Weekly Group Call 11 | 05/04/26

The call focused on progression with parawing transitions, jibes, foot swaps, stowing, and redeploying, with discussion around how to keep better line tension in gusty conditions and how to use tighter turns, gust timing, and A-line/ C-line jibes more effectively. There was also a strong focus on building stowing confidence step by step, slowing the process down for precision, and thinking of redeploying as an unfolding movement rather than a throw.   

We also discussed downwinding techniques, recovering speed on foil during DW runs, and deliberate practice sessions for specific skills like foot swaps. Toward the end, the conversation shifted into gear comparisons, including different parawing models, how they behave in strong wind and upwind angles, and practical safety setups for longer downwind laps, such as carrying a second parawing and using lightweight backpacks or flotation options.   

02:48 Jibe Techniques and Line Tension
08:55 Transitioning and Stowing Techniques
11:48 Foot Swap and Riding Stance
14:50 Stowing the Parawing and Muscle Memory
26:49 The Art of Redeploying
29:42 Techniques for Regaining Speed when DWing
32:47 Deliberate Practice and Skill Development
36:15 Equipment Insights: Parawing Comparison

Weekly Group Call 10 | 29/03/26

This call focused on progression with parawing transitions, gear choices, and board/foil setup. There was discussion around the structure of the tutorial lessons, with positive feedback on the land drills, timing explanations, and repetition in the training format.

The conversation also went deep into equipment decisions. Comparing bigger, slower foils versus faster high-aspect setups, talked through how different foil sizes affect takeoff, speed, upwind ability, and transitions, and looked at how board size and width influence pop-ups and performance in different wind strengths. Another key topic was building the right quiver for local conditions and travel, including which gear is worth keeping, which pieces overlap, and what kind of setup makes the most sense for progression in both lighter and stronger winds. 

02:56 Feedback on Video Tutorials and Learning Techniques
08:59 Discussion on Gear Selection and Quiver Building
11:54 Challenges in High Wind Conditions and Water Starts
23:12 Understanding Board Width and Stability
35:00 Exploring Different Foil Types and Their Uses
39:13 Challenges with Smaller Foils in Parawinging
46:40 Custom vs. Production Boards: What to Consider
56:15 Techniques for Effective Relaunching

Weekly Group Call 9 | 15/03/26

The conversation focused on stormy weather, recent practice sessions, and how different parawings behave in varying conditions. A lot of the discussion compared a low-aspect wing and a higher-aspect wing, especially how they recover in the wind window, how much input they need, and why one feels more stable while the other needs more active piloting.

The conversation also touched on gear theory, upwind performance, wind range, race strategy, an upcoming SFT event in France, and a 3D-printed accessory project.

02:27 Experiences with Different Equipment
04:55 Challenges in Wind and Water Conditions
12:57 Comparing Performance of Different Wings
16:57 Techniques for Effective Wing Control
24:05 Understanding Power Packs vs. Pocket Rockets
26:18 Velocity Made Good: The Science of Sailing
33:04 SFT Race in April: Course Layouts and Strategies for Racing

Weekly Group Call 8 | 08/03/26

This discussion started with when to switch wing sizes during a session, and how to bleed speed during strong downwind gusts. There was also a strong focus on foot swaps, and riding toe side.

A big part of the conversation centred on light-wind pop-ups, including how to read gusts on the water, connect gusts, use small bumps for lift, and stay patient when conditions are marginal. The group also discussed differences between parawing designs, line length, aspect ratio, and how those affect control, power delivery, and ease of getting on foil.

The call also explored light-wind jibes, weak-side starts, gear selection for very gusty sessions, and the importance of maintaining enough rear-line tension for steering and stability. It wrapped up with a quick update on upcoming course modules focused on transitions and progression.

We referenced this video in the call: https://youtu.be/MCnX8LigT0M 

02:31 Harnessing Control in Gusty Conditions
10:04 Managing Speed and Power in Gusts
14:06 Improving Jibe Techniques and Foot Swaps
23:34 Understanding Aspect Ratios in Pair Wings
29:22 Navigating Light Winds and Gusts
53:39 Mastering Transitions in Light Wind
01:00:51 Matching Gear to Conditions

Weekly Group Call 7 | 01/03/26

The conversation focused on participant progress with sessions in light and moderate wind, including improving board balance, pumping, and working toward consistent foil takeoffs. There was detailed discussion on gear setup and tuning (mast position, foil size, foot placement), as well as how foil lift, stall speed, and drag affect performance.

We covered jibe techniques—especially in light wind—including hand positioning, line tension methods, and sharper turning strategies. Stance choices (heel side vs toe side), foot switching, and weaker-side development were also discussed.

06:04 Challenges of Light Wind Conditions
08:54 Foil Dynamics and Pumping Techniques
11:57 Adjusting Equipment for Optimal Performance
25:14 Techniques for Light Wind Riding
28:09 Heel Side vs. Toe Side Riding
32:47 Practicing Jibes in Various Winds
36:46 Understanding Foil Lift and Speed
43:47 Packing Up the Wing Efficiently
47:01 Preparing for Future Sessions

Weekly Group Call 6 | 22/02/26

This weekly group call focused on rider progression, gear choices, and common early challenges in parawinging. Key topics included using higher-volume boards and larger foils to make takeoffs easier, managing power and harness use in gusty conditions, improving body position, and developing board balance through taxi drills. There was also discussion around line management when falling, strap and leash options, and selecting the right wing sizes for different wind ranges. The session wrapped up with practice priorities for the week and general encouragement as riders continue progressing.

00:00 Introduction and Session Overview

05:43 Gear Talk and Performance Insights

08:42 Techniques for Hooking In and Out

13:42 Jibe Techniques and Progress Tracking

31:01 Navigating Wind Conditions and Gear Choices

33:47 Footstraps: To Use or Not to Use?

35:15 Choosing the Right Board Size for Learning

38:35 Building Speed and Balance on the Water

39:50 Preparing for a Successful Session

42:06 Gear Updates and Raffle Opportunities

51:16 Addressing Gear Concerns and Tangles

Weekly Group Call 5 | 14/02/26

In this week’s LabRat Academy group call, the focus was on beginner progression, gear setup, and training priorities. Topics included recovering from gear damage after strong-wind sessions, the challenges of learning in gusty conditions, and the importance of starting with larger wings, higher-volume boards, and bigger foils to maximise early success and repetition. We also discussed when land and skate drills are helpful, along with simple ways to track sessions and progress. The main takeaway was to use forgiving gear early, prioritise clean launches, and build confidence through consistent practice.

00:00 Introduction and Toolbox Discussion
02:09 Wind Conditions and Experiences
09:31 Gear Talk and Recommendations
14:55 Wind Conditions and Foiling Gear
22:11 Mastering the Basics of Foiling
25:40 Understanding Foil and Wing Dynamics
32:41 Session Monitoring and Data Tracking
43:47 Setting Goals and Overcoming Challenges
51:51 Building Confidence and Skills on the Water

Weekly Group Call 4 | 09/02/26

This week inside LabRat Academy, the focus was on refining parawing stowing techniques, including bar orientation, line management, and clean folding to reduce tangles and enable faster redeploys. We also discussed light-wind strategy, highlighting how higher-volume boards paired with larger wings can significantly improve pop-up success. A key concept reinforced was approaching redeploy as a controlled unfolding movement rather than a throwing motion.

00:00 Exploring Stowing Techniques
02:59 Wind Conditions and Equipment Choices
05:57 Learning Curve in Winging
09:04 Stowing Challenges and Solutions
12:05 Understanding Gear Dynamics
22:25 Understanding Kite Line Management
25:03 The Importance of Proper Stowing Techniques
29:48 Anticipating and Preventing Tangles
36:02 The Art of Redeploying the Wing
42:11 Learning from Experience and Feedback

Weekly Group Call 3 | 01/02/26

This conversation focused on managing gusty parawing conditions and making safe wing size choices. Key technique topics included stowing and redeploying, with an emphasis on unfolding the wing in a controlled way rather than throwing it out. The discussion also covered foiling progression, highlighting how paddle practice and experience across different foil disciplines can accelerate learning and make getting on the water more accessible.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
01:50 Wind Conditions and Challenges
07:41 Techniques for Managing Gusty Winds
13:57 Innovations in Parawing Design
20:04 Comparing Different Parawings
26:15 Personal Journey into Foiling
30:10 Convenience and Accessibility of Foiling
33:58 The Thrill of Small Waves on Foils
36:02 Mastering Paddle Ups
42:13 Exploring Different Wing Types
53:11 Techniques for Effective Parawing Deployment
57:39 Mastering the Unfolding Movement
01:02:09 Improving Stowing Techniques
01:10:03 Avoiding Tangling Hazards

 Weekly Group Call 2 | 26/01/26

This discussion focused on parawing progression, with an emphasis on learning transitions such as tacks and handle-pass jibes, and the importance of mastering stowing and redeploying before attempting longer downwind runs. Practical topics included bar management options, handling first overpowered foil sessions, and simple repair approaches for minor foil damage. There was also guidance around light-wind challenges, highlighting how larger boards and foils can accelerate learning. The session wrapped up with a training challenge to practice multiple pack-downs to develop faster, cleaner stows and more reliable redeploys.

00:00 Introduction to Parawinging and Winging Techniques
05:51 Stowing Techniques and Community Insights
08:32 Understanding Tacks and Jibes
11:42 Innovations in Stowing Devices and Techniques
20:14 First Foiling Experience
22:55 Repairing Foil Damage
29:10 Balancing Techniques for Foiling
32:36 Transitioning from Kneeling to Standing
36:24 Exploring Gear Adjustments
39:34 Light Wind Challenges and Strategies
45:25 Choosing the Right Board for Learning
51:47 The Importance of Conditions in Foiling
55:45 Mastering the Pack Down Technique
01:01:34 Planning for Future Sessions

Weekly Group Call 1 | 20/01/26

This group coaching call focused on progression across different stages of parawinging, with discussion around technique, gear selection, and session strategy. Key topics included improving transitions such as tacks, with an emphasis on timing, maintaining rear-line tension, and fully committing to the wing movement during the changeover. There was also guidance on learning multiple skills at once, highlighting the benefits of using appropriately sized wings for moderate wind conditions and keeping foil setup consistent rather than constantly adjusting equipment. Light-wind takeoffs were another major focus, reinforcing that success comes from choosing the right wind range, generating speed through board and foil pumping rather than wing movement, and selecting sessions with enough power to build confidence and progression.

00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:58 Arthur's Journey into Para-Winging
10:10 Jeremy's Introduction and Experiences
20:14 Learning Techniques and Tips
25:28 Community Support: Overcoming Technical Challenges
35:58 Navigating Wind Conditions: Tips for Success
43:49 Understanding the Basics of Kite Foiling
49:41 The Importance of Board Pumping
52:18 Transitioning from Winging to Parawinging
56:36 Building Confidence in Foiling Techniques
01:00:10 Final Tips for Beginners