What Is Parawinging? Why It’s the Future of Foiling
If you’re into foiling, downwinders, or wing sports and haven’t yet heard of parawinging, you’re about to. This isn’t a gimmick or a passing fad — it’s a clean, efficient, next-gen evolution of everything we love about wingfoiling and kitefoiling. And it’s poised to blow up.
Here at KiteWingandFoil.com, we’ve been watching the parawing scene build momentum, and we’re backing it hard — especially with the launch of the Flysurfer POW Parawing, the first wing built specifically for this style. So what exactly is parawinging? Why is everyone talking about it? And is it actually any good?
Let’s break it down.
1. What is parawinging?
Parawinging is a new watersport that combines elements of wingfoiling, kitefoiling, and downwind foiling. Instead of a rigid boom or inflatable frame, you fly a compact, non-inflatable fabric wing (often paraglider-inspired) on short lines — around 2 to 4 metres — with a control bar, just like a kite.
It’s specifically designed for foilboard riding, where the wing is used for initial lift and directional drive, and then quickly becomes unobtrusive — letting the rider focus on gliding, surfing, or carving.
2. How is parawinging different from wingfoiling or kitefoiling?
Here’s the key:
• No boom. No pump. No battens.
• Short lines, no struts, no inflatables.
• Direct bar control. Super compact.
Compared to wingfoiling, parawinging is lighter, more agile, and gives you way more visibility and freedom on the wave. Compared to kitefoiling, it’s more intuitive, safer in tight spots, and doesn’t need 20m of beach space.
It’s the simplest way to harness wind power, get on foil, and just go — especially downwind or in swell.
3. Why is parawinging perfect for downwind foiling and wave riding?
Parawinging gives you a boost when you need it, then gets out of your way. The short lines keep the wing close, reducing lag and improving control. And because there’s no rigid structure, the wing can drift like a dream while you surf the swell.
You’re not dragging sail, you’re catching bumps. For anyone doing downwinders, wave riding, or long-distance cruising, it’s a game-changer.
4. Is parawinging hard to learn?
Surprisingly, no.
If you’ve got basic skills in wingfoiling, kiteboarding, or foiling in general, parawinging is intuitive. The short-line setup means you’re not managing a full kite window, and there’s less risk of getting yanked. It’s incredibly direct and stable, especially with the Flysurfer POW, which was designed specifically to make entry smoother and progression faster.
For total beginners to wind sports, you’d still want to start with some wing or foil basics. But if you’re already riding, you can pick this up fast.
5. What conditions do you need for parawinging?
Parawinging thrives in moderate wind (10–20 knots), open water, and especially swell or downwindable terrain. Because the wing is so efficient and lightweight, you don’t need a ton of wind to get going. And thanks to its floaty, soft-structure build, it’s surprisingly well-behaved in gusty or shifting conditions.
Whether you’re doing coast runs, chasing open-ocean bumps, or carving in wind-swell zones — this is where the parawing shines.
6. What gear do I need to start parawinging?
Here’s your checklist:
• A foilboard (ideally a high-efficiency downwind or mid-aspect foil setup)
• A parawing, we recommend the Flysurfer POW
• A control bar with short lines (Flysurfer’s own POW bar is ideal)
• A harness (optional but helpful)
• Wing leash, impact vest, helmet if desired
No pump. No boom. No hassle. It all fits in a backpack.
7. What makes the Flysurfer POW Parawing special?
The Flysurfer POW is the first purpose-built parawing. It’s not a converted kite, not a hacked wing, it’s engineered for low-end power, clean drift, and smooth bar control.
Key features:
• Non-inflatable soft canopy: Light, packable, and responsive
• Short-line optimized: Total control, even in tight spots
• Bar-driven steering: Precise, safe, and easy to depower
• Minimalist and efficient: Packs to the size of a hoodie
Whether you’re learning the ropes or chasing long-distance downwind glides, the POW is dialed in for exactly this style of riding.
Check out the Flysurfer POW Parawing here
8. Is parawinging safe?
Yes — in many ways, safer than both kiting and traditional wingfoiling. There’s no strut to knock you, no leading edge to smack you, and no 25m lines to manage. Plus, the wing depowers quickly with the bar and can be easily ditched if needed.
Still, you’re riding in the ocean on a foilboard. Wear a leash, vest, helmet if appropriate, and always ride within your limits.
9. Can you jump or do tricks with a parawing?
Yes — and the style is evolving fast. Because you’ve got bar control and short lines, you can load up for boost, pop, or transitions. Think: wave hits, downwinders with a couple of airs thrown in, slick turns, and full-flow carves.
We’re already seeing riders do backrolls, toe-side transitions, and wave slashes that just aren’t possible with a wing in your hands. The creativity potential is huge.
10. Where is parawinging headed next?
This is just the start. Expect to see:
• Refined wings and bars (Flysurfer is already leading here)
• Custom foils and boards for parawinging
• Racing and long-distance challenges
• Surf-style freestyle riding
• More crossovers with snow and land sports (yes, you can parawing on a mountain)
As gear improves and the scene grows, parawinging could become the most versatile wind-powered sport out there.
Final Thoughts: Why Parawinging Is the Future
Parawinging isn’t just a clever crossover, it’s a clean-sheet rethink of what a wind sport can be. Minimal gear. Maximum flow. Pure freedom. Whether you’re into surf, downwinders, or carving for miles, this is the future of foiling.
And with the Flysurfer POW Parawing, you’ve got the perfect wing to get started. Lightweight, efficient, and built specifically for this type of riding, it’s hands-down the most exciting bit of kit we’ve seen in years.
Ready to fly differently?
Shop the Flysurfer POW Parawing now
Available now at KiteWingandFoil.com, the home of future-first wind sports.