Flysurfer’s top selling all-rounder wing just showed up in version 2, and this time with two distinct handle versions for rider preference…
Hey team – tell us first, what was the main goal behind the development of the TAO²?
Our TAO stands for all-around performance, which is genuinely the one wing that does it all. We avoided using super-expensive materials, so it remains an affordable product. We know a great design doesn’t need fancy materials to be competitive, and this is a wing designed for the recreational rider, in two versions – one with a BOOM and the other with Rigid Handles.
We loved testing the previous version, how has it evolved over its predecessor?
We improved the Dacron layers to increase stiffness in the critical section of the leading edge but kept the wing tips flexible to absorb dynamic loads in gusty conditions. After implementing the new frame, we have been working on sail tensioning over all sections of the TAO². The BOOM version required a redesign of the strut.
The TAO² RH + Boom offers an incredible jump feel with a great initial pop and floaty feel compared to its predecessor. It has a stiffer frame for great pop, float, and direct feel, with an efficient power transfer that improves performance initiation, which is noticeable while pumping. The tight canopy improves control in all winds, and it enjoys reduced camber and drag for better upwind performance, effortless maneuvers, and increased top speed.
As you mentioned, the TAO² comes in two handle versions. Is choice purely down to preference? And for your first time rider, what would you recommend?
Yes, whatever suits the rider and their requirements. Here are some of the benefits of each, although we would recommend the BOOM version for first-timers:
TAO² RH
TAO² BOOM
The gap between the handles often leads to mistakes before standing on the board. The boom gives you more freedom, and the rider can slowly move their backhand to increase power.
Tell us about some of the other tech tucked away in the new TAO²…
As described, we kept it conventional to hit a sensible retail price. All our wings have two push-push valves, one for the leading edge and one for the strut, to play with air pressures or make the frame super stiff.
This wing is marketed at all riders, from beginners to professionals. What design features make this wing accessible to newer riders while still delivering for the pros?
The forward-swept outline is magical in terms of efficiency. The TAO gets you up foiling quickly, and its performance easily leads you upwind. It sits super stable in turbulent air and gives everybody the confidence to push. Due to these benefits in competition, our pro athletes can ride a very small wing. Nathan Van Vuuren recently showed this on the GWA wave tour stop in Cape Verde.
Talk to us about the material choices and how they’re implemented?
We are using a standard material mix of Dacron for the frame and Teijin D2 for the canopy. These have proven to be the best over centuries, being long-lasting, reasonably priced, and performing. We have doubled the Dacron layers in critical wing sections and changed angles to increase flexibility or stiffness.
How’s this one gone down with the team? We saw some lovely Cape Town shots…
The reception has been great, and our small team around designer Maximilian Kühnhauser did an excellent job. Nathan Van Vuuren, Viola Lippitsch, and recently signed Oscar Leclair have been pushing in their respective disciplines. Nate jumped 16.1 m high on his TAO² RH prototype. Viola got 3rd place in freestyle with an early TAO² BOOM prototype. Oscar has pushed the product on the racecourse during training, providing critical GPS data and durability tests.
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