Foil Life Podcast by SFT

• Episode #112 - Kiran Verma

  This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. In this episode, we catch up with Kiran Verma, a passionate pro wing foiler and content creator from Australia's Sunshine Coast. Joining Luc from across the globe, Kiran shares his inspiring journey into the sport at age 37, his recent switch to North gear, and the highs of pushing limits in a rapidly evolving industry. From mastering foil slides to dissecting his favorite setups, Kiran offers an honest look at what it takes to progress, the joy of community connections, and the transformative power of foiling at any age.Journey into Foiling: Kiran reflects on starting wing foiling later in life, now at 41, and how it changed everything—from traveling to places like Cape Verde, Fiji, Mauritius, Brazil, and Chile, to embracing rejection and training harder. He emphasizes the mental freedom of pursuing passion without caring about judgments, and how foiling has brought happiness despite life's demands.Switching to North Gear: Kiran details his transition to North after positive experiences with their foils, highlighting the SF-530 for tight turns and the SF-680 for versatile light-wind performance. He praises the brand's receptiveness, community support (like backing Max Robinson and We Can Foil), and gear like the 55L Swell board, while sharing how video analysis helped refine his riding.Gear Breakdown and Tips: Diving into his go-to setup—a 680 front wing, 145 stabilizer, 60cm fuse, and 85cm mast—Kiran explains why he sticks to minimal changes for consistency. He discusses foil slides inspired by riders like Cash Berzolla, the appeal of short boards for prone foiling, and why foiling appeals to the 40-70 age group with its technical, accessible nature.Community and Growth: The duo explores the sport's potential to go mainstream, comparing it to golf for its niche appeal and inclusivity. Kiran stresses the need for more entry-level programs to grow foiling beyond the elite, the role of small brands in innovation, and how sessions clear the mind like nothing else.Future Plans: Kiran teases upcoming trips, possibly to Morocco for right-handers or Cape Town for King of the Air, plus content on learning new tricks like one-hand grabs. He hints at deeper involvement with North's R&D and a desire to see foiling explode in popularity.Follow Kiran - https://www.instagram.com/kv_foil/

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• Gear Review Show #1 with Matt Kaufmann - Parawings

  This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. In this episode, we dive into the world of parawings with Matt On Foil, a dedicated watersports enthusiast and content creator from Switzerland. Broadcasting from opposite sides of the globe, Matt joins us to share his meticulous testing process, honest reviews, and insights from the hyper-competitive watersports industry. From the F-One Frigate to the Gong Lowkite Plus, Matt walks us through his comprehensive para wing comparison, offering a candid look at what works, what doesn’t, and the challenges of staying unbiased.Parawing Rankings: Matt unveils his detailed infographic, ranking 18 parawings based on metrics like bar weight, bridle length, pre-flight behavior, pumpability, and upwind performance. The F-One Frigate takes the top spot, while the Gong Lowkite Plus impresses as a budget-friendly standout. Matt explains why some wings, like the FlySurfer Pow, shine in specific conditions but require skill to master.Testing Challenges: Matt shares the behind-the-scenes effort of measuring and testing parawings, from weighing canopies at a local shop to battling inconsistent wind at Lake Silvaplana. He discusses the difficulty of giving honest feedback, especially when brands provide free gear or personal support, and the importance of staying authentic for the community.Gear Evolution: From depowering innovations to material durability concerns, Matt and Luc explore how parawings are evolving. Matt questions whether ultra-light canopies are worth the trade-offs and highlights unique designs like the 777 PT Skin’s integrated harness system.Safety and Accessibility: The duo discusses the physical demands of parawinging, cautioning beginners about the learning curve and potential risks, especially for those with prior injuries. They look ahead to future innovations that could make pair wings more accessible and user-friendly.Follow Matt - https://www.instagram.com/mattonfoil/

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• Surf Foil World Tour (SFT) Show #4: Recap of the Pump Foil World Cup Traunsee 2025

  This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. In this episode, we sit down with Tom Hartmann and Nico Hopp of Hoppline to dive into the exhilarating world of pump foiling at Lake Traunsee, Upper Austria. Broadcasting from their respective homes, Tom and Nico share their passion for this rapidly growing sport, the vibrant community, and the unique vibe of the SFT.- Lake Traunsee Triumph: Tom and Nico recap the SFT event at Lake Traunsee, a stunning venue surrounded by mountains with a top-notch setup. With four starting docks and a professional organization running alongside the Austrian Wing Foil Championships, the event offered a perfect mix of competition and community, capped off with exciting wake foiling sessions behind a boat.- Pump Foiling’s Appeal: Tom and Nico discuss the sport’s accessibility, thriving in flatwater lakes and ideal for urban and inland locations. They highlight how pump foiling draws in everyone from pros to beginners. - Community-Driven Competition: Nico emphasizes the inclusive nature of the SFT, where pros like Eden Fiander and Robert von Roll race alongside amateurs, creating a social and competitive atmosphere. Tom explains the division structure—pro, open, masters, youth, and women’s categories—ensuring everyone, from seasoned athletes to first-timers, feels motivated to join. - Gear and Technique Evolution: The duo dives into the latest gear trends, with Nico noting the pros’ use of tiny, high-performance wings and unique dock-start techniques. From Eden’s strap-based approach to Rob’s hands-on style, the diversity in equipment and skills keeps the sport dynamic and exciting. - A Family Affair: Tom highlights the family-friendly vibe, with free dinners for competitors and their families, fostering a welcoming environment. Nico shares a heartwarming story of a young competitor and his mother camping out to participate, showcasing the sport’s appeal across generations.- The Future of SFT: Tom reveals plans for the final 2025 event in Abu Dhabi, featuring e-foiling and wake foiling, and a 2026 season kicking off in Düsseldorf. With ambitions to expand prize money and bring events to urban centers like Venice’s Grand Canal, the SFT aims to grow pump foiling’s global reach.Join us for a lively discussion packed with insights into pump foiling’s rise, the thrill of close-knit competition, and the community spirit driving this niche sport forward. From stunning venues to innovative gear, this episode captures the excitement of foiling without wind.Visit: https://www.instagram.com/supfoiltour & https://www.instagram.com/hoppline/

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• Wing Foil World Tour (GWA) Show Episode #13 - Gran Canaria with World Champ Benjamin Castenskiold

  This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. In this exciting episode, we sit down with Benji, the newly crowned wing foiling world champion, and Tom Hartmann, to discuss Benji’s incredible rise in the sport. Broadcasting from different corners of the world, we dive into Benji’s journey, the evolution of wing foiling, and the vibrant community pushing the sport to new heights.From Rookie to Champion: Benji shares his meteoric rise to the 2025 world title in his first full year on the GWA tour. Training with former world champion Chris MacDonald Jr in La Ventana, Mexico, Benji’s determination and skill led to a standout performance at Gran Canaria’s El Burrero, where perfect conditions and huge kickers fueled his victory.Mastering the Art of Freestyle: Benji and Tom break down the high-flying, stylish Palau combinations that dominated the tour, with Benji’s clean, massive tricks—like the Palau front flip—earning top scores. Tom highlights the sport’s progression, from mobes to double flips, and the push for height and power over technicality.The Gran Canaria Arena: Tom paints a vivid picture of El Burrero, a new gem on the GWA tour with consistent winds and ideal kickers. The spot’s setup, with spectators close to the action on a pier, made it a perfect stage for Benji’s championship-winning performance.Gear Matters: Benji credits his switch to Gong gear for its phenomenal hang time, emphasizing the critical role of equipment in competition. From wings to foils, having the right setup for conditions like Gran Canaria’s 30-35 knots was key to his success.Community and Competition: Tom celebrates the growth of wing foiling, spotlighting the women’s freestyle scene, led by talents like Marie, and the influx of young riders. Benji reflects on the camaraderie and rivalry with competitors like the Ajar brothers, pushing each other to go bigger.Looking Ahead: With his sights set on defending his title, Benji shares his plans to return to La Ventana in November and aim for “at least ten” championships. Tom hints at potential judging tweaks to encourage trick variety, promising an even more thrilling 2026 season.Join us for an action-packed conversation filled with insights into wing foiling’s cutting edge, the thrill of competition, and the passion driving its global community. Benji’s story is a testament to hard work, fearless commitment, and the joy of soaring through the air. Visit: https://www.instagram.com/wingfoilworldtour & https://www.instagram.com/benjamincastenskiold_07/

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• Episode #111 - Jon Mann

  This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. In this episode, we catch up with Jon, a passionate downwind foiler from the Netherlands, whose methodical approach to mastering the sport has taken him from kite foiling to SUP downwinding. Broadcasting from opposite sides of the globe, we dive into Jon’s journey, his love for problem-solving on the water, and his efforts to build a thriving downwind community.From Kite to SUP: Jon shares his evolution from kite surfing to downwind foiling, sparked by a desire to ride waves with more freedom. After a knee injury sidelined him, he discovered kite foiling, then prone foiling, and finally SUP downwinding, finding his groove in Holland’s windy lakes and North Sea swells.The Downwind Addiction: Jon explains what fuels his passion for downwinding—the constant problem-solving, the dopamine rush of linking bumps, and the ability to foil in a wide range of conditions. With Holland’s 300+ windy days a year, he’s found a paradise for chasing “8 out of 10” sessions.Coaching with Casey: Jon recounts his time in the Coach Casey Club, where sharing wins and breaking down skills helped him progress. His analytical approach led to coaching opportunities, including assisting in the Maldives, where he now helps others unlock their downwind potential.Gear and Accessibility: From versatile foils with forgiving low ends to the debate over paddles versus pair wings, Jon discusses how modern gear is making downwinding more accessible. He emphasizes familiarity over gear-hopping, sharing insights from his experiments with different foil quivers.Community and Competition: Jon reflects on the tight-knit downwind community, from Maui’s Paddle Imua to races in France and Barcelona. He’s excited about his upcoming November event in Holland, blending racing with a fun, social run to grow the local scene.Downwind Leaderboard: Jon introduces the Downwind Leaderboard (race.downwind.app), a web-based platform for tracking runs and fostering community. With features like global leaderboards and course maps, it’s a fun way to connect foilers worldwide and discover new spots.The Big Picture: Jon’s passionate plea? Let’s focus on the joy of downwind foiling and ditch the noise about which tool—SUP, pair wing, or wing—is “better.” It’s all about riding from A to B, building friendships, and savoring the stoke.Join us for an engaging conversation filled with insights, laughs, and a deep love for downwind foiling. Jon’s story is a reminder to embrace the journey, connect with the community, and keep chasing those endless bumps.

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