Behind The Design: STASH Parawing

The Stash is Duotone´s first Parawing! Do you see this becoming a long-term discipline in foiling sports?
Jeffrey: Absolutely. We're already seeing a lot of riders exploring Parawing and having a blast — and this is just the beginning. As designs evolve and get more refined, the accessibility and appeal will grow. Parawings are amazing tools for getting into downwinders, and once you're riding, you can pack them away and just enjoy the glide. They’re also perfect for mid-length boards — head upwind powered, stash the wing, and then ride the bumps or waves freely. It’s a whole new riding experience, and I’m confident it’s here to stay.

What were the biggest challenges in designing a Parawing? And who was involved in the process?
Finn: The design came with unique challenges — it draws from both kite and wing design principles, but Parawings bring their own set of dynamics. Ken Winner led the development as designer, and thanks to his deep kite background, the first prototypes already worked impressively well.

We I worked closely with Ken to refine the balance between stability, depower, and packability. One of the standout innovations was the double-skin tips, which added noticeable stability both when powered and depowered. We also collaborated with Max Pajank, our product manager, at Duotone Wing & Foiling to source lightweight materials that made the Stash easy to pack — one of its most critical features.

What are the main benefits of riding a Parawing, especially compared to a traditional wing?
Jeffrey: The freedom! The biggest thrill is being able to pack the wing mid-session and still keep riding — nothing in your hands, nothing interrupting your turns. That makes wave and downwind riding feel next level.

And when powered, it lets you catch waves early and go upwind much more efficiently than paddling. Plus, the compact pack size makes it a dream for traveling — you can fit multiple wings into the space one standard wing would take.

How did you approach designing the control system for the Stash?

Finn: Control is everything in a Parawing. For the Stash, we developed a custom-molded bar, inspired by the familiar feel of Duotone handles. It’s rounded, comfortable, and designed to prevent the lines from snagging.

The bar also allows you to adjust the center lines forward or back depending on conditions and riding style. And since it's easy to stash with the wing, it keeps the overall system simple and compact.

Let’s talk materials – what went into the final build and why?
Jeffrey: We chose a 30g Paragliding Ripstop Nylon for the canopy — it’s ultralight, super responsive, and ideal for efficient packability. The lines are made from lightweight Dyneema, reducing both drag and overall system weight. That material mix plays a big role in the unique feel and function.

Who do you think will get into Parawinging first? What’s the entry point?
Finn: The clearest entry is for downwind riders looking for a smoother, more accessible start compared to paddle-up techniques. Being able to ride upwind, stash the wing, and glide downwind really changes how you plan your session — you can go longer and with less effort.

We’re also seeing wave riders here in Maui using Parawings in the surf. The ability to stash it and ride clean lines all the way to the beach, then relaunch and head back out — it’s addictive. Just a note of caution: in breaking waves, be mindful of wipeouts and line tangles. But if you stay safe, it’s an incredible ride.

Recommended Board & Foil Setup

Don’t expect Parawinging to be as easy as Wing Foiling – it’s not! Balancing on your board is more challenging without a more stable inflated wing in your hands, so we recommend using a bigger board especially for your first attempts.

Pumping up on foil is more legwork and we recommend the use of a bigger Glide foil, like what’s used in SUP Downwind Foiling. One of the great advantages over SUP Downwind Foiling is, that you’re able to get on foil with a significantly shorter board, such as the Skybrid – which is the perfect match! If you already have a Downwinder, that’s also perfectly doing the job – especially for your first runs.

To make your first sessions more successful, we have put together some recommendations depending on your weight and foiling level.

Intermediate Winger

-              60-70kg: 85-100l Skybrid / 90-105l Downwinder + Glide 900-1100

-              70-80kg: 100l Skybrid / 95-115l Downwinder + Glide 1100

-              80-90kg: 115l Skybrid / 105-115l Downwinder + Glide 1100-1350

-              90-100kg: 115l Skybrid / 110-115l Downwinder + Glide 1350

-              100+ kg: 130l Skybrid / 115-135l Downwinder + Glide 1350

Advanced Winger & Downwind Foiler

-              60-70kg: 55-70l Skybrid / 90-95l Downwinder + Glide 750-900

-              70-80kg: 70l Skybrid / 90-100l Downwinder + Glide 900

-              80-90kg: 85l Skybrid / 90-105l Downwinder Glide 1100

-              90-100kg: 100l Skybrid / Glide 1100

-              100+ kg: 100-115l Skybrid / Glide 1350

WARNING / DISCLAIMER

Be aware of the risks using a Parawing.

-              Bridle lines are thin and can get tangled around hands, fingers or other parts of your body, especially when caught in breaking waves, which we recommend avoiding. Once the Parawing catches wind and bridle lines are under tension, it can be difficult to get your hand or fingers untangled, which can cause injury. Make sure you practice and understand how to bring the Parawing down to the water to release tension – before going on the water.

-              Most Parawingers use the wing without a leash to avoid tangling leash and bridle lines. Once you let go of the Parawing, it will float for a while on the water surface. Make sure to paddle to the wing before it will drop below the surface making it hard to find, as only the Carbon bar will float.

-              Be aware of the risk of changing wind conditions when going for Downwinders, especially in the open ocean! Wind can drop when you’re out at sea, which can make re-starts difficult or impossible with the Parawing. Wear a life vest, have a phone and/or safety tracker with you and don’t go for downwind runs by yourself. Always stay in a visual distance to shore you can reach paddling using your hands.