LabRat Foiler Podcast

In this episode of the LabRat Foiler Podcast, I sit down with Greg Drexler from BRM to talk about his latest creation: the S3 Parawing. Greg breaks down the full design journey behind the S3 and why BRM moved from multiple parawing models into one refined single-skin design. We go deep into parawing design, including the new D-grip bar system, improved ergonomics, bridle layout, stowing considerat...

In this episode of the LabRat Foiler Podcast, I sit down with Dom Zimmerman, Head of R&D at Ozone, and Axel Mazella from the Ozone R&D team to unpack everything about the brand new Pocket Rocket V2. We go deep into the design evolution from the original Pocket Rocket V1 and how the development of the PowerPack helped shape this next generation of parawing design. This conversation covers t...

This episode of the LabRat Foiler Podcast dives deep into one of the most exciting moments yet for the sport of parawinging: the first SFT / SFD Downwind Parawing World Cup. I sit down with Carlos Saez to unpack the event, the race format, the vision behind it, and why this competition could play a huge role in shaping the future of parawing racing, downwind foiling, and competitive foil sports.&n...

In this episode of the LabRat Foiler Podcast, I sit down with Dmitry “the Russian” Evseev, one of the true early adopters of parawinging and a rider who has been testing, refining, and pushing the sport since the beginning. From his journey out of Russia to building a life around wind and waves in Mauritius, Dmitry shares how water sports, foiling, and curiosity for new equipment shaped the rider...

In this episode of the LabRat Foiler Podcast, I sit down with world-class rider Guy Bridge to dive deep into the evolution of parawinging, foiling, and wave riding. From his roots in competitive kitesurfing to pushing the limits of modern foil sports, Guy shares insights on technique, gear progression, and what it really takes to ride at a high level.   We break down his epic Western Australi...

In this episode of the LabRat Foiler Podcast, I sit down with local ripper Jarrod Snow to talk all things parawinging, SUP downwind foiling, and what it really takes to go fast on the open ocean. Jarrod had just knocked out an 80km downwinder run in properly nuking conditions, so we break down the logistics, the mindset, and the techniques that keep you linking bumps when it’s big. Jarrod shares h...

In this episode I interview Jack Ho, a passionate water sports athlete and foiler. Jack shares his journey from surfing in his home town to discovering the exhilarating world of foiling, particularly the emerging trend of downwinding. He discusses the evolution of his skills in parawinging, the challenges he faced while learning, and the excitement of riding in new locations. Jack emphasizes the i...

In this end-of-year special, I invited Cynthia Brown, Ken Adgate and Ewan Jaspan to reflect on the significant developments in parawinging throughout 2025. We discuss the evolution of riding styles, innovations in gear, and the moments that have elevated the sport. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities for growth, particularly in making the sport more accessible to newc...

In this conversation, Dom Zimmerman, head of R&D at Ozone, discusses the new Power Pack parawing, detailing its design innovations, target audience, and performance features. The discussion covers the changes made to the bar system, line configuration, and canopy design, as well as how these changes enhance user experience. Dom also compares the Power Pack's performance to the Pocket Rocket an...

In this conversation, Nicolas Calais, the designer of the F1 frigate, shares his extensive journey through the world of water sports, from his early days of surfing to becoming a leading designer in the kite and hydrofoil industry. He discusses the evolution of water sports, the challenges faced in designing the F-One Frigate parawing, and the importance of teamwork in product development. Nicolas...

In this episode, I sit down with Francesco Maffei to chat about his journey—from growing up as a young surfer in Italy to becoming one of the go-to shapers for custom parawing boards. We talk about how board sports have evolved, why custom parawing boards are blowing up right now, and all the little details that actually make a board feel good under your feet: volume, thickness, stability, shape…...

In this conversation, Aljaz Valik shares his journey from a childhood immersed in aviation to becoming a prominent figure in the parawing design industry. He discusses his competitive background in paragliding, the transition to kite design, and the evolution of foiling. Aljaz highlights the innovations in parawing design, particularly the differences between single and double skin wings, and the...

In this conversation, Patrick Rebstock shares his journey from traditional board sports to downwinding and now into parawinging. He discusses the importance of safety, understanding local geography, and the differences between groundswell and windswell. Patrick emphasises the need for preparation and knowledge of conditions to ensure a successful and safe downwinding experience. We discuss the int...

In this episode, I talk with Jon McCabe, one of Maui’s most experienced multi-sport foilers, to unpack his evolution in Parawinging — from his roots in kiting to the cutting-edge gear shaping where the sport is heading. Jon and I dive deep into advanced Parawing techniques, gear setup, and the fine-tuning that helps you get the most out of your foil, board, and bar system. We talk about mastering...

In this episode, I sit down with James Casey to explore the exciting world of downwinding and parawinging. James shares his journey from different water sports into foiling, we dive into the emergence of the parawing, its advantages for downwinders, and the unique dynamics of light wind sessions. We also cover important safety considerations and talk about the future of downwinding with parawings,...

In this episode of the Lab Rat Foiler Podcast, we sit down with ex-pro bodyboarder, lifelong ocean frother, and now dedicated parawinger Kyle Maligro. From growing up in Hawaii chasing waves on a boogie board, to a long career on the professional bodyboarding scene, Kyle has lived his life in the water. These days, he’s channeling that same passion into the world of parawinging, with unmatched cre...

In this conversation, I sit down with Brandon Scheid to explore his journey through the world of water sports, including kiteboarding, paragliding, and his newly discovered passion for parawinging. We discuss the challenges he faced after a life-altering accident, his recovery process, and how foiling played a crucial role in his healing. The conversation also dives into the evolution of parawingi...

We’re back from Hood River, and this legend inspired me to restart recording the podcast. Coming home from summer in the Gorge to winter in Australia left me feeling flat, and I was struggling to find the motivation to record again. But as soon as this ripper agreed to come on, the spark returned instantly. On the trip, I had the chance to meet the Armstrong crew in the Gorge and watched Cash thro...

In this episode we talk with Greg Falck from Omen Foils (omenfoils.com). Greg has been loving riding the Parawing lately and has come up with some interesting ideas on topics like: harness connections, the use of leashes and how we can improve our stowing techniques with additional accessories. Greg’s background as a mechanical engeneer, work experience as a Designer at Ocean Rodeo and material sc...

In this episode, we dive into Parawinging through the lens of Bowen Dwelle, a seasoned sailor and San Francisco native with decades of experience across various wind-based sports, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, kitefoiling, and wingfoiling. His deep-rooted connection to the bay serves as a backdrop for our discussion, where we explore the foiling scene in San Francisco and the unique riding s...

In this episode featuring Dave West, we dive deep into the advantages of parawinging compared to SUP downwinding. Dave is a professional, multidisciplinary foiler who recently released a series of three videos documenting his experiences learning how to parawing, which sparked considerable controversy online. His polarizing views have generated engaging discussions that we explore in this lively d...

Elliot has played a significant role in my development in boardsports. When I first began watching early kiteboarding films, I never imagined I would find myself participating in a podcast with the man behind the camera. Elliot has witnessed and experienced so much throughout his professional boardsport career, both in front of and behind the lens. Hearing his excitement about Parawinging serves a...

In this episode we speak with The Man, Greg Drexler. Greg change the world of foiling in August, 2024 when he launched the very first parawing. What happened after that was absolutely incredible. Never have we seen such uptake of a new foiling discipline, where from one day to the other the entire foiling industry had to recalibrate and reconsider their R&D plans for the upcoming year. And so...

In this episode we speak with Gwen Le Tutour, who is a filmaker, YouTuber, and an incredible foiling coach. Gwen’s story started from his love of the ocean and sea life concervation. After working on the Sea Shepherd, Gwen took a punt and started an extremely popular YouTube Channel with Damian Leroy. His foiling journey is not only inspiring but one filled with perseverance, passion and knowledge...

In this episode we speak with Ken Adgate an Ozone ambassador and Mikeslab foils team rider. Wow, this episode is packed with so much information and sits at the top shelf for those seeking to learn new moves, riding tips, parawing mods… this list is long. Ken shares step by step brake-downs of fundamental moves like jibes, land drills and stowing, and keeps the good stuff coming with more advanced...