Let’s be real—getting into wing foiling isn’t cheap. Between the board, wing, foil, and protective gear, the costs can stack up fast. And if you’re new to the sport, figuring out what gear is right for you only makes it more overwhelming.
That’s why so many riders in Chicago and along the Lake Michigan coast are looking for used or closeout foil setups—gear that’s beginner-friendly, affordable, and still totally ride-ready.
Good news: Stoked Riders has exactly what you need.
We’re clearing out overstock on the AK V1 foil series—the same foils we use in our lessons every day. They’re not just discounted—they’re proven. If you’re starting your wing foil journey in Chicago, South Haven, or anywhere in between, this is the smartest place to start.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
-
Why these AK foils are ideal for Great Lakes conditions
-
How to match a foil to your riding level
-
What to look for in beginner-friendly gear
-
Where to take lessons and try the foil before you buy
-
How to score the best deals before inventory runs out
Let’s help you skip the guesswork—and start flying faster.
Read our full guide on getting started with Wing foil on Lake Michigan
What’s the Best Foil Setup for Learning to Wing Foil in the Midwest?
If you’re winging in Chicago, Michigan, or anywhere around the Great Lakes, you need gear that’s stable, forgiving, and built for lighter, sometimes gusty wind. The ideal beginner foil gives you early lift, predictable control, and a smooth path to progression.
That’s exactly why we stock—and ride—the AK V1 foil lineup.
Why AK Foils Are Perfect for the Great Lakes
Wing foiling on Lake Michigan—or anywhere along the Great Lakes—presents a unique mix of wind, water, and launch conditions. You’re often dealing with lighter wind, side-onshore setups, and water that can switch between glassy calm and inland chop in minutes.
That’s where AK’s V1 foil series really shines.
These foils were built for versatility and real-world conditions. They're not just designed for tropical demo videos—they’re made to handle variable wind, unstable water, and the day-to-day unpredictability of Great Lakes riding.
Here’s what makes them ideal for Midwest foiling:
1. Early Lift in Light Wind
Inland riding usually means marginal wind days. You’re not getting 20+ knots on tap all the time. AK foils are tuned for low-end lift, helping you get up on foil even when conditions aren’t perfect.
-
The Trek gets up and stays up at slower speeds
-
The Tracer glides well with modest input
-
The Plasma rewards good wing angles with long, efficient runs
2. Forgiving in Chop and Onshore Conditions
Lakefront spots like Montrose, South Haven, or Grand Haven can get bumpy fast. You need a foil that’s predictable and stable, especially when dealing with bouncing water, boat wakes, or gusty shoreline wind.
-
AK’s wider wings and tuned profiles smooth out instability
-
Less twitch = more comfort and better control for newer riders
3. Easy to Launch and Learn On
If you’re launching from a sandy beach or low dock, you want gear that’s easy to handle, set up, and carry. AK foils are designed with clean connection systems, modular masts, and lightweight aluminum builds that don’t fight you on the way in or out of the water.
4. Midwest-Tested, Instructor-Approved
These are the exact foils our team uses for lessons every week on the Great Lakes. Whether it’s Chicago’s summer breeze or early fall wind in Michigan, these setups have proven again and again that they’re the right call for local riders who want to progress safely and quickly.
Are Closeout Foils Still Good for Beginners?
It’s a common question—and a fair one:
Is buying a closeout or used foil actually a smart move if I’m just starting out?
The short answer? Yes. In many cases, it’s the best possible move.
When you’re learning to wing foil, you don’t need the newest carbon race foil on the market. What you need is a foil that’s forgiving, stable, affordable, and proven to help beginners get their first flights with confidence.
That’s exactly what you get with AK’s V1 foil series.
Why Closeout Doesn’t Mean Compromise
Let’s bust a myth right now:
“Closeout” doesn’t mean broken down, outdated, or low quality. It simply means we’re clearing out the current version of a product to make room for what’s next.
In the case of AK’s V1 foils (Trek, Tracer, Plasma), these are:
-
Current-generation builds—not some dusty gear pulled from a bin
-
Still being used by instructors every week
-
Designed for real-world progression, not just flashy marketing videos
-
Priced to move—because we have overstock and want local riders on the water
That’s not a pitch—it’s real. These foils are on the water now, helping new riders from Chicago to Grand Haven hit their first foiling goals.
Why They’re Actually Better for Beginners
Here’s the thing: a lot of “advanced” foil gear is harder to ride—it’s twitchier, faster, and requires better balance and board control. New riders don’t need that. They need gear that forgives small mistakes, lifts early, and doesn’t punish them for imperfect technique.
That’s exactly what the AK Trek, Tracer, and Plasma deliver.
And because these foils are built tough, they can handle the inevitable drops, falls, and sandy beach setups that come with early sessions. You won’t cry if your foil touches the bottom or gets a few dings—it’s meant to be ridden, not babied.
You’re Not Just Saving Money—You’re Starting Smarter
With these closeout deals, you’re doing more than trimming the budget:
-
You’re getting gear with real-world ride history
-
You’re using what the pros teach on
-
You’re buying from a local shop who can service and support you
-
You’re giving yourself a setup that helps you progress faster, not get frustrated
Add that all up, and it’s clear: These aren’t just good for beginners. They might be the best deal you’ll find this season.
Can I Take Wing Foil Lessons in Chicago and Get a Deal on the Same Foil?
Yes—you can. And honestly, that’s the smartest way to do it.
At Stoked Riders, we offer full wing foil lessons right here in Chicago. All beginner sessions are taught on the same AK V1 foils currently available in our closeout sale.
That means you’re learning on the gear you could end up owning—gear that’s already dialed in, already familiar, and already proven to get you flying.
Why This Combo Just Makes Sense
-
Test before you invest: Ride the gear, then decide
-
Confidence boost: You’ll already know how it handles
-
Smarter spend: No guessing sizes or ordering gear you’ve never touched
-
Immediate progression: You’re already comfortable with the setup
Want to know what sizes and models are left after lessons? Call us for current inventory and closeout pricing.
Which AK Foil Should I Start With—Trek, Tracer, or Plasma?
Choosing your first foil setup can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. If you're riding in the Midwest (think Lake Michigan, Chicago, or St. Joseph), your gear needs to work well in light-to-moderate winds, handle a bit of chop, and be forgiving when you’re still figuring out body positioning and wing control.
The AK V1 foil series was designed with exactly that in mind. Every model—Trek, Tracer, and Plasma—has its own strengths, but they’re all built to give newer riders a stable, confidence-building ride right out of the gate.
Let’s break them down in more detail.
AK Trek V1: The Ultimate First Foil
If you're brand new to wing foiling—or even foiling in general—the Trek is our top recommendation. It's all about maximum stability and early lift, which is exactly what you want when you're learning to control both the wing and the board at the same time.
Why Beginners Love It:
-
Wide wingspan and lower aspect ratio = more lift at slower speeds
-
Super stable pitch makes balancing easier
-
Forgiving in touchdowns and re-launches
-
Great for heavier riders or light wind conditions
Best For:
-
First-timers
-
Heavier riders (190+ lbs)
-
Lighter wind days
-
Choppy conditions or small lake swell
AK Tracer V1: The Glide-Control Sweet Spot
The Tracer V1 is where things get exciting. It’s still beginner-friendly, but offers more glide and maneuverability than the Trek—ideal for riders who want a foil that will grow with them.
The Tracer has a slightly narrower wingspan and a refined profile, which helps it ride smoother and pump better while still keeping things manageable.
Why It’s a Favorite Among Instructors:
-
Smoother glide makes it easier to carry speed
-
Improved turning makes transitions more fun
-
Still stable enough for beginners—just with more responsiveness
Best For:
-
Progressing riders who want more glide
-
Medium-weight riders (140–190 lbs)
-
Those with some board or wing experience
-
Anyone who wants to progress quickly without outgrowing their gear
AK Plasma V1: Glide, Speed, and Progression
The Plasma is where AK starts leaning into high-aspect, performance-ready glide—but don’t be fooled. It’s still approachable enough for newer riders, especially those with prior board experience (think kiteboarding, SUP, or wake).
With a more efficient outline and higher aspect ratio, the Plasma is designed for efficient pumping, smooth turning, and faster downwind runs.
What Makes It Stand Out:
-
Tons of glide with less drag
-
Great for learning to pump and connect swells
-
Ideal for riders looking to progress into long, efficient rides
-
Still stable in flat water and light wind
Best For:
-
Athletic beginners with board control
-
Riders under 170 lbs looking for glide
-
Light-wind days with smooth water
-
Long-term progression into surf-style winging or downwinders
Not Sure Which One to Pick?
We get it—it’s a big decision. That’s why our team at Stoked Riders takes time to match riders with the right foil based on:
-
Your weight and height
-
Local conditions (Chicago chop vs. Michigan glass)
-
Wind range you’ll ride in
-
How fast you want to progress—or how much stability you want up front
Call us anytime for a quick match-up. We’ll ask you a few simple questions and get you locked into the right foil—no pressure, just good advice.
Ready to Ride? Let’s Get You Set Up the Right Way
If you’ve been thinking about getting into wing foiling—but haven’t pulled the trigger because of price or gear confusion—this is your moment.
With closeout AK V1 foils in stock now at Stoked Riders, you can:
-
Learn on proven gear used by instructors every week
-
Test before you invest with a lesson in Chicago
-
Get matched with the right foil for your size, style, and goals
-
Save hundreds on your first real setup
-
Ride local. Buy local. Progress with confidence.
But this isn’t an endless sale. Once they’re gone—they’re gone.
“We ride what we sell. We teach on what we recommend. And we back our gear, because we want you stoked—not guessing.”
Check it out:
Call us today to check current inventory and get matched with your perfect foil setup. We’ll help you skip the guesswork and start flying faster.
Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic:
Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing expert and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. An avid waterman, he's passionate and knowledgeable about all things watersports from wing foil to wake. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.