Parawing: Foiling’s Latest Evolution

Over the last few summers we have seen glimpses of prototypes of new category of foiling. With the recent launch of the BRM Parawing this category is now well and truly here, but definitely in its infancy. For the early adopters, there are growing list of options that look to get to the same goal with variations on the same idea – how to get on foil without a paddle, but surf without a wing?

Boardriding Maui (BRM) and Five-O Windsports have a head start with their products already available for sale, but based on rumours, spotted prototypes and some straight out marketing from the likes of Gong we know this category is going to look a whole lot different in another 12 months. I can only hope we land on a suitable common name for this new tool, and that the industry learned a lesson from the ‘Wing Ding’.

BRM Parawing

The BRM Maliko Parawing is undoubtably the most visible and popular item in the category right now. Launched in mid 2024, footage is popping up across social media globally as the first users share the pro, cons and tips for taking this to the Downwind scene. The Parawing appears to be easy to use (or at least easier than the first generation of wings), it stows and relaunches without much hassle. Riding upwind, and getting on foil when underpowered appear to be two areas that require a bit more experience but the general consensus is that this is not a toy and really does open up a new way to downwind.

Five-O Pocket Wing

The Pocket Wing by Five-O Windsports is arguably even more simple than the BRM Parawing. This device is also a single skin kite, but has dual handles instead of the single bar as seen on the Parawing. User reviews are mostly positive with references to the simplicity of this design.

Gong Lowkite

At time of writing, the Gong Lowkite is not yet available to purchase, however we can expect it soon with Gong openly talking about this new product on their website and social media. This looks to be the most kite-like of the offerings we have seen, with what appear to be some much larger sizes than the Parawing and Pocket Wing. Gong have shown that this generates enough power to be used for freestyle, and they will offer several different versions following their Wing categories with Nuetra, Droid and Pulse models planned. Given the size and similarities to a kite, it will be interesting to see if these will offer the ability to stow for downwind and wave riding, or of Gong are introducing a new category here where the Lowkite more closely represents kite foiling with the de-power of a Wing.

Ensis Roger Parawing

Lets hope Ensis aren’t trying to name the category, as their first model has been made available for limited pre-order under the name “Roger”. Youtube and other social media footage shows a wing that looks very similar to the BRM Parawing, with a single control handle at 90deg to a normal kite, with similar stow and launch capabilities for downwinding.

Currently the Roger Parawing is only available in a 3M size, pre-orders are expected to ship in January 2025, so expect some real world reviews shortly.

Flow D-Wing

The D-Wing from Flow Paragliders in Australia started taking orders in December 2024, with the first deliveries expected in January 2025.

First reviews of the D-Wing are incredibly positive, with a noticeable improvement over the currently available Parawings when it comes to de-power. A common issue reported with the BRM Maliko in particular has been the inability to handle stronger wind conditions as the Parawing would collapse when de-powered, however the Flow D-Wing has been shown to fly comfortably at the front of the wind window without losing shape.

Aeryn P1 Parawing

Not much is know yet about the Aeryn P1 Parawing, however the design looks very similar to the BRM and Ensis, with a single skin kite using a single control handle in the fore-aft direction. Pre-orders are available now, with expected delivery in mid 2025.

North

We dont know much about the North Parawing yet, other than some fuzzy screenshots shared online of a model that looks similar to a BRM Parawing with North Branding. Assuming this is in rider testing now, can we expect to see a product launch from North next season?

DIY

Since this category launched, we have seen a number of DIY versions, often repurposing similar kites with custom bridles. The Flysurfer Peak4 is an existing single skin foil kite that comes in sizes down to 3M, lending itself to a reasonably simple DIY Parawing conversion.

Elvolve Exowing

The Elvolve Exowing is quite a different approach to achieving the same goal. It looks remarkably similar to a rigid portable kite from the 1980’s, taking the shape more similar to a current Wing, but replacing the inflatable components with a rigid foldable frame. Once on foil the rider can fold the wing and wear it like a backpack.

Other Options

This category continues to excite us, and we would love to follow and share the progress of any other developments in this space. If you know of any Parawing versions we have missed, please let us know in the comments below.

As always, this site is about the user feedback and reviews so check our our Parawing Review Category to read and share your thoughts with the community.

Check out all our Parawing Reviews

Read what others have been saying and share your thoughts on all the latest Parawings.

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