Everything you need to know to get started with Wingfoil.
Want to learn wing foiling but still have questions? Here’s our complete FAQ for beginners: equipment, wind, techniques, safety… We’ll explain everything you need to get started.
🌬️ What is the minimum wind speed for wing foiling?
The minimum wind for wing foiling is around 10 to 12 knots, depending on the equipment used.
👉 To make take-off easier in light winds, favour :
- A 6 to 7 m² wing
- A large board for stability
- A foil with a wide front wing
📏 What size wing should I choose to start wing foiling?
Here’s a benchmark based on wind strength:
- 10-15 knots → Wing 6 to 7 m²
- 15-20 knots → Wing 4 to 5 m²
- 20+ nodes → Wing 3 to 4 m²
💡 A 5 m² wing is often ideal for getting started in a variety of conditions.
🏄♂️ Which board should you choose to learn wing foiling?
It all depends on your weight and level:
| Level | Recommended volume |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 110 to 140 L |
| Intermediate | 80 to 100 L |
| Confirmed | < 80 L |
📌 If you weigh 80 kg or more, start with a board of at least 120 L.
✈️ How do you take off successfully in a wing foil?
- Get up to speed by tilting the wing properly
- Place your back foot on the pad
- Pump with your wing and legs
- Stay balanced and centred
❌ C ommon mistake: trying to take off too soon without speed.
🧠 How can I learn to wing foil quickly?
- Start by handling the wing on the ground
- Sail on your knees to learn about balance
- Choose a spot with a steady wind of between 12 and 18 knots
- Take a course with a qualified instructor (like Akila 😉 )
🛠️ Which foil should you choose to get started?
- Large front wing (1800 to 2000 cm²): lift + ease of take-off
- 75 to 85 cm mast: good compromise between stability and manoeuvrability
- Long fuselage: greater error tolerance
🎯 A foil that’s too small will give you a hard time – it’s too technical for beginners!
🤔 Is wing foiling difficult?
Wing foiling is more accessible than kitesurfing, but requires 3 to 5 sessions to master the basics. With the right coaching, you’ll make rapid progress.
🌊 Can you wing foil on a lake?
Yes, provided you have :
- A steady wind of at least 10-12 knots
- A flat, open stretch of water
💡 Perfect for learning and progressing!
⚡ What is the average speed in wing foil?
- Beginners: 15-20 km/h
- Advanced: up to 30+ km/h
👉 Depends on the wind, the foil, and the rider’s experience.
🚫 How can you avoid falling in wing foil?
- Look far ahead
- Stay relaxed and centred
- Adopt progressive, smooth movements
- Sail in a stable wind
🚀 The best tip for making progress?
🔥 Take a class! There’s nothing more effective than advice from professional instructors (and that’s what we’re here for at Akila 😉 ).
🛡️ How do you fall without injuring yourself in wing foil?
- Fall on your side or backwards, never in front of the board
- Drop the wing
- Wear a lifejacket and helmet
- Avoid diving feet first
⚠️ Is wing foiling dangerous?
It’s a relatively safe sport, but here are some good practices:
- Helmet + waistcoat compulsory
- No sailing on a rocky spot
- Respect for other riders
- Wind suited to your level (12-18 knots to start with)
👶 How old is too old to start wing foiling?
- Children aged 8-10 and over → Lightweight equipment and professional supervision
- Teens and adults → Rapid progress from the first sessions
💡 Choose a calm, supervised spot for younger children.
Thematics
