FreeWing AirV3 5.5m

Words & photos: Tez Plavenieks

The FreeWing project—a collaboration between long-standing kitesurf manufacturer Airush and Starboard—has earned its place in the wing foiling world as a dependable and accessible wing. As wing technology, design, and understanding evolve, the V3 Air becomes the brand’s every-rider product. One of the biggest factors behind this is the affordable price.

FreeWing air performance has remained similar through earlier incarnations. The V3, however, switches things up and changes tack. Early versions of the Free Wing are pretty grunty with a solid bottom end of power. The V3 isn’t quite the same. The canopy is very tight and delivers that preloaded look. And it’s incredibly light. Considering there aren’t any incorporated exotic materials. The V3 Air is pretty standard in its layup.

One nifty feature with the 5.5m is the ability to swap out the semi-rigid softer handles for full carbon hard handles. A few screw turns are all it takes to change the holds and how riders are connected to the wing. I prefer the softer handles as this is a more forgiving option.

The FreeWing Air V3 is highly efficient. As I said above, the design has changed a little. Its airframe is super rigid, and the canopy is very tight. On the water, riders now have to pump rather than just wait for a gust to drag them up on foil. But with a few pumps, you’ll be flying in no time.

Once up and riding, the 5.5m’s lightweight is a joy. It sits in the wind window, allowing foilers to focus on riding. Upwind is fab – the wing’s efficient playing its part again. While on the wave, the V3 Air’s composure is welcome as it flags effortlessly. Anyone who jumps will also be pleased to hear that the wing delivers a decent lift for hang-time fun.

CONCLUSION
The FreeWing Air’s newfound efficiency makes the 5.5m a lot of fun. Riders used to previous versions may have to dial in the performance, but overall, it makes the V3 Air more performance-oriented and better all around—without an astronomical price tag. Being able to swap out handles is a great feature, too.
RRP £889 
Info: https://foilshop.co.uk/product/airush-freewing-air-v3-foil-wing-2-5m-3m-3-5m-4m-4-5m-5m-5-5m-6m-7m/