Choosing the right downwind SUP setup can make a huge difference in how quickly you progress, how efficiently you glide, and how confident you feel in open ocean conditions. Unifoil offers a range of front wings, tails, masts, fuselages, and boards that let you tune your gear to your weight, skill level, and local conditions.
This guide breaks down each component in simple terms so you can match your equipment to the type of downwinding you want to do, whether you are just getting started, already comfortable foiling in the surf, or looking to maximize speed and efficiency on long runs. You will find clear recommendations for front wings, tails, fuselage length, mast size, board volume, and a quick reference chart at the end.
The goal is simple: help you build a downwind SUP setup that feels stable, efficient, and fun.
1. Front Wings
Best for learning and all round use
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Progression 170 / 200
These are the most forgiving wings in the range and are ideal for learning how to SUP downwind and for general all round use. They offer early lift, good pitch stability, and a comfortable glide that keeps you in the bumps without feeling too fast or too technical. -
Lightweight riders
Progression 140 can work very well in steeper, windier downwind conditions for lighter riders who do not need as much low end lift.
If you already foil
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Evolution 115 / 135 / 155 / 175 / 205 / 235
These wings offer more glide, efficiency, and speed while still maintaining a balance of speed and surfability. They are well suited to riders who already have basic foiling skills and want to cover more distance, link more bumps, or step into a higher performance feel.
2. Tails
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Progression tails
Best when you want more lift in the tail and a tighter turning radius. Good for staying in the pocket, carving on steeper bumps, and adding control at lower speeds. -
Afterburner tails
Best when you want maximum speed and glide. Suited to riders who are comfortable on foil and want to trim faster, surf farther out on the face, and carry more speed between bumps.
3. Fuselage
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Extra short to short fuselages
Increase reactivity and reduce turning radius. These are better for experienced riders who want a more responsive, surfy feel and are comfortable managing a more sensitive setup. -
Medium or long fuselages (around 33 to 39 cm)
Better for learning and for riders who prioritize pitch stability and a medium pump cadence. A longer fuse slows things down slightly and makes the setup more forgiving, especially in difficult or mixed conditions.
4. Mast
Short masts: 65 cm to 75 cm
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Katana and Race masts
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Less drag, stiffer and more reactive
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Easier to learn on in cleaner conditions or smaller bumps because the foil sits closer to the surface and you feel changes more directly
Medium masts: 80 cm to 83 cm
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Katana, Torque, Progression masts
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True all round sizes for all disciplines
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A good balance of clearance, stability, and control for most downwind conditions
Long masts: 85 cm to 95 cm
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Best for big waves and large, choppy conditions
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Extra height helps keep the wing engaged when the ocean surface is uneven and when you need more margin in steeper drops
5. Boards
SUP downwind boards (Nimitz range)
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100 L (7’5")
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113 L (7’7")
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123 L (7’10")
These sizes cover a wide range of rider weights and abilities and are designed specifically for downwind foiling.
Volume guidelines
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Beginner: body weight in kg + 30 L
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Intermediate: body weight in kg + 10 L
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Advanced: body weight in kg minus 10 L
For example, an 80 kg rider might choose:
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Beginner: 110 L
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Intermediate: 90 L
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Advanced: 70 L
Use these as guidelines and adjust slightly based on fitness, balance, and how rough your local conditions are.
6. Recommended Downwind Setup
A solid starting point for most riders looks like this:
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Front wing: Progression 170 or 200, or Evolution 175, 205, or 235
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Tail: 14 to 14.5 inch tail
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Fuselage: Medium or long
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Mast: Katana 830 to 950 mm
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Board: Local downwind SUP shape or Nimitz 100 to 123 L (matched to your weight using the volume guidelines above)
From here, you can adjust up or down in size as your skill, confidence, and preferred conditions evolve.