Hovering Above the Water: Kiran Verma's Epic Journey in Wing Foiling
Imagine gliding effortlessly over turquoise waters, defying gravity on a foil that lifts you like a childhood dream of hoverboarding come true. In a recent episode of the Foil Life Podcast, host Luc Moore catches up with Australian wing foiler Kiran Verma, a 41-year-old powerhouse who started the sport at 37 and has since turned heads with his progression, gear insights, and unbridled passion. From ripping tight turns on North's latest foils to globe-trotting adventures, Kiran's story is a testament to how wing foiling isn't just a sport—it's a life-changer.
Gear Deep Dive: Switching to North and Loving It
A major highlight of the episode is Kiran's switch to North gear, sparked by a local shop demo. Initially skeptical about the SF series foils due to his mid-aspect preferences, he was won over after chats with North's Alessandro in Australia and brand manager Mike. "The guy's a brand manager... and he takes the time out to speak to some stranger in Australia," Kiran recalls. "If someone loves this sport that much, they're not closed off to hearing something from anyone."
Kiran's go-to setup? A 55-liter Swell board paired with the SF-680 front wing for light winds (10-16 knots), a 145 stabilizer, 60cm fuse, and 85cm mast. "That's my light wing foil setup... super early lift but still got control," he explains. He praises the SF-530 for insane turns but reserves it for stronger conditions, noting North's sizing feels larger than equivalents from other brands. For prone foiling—a new pursuit—he strips the footstraps and uses the same rig, aiming for a 35-liter board next.
Luc, who's also ridden North foils like the SF-830 in Mexico and Canada, echoes the praise: maneuverable, nimble, with great low-end power. The duo geek out over transitions like foil slides—"a little bunny hop and then set yourself into the slide"—and dream up progressions like 360 slides.
Community Vibes and Sport Growth: From Rejection to Inspiration
Wing foiling's appeal spans generations, and Kiran highlights North's support for inclusive programs like Max Robinson's coaching in Canada and We Can Foil. "I love that... getting people who really wouldn't have got into foiling to come into wing foiling." At 75kg, Kiran represents the "older" crowd (40-70) that's driving sales—folks who crave techy tweaks, from shims to fuses, akin to golf enthusiasts obsessing over clubs.
Starting late has its perks: mental resilience. "Mentally, it's so much better because I don't care what someone thinks of me," Kiran says. Rejections? "Water off a duck's back." This mindset has fueled travels to Cape Verde (twice—his favorite), Fiji, New Zealand, Mauritius, Germany, Brazil, and Chile. It all began with a accidental hole in a borrowed wing, forcing him to buy it and commit: "I've spent two grand, I'm going to learn this sport. And then that changed my life."
The sport's niche status excites him—comparing it to early surfing or windsurfing—but he pushes for growth: more accessibility through sailing clubs, affordable gear, and small innovators like Aluula and Ocean Rodeo. "I want to see wing-foiling and foiling become so mainstream... it's going to benefit everyone."
Future Horizons: Competitions, Trips, and Hoverboard Dreams
Kiran's eyeing a return to GWA events, lamenting only one competition this year: "I always improve when I came back from one of them... putting myself against the best." He's learning one-hand grabs and prone foiling, with footstraps next on the list.
Travel plans? A strike mission to Morocco for long right-handers in November, or perhaps Cape Town for King of the Air. Luc floats joining for content creation—podcast magic turning virtual chats into real-world adventures.
Wrapping up, Kiran nails the sport's allure: "Everyone wanted a hoverboard... this is the closest we've got." For 70s and 80s kids like him, foiling fulfills that fantasy, blanking the mind amid waves and wind. As Luc signs off, it's clear: wing foiling saves lives, one session at a time.
Whether you're a seasoned rider or dreaming of your first foil, Kiran's episode is a must-listen—proof that it's never too late to soar. Check out his Instagram for reels that inspire, and hit the water to chase your own hoverboard high.
Tune into the episode. It's now live.
(Images courtesy of the GWA. All rights Reserved)
