Wing foiling is one of the most accessible and exciting water sports to emerge in recent years.
Wing foiling is one of the most accessible and exciting water sports to emerge in recent years. A cross between kitesurfing, windsurfing and foiling, it allows you to fly above the water thanks to an inflatablelawing wing and a foil attached to the underside of the board.
Whether you’re a complete novice or already practising another board sport, this comprehensive guide will show you how to get started with wing foiling, from choosing the right equipment to getting your first flying thrills.
1 Why choose wingfoil?
Wingfoil is growing in popularity thanks to a number of advantages:
- Accessible: Less technical than kitesurfing, it can be learnt quickly.
- Easy to use: No need for lines or harnesses as with kites.
- Can be used on different types of water: It works on the sea, lake and river.
- Possible in light winds: You can ride from 10-12 knots.
- Unique sensations: Floating above the water is an incredible experience, without the chop of the waves, it’s unique.
2What equipment should you choose to get started?
The wing foil board :
The choice of board is crucial if you want to make rapid progress.
- Beginners: A large board (110 to 140 litres) for greater stability.
- Intermediates: A more compact board (80 to 100 litres).
- Advanced: A minimalist board (-70 litres) for greater responsiveness.
The wing :
The inflatable wing captures the force of the wind.
- Light wind (10-15 knots): 5m² to 6m² wing.
- Moderate wind (15-25 knots): 4m² to 5m² wing.
- Strong wind (25+ knots): 3m² to 4m² wing.
The foil :
The foil allows you to take off above the water.
- Beginners: Foil with a 75 cm mast and a large front wing (>1800 cm²).
- Intermediates: 80-90 cm mast, 1200-1500 cm² wing.
- Advanced: 90+ cm mast, smaller and faster wings.
Additional equipment :
- Safety leash: Essential to avoid losing your equipment.
- Lifejacket and helmet: For your safety.
- Suitable combination: Depending on water temperature.
3. Find the right conditions to get started
Choosing the right spot, the most suitable location:
A good spot to start wing foiling must combine 3 factors:
- A calm stretch of water, without too many waves.
- An open beach, with no obstacles or rocks.
- A steady wind, ideally side-on to avoid being pushed offshore.
How strong is the wind to start with?
Ideal: 12 to 18 knots→Enough power without being too violent.
Less than 10 knots→Difficult to generate enough speed.
More than 20 knots → More technical and demanding.
4 Steps to getting started in wingfoil :
Learning to handle a kite on the beach
Before going out on the water, it’s essential to master the handling of the wing:
- Face into the wind and feel the pull of the wing.
- Take control of the wing and play with the inclination to catch the wind.
- Learn to move the wing from side to side.
💡 Tip: Practice in Stand Up Paddle first, this will help you understand how to manage the kite.
Getting in the water and getting your bearings
- Start on your knees on the plank.
- Take time to stabilise before trying to stand up.
- Use the wing to gain balance and support.
Get up and start sailing
- Place your back foot on the pad and push gently.
- Stand up gradually, keeping your centre of gravity low.
- Orient the wing to generate speed.
5 First flights: how do you get the foil off the ground?
Pumping technique
To get off the ground, you need to create acceleration:
- Pump with the wing to generate speed.
- Pump with your legs to activate the foil.
Finding your balance in the air
- Look far ahead, not at your feet.
- Keep a slight forward lean to avoid a sudden stall.
- Check the wing to adjust your height
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Stand up too quickly → Take the time to stabilise yourself on your knees.
Pressing too hard on the tail → This causes the foil to pitch up and stall.
Mismanage the wing → A position that is too closed or too open prevents you from moving forward.
Going into too strong or too weak a wind → Check the conditions before setting off.
Conclusion: progress at your own pace!
Wingfoil is a sport that’s accessible to everyone, but one that requires patience and consistency. With the right equipment and the right spot, you’ll soon feel the magic of the foil. Now you know how to get started!
🔥 Tip: Take a few lessons with an instructor to progress more quickly and safely.
Do you think we have monitors just for sunbathing or would you rather have them to accompany you and save you time? 😉
Want to try wing foiling? Don’t wait any longer to discover the unique sensations of flying over water! 🌊✨
Thematics
