Forums > Windsurfing General

Parawing /Powerwing vs Winging

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Created by franchetto Two weeks ago, 21 Feb 2026
franchetto
WA, 305 posts
21 Feb 2026 1:27AM
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Can I use a parawing on a regular board w/out foil? Upwinds easy? Wind range ? Typical winds here :are light: +- 12-13 knts. Weight : 190 lbs. Board : inflatable . Advantages/Disadvantages? From previous experience with a wing I had to struggle getting back on the board after falling. It is super easy with a regular rig and sail, because they counterbalance the board on the lee side when leaning on the wind rail, but with a wing it is hard, be cause the board tips over on the wind side.

Thanks for the input

Francone

Grantmac
2346 posts
21 Feb 2026 8:21AM
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No.

franchetto
WA, 305 posts
21 Feb 2026 10:35AM
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Select to expand quote
Grantmac said..
No.


Could you perhaps decrypt your NO ? Is it NO for an advanced, speed- and-planing oriented sailor , but perhaps good for subplaning with an intermediate, not very demanding sailor ? Or perhaps hard to handle, with not enough power in the light winds conditions I described? Would you have given the same answer for winging on a board without a foil, just a fin and perhaps a centerboard?

THks

philn
1091 posts
21 Feb 2026 11:29AM
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Grantmac said..
No.


airsail
QLD, 1573 posts
21 Feb 2026 5:20PM
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A parawing is just a spinnaker that drags you downwind, just like a yacht. Add a board and foil you can go upwind. But if you're happy to just go downwind, go for it.

Grantmac
2346 posts
22 Feb 2026 12:36AM
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franchetto said..

Grantmac said..
No.



Could you perhaps decrypt your NO ? Is it NO for an advanced, speed- and-planing oriented sailor , but perhaps good for subplaning with an intermediate, not very demanding sailor ? Or perhaps hard to handle, with not enough power in the light winds conditions I described? Would you have given the same answer for winging on a board without a foil, just a fin and perhaps a centerboard?

THks


It's no because you describe the worst possible use case for a parawing regardless of sailor skill. It's also a bad use case for an inflatable wing.
What you need is a raceboard and matching rig or an LT.

thedoor
2489 posts
23 Feb 2026 11:13AM
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franchetto said..
Can I use a parawing on a regular board w/out foil? Upwinds easy? Wind range ? Typical winds here :are light: +- 12-13 knts. Weight : 190 lbs. Board : inflatable . Advantages/Disadvantages? From previous experience with a wing I had to struggle getting back on the board after falling. It is super easy with a regular rig and sail, because they counterbalance the board on the lee side when leaning on the wind rail, but with a wing it is hard, be cause the board tips over on the wind side.

Thanks for the input

Francone


Parawings arn't gonna pull enough in 12-13 knots. Maybe go whole hog and get a kite. but I am still wondering what you think you are gaining over a sail.

John340
QLD, 3381 posts
23 Feb 2026 9:37PM
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The answer is no. The reason is that parawings / wings only work with the reduced surface area and additional lift of foils.

Gorgo
VIC, 5112 posts
25 Feb 2026 12:49PM
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Maddlad
WA, 928 posts
25 Feb 2026 10:53AM
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Why is this in the windsurfimg forum? There is a separate winging forum which would be best for these types of topics or questions.

Grantmac
2346 posts
25 Feb 2026 1:28PM
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Keep in mind the OP asks the same question every time something new hits the market. First it was foils (but he didn't want to foil) then it was those useless semi foil fins, then it was wings, now it's a parawing. The threads explain clearly why it won't work and make good recommendations for what would work best, which are ignored.

If he'd bought a raceboard or LT the first time it was suggested he'd have been laughing ever since.

aeroegnr
1751 posts
25 Feb 2026 7:12PM
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Select to expand quote
Grantmac said..
Keep in mind the OP asks the same question every time something new hits the market. First it was foils (but he didn't want to foil) then it was those useless semi foil fins, then it was wings, now it's a parawing. The threads explain clearly why it won't work and make good recommendations for what would work best, which are ignored.

If he'd bought a raceboard or LT the first time it was suggested he'd have been laughing ever since.


Speaking of which, are there raceboards out there with footstraps that won't totally break the bank? The SB phantom looks great but it's ridiculously priced new. I like my exocet link but it's geared for beginners and sup with the heavy soft top.

lemat
189 posts
25 Feb 2026 8:16PM
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Around me i France you can find mistral for cheap. They still work nice in wide conditions.

Grantmac
2346 posts
26 Feb 2026 4:30AM
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aeroegnr said..

Grantmac said..
Keep in mind the OP asks the same question every time something new hits the market. First it was foils (but he didn't want to foil) then it was those useless semi foil fins, then it was wings, now it's a parawing. The threads explain clearly why it won't work and make good recommendations for what would work best, which are ignored.

If he'd bought a raceboard or LT the first time it was suggested he'd have been laughing ever since.



Speaking of which, are there raceboards out there with footstraps that won't totally break the bank? The SB phantom looks great but it's ridiculously priced new. I like my exocet link but it's geared for beginners and sup with the heavy soft top.


If you were local I'd basically give you my Equipe 2.5, unfortunately I'm about to not have the space for it. They exist in sheds and under decks.

aeroegnr
1751 posts
26 Feb 2026 5:37AM
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Select to expand quote
Grantmac said..

aeroegnr said..


Grantmac said..
Keep in mind the OP asks the same question every time something new hits the market. First it was foils (but he didn't want to foil) then it was those useless semi foil fins, then it was wings, now it's a parawing. The threads explain clearly why it won't work and make good recommendations for what would work best, which are ignored.

If he'd bought a raceboard or LT the first time it was suggested he'd have been laughing ever since.




Speaking of which, are there raceboards out there with footstraps that won't totally break the bank? The SB phantom looks great but it's ridiculously priced new. I like my exocet link but it's geared for beginners and sup with the heavy soft top.



If you were local I'd basically give you my Equipe 2.5, unfortunately I'm about to not have the space for it. They exist in sheds and under decks.


Thank you. I'll keep my eyes out for one.

Paducah
2797 posts
Wednesday , 4 Mar 2026 1:32PM
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Select to expand quote
aeroegnr said..

Grantmac said..


aeroegnr said..



Grantmac said..
Keep in mind the OP asks the same question every time something new hits the market. First it was foils (but he didn't want to foil) then it was those useless semi foil fins, then it was wings, now it's a parawing. The threads explain clearly why it won't work and make good recommendations for what would work best, which are ignored.

If he'd bought a raceboard or LT the first time it was suggested he'd have been laughing ever since.





Speaking of which, are there raceboards out there with footstraps that won't totally break the bank? The SB phantom looks great but it's ridiculously priced new. I like my exocet link but it's geared for beginners and sup with the heavy soft top.




If you were local I'd basically give you my Equipe 2.5, unfortunately I'm about to not have the space for it. They exist in sheds and under decks.



Thank you. I'll keep my eyes out for one.


Also Fanatic Ultra/Megacat but make sure it comes with a UJ as they use a so.ewhat rare mast pin. Whatever the board, inspect the track pedal and centerboard gasket. They can be repaired but the parts may be as much as the board.
LT hull is a lot of fun, though, but probably not available at as cheaply as an old 90s raceboard.
There's a fun race near Tallahassee end of next month. Message me if you need details



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"Parawing /Powerwing vs Winging" started by franchetto