Why SUP Downwinding Still Stands Above the Rest | Dave West
Published on April 21st, 2025 | by Supworldmagazine
In a recent reflection on the growing number of ways to get into downwind foiling (DW), Dave West shares thoughtful insight on the value of taking the harder road—stand-up paddle (SUP) downwinding.
While alternative methods like parawings, Foil Drives (FDs), and winging make the learning curve easier and more accessible, the post argues that relying solely on these tools may come at the cost of missing out on the full depth of the sport. The paddle, they say, offers more than just propulsion—it’s a key to greater independence, control, and long-term progression.
“There’s nothing wrong with shortcuts,” they note. “But if your goal is to really understand and master DW, the paddle is the endgame.”
The writer acknowledges their own recent success with the parawing and sees value in using these tools to learn bump reading and foil control. But the core message is clear: for those looking to truly commit to DW, the SUP paddle unlocks a level of performance and freedom that other methods simply can’t match.
Look out for their next video for a deeper dive into parawing performance and how it contrasts with paddle-based DW.
#SUPDownwind #DownwindFoiling
Related Posts
Double Header PBs On The Paddle Board →
ROAD TO M2O SUP FOIL | WEEK 3-4 TRAINING →
Jess Leedy Extreme SUP Surfing →
