LabRat Foiler Podcast

This episode of the LabRat Foiler Podcast dives deep into one of the most exciting moments yet for the sport of parawinging: the first SFT / SFD Downwind Parawing World Cup. I sit down with Carlos Saez to unpack the event, the race format, the vision behind it, and why this competition could play a huge role in shaping the future of parawing racing, downwind foiling, and competitive foil sports.



We talk about what makes a true parawing race and why this event is about much more than simply blasting downwind. The big challenge is designing a format that tests real rider skill across the full discipline of parawinging — including upwind ability, downwind speed, stashing, redeploying, pumping, foil control, and tactical decisions under pressure. Instead of rewarding only the fastest gear, the goal is to build an event that rewards the most complete rider.



That opens up some of the biggest conversations in parawinging right now. How important is stashing technique in racing? How much will pump zones influence the results? What kind of parawing board design, foil setup, and gear strategy will work best when racers need to blend powered riding with efficient unpowered foiling? We get into how course design can highlight these skills and why racing could accelerate innovation across the whole sport.



This episode also explores the bigger picture of where parawinging is heading. Carlos explains why parawinging is not just about swell riding, but a discipline that can evolve into multiple directions including racing, freeride, and performance foiling. The race becomes a lens for understanding the sport itself: what skills matter most, what equipment trends are emerging, and how events like this can help define the next phase of parawing progression.



We also cover the broader event context, including how the SFT fits into the growing world of foil competition and why this World Cup format matters for the credibility and growth of the sport. If you’re interested in parawing racing, foil racing, downwind parawing, pump foiling, stow and redeploy technique, parawing gear development, and the future of high-performance parawinging, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the LabRat Foiler Podcast, I sit down with Dmitry “the Russian” Evseev, one of the true early adopters of parawinging and a rider who has been testing, refining, and pushing the sport since the beginning. From his journey out of Russia to building a life around wind and waves in Mauritius, Dmitry shares how water sports, foiling, and curiosity for new equipment shaped the rider he is today.



We dive deep into the early days of parawinging, what it was like learning before there was any real information available, and why the sport instantly hooked him. Dmitry breaks down the biggest challenges for beginners, including choosing the right gear, understanding power, managing overpowered conditions, and learning how to properly stow and redeploy the parawing with confidence.



This episode goes deep on technique, especially stowing systems, redeployment, wave riding, and why packing the parawing properly is one of the most important skills in the sport. Dmitry demonstrates his version of the 4-A-line stow method, how he approaches long-line in parawings, and why smooth, automatic technique matters so much in real-world conditions.



We also talk gear design, what makes a great parawing, why modern wings are improving so quickly, hybrid designs, bar setups, line choices, harness systems, and the small accessories that can make a big difference on the water. If you’re into wave riding, downwinders, or long upwind missions, there’s a ton in here for you.



If you’re serious about parawinging, foiling, wave riding, and learning from riders who are helping shape the sport in real time, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the LabRat Foiler Podcast, I sit down with world-class rider Guy Bridge to dive deep into the evolution of parawinging, foiling, and wave riding. From his roots in competitive kitesurfing to pushing the limits of modern foil sports, Guy shares insights on technique, gear progression, and what it really takes to ride at a high level.



We break down his epic Western Australia trip with the Armstrong crew, including wave riding sessions, downwind runs, and the rapid progression of parawing performance. We also get into stowing techniques, light-wind challenges, foil design choices, and how the sport is evolving globally. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways and inspiration for your own parawing journey.



This conversation also explores the mindset behind progression — from early frustrations to breakthrough moments — and why parawing is creating such strong community energy worldwide.

Thanks for coming on the show Guy! Hope we get to ride together one day!



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EPISODE LINKS: https://youtu.be/kxBpoNxfCIw?si=zGjDE2B0LOhc4P8A



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Chapters



00:00 Before the Red Light goes on

04:21 Introduction to Guy Bridge

06:10 The Evolution of Water Sports: From Kiting to Foiling

10:32 The Thrill of Downwind Runs: Social Aspects and Techniques

15:24 WA Trip with Armstrong Crew

16:23 The Social Element of Water Sports: Banter and Community

19:34 The Technical Side of Power Winging: Skills and Techniques

25:03 The Thrill of Parawing and Community Spirit

27:45 Innovations in Parawing Gear

32:39 Wave Riding Videos

36:44 Stowing Techniques and Gear Efficiency

39:57 Parawing Stowing Methods

45:55 The Learning Curve of Parawing

50:02 Breakthrough Moments in Parawinging

51:07 Understanding Technique and Wind Requirements

52:00 Mastering Light Wind Conditions

54:03 The Evolution of Gear and Tacking Techniques

57:12 The Impact of Foil Design on Riding Experience

01:00:11 Finding the Right Balance in Quiver Selection

01:02:58 Transitioning to New Gear and Brand Experiences

01:07:39 Exploring Gear and Board Design Innovations

01:14:17 Armstrong Gear and Becoming a Team Rider

01:19:28 Mastering the Art of Pumping and Lift

01:20:31 The Rise of Parawinging in Local Communities

01:21:35 Wave Riding and the Future of Parawinging

01:24:47 Adventures and Future Plans in Parawinging

01:30:26 Racing Experiences and Community Vibes

01:36:36 Future Destinations and the Evolution of the Sport



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Visit www.labratfoiler.com to learn more about the Online Parawing Course

Use code: LABRAT10 for 10% off :)

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Don’t forget to subscribe for more foiling tutorials, down winding tips, and parawing techniques to elevate your water sports skills.

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Sponsors:
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#Parawinging #Parawing #Foiling #DownWinding

In this episode of the LabRat Foiler Podcast, I sit down with local ripper Jarrod Snow to talk all things parawinging, SUP downwind foiling, and what it really takes to go fast on the open ocean. Jarrod had just knocked out an 80km downwinder run in properly nuking conditions, so we break down the logistics, the mindset, and the techniques that keep you linking bumps when it’s big. Jarrod shares his biggest performance unlocks for downwind foiling—especially the importance of mast height, staying relaxed to avoid breaching, and “reading the ocean” to hunt downhills and wormholes for speed. We also get into gear: how he trains on “the wrong foil” to level up fast, what his racing setup looks like, and why shorter masts can improve pump and control (with trade-offs). We go deep on how parawinging complements downwinding, turning what used to be pure speed-run days into surfy, playful sessions—especially on a small board and nimble foil. Jarrod drops practical beginner advice for learning to parawing, including why you should oversize your parawing, do heaps of ground handling and stowing practice, and how a kite background can fast-track your progress. We also unpack the new Downwind Foiling World Tour (France, WA, Hawaii), what it’s like racing through seaweed-filled chaos, and why shaping his own boards has become a massive part of his progression—including a purpose-built parawing board design focused on stability, quick release, and early planing. If you’re into parawinging, downwind foiling, SUP downwinders, and improving faster with better technique and smarter gear choices, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. INSTAGRAM LINKS: Jarrod Snow Designs: @jsnow_designs https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUgus6Ik0VW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Snow Foto: @snowfoto_au https://www.instagram.com/snowfoto_au/?hl=en

In this episode I interview Jack Ho, a passionate water sports athlete and foiler. Jack shares his journey from surfing in his home town to discovering the exhilarating world of foiling, particularly the emerging trend of downwinding. He discusses the evolution of his skills in parawinging, the challenges he faced while learning, and the excitement of riding in new locations. Jack emphasizes the importance of having fun and the community aspect of foiling, highlighting how it fosters camaraderie among riders. He also touches on the gear he uses, including a custom vest designed for parawing with patagonia, and his upcoming projects, including a film documenting his adventures in foiling in 2025. Let me know who you'd like to hear from next! Don’t forget to subscribe for more foiling tutorials, down winding tips, and parawing techniques to elevate your water sports skills. _ Link mentioned: Parawing Course: www.LabRatFoiler.com Rufus Downwinder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnnhkO2BtVc&t=16s Jack's 2025 Recap Video: coming soon _ Chapters: 01:04 LabRat Academy – parawing course & discount 02:35 Welcome to the podcast – introducing Jack Ho 03:10 Jack’s water sports background & growing up surfing Waikiki 04:44 From prone foiling to downwind foiling 06:22 The early days of downwind foiling & industry evolution 08:03 First time seeing a parawing 09:54 Learning to parawing on a small board 10:56 Early struggles: balance, lines & stashing 13:13 Skills that transfer from prone, tow & downwind foiling 15:58 Advice for wing foilers moving into parawing & downwind 18:43 Paddle vs parawing for learning downwind foiling 22:19 Finding flow & style in downwind riding 25:47 Dream conditions & why Hood River is special 28:34 Downwind foiling as endless surfing 31:22 Turning technique, body position & hand placement 34:13 The no-pump mindset & carving efficiency 38:11 Gear talk: foils, fuselages & surf-style setups 43:21 Board choice: small prone boards & volumes 45:13 Parawing in waves – potential & risks 48:24 Safety, lines & realistic progression 49:51 Practicing redeploys & lap-style sessions 52:17 Travel benefits of parawing vs SUP 53:19 Strike missions: New Jersey, Europe & global foiling 59:03 Foiling anywhere mindset & redefining surf trips 1:02:01 Creativity, content & storytelling through travel 1:04:18 Announcement: Jack Ho’s 2025 film project _ #Parawinging #Parawing #Foiling #DownWinding