LabRat Foiler Podcast

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

In this end-of-year special, I invited Cynthia Brown, Ken Adgate and Ewan Jaspan to reflect on the significant developments in parawinging throughout 2025. We discuss the evolution of riding styles, innovations in gear, and the moments that have elevated the sport. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities for growth, particularly in making the sport more accessible to newcomers. The excitement for the future of parawinging is palpable as we explore the potential for new tricks, techniques, and equipment advancements. The conversation then steers into the latest innovations in parawing accessories, gear advice for riders, and predictions for the future of parawing in 2026. We explore the importance of proper equipment, the stubbornness of riders regarding board sizes, and the potential for hybrid designs to revolutionize the sport. The discussion also includes rapid-fire questions that reveal personal preferences and insights into the evolving world of parawing.

If you would like to listen to the 1-on-1 previous episodes with our guests and get to know them better, check out the episodes below:

Episode 013_Ken Adgate: Expert Parawing techniques, tips, hacks and modifications!: https://youtu.be/sdrc85-pfEU

Episode 007_Ewan Jaspan from Naish: Introduces the Morph Parawing: https://youtu.be/NbKFHn7CSsk

Episode 001_Cynthia Brown 'Cynbad': A Parawing Pioneer and water sport legend: https://youtu.be/CMfPHFiyHms

In this conversation, Dom Zimmerman, head of R&D at Ozone, discusses the new Power Pack parawing, detailing its design innovations, target audience, and performance features. The discussion covers the changes made to the bar system, line configuration, and canopy design, as well as how these changes enhance user experience. Dom also compares the Power Pack's performance to the Pocket Rocket and shares insights on upcoming accessories and developments.

I can’t wait to try this new parawing and see what it will unlock!

Thanks again for coming on Dom!

#Parawing #Foiling #Podcast

In this conversation, Nicolas Calais, the designer of the F1 frigate, shares his extensive journey through the world of water sports, from his early days of surfing to becoming a leading designer in the kite and hydrofoil industry. He discusses the evolution of water sports, the challenges faced in designing the F-One Frigate parawing, and the importance of teamwork in product development. Nicolas emphasizes the balance between performance and usability, particularly in the design of the Frigate parawing, and shares insights into the future of parawings and accessories.

We also discuss the latest innovations in parawing design, including improvements in harness lines, stash belts, and materials. He shares insights on rider performance and the evolution of the sport, emphasizing the importance of user experience and adaptability. The discussion also covers the introduction of the Plume, a new tool for water sports, and offers advice for beginners looking to get started with parawings.

It was a pleasure to speak with you Nico! Can’t wait to see what you’ll create in years to come!

#Parawing #Foiling #Podcast