SIC Maui RELAUNCHING High Performance Foil Gear Explained by Nicolas Caillou

SIC Maui has recently announced the exciting relaunch of all its performance foiling components, highlighting their commitment to innovation and excellence. Nicolas Caillou SIC Maui’s foil and wing designer explains to us at TotalSUP the refreshed lineup features redesigned, high-performance parts that enhance stability, control, and overall experience for foiling enthusiasts. Among the new key products are advanced wing setups, upgraded mast and fuselage designs, and premium accessories crafted with precision and durability in mind. These improvements aim to elevate the user experience and push the boundaries of performance in foiling sports. SIC Maui’s dedication to quality and innovation continues to position them at the forefront of the performance foiling industry, inspiring riders worldwide to explore new horizons on the water.

Hi Nicolas! Thanks for joining us today on TotalSUP! What inspired the design and development of the new Slash HM Mast 800 and 900 as well as the Slash Front Wing 600?

The goal of the new HM mast was to maximize its stiffness, both in torsion and in bending. To achieve this, we considered two different approaches, one increase the number of carbon layers and two, use stiffer carbon fibers, such as high-modulus carbon. We chose to use high-modulus carbon fibers because, despite their greater stiffness, they allowed us to maintain the same weight as a standard mast. The result is better control at high speeds and increased responsiveness, which benefits both riders looking for top speed on the water and freestylers pushing the limits with powerful tricks.

The Slash 600 front wing was developed as a continuation of the 750. The 750 is an ideal wing for advanced riders seeking maximum versatility, whether in speed or freestyle. The Slash 600, on the other hand, was specifically designed to maximize high-speed performance. However, it can still be used for freestyle by lighter riders (under 65 kg, for example). The wing features a thin to moderately thin profile, maintaining a low take-off speed while delivering maximum top-end speed. Its surface area also makes it suitable for kite foil use, and it has an intrinsic V-max of over 35 knots, allowing riders to push their speed limits. In terms of construction, both the HM masts and this wing are built entirely from carbon, with a carbon stringer running along the full length of the mast and across the wingspan to increase bending stiffness.

Incredible! Can you describe the design process for these new components? What were the key factors you focused on during development?

Developing a new product always begins with a briefing alongside our team of riders involved in R&D. We define clear objectives, identify gaps in the range, and only then does the design process begin. Generally, prototypes are produced primarily to finalize the construction method. The team then tests these, and based on their feedback, we either repeat the process or validate the product for production. What’s particularly valuable is that the SIC rider team is highly versatile and constantly seeks to push the limits across all disciplines: freestyle, downwind, speed, and wave. Their feedback is always insightful and enriching.

Amazing! What materials are used to construct the Slash HM Masts and the Front Wing, and how do these choices impact performance?

Both wings are made from pressed high modulus carbon prepreg with a composite core, allowing us to achieve the optimal weight-to-stiffness ratio we aim for. Both products feature an internal carbon stringer that significantly increases bending stiffness. This results in excellent high-speed control, enhanced rigidity, and minimal weight gain. We tested several layups by mixing bi-axis and UD HM carbon fiber to find the stiffest layup possible.

All of this sounds super innovative! What performance improvements can users expect from these new components compared to previous models?

The primary goal of these two products is to push the rider’s performance limits regarding control and speed. Improved control comes mainly from the increased stiffness of the HM mast — whether it’s pure speed with the 900 mm mast or sharper, more responsive turns with the 800 mm version. The Slash 600 wing, on the other hand, drastically reduces drag thanks to its smaller surface area and the use of hydrodynamic profiles specifically designed for maximum speed. The result is greater acceleration, exceptional top-end speed, and maximized control when pushing the limits.

Great! What type of rider or conditions are these products specifically tailored for?

Both products are intended for demanding, advanced riders seeking maximum speed and control. The 800 mm HM masts are primarily designed for downwind and surf foil use, while the 900 mm masts are aimed at riders tackling big conditions and those looking for maximum speed and control in downwind and wing foil applications. The Slash 600 is clearly aimed at those seeking maximum speed, whether in wing foil or kite foil. This wing makes no compromises, except for a slightly higher take-off speed given its size.

That’s great that the wing makes no compromises! How did you incorporate feedback from athletes or testers during the development the new foiling components?

As mentioned earlier, SIC’s approach is to listen closely to the riders involved in the brand and R&D. The SIC riders are experienced and, above all, highly versatile. For example, Raz Sayre is deeply involved in developing gear dedicated to speed and waves, and Terence Clappers also loves pushing the limits on the water and advancing freestyle performance. Ludovic Teulade brings incredible downwind and coaching experience through his school. Livio Menelau adds his Hawaiian touch to the feedback, while Anaé Rio provides valuable insights in both freestyle and speed, representing a lighter rider profile than the men. Having such a diverse group of riders involved in development is extremely valuable, and their commitment throughout the process is total.

Have any new technologies or innovations been integrated into the Slash series that set it apart from competitors?

It is always challenging to compare products with those of competitors. However, at SIC, one of our cornerstones is to deliver the best ease-of-use-to-performance ratio on the market. For beginners, we have developed the Flite range, which is plug-and-play, very easy to use, and requires no adjustments. For demanding riders, the Slash range offers maximum adjustability. The Slash philosophy is that the foil should adapt to the rider’s needs, not vice versa. That’s why we introduced various adjustable features, such as changing the angle of the stabilizer, because, for example, the settings for surf foil or speed wing foil use differ. We also developed the Flip fuselage, a SIC innovation. It allows you to change the mast’s position on the fuselage without any additional parts. Essentially, you get two foils in one, letting you maximize speed, control, or maneuverability and playfulness depending on your mood or the conditions.

What was the strategic vision behind the relaunch of the entire performance foiling line, and how do you see these products fitting into that vision?

The key to SIC product development is to deliver maximum performance across various disciplines while ensuring ease of use. Our goal is for riders to be able to exploit at least 90% of the equipment’s capabilities from their very first sessions. We emphasize user-friendliness because a rider who immediately understands how the gear works will be eager to push their limits right from the start. This philosophy is a constant in SIC’s development process. There are no radical, single-purpose products, as we believe riders want to maximize their experience across all disciplines—waves, freestyle, speed, and more.

Can you share any additional products or updates planned for the future of SIC Maui’s foiling lineup with us?

We are finalizing a high-performance wing range called the Dragon, which pushes speed limits and upwind capability for a single-skin wing. This also makes it perfectly suitable for freestyle. Once again, a versatile product, but focused on high performance. The release date is scheduled for early summer. With the team, we are also investigating racing components to push the limits further, using very long masts and more extreme wings (both front and back). We are trying some new ideas regarding trimming wings to increase performance upwind and downwind.

Before we let you go today, what advice would you give to new users or those transitioning to performance foiling with these new components?

First, you need to be comfortable with the equipment you already have, such as a Slash 750 and the 185 stabilizers. Then you should ask yourself what you are looking for. If it’s controlled at high speed or in turns, the HM masts are perfect. These masts offer an incredible stiffness-to-weight ratio. They are made using the same molds as the classic masts, but the increase in stiffness is just amazing. Regarding the Slash 600, it can suit lighter riders for freestyle, but its main goal is to get your GPS watch out and exceed 30 knots with very easy control at such speeds.

Thank you so much Nicolas for your time, and for sharing your insights about the relaunching of the SIC Maui foil gear with us today!

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