INBOUND: Sabfoil ALA

SABFOIL recently dropped a new wing into their range, the ALA. At the time of the interview, we had very little info, which frankly just added to the mystique… So we gleaned what we could from the SAB team.

The ALA then… Can you first tell us what the name means?

ALA means “wing” in Italian, which is quite fitting, don’t you think? We wanted a name that was elegant and straightforward, and it’s always nice to add a touch of Italian flair. It perfectly represents what the product is all about and gives a nod to our heritage.

Nice! Simple and effective. So who’s behind the ALA’s development and give us a little background to their experience…

Our wing development is a collaborative effort between our engineers and athletes. We worked closely with Giulio Gasperini and Luca Muccioli, two riders with different weights, ages (sorry, Luca!), and riding styles. Our goal was to create the lightest wing on the market with excellent forward pull for easy starts and incredible maneuverability, making it feel at least one size smaller while maintaining great power. Each size has its own dedicated profile and aspect ratio. We spent countless hours optimizing each size, and we believe this is one of the best overall wings for 2025.

What initially prompted SAB, which is traditionally a composites manufacturer, to branch out into inflatable wing design?

Our expertise in composites and aero/hydrodynamics made us natural leaders in foils, so branching into inflatable wings felt like a natural next step. We wanted to offer our customers and fans a full spectrum of high-quality products. By expanding our range, we can ensure that everyone has the best experience, whether they’re looking for a top-quality carbon hydrofoil, an innovative foilboard or our new inflatable wings. It's all about giving our community more of what they love.

Talk to us about the material choices, as they appear quite unique?

The SAB ALA wing showcases a hybrid construction that merges Cuben Fiber – Dyneema composite – for the leading edge, with DKC 160 for the strut, achieving a perfect balance between stiffness and lightness. Additionally, the wing is equipped with the STW18 triple canopy by Techfiber, which not only ensures UV resistance but also enhances the wing's overall durability, providing excellent, consistent tension throughout.

And tell us what kind of rider is this wing primarily pitched at?

At SAB, we design our products with a clear goal: to cater to both top-tier professional riders and everyday users seeking performance and fun on the water. The ALA wing is versatile, fun, and high-performing. Its compact freeride outline, optimized canopy tension, V-shape, and dynamic reflex enhance upwind and downwind performance and ease water starts. Perfect for freeride, freestyle, and wave riding, this wing is ideal for enthusiasts looking for adaptable and high-performing equipment.

What handle system is integrated with the ALA?

For the control unit, we have chosen a full carbon boom to maximize performance and lightness. The boom offers excellent grip thanks to its hard-EVA coating with a diamond pattern and customized technical design. While many prefer traditional handles, we believe the wingfoil market is evolving. We want to embrace the shift toward the boom, which offers significantly superior maneuverability. You won't be disappointed, try it and see for yourself!

Anything else arriving soon from SAB HQ that you can tell us about?

At SAB, we're always looking to innovate and bring something new to our customers. You'll soon see exciting developments in hydrofoils, foilboards, and sails! We don't want to give too much away just yet, but stay tuned –there's a lot to look forward to very soon!