Is there a windsurfing renaissance in the making? At least, that's the goal of the latest sailing invention: the inflatable rig.
For many fresh beginners, a windsurfing kit is something heavy, complicated, and not so portable. Yes, the "rigs of the past" can be quite weighty. But things are about to change.
The Arrows iRig One, developed by North Sails, promises to change the way we carry and ride our windsurfer.
The innovative sail, mast, and boom bundle weigh 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) and, when deflated, it can be transported in a regular backpack.
The pump system is the same for both mast and boom.
The new inflatable windsurfing sail will dramatically lower the risk of injuries in beginners, and it will float on the water.
Surprise, or maybe not, the invention is 70 percent lighter than a conventional rig.
The iRig was developed with the helping hand of North Kiteboarding. Their expertise in inflatable sailing wings and kites proved to be extremely useful in the windsurfing arena.
With the new inflatable windsurfing sail and an inflatable stand-up paddleboard (SUP), rigging and de-rigging will be fast, easy, and stressless.
A revolution is underway.