At first glance, you’ll see a high-aspect and low-profiledesign with North’s signature anti-ventilation tips. Dive into the Designer Notes below to discover the engineering North has appliedto maintainstiffness with such a low profile, so no energy is wasted during pumping, and the steering impulse feels crisp and direct.
North Team Rider Marley Franco (16) takes on the Triple Crown Challenge, a test of skill, endurance, and speedspanning approximately 70 miles of downwind racing over one week,including the 8-mile Maliko run on Maui, the 26-mile Maui to Molokai Channel and the 40-mile Molokai 2 Oahuacross the Ka’iwi Channel.
Video Credit: North / Nahoia Kai Productions
“The new DW Series 1400/1100/900/750 Front Wings and Glide Series S142/S192 Stabilizers are our first to feature High Modulus Carbon for maximum stiffness,” says Brand Director Mike Raper. “Paired with the new Glide Stabilizers and Horizon Downwind board, these foils open up a whole new world and a whole new way of riding - where you don’t need a wing or a kite.”
Uli Sommerlatt, North Foils Product Manager, says the DW Wings are designed specifically for chasing downwind swell: “At very low board speed the DW Series Front Wings generate a massive amount of lift. They then hold that lift into very high top-end speeds, without creating excess lift that makes a foil hard to control. This means you can keep up with faster-moving open-ocean swell, without the lift increasing further due to the increase in speed.
This incredible efficiency comes from the very high aspect ratio design, which ranges from 11.2 inthe DW1400 to 13.3 in the DW750.
“We’ve maximised the wingspan for low drag and longer glide while retaining the manoeuvrability needed to navigate downwind swell. Despite the high-span, these wings turn very intuitively. “The profile section allows us to reach very low drag numbers while creating a high lift coefficient, while the anti-ventilation tip design ensures maximum stall resistance.
To maintain stiffness with such a low profile, North has constructed these wings from high modulus carbon fibre. This means no energy is wasted during pumping, and the steering impulse will feel crisp and direct.
Available in four sizes for different rider weights and conditions, the smaller sizes are ideal for lighter-weight or more advanced riders in locations with fast-moving swell. (The speed of an ocean swell is dependent on the wind strength and wave height). The larger sizes are ideal for smaller swell, lighter winds, and heavier or less experienced riders.
The DW Series should be paired with the new Glide Series S192/S142 Stabilizers for maximum glide, speed and turning responsiveness.
With their high aspect ratio and thin sections, the Glide Stabs allow you to cover insane distances with minimal work (downwind, pump or prone).
“Stabilizers need to be stiff to provide precise and predictable turning and pumping, so we’ve engineered the Glide Series with HM carbon,” says Uli. “This allows us to achieve the high stiffness we require despite the thin, high-aspect shape.”
S192
The new S192 has effortless glide and is fast and agile. When paired with bigger downwind front wings, an intermediate rider will find it super stable and easy to pump. The S192 also pumps efficiently with the SF and the new Pump Front Wings. It is ideal for charging in the surf, pumping, and connecting multiple waves with ease.
S142
The S142 has higher performance and is crazy fast and whippy. Your average rider may find it a little more advanced for pumping, but if you put in the energy, it will maintain glide. The S142 has enough holding power to take you right up to the DW1400, but we recommend the S192 for larger sizes.
This is Downwind
