INBOUND – SABFOIL BLACKBIRD RANGE

Taking inspiration from the infamous stealth fighter of the same name, SABFOIL’s new Blackbird range is pretty damn sleek. We knocked on the SABFOIL front door for more intel…

 You describe the Blackbird range as “not just a new foil, but a new way of foiling.” What does that mean to the rider in practical, on-the-water terms?

When we say it’s a new way of foiling, we mean that the Blackbird doesn’t just improve performance – it redefines how the entire system interacts with the water and the air. On the water, riders immediately feel a smoother, more connected sensation. The foil feels alive, as if it’s reading the water and anticipating your moves. Every input – pitch, roll, speed – translates into clean, progressive lift and glide. It’s more intuitive, more balanced, and it gives riders that “flying” feeling that the name promises.

A big focus is the active fuselage. Can you explain how making the fuselage “fly on its own” changes the experience for the rider compared to a traditional fuse?

Traditional fuselages are mostly passive – they connect the front and rear wings and resist loads. The Blackbird fuselage was designed to contribute aerodynamically, much like the body of a glider. It generates its own lift, supports the front wing’s behavior, and stabilizes the system dynamically. This means that the foil doesn’t just follow the wings – it participates in the flight. Riders will notice less drag, better pitch stability, and a more natural trim, especially at higher speeds or during transitions.

You also mention that the fuselage actively generates lift. How does that translate into real benefits?

When the fuselage starts producing lift, the system requires less angle of attack to take off. This allows riders to get flying with less pumping effort and at lower speeds. Once airborne, that lift distribution improves glide efficiency and keeps the foil in balance without constant micro-adjustments. You gain range and endurance – longer glides, smoother landings, and more speed stability. The result is a foil that feels both faster and more forgiving at the same time.

The Blackbird draws some inspiration from aeronautics – what specific concepts were adapted into this design? And did the famous US spy plane of the same name factor in?!

We definitely borrowed from aeronautics. One of the key principles was the integration of lift across the whole structure – the idea that every part of the aircraft contributes to flight. That’s exactly what we applied to the Blackbird: a fuselage that supports the wings, not just connects them. We also studied laminar flow and how blended surfaces can reduce turbulence. As for the name – yes, the SR-71 inspired us. It symbolized speed, precision, and a radical design philosophy. The connection isn’t just aesthetic; it’s about pushing boundaries through engineering.

The Blackbird masts use a unique UHM + W-Core construction. How does combining ultra-high modulus carbon with wood enhance things?

The mast construction combines two materials with very different but complementary properties. The ultra-high modulus carbon gives extreme stiffness and precision – that direct, instantaneous feel under your feet. The W-Core, our internal wood structure, adds controlled elasticity and incredible vibration damping. Together, they create a mast that’s both razor-sharp and surprisingly smooth in ride quality. You get the performance of a racing setup with the comfort and fluidity that make long sessions a pleasure.

For riders already familiar with your Kraken system, how seamless is the transition to the Blackbird, and what differences will they feel straight away?

The transition is seamless. The connection interface remains the same, so it’s plug-and-play with existing boards and components. What changes immediately is the feeling underfoot. The Blackbird is lighter, stiffer, and more fluid in transitions. The lift is more progressive, the acceleration cleaner, and the glide noticeably longer. Riders coming from the Kraken will instantly recognize SABFOIL’s DNA – precision and control – but will feel a new level of efficiency and connection with the water.

SABFOIL emphasizes that this foil isn’t just for pros, but for everyone. How did you ensure it was accessible while still delivering performance that top-level riders demand?

Accessibility was part of the design philosophy from day one. The aerodynamic efficiency makes take-off easier, the lift curve is predictable, and stability comes naturally thanks to the active fuselage. This means less fatigue and faster progression for intermediate riders. At the same time, the structural stiffness, materials, and speed potential meet the expectations of top athletes. In short, we built a platform where everyone can experience the feeling of flying – from first take-off to full-speed racing.

The Blackbird project involved both engineers and world-class riders like Balz Müller. How important was that human element in the development process?

It was absolutely fundamental. The Blackbird was shaped by a unique dialogue between our engineering team, professional athletes, and passionate everyday riders. Balz Müller pushed the prototypes to their limits, offering an unmatched ability to translate sensations into feedback. But just as crucial were the sessions with non-professional riders, whose insights reflect the real market and the way most people experience foiling. That combination – the vision of pros and the perspective of enthusiasts – allowed us to create a foil that performs at the highest level yet remains accessible, intuitive, and deeply enjoyable for everyone.

Beyond innovation and performance, what does the Blackbird say about SABFOIL’s identity and future direction?

The Blackbird reflects who we are as a brand – engineers, riders, and dreamers who believe in pushing limits with purpose. It symbolizes a new era of integration between technology and emotion. Every SABFOIL product moving forward will carry this DNA: efficiency, elegance, and sustainability through smarter design. The Blackbird isn’t just a foil; it’s our manifesto – proof that true innovation happens when craftsmanship and vision fly together.