Balz, you are an advocate of boom wings and played a key role in the development of the Topspin model from your sponsor Ensis. What advantages do boom wings offer in your eyes?
As a passionate windsurfer, I always missed the familiar direct sail-to-body connection when wingfoiling. Even with the first Ensis wings, I used to mount broken windsurfing booms and laminate them with toothbrushes in the living room. Many, many prototypes followed until the final wing was ready. The advantages of boom wings have always fascinated me and I am now fully convinced of them. For me, these are the direct connection to the wing, the unlimited grip possibilities and the fact that you can control the wing with pinpoint accuracy during manoeuvres.
The Topspin has a mounting system where the boom can simply be clicked into place. What were the challenges in developing this system?
The challenge was to find a robust yet lightweight connection from boom to strut. Many different shapes were printed or laminated. My job then also consisted of testing whether the system would hold. In the beginning, we quickly destroyed the painstakingly produced parts during our freestyle manoeuvres and the surprisingly high loads. So we had to start all over again several times until everything fitted in the end.
I laminated the first booms for my wing in the living room with a toothbrush
In your eyes, what are the most important characteristics that a boom must fulfil?
Riding comfort must be high. This means that the grip should be ergonomic and thin to maximise efficiency when riding. The boom should also be light and stiff. Last but not least, a pleasant grip is important to achieve the desired comfort. After a dozen prototypes, we found a great solution.
Does the boom fit all sizes of topspin?
Of course, you only need one boom and can then use all three sizes of the wing.(sizes 3.6/4.1/5.2 are available, the ed.) use. The Boom costs 99 euros.
How would you assess the target group for this wing? Have you designed the wing in such a way that you would only recommend it to freestyle cracks, or can hobby wingsurfers also have fun with it?
The target group clearly goes beyond tricksters. The Topspin has power and is easy to manoeuvre. This helps with back flips, but also with turning and jibing.
Each size of topspin has a different colour. Couldn't you agree on a colour? Or is there another reason for this?
That was a team decision. We think it's great to know what size friends are riding on the water when you get to the spot.
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Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
