AXIS Surf Skinny rear wing review

The Surf Skinny was released this autumn without too much fanfare. It was designed to sit between the Progressive range and the Skinny range. It was a somewhat muted release as it is designed to be pair with the Surge surf wing which hadn't yet been finalised, however after trying it we think this is actually a really great stabiliser for every wing. It breathes new life into the Spitfire and ART V2 range.

The Progressive rears were a big step up in terms of improving carving and reducing drag making foils feel faster and more free. This was especially true of the smaller sizes. Later the Skinny range turned up - these were as the name suggests very skinny with fairly large spans and rapidly reducing cords. The large spans provided loads of lift whilst reducing the cord took away a lot of drag. This worked perfectly for those looking for drag free glide. We still preferred the progressive range for surf though.

The new Skinny Surf takes the higher aspect concept from the Skinny range but tunes it to surf. Pair this with any of your existing Spitfires or ART V2s and you will immediately feel a difference. So much more carving whilst maintaining that low drag sensation from the Skinnys. If you are looking to loosen up your set up then take a look at these new Surf Skinny rear wings.

Its easy to think 'why didn't they just release these first?', but its through Adrians learnings from older models of both front and rear wings that enables him to get to the place we're in today. The Surge draws design elements from the Fireball for instance, likewise the Surf Skinnys draw design elements from the Surge itself as well as the progressive and skinny rear wing families 

Sizing

280/300/320 - which should you go for? I've no doubt Adrian will add more sizes down the line, but for now its refreshing not to have too much choice!

For those wanting a daily driver - the 300 is the one. at an 'average' body weight around 80ish kilos, this is the model that offers the best stability and agility balance at the same time. 

If you're using it alongside larger span wings - the bigger fireballs for instance - think about using the 280 to spice that larger size up. Likewise if you're always using tiny front wings to kite on or tow foil etc, do the opposite. Use the 320. If you've been on a 375/400 progressive as an early intermediate who's looking to drop down - go 320 first if you're not going to look at a smaller progressive inbetween as your progression. Theres quite a jump between the 3x Surf Skinny sizes - don't jump too quick!

Who're they for?

Anybody and everybody who wants to rip waves and smash about. They're fast, they're glidey, they're turny. Don't be put off by the 'Surf' name - in essence we're all surfing when we're on foil. Those who drop the Wing or stash the Parawing or drop into waves on these foils will benefit most - they're speedy, rolly and grippy.