Slingshot sUP WINDer

The Slingshot sUP WINDer is a stick-on keel accessory that converts a standard hardboard stand-up paddleboard into a displacement-style wingsurfing platform. Produced by Slingshot Sports, it provides the lateral resistance needed to hold an upwind course when paired with a handheld wing. The system consists of two parts: a streamlined fin box that adheres permanently to the hull with 3M adhesive, and a removable keel fin that slots into that box via a standard A-box track. Installation takes minutes rather than hours, and because the keel detaches, the board can still serve as a regular SUP when the fin is pulled out.

The concept fills a gap for riders who already own a rigid SUP and want to try wing-powered cruising without investing in a dedicated wingboard or foil setup. With the keel engaged and a wing generating forward drive, the board tracks in a straight line and can return to its launch point rather than drifting downwind.

• Weight: 1.5 lbs
• Mounting adhesive: 3M peel-and-stick
• Fin interface: Standard A-box track
• Recommended placement: 75 cm forward of the rear fin-track center
• Cure time before use: 12 hours
• Compatibility: Rigid (hardboard) SUPs only — not compatible with inflatable SUPs
• SKU: 121742000

The sUP WINDer targets entry-level wingsurfers and curious paddlers who want a low-cost introduction to wing-powered riding. Because it bolts onto gear a rider likely already owns, it removes the barrier of buying a full wingboard or foil package just to find out whether wingsurfing appeals. It is also a practical teaching tool — instructors can equip lesson SUPs with the keel so students learn wing handling on a stable, familiar platform before progressing to a dedicated wing or foil board.

Beyond beginners, it suits recreational paddlers who want to cover more distance with less effort on windy days. The keel lets the rider harness wind energy through the wing at higher speeds than traditional paddling, making it useful for flatwater exploration on lakes, bays, and sheltered coastlines. It is not intended for surf, foiling, or high-performance wingsurfing — it is a gateway accessory, not a replacement for purpose-built wing or foil equipment.

Within Slingshot's catalog, the sUP WINDer sits in the Foil Academy accessory tier alongside entry-level training and conversion products. It occupies a unique niche: there is no direct predecessor in the Slingshot range, and few competing brands offer a comparable peel-and-stick keel solution for SUPs. The product has been available since roughly the 2021–2022 product cycle and remains in the lineup as a single-size, one-SKU offering at a retail price well below any complete wingboard.

Riders who outgrow the sUP WINDer concept typically step up to a dedicated Slingshot wing foil board — such as the Outwit or Wizard — paired with a hydrofoil and wing. In that sense, the sUP WINDer functions as the lowest rung on Slingshot's wingsurfing ladder, designed to generate interest and build basic skills before a rider commits to a full foiling setup.