil: practice untangling methods

Equipment Failure Responses

SUP: prone paddling is essential
Wing: practice pack-down
Universal: carry basic tools and spare hardware

 

Medical Emergency Response

Severe Lacerations

• Foils can cause deep and dangerous cuts

• Apply firm pressure

• Elevate if possible

Tourniquet Use

• Only for life-threatening bleeding

• Apply 2 to 3 inches above the wound

• Tighten until bleeding stops

• Note the time applied

• Requires prior training

Hypothermia Prevention

• Hypothermia is a major factor in downwind fatalities

• Cold water reduces safe endurance time

• Wetsuit plus wind protection recommended

 

Communication Systems and Protocols

Device Comparison Table

Cell Phone
Range: coastal
Pros: easy to use
Cons: limited offshore range
Best Use: short coastal runs

Apple Watch Cellular
Range: coastal
Pros: hands-free
Cons: wind can disrupt voice control
Best Use: general downwinding

VHF Radio
Range: highly variable (often 20 to 30 nautical miles)
Pros: marine communication standard
Cons: line-of-sight limitation
Best Use: offshore runs

Satellite Communicator
Range: global
Pros: works anywhere, reliable
Cons: cost, subscription
Best Use: remote locations

Emergency Communication Hierarchy

1. Voice communication first (cell, VHF, satellite)

2. Visual signals (flares, strobe, mirror, whistle)

3. Emergency beacons for grave danger only

Emergency Beacon Protocols

• Activate only for life-threatening emergencies

• If activated accidentally, turn off and notify rescue center

Self-Rescue Reality

Advantages: foil board allows extended paddling
Disadvantages: long swims are extremely taxing
Visibility: bright colors and strobes increase recovery chances

 

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PART 5: LOCATION-SPECIFIC HAZARDS AND CONDITIONS

High-Risk Scenarios

Offshore Winds

• Winds can shift from mild to extreme within a short distance

• Example: Cape Town 2 knots to 45 knots in 200 meters

Traffic and Navigation

• Assume no one sees you

• SF Bay: currents, wind, and ship traffic increase danger

 

Ideal vs Dangerous Conditions

Ideal Conditions

• 15 to 25 knots, consistent

• Protected bays

• Easy entry and exit points

• Multiple bailout options

Conditions to Avoid

• Headlands and backwash zones

• Difficult water entries and exits

• Weather fronts causing unpredictable shifts

• High marine traffic areas

 

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PART 6: COMMUNITY WISDOM AND EXPERT INSIGHTS

Key Insights from Experts

• Look ahead to read the bumps

• Less is more. Efficient riders use minimal effort

• Bumps often appear as steeper waves with a 2 to 3 second push

 

Community-Reported Injury Patterns

• Mast strikes

• Head and neck trauma

• Severe lacerations

• Hardware failures

• Hypothermia during long rescues

 

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PART 7: EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND FINAL REMINDERS

Safety Equipment Maintenance

• Check foil screws regularly (13 to 15 Nm is typical)

• Inspect leashes and straps for fraying

• Confirm EPIRB and PLB battery dates

• Test communication devices

• Check first aid and tourniquet expiration dates

 

The Brutal Reality Check

• Skill development takes years

• Conditions can change quickly

• Self-rescue is your primary safety plan

• Unnecessary rescue callouts burden emergency services

 

When Not to Go

• If you question conditions, do not go

• Never go alone as a beginner

• Avoid marginal weather

• Do not attempt long runs without proper equipment

 

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CONCLUSION

Downwind foiling offers incredible freedom but requires full respect. Your ability to self-rescue is a major safety advantage, but if you lose your board, you are in immediate danger.

Every piece of safety equipment, every practiced skill, and every conservative decision can determine the outcome of your session.

The ocean does not care about your schedule, ego, or social media. It responds only to preparation, judgment, and respect.