The foiling world witnessed something extraordinary in the summer of 2024 when Greg Drexler of Boardriding Maui released the first upwind-capable parawing, the Maliko V1. What started as a niche solution for downwind enthusiasts has rapidly evolved into one of the most exciting innovations in water sports, fundamentally changing how we think about portability, freedom, and the pure experience of foiling.
The Travel Revolution: Pack Light, Ride Free
For traveling foilers, parawings represent nothing short of a revolution. Unlike traditional inflatable wings that require pumps, take time to set up, and consume significant luggage space, parawings pack down to roughly the size of a rain jacket. These lightweight, collapsible canopies typically measure around 3 to 5 square meters and are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them incredibly easy to pack away once you get on foil.
The travel benefits are immediately obvious:
- Ultra-Compact Storage: A complete parawing setup with harness and control bar fits easily in a small backpack
- No Pump Required: Deploy in seconds, no inflation needed
- Airline Friendly: Easily fits in carry-on luggage, avoiding oversized baggage fees
- Multiple Size Options: Pack 2-3 different sizes in the space one inflatable wing would occupy
The Latest Players: 2025’s Parawing Landscape
Leading Brands and Their Offerings:
BRM (Boardriding Maui)
After pioneering the category with the first upwind-capable Maliko parawing in 2024, BRM was again first to market with second-generation parawings in early 2025. BRM offers three models: the Maliko 2 for downwinding, the Kanaha with max upwind ability and stability, and the Ka’a, with the shortest lines and maximum responsiveness. Sizes range from 2.5m to 4.7m.
F-One Frigate
The F-One Frigate wins top marks in more categories than any other. Designed specifically for versatile performance, it excels in both upwind capability and wave riding.
Ozone Pocket Rocket
The Pocket Rocket parawing allows you to blast upwind effortlessly and then easily pack it away for downwind swell riding. Features a custom, lightweight carbon-fiber control bar for premium handling.
North Ranger
The Ranger Parawing is a super short-bridled single-skin kite designed to get you up on foil using the wind, then pack away so you can foil hands-free using the energy of the ocean.
Duotone Stash
Duotone enters the parawing market with the Stash, featuring a hybrid single/double-skin design for stable, powerful, and ultra-portable downwind foiling.
Other Notable Entries: Naish Morph, Flow D-Wing, ENSIS Roger, GONG Lowkite, and Sabfoil ALA each bring unique design philosophies to the rapidly evolving market.
Size Selection and Wind Range
For beginners, a 3-4 meter parawing is recommended depending on your size, so there isn’t too much canopy to manage. Best learned in winds of at least 15 knots (16 mph). The beauty of parawings is their packability – many riders carry multiple sizes to adapt to varying conditions without the transport burden of traditional wings.
Typical Size Range: 2.0m² to 5.0m² (some brands offer up to 8.0m²)
Sweet Spot for Most Riders: 3.0m² to 4.0m²
Minimum Wind for Learning: 15+ knots
Advanced Riders: Can use smaller sizes due to efficiency gains
The Downwind Board Dilemma: Length vs. Portability
Here’s where parawings present an interesting paradox. While the wings themselves are incredibly travel-friendly, they typically require longer midlength boards ranging from 45 to 80 liters for intermediates/advanced riders, or larger SUP and downwind boards of around 100L or more for beginners. These longer boards – essential for the glide and stability needed in downwind foiling – have traditionally been a nightmare for travelers.
The physics are simple: longer boards provide better glide ratios, making it easier to link bumps and maintain momentum when riding downwind. But a 7-foot board doesn’t fit in a standard car trunk, let alone airline baggage restrictions. This created a frustrating compromise for many riders – enjoy the freedom of parawinging at home but struggle with logistics when traveling.
Enter WAKA TravelFold: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle
This is where innovation meets necessity. The WAKA Glide, featuring revolutionary WAKA TravelFold™ technology, combines aerospace innovation with uncompromising performance in the world’s first award-winning folding foil board. This breakthrough directly addresses the transport challenge that has limited parawing adoption among traveling foilers.
The Technology Behind the Fold
The patented carbon-kevlar living hinge and internal frame system are seamlessly integrated into the board’s core architecture, creating a true one-piece structural design that locks together with three titanium bolts. Unlike previous attempts at split or folding boards that compromised performance for portability, the Waka Glide rides like a high-performance carbon board with zero flex, even when pumping hard.
Real-World Testing Proves the Concept
Jeff from MACkite boldly took the Glide on a 30-mile downwinder his first time out in cold conditions with shoulder-high waves and 22-30 knot winds, making it from Muskegon to Grand Haven without any issues. This kind of confidence-inspiring performance in demanding conditions demonstrates that folding technology has finally matured to meet the needs of serious foilers.
WAKA TravelFold Benefits:
- 7-foot board folds to 3.5 feet
- Fits two boards in a standard car trunk
- Only adds about 500g to total board weight
- Rated for 1 million fold cycles
- Full carbon construction maintains stiffness
- Winner of dual 2025 FIT Sport Design Awards
Beyond Travel: The Performance Advantages of Parawinging
While travel convenience is compelling, parawings offer distinct performance advantages that are attracting riders regardless of their travel needs:
1. Hands-Free Freedom
The goal was to eliminate paddling from the downwinding equation, but parawings delivered something more – the ability to get up on foil and then stow the wing completely, riding waves and swells with nothing in your hands. This creates an unprecedented connection with the ocean, allowing for natural surfing movements impossible with a wing in hand.
2. Superior Upwind Performance
Modern parawings, particularly models like the BRM Kanaha and Ozone Pocket Rocket, offer exceptional upwind angles. The BRM Kanaha is widely regarded for its excellent upwind performance with a very wide wind range and stability.
3. Instant Relaunch
Unlike inflatable wings that can be challenging to relaunch in the water, parawings pop back up instantly. There’s no wrestling with a waterlogged wing or worrying about damage from repeated water starts.
4. Reduced Physical Strain
Without the constant need to hold and control a wing, riders experience less arm and shoulder fatigue. The harness system distributes load across the body more efficiently, enabling longer sessions.
5. Access to New Conditions
Parawinging offers an alternative to paddling, wing foiling and foil assist as an entry point for downwind foiling. Riders who might struggle with the fitness demands of paddle-up downwinding can now access these magical open-ocean conditions.
6. Versatility in Riding Style
Use it like a kite for powered riding, deploy it briefly to catch a bump, or pack it away entirely for pure wave riding. This versatility in a single session is unique to parawinging.
The Learning Curve and Safety Considerations
It’s important to note that parawinging shouldn’t be someone’s first foil sport. The less direct connection compared to a wing makes turns and tricks more difficult initially. However, for riders with solid foiling fundamentals, the transition can be surprisingly quick.
Safety equipment recommendations include wearing a helmet and an impact vest or approved flotation device, as well as a board leash during sessions. The compact nature and proximity to the rider generally make parawings safer than kites in terms of potential for injury, but proper safety gear remains essential.
Looking Forward: The Future of Foiling Freedom
Balz “Radiculo” Müller believes “Parawinging could be the ultimate water sport discipline. It’s so pure and connected, and it’s just the very beginning. We’re on v1 – imagine the v3 in a couple of years!” With rapid innovation in both parawing design and complementary technologies like folding boards, we’re witnessing the birth of a new era in foiling.
The convergence of ultra-portable parawings with innovative solutions like the WAKA TravelFold boards removes the last barriers to truly mobile foiling. No longer must riders choose between performance and portability. Whether you’re chasing swells in Indo, exploring the Mediterranean, or simply wanting to maximize your local sessions, the combination of parawings and folding boards opens possibilities that seemed impossible just a year ago.
As more brands enter the market and technology continues to evolve, expect to see parawings become as common on beaches as traditional wings. The revolution that started in Hawaii has gone global, and for those willing to embrace this new technology, the rewards are nothing short of transformative.
Conclusion: Freedom Redefined
Parawings represent more than just another equipment option – they’re a philosophical shift in how we approach wind-powered foiling. Combined with innovative transport solutions like the WAKA TravelFold boards, they eliminate the traditional compromises between performance, portability, and pure riding experience.
For the traveling foiler, the weekend warrior with limited storage, or the purist seeking the most connected riding experience possible, parawings offer compelling advantages that are hard to ignore. Yes, you’ll need a longer board, but with folding technology solving that challenge, the path to parawing adoption has never been clearer.
The message is simple: pack light, travel far, and ride free. The future of foiling fits in your backpack.
Ready to Start Parawinging?
Essential Gear Checklist:
- Parawing (3-4m for most riders)
- Midlength or downwind board (consider folding options for travel)
- High-aspect foil (1300-1540 cm² for beginners)
- Waist harness with storage pouch
- Safety equipment (helmet, impact vest, board leash)
- Minimum 15 knots of wind to learn
