FreeWing LIFE

The FreeWing LIFE is a progression-oriented freeride wing, with an emphasis on ease of use and versatility. Featuring a low-aspect design, the LIFE combines substantial power with agility and simplicity, making it a great choice for riders across various skill levels.

One of the wonders of wingfoiling and an obvious attraction to the sport, is the simplicity of the system, especially in comparison to kiteboarding. Therefore I am a massive supporter of minimal-istic wing designs, as seen in the LIFE, which features a simple yet robust panel layout with preci-sion use of reinforcing material, contributing to a lightweight and well-balanced wing. Expect clear vision with big window panes, and easy handling thanks to the ‘pistol grip’ style boom han-dle and the compact shape of a low aspect ratio design. This shape is particularly useful in the bigger sizes, keeping your wingtips clear from the water while at the same time enhancing han-dling of the wing. The wing is also particularly silent in the air, with an assortment of battens dis-persed along the trailing edge to ensure there is no flutter at all.

The FreeWing LIFE is the latest addition to the lineup and sits in the range underneath their popu-lar AIR wings. The LIFE is built using Code-Tec 95, one of FreeWing’s new canopy materials, which promises durability and consistency across a broad wind range. The wing I got to test was the 5.5m with an aluminum boom handle. This is the biggest wing I have ridden in South African wa-ters, so I was particularly excited to experience this wing’s low-end performance.

During my first session, we had typical Cape Town conditions – winds gusting between 18 and 26 knots, which would be the high-end of this wing’s wind range, while my second session took place in ultra-light 8-14 knot winds. Straight out of the carpark, the LIFE’s ease-of-use shone through. Walking to the water’s edge, the wing felt well-balanced, barely twitching in the gusts.

On the water, the 5.5m delivered steady and smooth power, as expected from a FreeWing prod-uct. Waterstarting was straightforward, and once on foil, I found it easy to settle into cruise mode. The 5.5m handled the stronger gusts beautifully, giving me confidence in this wing's high-end capabilities. Having a low aspect ratio meant that flipping the wing over when preparing to waterstart is much easier to manage, and kept the wing tips clear from the water. Flagging the wing out for some downwind pump runs was straightforward, and re-engaging the wing again was no problem at all.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well the wing handled the light winds during my second ses-sion, and I would add this is the extreme low-end of the wing’s wind range. Waterstarts were still achievable, and the wing retained its shape and composure with minimal wind. I was able to complete most transitions cleanly, and the boom handle again proved to be a game-changer when it came to fast grip changes and one-handed maneuvers.

While this isn’t the most high-strung or aggressive wing I’ve used, it delivers what it promises – predictability and a refined ride. The compact wingtips help reduce drag during carves and tacks, and I appreciated how it stayed quiet in the air while flagged out thanks to the long battens on the trailing edge.

All things considered, the FreeWing LIFE is a smart, accessible option for riders looking for a no-fuss, get-it-done kind of wing. It’s light, compact, easy to use, and performs with confidence in a wide range of conditions.