The End of Foam?
Standard wingboards use a foam core sandwiched between layers of carbon or fiberglass. The "Airinside" technology, seen in boards like the Airinside Wingboard and projected for Duotone’s 2026 Skybrid D/LAB, eliminates the foam core entirely.
These boards rely on a hollow, vacuum-infused carbon shell. This construction method reduces the total board weight by approximately 30%, bringing an 85L board down to roughly 5.5 kg. Duotone's 2026 Skybrid D/LAB, for example, uses this "Hollow Shell Composite" technology, cutting 1.8 kg compared to traditional SLS construction.
Monocoque Architecture
The Duotone Skybrid D/LAB employs a monocoque design with an internal composite stringer system. This architectural approach distributes loads across the entire shell rather than concentrating stress on foam plugs. The result is extreme lightness paired with stiffness that rivals solid composite boards.
The 5'7" x 20.5" (70L) version features a slightly longer, narrower outline compared to foam-core equivalents, optimizing glide and earlier take-off. A new diamond tail, combined with pronounced rail bevels, improves clearance during transitions and turning agility.
Physics of Inertia
The primary benefit of a hollow core is the reduction of inertia. In 1 to 2-foot swells, the board offers a 25% faster rebound response because there is less mass to push against the water.
Riders report that the empty core allows the board to flex more responsively (about 15% more than a sandwich board) which lowers the risk of stalling for intermediate riders under 80 kg.
Structural Integrity
Despite being hollow, the structural arch design supports deck loads equivalent to 20 PSI. This rigidity ensures that energy from pumping is transferred directly to the foil rather than being lost in board flex.
| Feature | Standard Sandwich | Hollow Core (Airinside) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (85L) | ~7.8 kg | ~5.5 kg |
| Rebound Speed | Standard | +25% Faster |
| Flex Response | Rigid/Dampened | +15% Dynamic Flex |
Sources & Further Reading
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