Checking out the FLYSURFER MOJO at the AWSI 2022

FLYSURFER rider and representative Nathan van Vuuren showcases the MOJO wing at the recent AWSI event in Hood River!

Product featured:

Flysurfer MOJO

For the full interview transcript, see below.

Steve:

Hi, I'm Steve with Foiling Magazine and I'm here with Nathan van Vuuren of Flysurfer, huh?

Nathan van Vuuren:

Yeah.

Steve:

Nathan is a legendary waterman, South African and one of the founders and rippers with Signature Foils and boards, but Signature used to make wings. So, what's going on with Flysurfer here? Can you tell me how this happened?

Nathan van Vuuren:

Yeah, so we actually started making wings right at the beginning. Brought out a couple, really enjoyed it just to get into the market, but eventually realize that there's so much to making wings and we actually decided to team up with a brand that already knew what they were doing.

Steve:

Yeah, okay.

Nathan van Vuuren:

Just a little bit easier. Great to ride some real gear. So, we're now riding with Flysurfer, which is incredible. Joined with them. Incredibly good wings. They've been around for a while, so had some time in the market. So super stoked to be partnered with Flysurfer now.

Steve:

So, just a little history, Flysurfer might be a new name to wingers, but tell me about Flysurfer a bit. It's not exactly a new brand.

Nathan van Vuuren:

Yeah, so Flysurfer's been around for quite a while, mostly with the kiting side, the foil kites, especially the race foiling, they've really been established in that market. So now they've had all that time and experience with the inflatable and the foil kites. So putting all that R&D back into the wing has really created a amazing product.

Steve:

Is there just one line of wings that covers all of your wind ranges or are there different ranges?

Nathan van Vuuren:

Yeah, so currently there's just one range, which is the MOJO. We do have some exciting plans for new one coming soon, so stay tuned. But for right now, we do have the MOJO which goes from two eight, all the up to seven meter kite. So, very big wind range and the incredible in pretty much all conditions.

Steve:

And now I was talking to you yesterday. I live in Florida where the wind is light and I'm a big boy. So you were saying, what were you comparing the seven to? So tell me.

Nathan van Vuuren:

We were busy comparing the way that the MOJO’s designed, a very stiff canopy. It doesn't bend underneath a lot of stress. So a six two would pretty much be equivalent to a seven meter kite. Just the way it's been designed, the strength and the way it picks up wind, it's efficiency. So really a lot of time and effort's been put into this with the R&D.

Steve:

And is there a specific focus, ease of use, low end or does it morph through the wind range. Any comments on that?

Nathan van Vuuren:

Yeah, so with all the sizes, I mean, as I said, it goes all there from a small 2.8 meter all up to seven. So the low end on pretty much all the wings is probably one of the best I've ever used. Just the quick up and get go, especially with foiling to get unstuck off the water really has a good grunt kind of feel off the line. So a lot of power. And once you're going, it's really efficient in the wind zone, doesn't have a lot of pressure on your arms, which is a really big deal when you're winging, especially for a longer amount of time, forearms start to die. But this one you can really feel a bit of a lighter feel.

Steve:

And so you're talking about your forearms. Can you tell me about these handles? Because these are a little unique in the market here.

Nathan van Vuuren:

Yeah, so instead of the solid bar handles we've gone for, as you can see, these softer handles, which have a bit of a flex in them. So when a wind does hit you a gust, it's not a very direct pull onto your forearms. There's a little bit of give, which really helps for the longer sessions you're just going. And it have got a nice feel, a really fit into your fingers. Got a nice soft feel, which is amazing.

Steve:

Awesome. And so what's your go-to wing and then what's your dad's go-to wing?

Nathan van Vuuren:

Yeah, so the wing that I generally use from I'd say about 15 to 25 knots is the 3.5 meter MOJO.

Steve:

Wow. That's crazy.

Nathan van Vuuren:

Which is crazy. So generally it would be maybe a four, five or even a five. But for my weight specifically, I can actually get away with riding a three five.

Steve:

And what do you weigh?

Nathan van Vuuren:

I weigh 70 kilograms, which is, I don't know, 148 pounds?

Steve:

Yeah.

Nathan van Vuuren:

Don't know much about that, but that's what I ride. My dad weighs 80, around 80 kilograms, 78 and he rides a 4.5 meter.

Steve:

Yeah. Wow.

Nathan van Vuuren:

Yeah.

Steve:

So a lot of power.

Nathan van Vuuren:

A lot of power. Good low end. And especially if you're going quick, if you do get to the top speeds, it doesn't have much drag, which is incredible.

Steve:

Awesome.

Nathan van Vuuren:

Good mix.

Steve:

Awesome, man. Well, thanks for the update on Flysurfer.

Nathan van Vuuren:

Awesome.