
North Nova V3, 2023 Wings

To get out there and have fun wingfoiling you need to make sure you have the right gear for where you are skill wise, and your type of foiling. Don’t let all the talk about going on small boards, downwinder boards, small foils, small wings, push you in the wrong direction. That is the trend that killed windsurfing, and made it hard for new people to get into the sport. Look at SUPs and kayaks, they have done a better job at building products for the masses. Wingfoiling hopefully will keep the bulk of the product for the masses.
This review is from two people who have owned and used 18 wings before settling on the North Novas. We have worn out a lot of wings, some in a very short time.
The inflatable wings have advanced rapidly in the last five years. I feel it is starting to taper off to small tweaks that make the wings better.
We foil a lot and love the challenge, constant learning, sensation, and sharing the experience. Remember when you were a kid and went out in your first dinghy on your own? The freedom, fun, constant learning, and adventure, well that is how I feel foiling.
Also wingfoiling will make you a better sailor for any boat you go on.

This brings me to the North 2023 Nova wings. Carol needed to replace her Ozone Wasp 3, 4.3 meter wing that sold with her last board in Antigua. With a friend using the Nova wings Carol tried the 4.2 and was hooked. Then she went for 2023 Nova 5.0, 4.2, and 3.5 all in yellow to fill out her quiver.
I have been using the F-One CWC 2022 6.0 as my light air wing. Like it so much that last year I purchased a spare before I wore it out (took 62 sessions and it still had life). But next time I will try the Nova 6.0 if it comes in yellow or orange.
My other recent wings were the Armstrong XPS 5.3 and 4.6. I went to these wings for the stiffer/flatter canopy. But they were both holding me back. So I tried Carol’s Nova 4.2 for a session. I was shocked, it is so stable. That was one of my best sessions in 2 1/2 years. The great low end power, forward drive gets you on the foil quickly, lets you add speed easily, and the handles fit our hands. Sailing overpowered is easy. The construction is first class with a well designed bag that makes it easy to pack. The speed with this wing is fun since it is so stable. The first time with my Nova 5.0 I hit the second fastest speed since learning to wingfoil. I could just trust the Nova knowing nothing weird was going to happen. Now I have purchased the 2023 Nova 4.2 and 5.0, both in yellow.

We are learning each size has a wide wind range with nice overlaps to the other sizes. Yesterday I dropped from my 6.0 to the 4.2. In the puffs the 4.2 was magic, jibing was easier, in the harness pushing up wind was great, it was just easy. This type of wing will let you advance your skills and moves. And for the handles you never have to grip hard even when overpowered. These are the best handles we have used, North nailed the feel, diameter, and locations. I am not one for the wrist leash so I made a waist leash.
Hats off to North for coming up with this great wing for the masses. I have not tried the Mode yet, because the Nova just works. The Nova is a great all around wing which is perfect for us. The only thing left to know is how long will they last?
You need to find the wing that makes foiling easier, and lets you advance your skills not being held back by the gear. The same goes for the board and foils.
And by all means please manufactures offer wing color options in bright (yellow, orange) so we can be seen on the water. Too many close call with powerboats which is not good for the sport. I will do another post just on wingfoil safety that our local group has discussed and set up some standards.
Thanks North for building a wing for the full range from beginner to expert. You have earned our business.
Link to North Nova web page with loads of great information, videos, 3D views, and rider input.
Thanks to Dan Neri for the feature image.
See you soon, Paul
