At Saint Jacques Wetsuits, we love versatile sports and useful innovations on the water. After foil, surf foil and downwind, we have been testing parawing for several weeks. Our goal: to simply explain this hybrid discipline (between kite and wing), share our real-world feedback and help you choose the right gear, especially the wetsuit.

For more, check our related articles: surf foil and downwind.

What is parawing?

Parawing uses a mini wing without bladders or inflatable structure (closer to a small paraglider), controlled with a bar and short bridles. You ride with a foil board, aiming to reach take-off speed to fly above the water with minimal drag.

The main interest: going upwind with the sail, then folding the parawing to release the pull and surf the bumps in free fly mode, before redeploying if needed. Freedom and minimalism.

Why parawing is appealing

• Minimal gear: a small kite that fits in a waist bag, no pump, short lines, quick setup.
• Clear view: compared to a wing held with both hands in front of you, you keep a better horizon line.
• Directional safety: even without flying on foil, parawing usually allows you to point upwind and get back to your starting point.
• Smaller foil/board can be used compared to paddle downwind (with experience).
• Simplified logistics: out-and-back sessions without car shuttles, depending on wind direction.

Limits and challenges to know

• Narrow wind range: often requires several kite sizes for different spots/conditions.
• Specific power handling: mostly one-handed riding, demanding sail/foil timing (jibes, transitions).
• Overpower: a harness quickly becomes essential to relieve your arms.
• Bridles: zero tolerance for tangles… patience needed!
• Technical prerequisite: being able to pump on foil ~200 m helps a lot at the start.

Parawing vs Wing & Downwind: use cases

In practice, parawing sits between wing and SUP downwind.

• Wing: ideal for free fly runs < 2 km, easy relaunch (the wing is always in hand).
• Parawing: relevant for free fly up to ~10 km, thanks to autonomous out-and-back (A → A) depending on wind angle.
• > 10 km: added safety with a paddle (alone or mix parawing + paddle) depending on conditions and distance.

Important: parawing does not replace a paddle for safety. If the wind drops, you can’t relaunch, even with bumps.

First on-water feedback

“As a surf foil and downwind fan, I found the first parawing session quite easy… The following ones reminded me of the humility needed: one-handed control, jibes, sail overshooting and luffing. After a few sessions, the technique comes and the blend of kite and wing becomes really fun.”

Gear: which wetsuit for parawing?

Parawing puts your gear to the test (falls, friction, long time in water). We recommend a wetsuit that is flexible (shoulder mobility) and thermal for the season, with solid finishes (GBS, reinforcements, quality zip). Add gloves/boots depending on temperature.

Safety reminders

• Honestly assess your foil pumping level before going far offshore.
• Choose a stable weather window adapted to your kite size.
• Inform a relative, bring a communication device and a flotation aid.
• Adapt your wetsuit to water/wind temperature (hypothermia risk).

Conclusion

Parawing is a promising discipline for those who already master foil basics. It offers simplified logistics, thrilling free fly sensations and a playground between kite and wing. Its constraints (wind range, technique, sail handling) require some learning — which is also part of the fun.

Have you tried it? Share your feedback in the comments. We’ll publish an update after winter once we’ve logged more sessions.

FAQ — Parawing

What is parawing in one sentence?

A mini wing controlled with a bar to go upwind, then folded to surf the swell in free fly with a foil.

Do you need to know how to foil to start parawing?

Yes, being able to pump ~200 m on foil greatly helps learning and safety.

Which wetsuit should I choose?

By season: 3/2 mm (mid-season), 4/3 or 5/4 mm (winter), shorty/top (summer). Prioritize shoulder flexibility and strong seams.

Does parawing replace the paddle in downwind?

No. If the wind drops, you cannot relaunch. A paddle remains a safety asset on long runs.

What’s the advantage over wing?

Less bulky, clearer vision, efficient upwind, and allows out-and-back sessions without car shuttles (depending on wind).