The Slingshot LTF transitions from fins to foil in a matter of seconds. Photo: James Ferrell
Wing foiling entered my world a couple years ago on a trip to Peru with fellow surfers, kiters, and foil enthusiasts. Those pros made it look so easy, and it was the perfect way to utilize the conditions we had – long left points and cross-shore winds. They caught sets way outside, carving graceful turns down the line, doing huge airs, then racing back out to the next swell in a seamless loop.
Like most surfers, wind had always been something I generally avoided. But things changed one crazy windy day five years ago as I was driving along the L.A. coastline and noticed a guy (Dogtown legend and Malibu icon Allen Sarlo, no less) ripping apart waves on a surfboard; kite attached. I was mesmerized, and thus began my kitesurfing journey. Eventually it opened my mind to other gear designed for fun, more often in “sub-par” conditions, like hydrofoils and wings.
It’s a humbling prospect to become a kook again, especially if the beach is your happy place. If you’re dead-set on learning to wing foil, the best place to start, for sure, is by taking lessons with seasoned experts. Either put in the time near home or dedicate a trip to a suitable venue and learn the fundamentals over consecutive and committed days. However, lessons can only get you so far, and when it’s time to get out there on your own, the Slingshot LTF Foil Board is here to bridge any gaps and help you safely progress.
Video shot and edited by Sean Newhouse.
Slingshot LTF Board – First Impressions
| Pros | Cons |
| Huge volume for stability | Limited use after beginner stage due to large volume |
| Ability to swap fins for a foil | Inflatable boards add setup time |
| Inflatable for easy transport |
Slingshot’s LTF (Learn To Fly) wing board comes in two sizes. We tested the larger 6’6” x 210L volume model. Designed with 36” width and 6” thickness, it makes for a stable surface to paddle, kneel and ultimately stand on. It only took a few minutes to attach the fins and pump it up and be ready for action.
“For my first attempt at winging, the LTF made it super easy to learn on,” explained local L.A. surfer Alex Silver. “It’s insanely wide and buoyant, which was exactly what I needed. It made getting up from my knees to my feet that much easier. For a beginner, having a sturdy platform underneath helps when you’re trying to figure out how to hold the wing.”
The LTF board is lightweight and easy to assemble, making travel by car or even plane easy. But what really separates this product from others is the ability to use it with or without a hydrofoil. It comes with two rear twin fins and a middle stabilizing fin that helps you stay up-wind or directional while practicing technique and building confidence. When you’re ready, you can also attach a hydrofoil to the same carbon plate underneath with ease.
“The fin design was super interesting,” added Silver. “It felt like it gave the board enough stability for you to glide across the water while holding the wing. It’s pretty crazy that the fins are interchangeable with a foil.”
You have to crawl before you walk, or in this case, kneel before you rip it up. Photo: James Ferrell
At first, things feel relatively the same when you add the hydrofoil. It’s only once more speed kicks in that the physics of hydrodynamics comes into play. Fluid motion begins to lift the board off the water, and if you can maintain balance and control, it’s as close to flying as we humans can get.
Most likely, you’ll drop back down immediately. But thanks to the high volume of this design there’s a big enough cushion to ride out of the rodeo-like experience without falling every single time (be sure to bend your knees), and you can simply try again. It’s also certainly worth adding proper protection such as a helmet and impact vest or PFD once there’s a foil involved. Feeling the sensation of “getting up on foil” isn’t easy, and you’re going to pay some dues. Towing behind a boat or Jet Ski helps if able.
Wing foiling depends on coordination and balance, plus the variables of wind speed and wing size (we used 6.5m wings on this really light 10-knot day, and for beginners, it’s always worth sizing up). It’s physically draining and can be demoralizing when things don’t go smoothly, but the LTF board‘s large size and soft construction help keep those moments to a minimum.
My (more advanced) hydrofoil setup was a Slingshot Phantasm 82cm mast, with Slingshot’s G800 (1173cm2) front wing, plus a 400mm back stabilizer wing. You want a lot of surface area when learning, especially in lighter winds, to help lift the board off the water sooner and stay up longer. A great beginner option from Slingshot for larger riders would be the Hover Glide FWing V2, or the PFI 730/872 for smaller riders.
Once it clicks, it will be a lifelong passion. The Slingshot LTF can help make that click happen sooner. Photo: James Ferrell
Slingshot LTF Specs
| Volume (L) | Length (ft, in) | Width (in) | Thickness (in) | Weight (lbs) |
| 180 | 6’0″ | 34″ | 6″ | 11.6 |
| 210 | 6’6″ | 36″ | 6″ | 13.8 |
Final Thoughts
I was really impressed how the Slingshot LTF board performed on foil. As an advanced rider, I’m usually riding a refined 50L board, so an inflatable 210L version had me doubting I’d find much joy in riding it. But once up on foil, the board rode smoothly, didn’t feel heavy or limit my experience riding swells or small waves, and even allowed for some playful jumps. It’s definitely a great setup for learning, or teaching others how to wing foil, but also a fun board to keep in the quiver and travel with.
Editor’s Note: We’ve also reviewed The Best Wings for Wing Foiling, and The Best Wing Foil Boards. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
The Best Wings for Wing Foiling of 2024
