Paris 2024: What is iQFOiL, the new Olympic class?

París 2024: ¿Qué es el iQFOiL la nueva clase olímpica?

Paris 2024 Olympics: What is iQFOiL, the new Olympic class?

iQFOiL will take the place of the RS:X as the windsurfing event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games we'll see new sports such as breaking added, while others will get new formats, as is the case with windsurfing. Today we turn our attention to iQFOiL, the windsurf board that will be used at the Port of Marseille, venue of the Olympic sailing competitions at Paris 2024.

What is the Paris 2024 iQFOiL?

What was the previous Olympic board, the RS:X, like?

What are the differences between iQFOiL and RS:X?

iQFOiL competition schedule at Paris 2024:

What is the Paris 2024 iQFOiL?

iQFOiL represents an evolution in windsurfing, differing from the RS:X, the previous Olympic format, by replacing the retractable daggerboard with a foil. This change makes the board look as if it's flying, letting it rise completely out of the water once it reaches the speed needed to plane. This technology not only makes the sport more spectacular, it also lets athletes reach higher speeds.

What was the previous Olympic board, the RS:X, like?

From the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to Tokyo 2020, the format used in the windsurfing events was the RS:X. Although this board used the same type of sail as iQFOiL, it had a traditional daggerboard instead of a foil.

What are the differences between iQFOiL and RS:X?

The main difference between the new Olympic windsurf board and the previous one is that iQFOiL is considerably faster than the RS:X. It also responds better in light winds, as it can rise above the water thanks to the foil, which lets athletes take a more direct route to their target. Foiling is also quieter and gives a smoother ride, which means it isn't as physically demanding, although more concentration is needed to keep your balance and reach higher speeds. Compared with the RS:X, iQFOiL is wider and shorter, making it more agile and compact, and unlike the RS:X, the iQ has no daggerboard.