Inbound: INDIANA 2025 MID LENGTH BOARDS

Embracing the high level of mid length board interest for 2025 are Indiana, with two new ranges introduced, plus a signature range designed by Indiana ambassador, Steeve Fleury. We managed to corner Indiana board shaper Andi Widman while he was busy at the BOOT show for five minutes of further info…

Hey team. So let’s start with your two new mid length lineups, the Early Bird and the Super Fly. Can you tell us where they both sit in terms of disciplines, and what the differences are between the ranges?

The key difference between these boards lies in their length-to-width ratio. On average, the Early Bird is about a foot longer and three inches narrower than the Super Fly. However, their unique DNA sets them apart even more.

The Early Bird is an evolution of our previous Lightwind and SUP/PaddleUp designs. These boards are inspired by long, narrow SUP shapes with minimal drag when paddling, enabling their high starting speed. They feature a narrow pintail bottom with low rocker for optimal acceleration, while concave rails reduce friction, making pumping easier and preventing the tail from catching on wave faces. The Early Bird is versatile, suitable for use with a wing or parawing in light wind conditions, as well as for paddle downwinding on lakes or flatwater paddle-ups.

The Super Fly, on the other hand, is based on our regular wingboard but is both longer and narrower. The concept for this compact mid-length board emerged during testing of the Early Bird’s predecessor, our first mid-length design. We wanted the benefits of a higher aspect ratio while maintaining better control in stronger winds. That’s how the Super Fly was born. Its increased length makes getting up easier, while the reduced width enhances agility and provides a more direct, responsive feel – especially when paired with smaller foils. With the parawing, it’s the perfect combination, offering a balance of stability, acceleration, and agility.

How do the Early Bird boards perform in terms of speed and lift in marginal conditions?

They perform extremely well because they accelerate so easily. That’s why you reach the speed for your foil to get flying earlier and easier. This is achieved by the longer and flatter bottom curve, that – combined with less width – creates less drag. The reduced surface towards the tail aids pumping, which also helps get going early.

And with the Super Fly boards, are they more geared towards advanced riders, or do they suit intermediates as well?

At first glance, the Super Fly might seem tailored for advanced riders, who typically prefer a board with a volume lower than their body weight to pair with the smallest foil possible. However, the features that make it ideal for small foils also benefit riders using standard-sized foils. This makes it a great option for intermediate riders too, especially those who prefer a board with a higher volume than their body weight. The added benefit is that it helps them get up and going earlier, enabling the use of a smaller wing. The improved handling of a smaller wing makes learning maneuvers much easier. This versatility is why the Super Fly is available in sizes ranging from 44 to 104 liters.

Mid length boards are definitely a popular flavor in the industry right now. Can you explain why this is?

Foiling is still a new and evolving sport, with a growing level of riding performance. Also more riders with different backgrounds are coming in the sport with a lot of different input. So it’s only logical that the industry wants to deliver boards to cover every rider's need. Some boards will disappear, some will develop further.

Mid length boards are so interesting, because they cover a very wide range of use. And a wide range of use means a wide range of customers and that's always going to be interesting to the industry. Compact mid length boards might even be the next one-board-does-it-all.

Then let’s quickly cover the new Le Doigt signature range too. Steeve has clearly had fun designing these…

He certainly has! He is an artist and so it’s natural for him to design the graphics for his boards. The shapes are similar to the other sizes in the equivalent Indiana ranges – there is just the one size he uses personally that comes with his signature “Le Doigt” design. The 7’4 106L is a Sweet Stick, the 6’4 96L an Early Bird (but extra narrow) and the 5’4 44L is a Super Fly tuned a bit more towards prone foiling. So if you are in his weight range, you are lucky to have the option to use one of his custom art designs!

Is there any difference in terms of construction with these boards?

No, not at all. It’s the full carbon PVC sandwich construction that we use on all our boards.

How is this reflected in terms of pricing?

Carbon is the ultimate material with which to build light, stiff and strong boards. All these qualities significantly enhance the characteristics of any foil board and that's why we don't use anything less. When it comes to pricing, it’s worth noting that costs are primarily influenced by the margins for the producer, brand, importer, and retailer – far more than by the material itself.

Finally, how has the BOOT show been for you guys?

It went really well. The BOOT show is a very good platform to present our new and existing products to both dealers and consumers. Especially with the pool and the contests that are going on in it, where visitors can experience our fascinating sports up close. Also with the trend of business moving out of stores and increasingly online, it’s just cool to be able to see and handle all the gear at the booth. Also talking to the customers or vice versa is very important for me as a board shaper, allowing me to be closer to the market. And contest wise we have been very successful in the pumpfoil discipline, with a first place in the women's event and a third place podium in the men's division!