Armstrong's S1 ("Step 1") Foil Kit is genuinely the easiest way to start foiling — designed from the ground up for first-time flyers who want stability, predictability, and a forgiving learning curve over outright performance. Four front wing sizes from a manoeuvrable 1250cm² to an ultra-stable 2450cm² mean there's a right S1 for every learner regardless of weight, board, or conditions. The complete kit includes everything you need to start: S1 front wing in your chosen size, S1 300 stabiliser, 72cm alloy mast, 75cm alloy fuselage, mast top plate, all hardware, and a kit bag — ready to bolt on to any compatible foil board. The S1 has been the foil that's converted more first-time foilers in North Wales to the sport than any other shape in the Armstrong line. From £1,279 — free UK postage.

Step 1: Redefining How We Learn To Foil

Product overview

The Step 1 (S1) foil range delivers remarkable stability, ultra low flying speed and an instantly intuitive feel to make the first step into foiling as accessible and forgiving as possible.

Pitch, roll and yaw stability are critical to success when building foiling skills. The S1 design achieves a near autopilot-like level of predictability thanks to a combination of leading and trailing edge sweep, chord length and foil section geometry. The result is an ultra easy platform for first time flyers to learn any foiling discipline.

The S1 foils fly at a remarkably low speed with a high degree of controllability so that riders can practise manoeuvres with less risk and a lower learning curve. When overpowered, the foil reduces breaching with a tendency to fly itself back down when approaching the surface. Because these foils handle speed and ventilation so well, riders can enjoy an exceptionally broad usable speed range in each size.

Key features

Ultra-easy learning platform. An ultra easy platform for first time flyers to learn any foiling discipline. Excellent low speed lift, stability and recovery from ventilation.

Stability-focused geometry. Leading and trailing edge sweep for stability and a narrower span to minimise breaching. Downturned wing tips increase rider safety and improve the efficiency of water flow.

Carbon composite construction. Lightweight, stiff, and responsive. Built with the precision and quality synonymous with Armstrong, the S1 range employs carbon composites for an optimal strength-to-weight ratio.

Armstrong A+ System connection. Proprietary Armstrong A+ System foil connection design offers industry-leading stiffness, durability and modularity. The S1 is fully compatible with the wider Armstrong foil ecosystem — riders can progress to performance front wings (HA, MA, APF) without replacing mast, fuselage, or board fittings.

S1 300 stabiliser. The S1 300 stabiliser was designed alongside the S1 foils to provide riders with the best learning platform possible. Span 410mm, aspect ratio 5.7.

What's in the kit

• S1 Front Wing in chosen size (1250 / 1550 / 1850 / 2450 cm²)
• S1 300 Stabiliser
• Alloy Mast 72cm
• Alloy Fuselage 75cm
• Mast top plate with hardware
• Bottom bracket
• All mounting hardware — T-nuts, Torx screws (25mm, 16mm), Torx tool
• Protective covers — front wing cover, stabiliser cover, mast cover
• Accessory pouch
• Kit bag

Front wing size guide

S1 1250 — lighter riders & progressing beginners. The 1250 generates ample lift despite its smaller size, with a tighter turning radius. Best for lighter riders (50–75 kg) or those who've already had a few sessions and want to refine their skills. Good for front wave foiling and more advanced manoeuvres as confidence builds. Specs: 1250 cm² area | 848 mm span | aspect ratio 5.7.

S1 1550 — intermediate-friendly all-rounder. The 1550 is more nimble than the 1850, offering a balance between stability and manoeuvrability. Best for intermediate riders 70–85 kg wanting versatility — pumps and glides well, forgiving through turns and transitions. Many advanced foilers also keep a 1550 for lighter wind days. Specs: 1550 cm² area | 905 mm span | aspect ratio 5.3.

S1 1850 — the best beginner choice. The 1850 is Armstrong's recommended size for most learners and the most popular S1 size globally — best stability, lowest stall speed, ideal for learning. If you're new to foiling and unsure which size to choose, this is the safe bet for riders 75–95 kg. Specs: 1850 cm² area | 965 mm span | aspect ratio 5.0.

S1 2450 — heaviest riders & lightest winds. The 2450 is the maximum-stability, maximum-low-end-lift option. Best for heavier riders over 95 kg, riders learning in genuinely marginal wind, or anyone wanting to extend the lower end of their wind range. Gets riders flying earlier than any other Armstrong wing. Specs: 2450 cm² area | 1054 mm span | aspect ratio 4.8.

Technical specifications

Standard kit configuration: 72 cm alloy mast, 75 cm alloy fuselage, Armstrong A+ System (compatible with all Armstrong foils).

Honest advice from us

The S1 is the foil to buy if you're learning to foil — that's not a marketing line, that's genuine guidance. We could sell you a more performance-oriented foil (HA, MA, APF) but if you're new to foiling those foils will be punishing while you learn, and the S1 will get you flying in days instead of weeks.

Which size? For most learners we recommend the 1850 at £1,349 — it's the size that suits most adult riders (75–95 kg), has the lowest stall speed in the range, and gives you the maximum margin for error while you're learning. If you're lighter than 75 kg, look at the 1550 (£1,319). If you're heavier than 95 kg or learning in very light wind, the 2450 (£1,369) is worth the extra. The 1250 (£1,279) is best left until you've already had a few sessions on something larger — it'll be twitchy as a first foil.

Board compatibility. The S1 kit fits any board with a standard Armstrong A+ System foil track (most modern wing foil boards). If you've got an older board with a Tuttle box or Deep Tuttle, you'll need an adapter — call us on 01492 588001 to discuss.

Where to ride the S1 in North Wales. Penmaenmawr, Red Wharf Bay and the Anglesey north coast all produce the kind of side-shore wind that's ideal for early S1 sessions — flat-ish water with reliable breeze.

The honest reality. The S1 is a foil that good intermediate riders also love — multiple reviewers note they keep an S1 in their quiver for marginal conditions, foot swap practice, or just relaxed cruising. It's not just a beginner foil, it's a beginner-friendly foil that progresses with you. Free UK postage. Call us on 01492 588001 for sizing advice or to discuss whether the S1 is the right starting point.

About Armstrong

Armstrong is a New Zealand foil company founded by Armie Armstrong, a pioneering windsurfer and watersports innovator. Armstrong's modular A+ System has set the industry standard for foil compatibility — front wings, masts, fuselages and stabilisers all interconnect across the Armstrong range, meaning riders can progress from S1 (Step 1) beginner foils through to HA (High Aspect) racing foils without replacing their mast or board fittings. Built in Thailand at Armstrong's own facility, designed in New Zealand, ridden by world-class athletes including Austin Tovey, Noah Flegel and Annie Reickert.

Armstrong's foils are distributed in the UK by Surf Doctor (Cornwall). Môr Watersports is an authorised Armstrong dealer in North Wales — we hold stock, offer demo sessions where conditions allow, and ship across the UK with free postage.

Free UK postage. 01492 588001 for sizing advice, board compatibility questions, or to discuss whether the S1 is the right starting point for your foiling.