Slingshot Hope Craft V1 103

The Slingshot Hope Craft V1 103 is a compact kite foilboard introduced in 2023, developed in collaboration with world champion foil rider Fred Hope. It builds on the platform established by Slingshot's popular Dwarf Craft line, inheriting similar design DNA while incorporating refinements specifically tuned for jumping and big-air kite foiling. The board is offered in a single 103 cm size, reflecting its purpose-built, performance-focused positioning within Slingshot's foilboard range.

Slingshot designed the Hope Craft V1 with a pro-stiffness core that uses both wood and PVC stringers—more than those found in the Dwarf Craft—paired with a reinforced fiberglass layup. This construction approach prioritizes rigidity for landing impacts while keeping overall weight low by limiting the number of insert packs on deck.

• Length: 103 cm
• Width: 44 cm
• Thickness: 4.4 cm
• Volume: 15 L
• Weight: 2.8 kg
• Available sizes: 103 cm (single size)
• Foil mount: Adjustable track mount (fore/aft sliding)

The Hope Craft V1 103 targets intermediate to advanced kite foilers who are progressing into jumping and aerial maneuvers. Its compact dimensions and low volume make it manageable in the air while the stiff construction handles repeated landings. The concave deck profile provides secure heel-to-toe contact when rolling rail to rail, giving experienced riders confident board feel at speed.

That said, the board remains accessible enough for riders transitioning from larger foilboards into a smaller, more performance-oriented platform. The volume distributed toward the nose aids in recovery during touchdowns, reducing the penalty for imperfect landings. Riders focused on light-wind cruising or early-stage learning will likely find the 15-liter volume too minimal for water starts and should look at higher-volume options in the Slingshot range.

The Hope Craft V1 sits above the Dwarf Craft in Slingshot's kite foilboard hierarchy. Where the Dwarf Craft serves as a versatile everyday foilboard available in multiple sizes (including a 100 cm and 110 cm), the Hope Craft narrows its focus to a single competition-oriented size with stiffer construction and a shape refined for aerial riding. It has since been followed by the Hope Craft V2, which continues the line's progression.

For buyers cross-shopping, the Dwarf Craft offers broader size selection and a slightly more forgiving ride at a lower price point, making it the safer choice for riders still finding their preferred board dimensions. The Hope Craft V1 is the step up for those who have dialed in their foiling and want a board shaped around jumping performance. At its current discounted price, it represents a value entry into a pro-level platform that would otherwise sit at a considerably higher retail cost.