Double Dip: Indiana Marlin XS & S

Known for their commitment to quality and innovation, Indiana continues to impress in the foil market with their Marlin line, made specifically for riders looking to push performance in both wing and surf foiling. The Marlin XS and S Front Wings are designed with versatility and agility in mind, delivering a ride that mixes responsiveness, control, and speed. Both wings feature a 7.5 aspect ratio, striking a solid balance between glide efficiency and maneuverability. The sleek silhouette and moderate span give these wings a dynamic, surf-oriented feel while still offering great performance for wingfoiling or surf foiling in every conditions.

With a surface area of 690cm² and a wingspan of 780mm, the XS is built for riders chasing tight, surf-style turns and quick acceleration. It shines in fast beach breaks or short-period swells, really feeling skatey underfoot. Slightly larger at 850cm² with a 880mm wingspan, the S offers more low-end lift and a smoother entry into turns. It’s ideal for lighter wind wing sessions and clean, peeling waves where you want to link multiple turns or pump back out with ease.

We paired the Marlin XS and S with the Lightning 85 Carbon Mast Drive HM, the XS/XXS fuselage and two stabilizers (S – 190 and XS – 170). Both wings felt light on the front foot, especially if you're coming from a different brand that has more front foot pressure. It took a couple of minutes to recalibrate my stance and balance, but once dialed in, the glide and control were seriously rewarding. The Marlin wings have a tight rail-to-rail responsiveness and low drag, making them feel very lively. What I liked is the minimal ventilation even when breaching the tips, which gave me the confidence to push turns harder in the white water or just before the wave breaks, without the fear of stalling or slipping out.

The Marlin XS + XS/XXS fuselage + XS Stabilizer was my favorite for wingfoiling in punchy beach breaks. The setup was the best to draw some sharp lines in small pockets and fit more turns on every waves. It’s pitch-sensitive, especially at high speeds or tight carves. This setup made me feel like I was riding a performance shortboard, reactive, fast, and just fun. What impressed me the most is the low end of this small foil. I could kick out the wave and take my time before grabbing the wing again. Or even a few pumps and I could catch the wave behind.

The Marlin S + XS/XXS fuselage + S Stabilizer setup was more for surf foiling, according to my weight of course, but if you’re a bit heavier it could be your go to setup for wingfoil. For longer, cleaner swells or light wind wing sessions, this setup was magic. It gave a more locked-in feel with a steadier pitch. The added front foot pressure made pumping easier and more controlled.

In conclusion, we found the Indiana Marlin XS and S are top-notch foils for riders looking to mix high-performance carving with very versatile use across both surf and wing disciplines.