The example of windsurfing shows how it can work: For many years, people rode the RS:X longboard - the discipline was considered "unsexy" and led a shadowy existence. With the switch to the iQFoil, a completely new dynamic was suddenly set in motion. Sales figures went through the roof and young windsurfers all over the world are currently racing against each other on the new foil material. They all have one common goal: the Olympics!
In the future, there will also be a standardised class in wingfoiling, the X-15, in which wingfoilers can compete with the same material. As with the iQFoil, Svein Rasmussen, founder and CEO of the Starboard brand, is the driving force behind this. In this interview, Svein talks to us about the fascinating background story of the X-15 Wingfoil Race Class and its mission to revolutionise the field of wingfoil racing.
Text: Robert Almquist
Svein, before we talk about the X-15, could you tell us a bit about your personal background and your early enthusiasm for water sports, especially windsurfing?
My connection to the sea goes back to my childhood in Arendal, Norway. In 1967, I started my water adventures with a towel and an inflatable mattress. Coincidentally, that was also the year Jim Drake and Hoyle Schweitzer invented the windsurfer. Despite my interest in skiing, meditation and martial arts, I longed for water and wind. In 1976, I saw a photo of Matt Schweizer windsurfing at Lake Tahoe. This motivated me to work more and deliver newspapers so that I could afford a second-hand windsurfer. I spent countless hours windsurfing - even in the freezing cold on New Year's Day with rain boots and windproof jackets on the icy shores. I eventually became European Champion, won the World Cup and finished second at the Los Angeles Pre-Olympics. Almost a decade later, I found myself fully immersed in the professional windsurfing tour. In 1993, at the age of 30, I decided to pursue another dream. I packed my bags and moved to Thailand, where I founded Starboard. By the year 2000, Starboard had become the leading brand in the windsurfing industry.
What inspired the creation of the X-15 Wingfoil Race Class and how did you come up with the name?
During my racing career, I always felt most fulfilled when competing with a one-design concept. It levelled the playing field and allowed the best rider to shine, rather than favouring those who had the most expensive equipment. Many countries did not yet have wingfoil regattas, so the X-15 was created to connect associations, clubs and trade partners with the aim of promoting worldwide wingfoil competitions.
One Design classes are the fulfilment. The best rider wins. Not the best equipment
The name "X-15" is a tribute to the X-15 rocket aeroplane from 1963, which set world records for manned flights in 1967 and still holds them today. It is considered one of the most challenging research programmes of the last century. What makes this connection even more special is the fact that Jim Drake, a good friend of mine and co-founder of windsurfing, co-designed the X-15 in a room full of computers. That's why we named our One Design programme in his honour.
Was Jim Drake ahead of his time and perhaps the world's first wingfoiler?
Jim really was living in the future. He patented the Hand-Wing on 13 October 1981 after an inspiring conversation with Uli Stanciu, who was head of surf magazine at the time. Uli can give further insight into this discovery as he owns the patent documents and the very first wing together with Jim and Andre Lefebre.
In 2012, we finally submitted the patent documents for theFreewingcompleted - perhaps the first inflatable wing ever. When I was asked to sign the registration fee, I took the wing home, tested it on a paddleboard and a windsurf board and had a lot of fun. Since we hadn't developed big foils back then, the traditional windsurf sail worked better. I never signed the cheque and the rest, as they say, is history.
Starboard also supplies the one-design iQfoil class of windsurfers, which will make its debut at the Olympic Games in Paris. Has this success inspired the creation of the X-15?
The iQfoil class in windsurfing was a monumental team effort and we are thrilled that foil windsurfing will be represented at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris 2024. The Starboard team, together with members of the American Cup World Sailing Team, has achieved remarkable success. Our motivation is to increase interest in wind-powered activities worldwide and to reach out to sailing clubs around the world.
Many children start sailing in the Optimist. Around 80 per cent stop after their Opti time. If we manage to attract just ten per cent of these young sailors, we could experience a significant growth spurt in this sport.
When working on a one design class like the X-15, what are the primary considerations - cost or performance?
My main consideration is inclusivity. The equipment needs to appeal to a wide range of people - from lightweight 12-year-olds to adults and everything in between. Only after we understand these different needs can we make informed decisions about how to balance durability, peak performance, ease of use and cost efficiency. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that riders of different weights can all be competitive and enjoy their time on the water with the equipment.
Can you give us an insight into the technical details of the X-15?
The X-15 board has a long, slim waterline with sufficient volume and sharp edges for fast acceleration. Remi Vila, the designer of the iQfoil board, has introduced a pronounced "V-shape" that enables better control in demanding conditions and at high speeds. The thin design of the board significantly reduces the distance between the foil and the rider's feet - improving control and stability at top speed. The TT box - inspired by kitefoil boards - provides a solid connection and is optimally placed for balanced control during high-speed flying.
And the foil?
The foil itself is the result of a collaboration between iQfoil designer Tiesda You and America's Cup chief designer Martin Fisher. It offers exceptional overall performance, stability and acceleration, allowing riders to reach breathtaking top speeds with ease. The wing design, led by Clinton Filen, is still under development. We are aiming to introduce an adjustable wing that can adapt to all conditions, emphasising stability and durability. The aspect ratio of the wing is intentionally kept low to facilitate pumping without the wing tips touching the water.
How does the X-15 enable other brands and interested drivers to take part in the competition?
Inclusivity is a fundamental principle of the X-15. Similar to our iQFoil classes, anyone can participate. The key difference is that less equipment is required, eliminating the need for annual upgrades. This ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and perform well.
Do you see the X-15 as a future part of the Olympics?
Our main goal is to create a fun and high performance class that encourages more people to participate in wingfoiling. Achieving this will take a lot of effort from ourselves, our country partners and local clubs. We hope to be included in the Olympic Games at some point.
The goal is to bring wingfoiling to the Olympic Games
You have already planned a tour. Can you tell us the locations where the X-15 will take place over the course of the year?
This summer, we were lucky enough to receive an invitation to Lake Garda in Italy. Other stops on the tour were Scheveningen in Holland and Arendal in Norway in July. Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, France and Spain are next on the tour of Europe. The tour will then travel to Hong Kong and end in Thailand. Next year we are planning five events in our main markets - some in co-operation with other events and others as stand-alone races. We have an extensive list of events planned for 2024!
