Armstrong Downwind Foil Review

After the Maui2Molokai and Molokai2Oahu Downwind Foil Races we received many questions about the equipment the pros are using. In response to all he questions we decided to take a closer look at foils specifically made for Downwind Journeys.

I received an Armstrong DW 865 a few weeks ago and when we looked at this thing for the first time the immediate thought was: I never going to be able to ride this. That was wrong!

As curios as I am, I figured even if I am not proficient in Downwind SUP Foiling I can still try to wingfoil the DW 685 and that is when a light bulb went on. I was able to sail the foil without any problems. It felt surprisingly stable and I was able to effortlessly jibe. I was immediately hooked and could not believe on how easy it was to sail this foil. Due to its wingspan and high aspect it also has an amazing upwind performance. It was clear: This foil is not only for pros.

Test video and review

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Specs and manufacturer infos

Access Ultimate Speed

The product of cutting edge hydrodynamics and foil technology. 

Project development began with collecting waveform and real world riding data from Hawaii’s interisland channels to set specific design parameters. Leading fluid dynamics (CFD) resources helped optimise a foil shape that had extreme top end glide with accessible low end flight speeds for race starts in milder conditions. The result is remarkably stable at high velocities.

“These foils have a speed range like nothing else I have ridden. They have a low enough stall speed for getting on foil, but then have an incredibly high top end that allows you to ride the fast open ocean swells. The foils also have a very neutral front and back foot pressure that doesn’t change with different speeds, giving a comfortable feel at high speeds.” – Oskar Johansson, Armstrong team rider and 2023 Molokai2Oahu 2nd place finisher.