High Aspect (AR 9+) vs Mid-Aspect for gusty inland thermal winds
Posted by Konstantin on 2024-07-21
A lot of riders recommend AR 9.5+ foils (like ART PRO or Code 850R) for glide, but in gusty inland lake thermals (fluctuating 11 to 24 knots within seconds), dropping off foil when you hit a dead hole is brutal.
Mid-aspect foils (AR 6.5–7.5) have noticeably lower stall speeds and stay up at 9 knots without frantic pumping.
What is your sweet spot aspect ratio if you ride spots with huge lulls?
Replies
Fredy (Gorge Rider)
For gusty inland lakes with 10 knot dropouts, AR 7.0–8.0 (like Spitfire or BSC) is far more enjoyable than ultra-high aspect. You spend your session riding instead of slogging on the surface.
Joe Foiler
100% agreed. I save my AR 9.8 foil strictly for steady coastal ocean breezes and downwinders.