Flysurfer TAO

Flysurfer’s original entry to the wing market, the MOJO, was extremely well received, with its unique segmented handle system and generally easy going, yet performant nature appealing to a broad range of riders across wave and freestyle disciplines. The TAO fits in alongside the MOJO as a super lightweight windowless version, with lower tube diameters and a little more performance. A massive range of eight sizes are available with the smaller sizes at half meter increments and the largest spreading up to a punchy 7m.

Shape-wise, it’s a compact low to mid-aspect outline with a decent degree of dihedral. The solid mid-section of the wing tapers quite heavily into a significantly thinner tip, which is designed to flex a little and take the sting out of gusty conditions. The strut has quite a pronounced curve to help maintain the wing’s profile as well as aim the handles in a comfortable direction to the user. The panel layout has plenty of offset seaming and some preloading in inflation; it holds its shape admirably under load, with the airframe allowing a bit of bounce. The front handle has been stiffened in comparison to the MOJO, allowing for more control when flagged, although the wing’s low weight and high dihedral makes for an innately stable platform. Our test model was provided with a waist leash which had a decent bungee cord and ingenious double Velcro closure for excellent security around the midriff. Inflation is handled with two iSUP valves on the leading edge and strut respectively. These allow inflation with a minimum of effort and accurate inflation pressures where you need 8PSI in the strut and 7 in the leading edge on our 4.5m test model.

The good news for MOJO fans is that the handle system has carried over. It’s ultra soft and comfortable, providing a notable degree of suspension in gustier conditions. The segmented loops let you trim along the strut in increments, and your fingers lock into the ribs which give a reassuring and accurate feel to the general handling.

How it differentiates itself from the MOJO is mainly in its weight and span, which is a little more compact and easier to handle. It spins on a dime, which could definitely lean it towards some more complex freestyle maneuvers. The fairly deep canopy profile means the low end is solid, and pumping onto the foil is simple, with a low frequency required to get moving and gentle reflex from the sail keeping power delivery smooth through the arms. Once up on the foil, you get decent forward drive rather than downwind, and it feels relatively gentle through the arms once released. It’s definitely going to suit shorter and lighter weight riders. Throwing the TAO into an aggressive tack, there’s a little flutter but nothing unmanageable.

Whilst definitely still maintaining high levels of application across all disciplines in the Flysurfer ecosystem, we felt the TAO had its best application for wave use, where its lightweight and extremely well-behaved flagging ability really shines. Its smooth power delivery lets you fade into sections gently and with decent forward speed. Its gust absorption is exceptional, and if you ride in challenging offshore conditions it’s definitely going to make things as forgiving as possible.

The TAO is minimal, light, simple to operate and exceptionally comfortable, and will naturally suit those with a more elegant, rather than brute force approach to wingfoiling. Nothing feels harsh about the TAO even when the wind conditions are horrific.