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From Olympic Glory to Next-Level Innovation
After powering the world’s fastest kitefoil athletes with the R5 Race Series – earning three Olympic medals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Levitaz Hydrofoils, the sports brand of Geislinger, is setting a new benchmark in competitive hydrofoiling with the launch of the R6 Race Series. Developed under strict World Sailing regulations and audited throughout its lifecycle, the R6 Race Series represents two years of relentless engineering to extract even more performance from every component.
Olympic bronze medalist and multiple Formula Kite World Champion Maximilian Maeder (SGP) on the R6 Race Series at the Traunsee in Austria.
Formula Kite World Champion Jessie Kampman (NED) on the R6 Race Series at Lac de Serre-Ponçon in France.
From Concept to Competition
The journey of the R6 Race Series began in 2021 with the official development kick-off. A year later, in September 2022, the first prototype was launched, marking a major milestone. From then on, the R6 underwent global testing under the highest level of secrecy, with sessions in Fuerteventura, Sardinia, several lakes in the Alps and Soma Bay in Egypt – culminating in a grand finale for component selection. In March 2024, the design was submitted to World Sailing, followed by precise measurements at their London headquarters. The official design release came on April 1, 2024, kicking off a one-year trial period. In June, the R6 made its exclusive debut at the Defi Wind, one of the world’s largest kite- and wingfoil gatherings. By August 2024, the R6 series launched alongside the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, and in September 2025, World Sailing confirmed Levitaz as one of the registered equipment manufacturers for the Olympic Games 2028 in Los Angeles.
Worldwide milestones of the R6 Race Series.
Revolutionary Design for Maximum Performance
The development of the R6 Race Series was driven by the challenge of meeting strict deadlines while ensuring uncompromising performance. This required close collaboration between multiple departments and the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies. Based on the feedback and needs of professional athletes, a new hydrofoil design was realized. The design focuses on optimizing performance under varied conditions, delivering enhanced acceleration and improved low-wind capabilities. An optimized lift-to-drag ratio ensures highest Velocity Made Good (VMG) on both upwind and downwind courses. Stability has been further refined through flexing wing structures that effectively dampen turbulence, resulting in smoother handling at high speeds. Even in challenging situations such as wingtip breaching, the R6 maintains consistent control. Additionally, the foil’s geometry enables superior glide during maneuvers, allowing precise execution of tacks and jibes.
Proven elements from the R5 were retained, while new features such as the use of titanium in the mast were introduced. At its core, an intelligent material mix combines a stainless-steel box for exceptional stiffness, accuracy of fit, and durability. The integrated trimming system allows athletes to adjust the angle of incidence (AOI) without disassembling any components - even on the water.
The process carried inherent risks, as all manufacturers were developing and releasing new products simultaneously, creating uncertainty about market trends and competitive benchmarks.
The R6 Race Series.
To achieve maximum synergy, Levitaz did not stop at the foil alone. The R6 Race Series was developed alongside the Raze 6 Race Board, forming a seamless unit with R6 components.
The R6 is developed and manufactured entirely in Austria, ensuring complete control over design, production, and quality.
Proven in Competition
Since its launch, the R6 has dominated major events:
Gold for Maximilian Maeder (SGP) and Jessie Kampman (FRA) at the KiteFoil World Series 2024 in Austria & Italy.
Gold for Mathis Ghio (FRA) at the Formula Wing European & World Championships 2025.
Multiple podium finishes at the Formula Kite European and World Championships 2025.
The R6 Race Series is more than a hydrofoil – it’s a statement of engineering excellence and competitive ambition. Designed for athletes who demand the ultimate in performance, control, and adaptability.
Related blog articles: Geislinger equips world's fastest kite and wingfoil racing athletes with hydrofoils made in Austria.
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