LabRat Foiler Podcast

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!   ⸻   EPISODE LINKS: https://youtu.be/kxBpoNxfCIw?si=zGjDE2B0LOhc4P8A   ⸻   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   __   Visit www.labratfoiler.com to learn more about the Online Parawing Course Use code: LABRAT10 for 10% off :) __   Don’t forget to subscribe for more foiling tutorials, down winding tips, and parawing techniques to elevate your water sports skills. __   Sponsors: @ozone.wing @codefoils @foilrat on Instagram #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

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

In this episode, I sit down with Francesco Maffei to chat about his journey—from growing up as a young surfer in Italy to becoming one of the go-to shapers for custom parawing boards. We talk about how board sports have evolved, why custom parawing boards are blowing up right now, and all the little details that actually make a board feel good under your feet: volume, thickness, stability, shape… all the nerdy stuff we love. We then jump straight into a full design consult where Francesco walks through how he approaches building a quiver that actually matches a rider’s style, goals, and feel for the sport. He breaks down the three core boards most parawingers want: a light-wind cruiser, a solid everyday board, and a high-performance weapon for stronger days. It’s a super cool look into the trade-offs, the priorities, and how he balances performance with real-world riding. Of course, no custom board is complete without a custom look. Franky shares how he takes a customer’s ideas and turns them into something unique, clean, and totally “them.” We wrap up with Francesco talking about his own parawing goals, how he squeezes progression into a packed schedule, and his mission to complete some of the biggest crossings on Maui. Overall, it’s just a laid-back chat with one of the best shapers out there—and a sneak peek at what it’s like to work with the legend himself. Appreciate you accepting the challenge Franky! Can’t wait to see where this goes! #Parawing #Foiling #Podcast

In this conversation, Aljaz Valik shares his journey from a childhood immersed in aviation to becoming a prominent figure in the parawing design industry. He discusses his competitive background in paragliding, the transition to kite design, and the evolution of foiling. Aljaz highlights the innovations in parawing design, particularly the differences between single and double skin wings, and the unique features of his products. He emphasizes the importance of material choice and the feedback from riders in shaping the future of parawings. We discuss the advancements and innovations in parawings, focusing on material choices, performance, design considerations, and safety procedures. We also explore the future of parawinging, including potential improvements and the importance of encouraging newcomers to the sport. Finally Aljaz shares a bombshell revelation when it comes to what Triple777 is designing next! In his own words “It will be a game changer” Thank you for coming on Al! It was amazing to learn all the technicalities of parawinging with you and this episode will be great for all the parawing nerds out there like me! #Parawing #Foiling #Podcast

In this conversation, Patrick Rebstock shares his journey from traditional board sports to downwinding and now into parawinging. He discusses the importance of safety, understanding local geography, and the differences between groundswell and windswell. Patrick emphasises the need for preparation and knowledge of conditions to ensure a successful and safe downwinding experience. We discuss the intricacies of foiling, particularly focusing on the techniques and skills required for effective downwinding with a parawing. We explore the importance of understanding energy dynamics in the ocean, the process of packing down the parawing, and the role of the paddle in enhancing the downwind experience. The discussion also touches on the selection of appropriate boards for different conditions and the future of parawinging as a sport. Thank you for coming on and sharing all your knowledge mate! I’m sure people will learn heaps from this chat! #Parawing #Foiling #Podcast

In this episode, I talk with Jon McCabe, one of Maui’s most experienced multi-sport foilers, to unpack his evolution in Parawinging — from his roots in kiting to the cutting-edge gear shaping where the sport is heading. Jon and I dive deep into advanced Parawing techniques, gear setup, and the fine-tuning that helps you get the most out of your foil, board, and bar system. We talk about mastering the stow and throw, finding flow state on the Parawing, and why this discipline feels like the ultimate blend of kiting, winging, and foiling. We also break down some of the most important lessons for advanced riders — including how to dial in your Parawing setup for better control and power, the best approaches for downwind foiling and wave riding, and how to experiment with line lengths, bar configurations, and gear tuning for optimal performance. Jon shares his experience comparing Ozone, BRM, and other leading Parawing systems, highlighting what makes each one unique. Throughout our chat, we explore what it takes to find true flow state on the water, balance power and glide, and unlock more freedom and connection through advanced Parawing progression. Whether you’re chasing speed, precision, or smooth transitions in variable conditions, this episode is full of insights that will help you take your riding to the next level. This was one of my favourite interviews as it felt like a catch-up with a good mate. Thanks for coming on Jon! #Parawing #Foiling #Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with James Casey to explore the exciting world of downwinding and parawinging. James shares his journey from different water sports into foiling, we dive into the emergence of the parawing, its advantages for downwinders, and the unique dynamics of light wind sessions. We also cover important safety considerations and talk about the future of downwinding with parawings, making this a valuable conversation for anyone passionate about water sports. James discusses innovative techniques, self-sufficiency on downwind runs, and how foil selection impacts performance. He shares insights from recent races and reflects on where power winging is headed as a community-driven sport. Throughout our conversation, we compare learning how to downwind on the parawing verses other disciples such as winging, SUP and foil drive. What comes out of this might surprise you! Thanks for coming on James. It was great to finally get this podcast done and I look forward to continue to follow your evolution in this sport! #Parawing #Foiling #Podcast

In this episode of the Lab Rat Foiler Podcast, we sit down with ex-pro bodyboarder, lifelong ocean frother, and now dedicated parawinger Kyle Maligro. From growing up in Hawaii chasing waves on a boogie board, to a long career on the professional bodyboarding scene, Kyle has lived his life in the water. These days, he’s channeling that same passion into the world of parawinging, with unmatched creativity and stoke. We dive into Kyle’s journey from the early days of prone foiling (and the brutal wipeouts that came with it), to the discovery of wing foiling, experimenting with gear, and eventually finding the parawing as the tool that opened up new levels of freedom and fun. Kyle shares stories about the first prototypes he tried, the sessions that shaped him, and the wild experiments that only true innovators are willing to attempt. Expect plenty of laughs, tales from Hood River and Rufus downwind runs, gear insights on small boards and sinker starts techniques, and real conversations about what makes foiling such a unique community-driven sport. Whether you’re just getting into it or you’re deep into parawinging, this episode is packed with relatable stories, hard-earned lessons, and inspiration to keep pushing. Thanks for coming on Kyle and I can’t wait to bump into you around the world to share more parawing sessions! Check out his shortless session at Rufus: https://youtu.be/-WfulKQVxWA?si=oZTVT46D2wGPI6xu

In this conversation, I sit down with Brandon Scheid to explore his journey through the world of water sports, including kiteboarding, paragliding, and his newly discovered passion for parawinging. We discuss the challenges he faced after a life-altering accident, his recovery process, and how foiling played a crucial role in his healing. The conversation also dives into the evolution of parawinging, his insights on getting into the sport the right way, and the importance of setting yourself up for success, understanding gear, and overcoming the challenges beginners often face. He emphasizes the significance of choosing the right wind conditions, the flow state experienced during parawinging, and the innovations needed to enhance the experience for riders. Throughout the conversation, Brandon inspires listeners to embrace challenges and find joy in the journey of learning and mastering new skills. If you want to be inspired by this legend’s life story watch the trailer for his documentary WIND_FALL: https://vimeo.com/1032261938?fl=pl&fe=vl I learned so much from him—both on a personal level and through his experience in extreme sports. Thanks for sharing your story, brother.

We’re back from Hood River, and this legend inspired me to restart recording the podcast. Coming home from summer in the Gorge to winter in Australia left me feeling flat, and I was struggling to find the motivation to record again. But as soon as this ripper agreed to come on, the spark returned instantly. On the trip, I had the chance to meet the Armstrong crew in the Gorge and watched Cash throw down some wild tricks on the parawing. Here is the Armstrong Team strike mission video at The Gorge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ8yt9gtiVg Cash’s natural ability to get inverted was unreal to watch—by his third or fourth session, he was already pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a parawing. In this episode, we break down some of those tricks, dive into wave riding with the parawing—a discipline that’s only just beginning to be explored and is yet to be pushed to the limit—and there’s truly no better person to talk about this topic than Cash. We also touch on Armstrong’s plans of developing a parawing and his vision for the future of power and progression of this sport. Cash, thank you for your energy, stoke, and for putting me back on track. It was a pleasure having this conversation with you Cash. At such a young age you’ve already cemented your place as one of the true innovators of our sport. 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. @foilrat on Instagram #Parawinging #Parawing #Foiling #DownWinding

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

In this episode we speak with Gwen Le Tutour, who is a filmaker, YouTuber, and an incredible foiling coach. Gwen’s story started from his love of the ocean and sea life concervation. After working on the Sea Shepherd, Gwen took a punt and started an extremely popular YouTube Channel with Damian Leroy. His foiling journey is not only inspiring but one filled with perseverance, passion and knowledge. Gwen shares his Parawing techniques to get on foil, how to find the sweet spot when stowing, and shares an amazing perspective into learning how to downwind. His professional approach and his coaching knowledge will definately help you become a better Parawinger.  know I learned heaps from this guy! I hope you do as well!