Voyager vs. Glider: Choosing the Right Wing Series for Your Waydoo EVO

The ultimate guide to configuring your Waydoo Evo

When it comes to selecting the perfect wing for your Waydoo EVO, understanding the differences between the Voyager and Glider wing series is essential. Each series offers unique benefits, catering to different riding styles and experience levels. In this comparison, we'll break down the key features of each series, helping you make an informed decision based on your preferences and goals.

Voyager Wing Series: Stability and Accessibility

Larger wings for stability: The Voyager wing series is designed with stability in mind, making it an excellent choice for beginners and those seeking a smoother ride. The Voyager 1500 wings (both carbon and fiberglass options) offer a low-speed take-off and exceptional stability, allowing you to maintain control even at higher speeds. This makes them ideal for heavier riders and those new to eFoiling.

 

Carbon vs. fiberglass: The carbon Voyager C1500 provides a sharper response, making it slightly more agile than its fiberglass counterpart, the Voyager G1500. However, the fiberglass version offers a damper feel, making it more forgiving on hard turns and more budget-friendly. Both options excel in delivering a stable ride but differ in their responsiveness and price points.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Larger wings: Best for stability, ideal for beginners and heavier riders.
  • Carbon Voyager C1500: Offers sharper response, ideal for those seeking more agility.
  • Fiberglass Voyager G1500: Provides a more forgiving ride, perfect for budget-conscious riders.

Glider Wing Series: Glide and Maneuverability

Smaller wings for maneuverability: The Glider wing series is built for riders who prioritize glide and maneuverability. The Glider 1100 wings are particularly popular among experienced riders for their ability to make sharp, fast turns. With a higher aspect ratio than the Voyager series, the Glider wings offer greater efficiency and glide, especially in unpowered situations like wave riding or pumping.

Carbon for responsiveness: The carbon Glider C1100 transfers energy more effectively, providing a more responsive and performance-oriented experience. For those who want to push their limits, the carbon option is the way to go. On the other hand, the fiberglass Glider G1100 offers a similar riding experience at a lower cost, making it a great option for those who want performance without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways:

  • Smaller wings: Prioritize maneuverability and glide, perfect for experienced riders.
  • Carbon Glider C1100: Provides maximum responsiveness for performance-focused riders.
  • Fiberglass Glider G1100: Offers a balance of performance and affordability.

Material Choice: Carbon vs. Fiberglass

Carbon for high performance: Carbon wings, whether in the Voyager or Glider series, are known for their superior responsiveness. They transfer energy more quickly, making them ideal for riders looking to make sharp turns and quick adjustments. However, this performance comes at a higher price point.

Fiberglass for beginners: Fiberglass wings offer a more budget-friendly option while still delivering solid performance. They provide a slightly damped feel, which can be more forgiving, especially for beginners or those still mastering their eFoiling skills. This forgiving nature, combined with the cost-effectiveness of fiberglass, makes it a great option for those who want performance without breaking the bank, ensuring a comfortable and secure ride for budget-conscious riders.

Key Takeaways:

  • Carbon wings: Best for those seeking top performance and responsiveness.
  • Fiberglass wings: Offer a more forgiving and budget-friendly option, ideal for beginners.

The Impact of the Surf Rear Wing

Transform your ride: The choice of rear wing can drastically alter the feel of your ride. The Surf Tail Wing, in particular, changes the dynamic of any front wing by adding a looser, more playful feel to your ride. This makes it perfect for wave riding and creating a more agile and responsive experience on the water. Whether paired with the Voyager or Glider front wings, the Surf Tail Wing enhances maneuverability and makes the overall ride more exciting, adding an intriguing and exciting element to your eFoiling experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Surf Tail Wing: Adds a looser, more playful feel, ideal for wave riding.
  • Transforms any front wing: Enhances maneuverability and responsiveness.

Choosing the Right Mast for your Waydoo Evo wingset

When selecting a mast for your Waydoo EVO, understanding how different mast lengths affect your ride is essential. The length of your mast can significantly influence your eFoiling experience, from stability and control to maneuverability and wave-handling capability. Here's what you need to know to make the best choice.

Shorter Masts for Beginners: Stability and Control

Ideal for beginners: Shorter masts, typically around 27 inches, are often recommended for beginners due to the increased stability and ease of control they offer. With a shorter mast, you stay closer to the water's surface, which helps reduce the impact of falls and makes it easier to balance. This proximity to the water makes the learning process smoother and less intimidating, allowing new riders to build confidence quickly.

Best pairing strategy: To optimize your learning experience, pairing a shorter mast with the Glider wings is a smart strategy. The Glider wings, with their higher aspect ratio and efficient glide, complement the stability of a shorter mast, making it easier to maintain control while learning. This combination is particularly effective in calmer waters and for those focusing on developing their basic eFoiling skills.

Key Takeaways:

  • Shorter masts: Offer stability, easier control, and a reduced learning curve for beginners.
  • Pair with Glider wings: Enhances stability and control, making it ideal for learning and smooth gliding.

Longer Masts for Intermediate and Advanced Riders: Maneuverability and Versatility

For more experienced riders: Longer masts, typically 31 to 35 inches, are preferred by intermediate and advanced riders who seek greater maneuverability and the ability to tackle more challenging conditions. A longer mast provides more clearance above the water, which is essential for riding in waves or choppy water. This added height allows for deeper carving and more aggressive turns, enabling a more dynamic and thrilling eFoiling experience. When paired with the Voyager wings, designed for stability and high-speed riding, this setup offers a truly exhilarating ride, perfect for riders who want to push their limits and explore more advanced eFoiling techniques.

Flight Assist makes it beginner-friendly: Thanks to Waydoo's Flight Assist system, even beginners can consider using a longer mast. The system helps maintain stability and control, making the transition to a longer mast smoother and less daunting. In fact, we recommend that new riders opt for a longer mast right from the start, unless their riding location has significant shallow water areas. This approach allows for a more gradual progression and ensures that your equipment grows with your skill level.

Best pairing strategy: For the most versatile and high-performance setup, pairing a longer mast with the Voyager wings is highly recommended. Voyager wings are designed for stability and high-speed riding, and when combined with a longer mast, they allow for greater agility and the ability to handle rougher waters. This combination is ideal for riders who want to push their limits and explore more advanced eFoiling techniques.

Key Takeaways:

  • Longer masts: Provide enhanced maneuverability, better wave performance, and are ideal for more experienced riders.
  • Flight Assist: Makes longer masts accessible for beginners, with a smoother learning curve.
  • Pair with Voyager wings: Optimizes performance and versatility, making it perfect for tackling varied conditions and advanced maneuvers.

Strategic Pairing for the Easiest Ride

For those seeking the easiest and most effective riding experience, consider the strategic pairing of wings and mast lengths. Pairing the Glider wings with a shorter mast offers a smooth, stable ride that's perfect for learning and mastering the basics. On the other hand, pairing the Voyager wings with a longer mast provides the best combination of speed, stability, and maneuverability, making it ideal for riders looking to advance their skills and take on more challenging conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Glider wings + shorter mast: Best for stability and ease of learning.
  • Voyager wings + longer mast: Ideal for high performance and versatility in various water conditions.

Pairing Wings with Propulsion Systems: Optimizing Your Ride

The Waydoo EVO offers three propulsion systems, each designed with specific benefits in mind. Choosing the right system to pair with your wings and mast can dramatically affect your eFoiling experience, whether you're a beginner looking for a smooth and safe ride or an advanced rider aiming for high-performance thrills.

Glider Wings + Jet Drive + Short Mast: The Ultimate Beginner Setup

Perfect for newcomers: The Glider wings, known for their stability and glide efficiency, pair exceptionally well with the Waydoo Jet Drive and a shorter mast. The Jet Drive is the safest option available, featuring a covered propulsion system that eliminates the risk of accidental kicks or cuts. This setup is particularly ideal for beginners or families with younger riders who prioritize safety and ease of use.

Enhanced control: A shorter mast keeps you closer to the water's surface, providing increased stability and making the learning process more manageable. This combination ensures that even the most timid riders can confidently take their first steps into the world of eFoiling.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jet Drive + Glider wings: Offers the safest, most controlled ride, perfect for beginners.
  • Short mast: Enhances stability and control, making the learning process smoother.

Voyager Wings + Standard Prop + Long Mast: Power and Versatility for Intermediate Riders

Best for performance: For intermediate and advanced riders, pairing the Voyager wings with the Standard Prop and a longer mast is a winning combination. The Voyager wings are designed for stability and high-speed riding, and when combined with the powerful Standard Prop, they deliver unmatched performance. The longer mast provides greater clearance, allowing for more aggressive maneuvers and the ability to handle rougher waters.

For those seeking power: The Standard Prop offers the most power delivery, making it the go-to choice for riders who want speed and control. This setup is ideal for riders not focused on wave or wake riding but who instead prefer traditional eFoiling and long-distance cruising.

Key Takeaways:

  • Standard Prop + Voyager wings: Maximizes power and performance for high-speed riding.
  • Long mast: Increases agility and is ideal for more challenging conditions.

Surf Rear Wing + Folding Prop: Optimized for Wave Riding

Wave riders, take note: If you're looking to ride waves or wakes, the Surf Rear Wing paired with the Folding Prop offers the best experience. The Folding Prop is designed to minimize drag, making it perfect for unpowered situations like wave or wake riding. This combination allows you to experience a looser, more playful feel, ideal for those who love carving through waves.

Shallow water advantage: For wave riding, especially on beaches with sandbar breaks where it can get shallow, a shorter mast is a good option. This setup keeps you closer to the surface, providing better control and reducing the risk of hitting the bottom.

Key Takeaways:

  • Folding Prop + Surf Rear Wing: Offers the least drag and a playful feel, perfect for wave and wake riding.
  • Short mast: Ideal for shallow water conditions, enhancing control in waves.

Waydoo Propultion system and wings. Strategic Pairing for Optimal Performance

When choosing your propulsion system, it's essential to consider how it pairs with your wings and mast. For beginners, the combination of Glider wings, Jet Drive, and a short mast offers the most controlled and safe experience. Meanwhile, intermediate and advanced riders will find that Voyager wings, the Standard Prop, and a long mast deliver power, speed, and versatility. For those focused on wave riding, the Surf Rear Wing with a Folding Prop provides a loose, playful ride, especially when paired with a shorter mast for shallow waters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Glider wings + Jet Drive + short mast: Best for beginners seeking safety and control.
  • Voyager wings + Standard Prop + long mast: Ideal for intermediate riders aiming for performance and versatility.
  • Surf Rear Wing + Folding Prop: Perfect for wave riders looking for a dynamic and playful experience.

 There are lots of new things coming out from waydoo and we're here to test it all. If you have questions give me a call. My name is Chris Bobryk and I've been teaching eFoil lessons in Miami for the last 5 years. Were south Florida premier eFoil school and retail shop. 

Back to blog