Beyond Boundaries: Paul Serin Tests Indiana Paddle & Surf Co.

Triple French freestyle kite champion Paul Serin is known for his committed riding style and his strong passion for all forms of glide. A complete rider, passionate about surfing, foiling and always curious for new sensations, he naturally fell for wingfoiling as soon as it appeared. Today, he tests and develops gear across several disciplines, with a sharp, no-compromise eye. Among the brands he rides, Indiana Paddle & Surf Co. has earned his attention: Marlin and Barracuda foils, the G-Pro 63L board, and the Sweetstick 7’0. Paul shares his thoughts on gear he considers both high-performing and a real pleasure to ride. Meet a demanding waterman who loves to think outside the box.

Photo : @fredericlecoq

Hi Paul! People know you for your kiteboarding career in particular, so tell us: when did wingfoiling enter your life and what drew you to it?

I’ve always had a passion for board sports in general. Even in kiteboarding, I’ve always practiced all the disciplines — wave, foil, freestyle. So it was natural for me to want to try wingfoiling when it came out, always in search of a new glide sensation. At the time, I was riding for F-One and got to test the very first wings — it was really experimental back then, and the first prototypes were 2.8m. We all thought it would only be a strong-wind sport. Things have come a long way since! The great thing about practicing multiple disciplines is that you’re never disappointed by the conditions — there’s always a sport that fits the wind or the waves.

Photo : @fredericlecoq

Let’s talk about the Indiana Paddle & Surf Co. gear you use for winging. First, the Marlin foils — what sizes do you have, and in what conditions/disciplines do you ride them?

I ride quite a lot of Indiana gear — for wing, surf foil, and also SUP foil. I’ve tested the Marlin in S and XS, and I immediately connected with it. I love foils that feel stable and intuitive underfoot. The Marlin XS is just incredible, whether in wing or surf foil — it rides like a surfboard, you don’t have to overthink your stance, you can carve, and it has this super snappy feel that I love for hitting the last section of a wave. I’ve used the S in lighter conditions and on less hollow waves, but honestly, I’ve had a real crush on the XS.

You also ride the Barracuda foils, designed for glide with their 10.6 aspect ratio. What’s your take on them?

Yes, I’ve been testing the Barracuda range too — the M and L. They have the same DNA as the Marlin, with little front foot pressure but a very stable feel in the water. I mostly ride the Barracuda for SUP foil downwind, and sometimes for winging when I want to chase bumps offshore. The high end is huge — you really feel the foil can accelerate — and above all, you feel safe, which is just amazing.

Photo : @fredericlecoq

You’ve got Gunnar Biniash’s signature board, the G-Pro 63L. What do you like about it?

Yes, I have the G-Pro in 63L. What I really like is the combination of compact shape and volume. Here in the Basque Country, where wind is often light, you need to take 10–15L more volume to be sure to take off — but that usually means a longer board. With the G-Pro, you get 63L in a compact, playful board — perfect for quick take-offs between waves if you fall, or simply to ride a smaller wing and have a blast without worrying about being stuck offshore if you go down.

Photo : @fredericlecoq

You also ride the Sweetstick 7’0 quite a bit. Is that mainly for light wind or downwind?

Yes, I love the Sweetstick — it’s an excellent SUP foil board I use for downwind and also light-wind winging. You can really feel the R&D that went into it — it takes off so easily, it’s impressive. I’m used to small boards for my size, but here I was pleasantly surprised by its glide and riding performance. You feel a real connection with the foil, and every pump or movement is transferred directly. I gave it the ultimate flat-start test — it passed with flying colors, taking off in 5–6 paddle strokes with little effort. Its width means it’s aimed at fairly experienced riders for SUP foiling, but as a wing board, it’s for everyone and will get you going in truly light wind.

In France, apart from areas near the Swiss border, Indiana is still quite rare to see on the water. What do you like about their gear and their approach?

I’ve always liked discovering smaller brands and exploring their potential. We often hear a lot about the market leaders, but there are also brands making excellent products that really deserve the spotlight. It’s a tough industry and hard to make a place for yourself. I first heard of Indiana through dockstart pages and videos of foiling on Swiss lakes. Little by little, I got to test their products and see how refined they are — as good, or sometimes even better, than the big brands today. Funny enough, I’ve known Gunnar since the kite competition days back in the 2010s — it’s a small world.

Any final words?

Thanks for the interview, and if I can just remind everyone — the ocean is an incredible playground, but let’s not forget to protect it and take care of it! Happy riding, everyone!

Thanks Paul for your feedback!

Follow Paul Serin :
Facebook / Instagram / Website

More about Indiana Paddle Surf & Co.:
Facebook / Instagram / Official Website / Youtube