Crisp Foils: Chris Porter on the importance of the right stabiliser

Chris Porter, aerospace engineer and founder of Crisp Foils unpacks the science, experimentation, and rider feedback behind high-performance foil design — with a deep dive into why stabilisers play such a critical role in how a foil feels and performs on the water.

Chris explains how his background in aerospace engineering and CNC machining led him to focus on one of the most overlooked components in foiling setups: the stabiliser. While most riders obsess over front wings, Chris breaks down how changes to stabiliser size, aspect ratio, flex, foil section and trailing-edge finish can dramatically affect pumping efficiency, carving feel, speed range and overall control.

The conversation covers:

• Why stabilisers deliver the biggest performance gains per dollar

• Choosing stabiliser size based on rider height, weight and discipline

• The role of stabilisers in pump foiling, downwind foiling, winging and prone

• How poor trailing-edge finishing causes foil noise — and how to fix it

• Shimming, foot pressure and tuning your setup for different speed ranges

• Designing stabilisers for everyday riders vs elite athletes

Chris also shares his journey from backyard prototyping to working with Armstrong Foils, collaborating with Code Foils, and designing stabilisers ridden by elite foilers — including Oscar Johansson’s world-record pump foiling session.

If you’re an intermediate or advanced foiler looking to tune your setup, or you’ve ever wondered why a simple stabiliser change can completely transform your ride, this episode will change how you think about foil performance. Enjoy