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  3. Super High Aspect: The Future of Foiling?
Super High Aspect: The Future of Foiling?

Super High Aspect: The Future of Foiling?

What if your foil could do more with less?

In foiling, efficiency is the name of the game, and high aspect designs are rewriting the rules. From gliding longer to lifting sooner, the Super High Aspect foil from Naish is helping riders go further, faster, with less effort. It’s a big step forward in downwind performance, and a clear sign of where the sport is headed.

Neutron vs. ADX: Which Wing Is Right for You? Reading Super High Aspect: The Future of Foiling? 7 minutes Next 10 Years of Stig
By Linda van LakwijkJun 3, 2025

To understand what makes it so different, we caught up with Matt Hoffman from the Naish R&D team – one of the minds behind the design – to talk foil theory, performance metrics, and why aspect ratios are only part of the story.

Why High Aspect?

High aspect foils are quickly becoming the go-to for riders chasing speed and glide, but why now? And what makes them different from traditional foils?

“High aspect foils standout in comparison due to their increased aspect ratio which helps in drag reduction and lift generation,” Matt shared. “These two characteristics of the HA foils give them a lot higher efficiency than other foils. This efficiency and ability to get better low end lift generation is part of the reason they are such a big deal.”

That increase in efficiency is exactly what makes them ideal for demanding conditions like open ocean swells and longer downwinders. By minimizing drag and boosting lift, they offer more performance with less energy output.

Built for Downwind

The Super High Aspect foil was designed with one goal in mind: efficiency across distance. For downwind riders, that means earlier take-offs, easier foil access, and a whole lot less pumping.

“The super high aspect foils improve downwind performance through the efficiency of the platform and the specialized profile,” Matt explained. “The super high aspect platform aids in drag reduction as noted above but also in low end lift generation. This means you get up on foil sooner and easier.”

That alone makes a big difference on long runs, but the real shift happens when the design’s glide kicks in.

“The specialized profile was also specifically designed to get you up on foil sooner and to help you glide much longer. The advantage of the specialized design is the average speed in your downwind runs increases dramatically, not only do you spend less time paddling into swell, you also spend less pumping and more time in the power, thus increasing the speed and efficiency of your runs.”

Cruise Control 

When it comes to glide, the SHA puts in the work so riders don’t have to. It’s not just about going fast – it’s about going further, with less effort.

“The high aspect design of the foil itself doesn't increase your speed,” Matt clarified, “however it does make it easier to go faster over the course of your downwind runs. This comes from the efficiency of the design and the section which is all built on two main ideas: decreasing drag while maintaining maximum lift. This allows the foil to glide much further than other foils in the market.”

With its carefully tuned balance of drag reduction and lift, the SHA doesn’t just keep you on foil, it helps you stay there longer, with less effort, and more momentum between swells.

A Design Story

So, how do you create a foil that feels like this?

“The shape contributes to 25% of the efficiency and the profile 75%,” Matt said. “The profile is really where the magic of the glide starts and the shape is where we control the stability and feel of the foil. These two aspects of the design are crafted together to give great glide/efficiency that's stable but also maneuverable and fun to ride.”

That balance – between profile and shape – is what makes the SHA both efficient and fun, whether you’re just getting into downwinding or pushing for longer, faster runs.

“The efficiency of the SHA makes the accessibility of downwinding much higher. This is through the design's ability to get you on foil sooner and keep you there longer,” Matt added. “Through the increased lift and glide and minimized drag, the design requires less paddling and pumping, lowering the energy it takes to downwind.”

Top End Performance

While it’s built for glide, the SHA still delivers when it comes to speed, just not in the conventional way.

“The Super High Aspect foil is not designed for maximum speed like other foils in our range such as the Mach 2,” Matt admitted. “However, we spent a lot of time designing the section for the best top end performance. This was done through analyzing flow separation and profile shape from the leading edge to the trailing edge for optimum range. We were able to achieve a foil where you can overtake swell easier and maintain your maximum speed for longer without sacrificing the low end.”

Obsession to Ocean

Like most great designs, the SHA didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of curiosity, experimentation, and a lot of refinement.

“The inspiration for the design started with our passion for riding open ocean swell and the desire for maximum efficiency,” Matt shared. “Development of the foil started with a lot of research on the advantages and disadvantages of different airfoil shapes. We spent a lot of time designing profiles, optimizing and redesigning. We worked hard to target the most optimum speed range for downwinding and to help people break into this tricky discipline.”

That dedication to both speed range and accessibility is what sets the SHA apart from traditional foils.

“The SHA enhances glide distance and average speed a lot,” Matt said. “The feel of these benefits are instantly noticeable, through a much lower energy output. Where you used to have to work hard to stay on foil, now you can glide to the next power source.”

For experienced riders, this means longer sessions with less burnout. For newer foilers, it could mean your first real downwinder doesn’t end in frustration.

Not Just a Phase

Looking forward, high aspect foils are just the beginning. Matt believes the future of foiling lies in refining profiles for specific disciplines.

“I see the future of foils being more about the profiles and less about the aspect ratio,” he noted. “And we'll see some glidey medium aspects that can be pushed really hard. I think that it also means we'll see more specialized foils making them purpose built to perform in just racing, or wave riding, or learning. While most foils can do most everything, some foils are better for specific tasks.”

And for those wondering what kind of ride experience the SHA delivers?

“Super high aspect foils are generally more stable in the roll and yaw due to the large wingspan and straighter outlines,” Matt explained. “They are also generally slightly less pitch stable due to their small chord lengths and aggressive profiles. Those are the small feel differences you may feel when you try an SHA compared to your normal foil.”

The SHA is designed to move with the ocean, not muscle through it. With earlier lift, longer glides, and unmatched efficiency, it’s not just another foil. It’s a tool for flow, made for riders chasing more with less. And the Super High Aspect? It’s already showing us what the future feels like.

Continue reading

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