019_Greg Falck from Omen Foils: Creative Mind Talks Parawinging
In this episode we talk with Greg Falck from Omen Foils (omenfoils.com). Greg has been loving riding the Parawing lately and has come up with some interesting ideas on topics like: harness connections, the use of leashes and how we can improve our stowing techniques with additional accessories.
Greg’s background as a mechanical engeneer, work experience as a Designer at Ocean Rodeo and material scientist at Aluula Composites generated many talking points about the future of Parawinging materials, what is possible, and how these product can evolve.
Greg shares great riding tips on stowing and popping up on small boards and we explore Vancouver Island's unique riding conditions. He shares his opinion on why the Parawing replaced his favorite wing and an unsusual story about Parawing safety.
Finally Greg shares more information on Omen Foil boards and detailed information on understanding swell and wave dynamics for downwinding. This episode is loaded with tons of information to help you progress your Parawing riding! It was a pleasure to talk with this data driven, analytical, creative dude! We could have continued talking for hours I think!
Michael Shephard belt clip link: https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/ShepherdWatersports
How to Foil Swell and Waves Better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thcqEYQ7LHA&t=3s
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1:47:30
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1:47:30
018_Bowen Dwelle: Why should wingers transition into Parawinging
In this episode, we dive into Parawinging through the lens of Bowen Dwelle, a seasoned sailor and San Francisco native with decades of experience across various wind-based sports, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, kitefoiling, and wingfoiling. His deep-rooted connection to the bay serves as a backdrop for our discussion, where we explore the foiling scene in San Francisco and the unique riding styles that Parawing is opening up.
Bowen shares his insights on the evolution of Parawing riding styles, highlighting how the sport continues to innovate and adapt, with new techniques and approaches emerging. We also cover essential gear setups, offering practical tips for those interested in exploring Parawinging coming from a winging backgorund.
As the author of the first article on Parawinging for Foiling Magazine, Bowen's expertise is further underscored by his ongoing work on a comprehensive buying guide that details various Parawing models and their distinct riding characteristics.
It was a pleasure to learn more about him and looking forward to more of these chats in person in Hood River!
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1:35:21
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1:35:21
017_Dave West: Has His Views On Parawinging Changed?
In this episode featuring Dave West, we dive deep into the advantages of parawinging compared to SUP downwinding. Dave is a professional, multidisciplinary foiler who recently released a series of three videos documenting his experiences learning how to parawing, which sparked considerable controversy online. His polarizing views have generated engaging discussions that we explore in this lively debate.
In addition to our banter, we discuss skateboarding drills to improve your parawing handling skills, Dave’s pro model, The Cypher, which is an excellent choice for parawinging, and the current state of the major downwinding racing scene in Hawaii.
It was a pleasure hosting this amusing, charismatic, and talented rider. I can't wait for our next banter session!
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1:34:26
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1:34:26
016_Elliot Leboe: He’s seen it all and chose the Parawing! Why?
Elliot has played a significant role in my development in boardsports. When I first began watching early kiteboarding films, I never imagined I would find myself participating in a podcast with the man behind the camera. Elliot has witnessed and experienced so much throughout his professional boardsport career, both in front of and behind the lens. Hearing his excitement about Parawinging serves as a true validation for me that I’m on the right path.
In this podcast, we cover a wide range of topics, including the beginnings of kiteboarding and how he and his roommate, Lou Wainman, helped propel the sport forward. We also delve into the inception of foiling and discuss his early experiences on the airchair with notable figures like Pete Cabrinha, Robby Naish, and Dave Kalama. Additionally, we explore Parawinging in great detail, including board shapes, riding styles, a LOT of chatter, and what the future holds for this exciting discipline.
This episode is truly packed with great stories and insights. I hope you enjoy it! Elliot is an absolute legend!
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1:39:46
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1:39:46
015_Greg Drexler: The Man That Changed Foiling With The Parawing
In this episode we speak with The Man, Greg Drexler. Greg change the world of foiling in August, 2024 when he launched the very first parawing. What happened after that was absolutely incredible. Never have we seen such uptake of a new foiling discipline, where from one day to the other the entire foiling industry had to recalibrate and reconsider their R&D plans for the upcoming year. And so the race was on to catch up…
Greg will give you an amazing insight into everything that led to his first launch, his thinking, his successes, his failures and all the ‘aha moments’ along the way. He shares some information about his new V2s, some cool tinkering hacks and his views on what he still wants to improve in the gear.
Thank you Greg for accepting this invitation for a chat. It was an honor to meet you and I can say that what you’ve created has changed my life forever. Thank you!
Lab Rat Foiler is not just a podcast; it’s a movement toward embracing a culture of innovation and creativity in foiling. The athletes we interview are continuously pushing the boundaries of foiling, and through their stories, we aim to inspire others to take risks, experiment, and become Lab Rats in this foiling experiment.
New Zealand