What is WingSurfing? Everything You Need to Know About Foiling
Last Updated on December 11, 2023 by Matt Hapgood
Wingsurfing or wing foiling flew onto the scene a few years ago (see what I did there?)
A hybrid between kitesurfing and windsurfing, it involves a foil board and an inflatable ‘wing’ that the surfer uses as a sail to harness the power of the wind.
In this post, I’ll run through the history of the pastime, as well as how to get started in this radical new watersport.
Let’s go!
TL;DR (Too long didn’t read)
Wingsurfing is a cross between windsurfing and kitesurfing – performed on a hydrofoil (which rises up out of the water).
It’s a new and exciting form of ‘surfing’ using the power of wind and waves.
Tracing the Roots of Wingsurfing: A Brief History of Wing Foiling
There have been pioneers in watersports at various times throughout the past 20 years, pushing the boundaries of what is possible more each year.
Whether it’s Cory Roeseler, the father of kitesurfing, or one of the most famous surfers like Laird Hamilton, the pioneer of tow-surfing, every once in a while some crazy person has an idea and runs with it – normally with homemade equipment!
With Wingsurfing its roots were created in the early 1980s with the development of the rigid spar wing by Jim Drake and Uli Stanciu.
The concept gained traction when pro windsurfer Pete Cabrinha tested the wing at the 1982 PanAm Cup. Check out the image below! From 1982!
Image courtesy of CreativeCommons.org
Modern wing foiling as we know it, emerged in the early 2010s when kiteboarders and windsurfers began experimenting with inflatable wing-shaped sails.
Tony Logosz, co-founder of Slingshot Kiteboarding, created the first “Slingwing” prototypes in 2011.
Next, the addition of hydrofoils allowed a crucial element in the evolution of winging surfing.
Then in 2016, pro windsurfer Alex Aguera revolutionized the way these hydrofoils could be used. In part inspired by Kai Lenny’s challenge to create a foil powered solely by ocean energy.
From Strutted to Inflatable Wings: The Evolution of Wingsurfing Technology
The actual sport of wing foiling as we know it today was born in 2018 when former kitesurfing world champion Flash Austin combined an SUP with a wing to give him the speed he needed.
Another pioneer, Ken Winner, developed inflatable wings, leading to the sport’s official inception in the spring of 2019 when Duotone began marketing this blow-up design.
By the end of 2019, over 10 different companies were selling wings, marking the widespread adoption of wing foiling to the masses.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Wingsurfing
The video that sparked the mass market appeal of wingsurfing – Kai Lenny, leashless and free, shows us all how it’s done!
Wingsurfing: The Thrilling Combo of Surfing and Kitesurfing
So, now we know a little about how it all started, let’s dive into what you need to get going, and how you can learn to wing.
Why is Wing Foiling so popular?
You can get out in the water winging if there are big waves, small or no waves, lots of wind, no wind. You get the idea.
The huge range of conditions means you can get out there winging pretty much every day of the year.
Compare that with surfing for instance, and you have things that often scupper your surf sesh like the tide might be wrong, the wind might be from the wrong direction, or there might not be any surf!
With wing foiling there is none of that so you can get out there anytime!
Equipping Yourself for Wingsurfing Success: Essential Gear and Accessories
Here’s a brief overview of the gear you will need to get started.
Board – Add 40 to your weight (in KG) and that tells you the volume of board to get first.
Wing / Sail – Again this depends on your weight – 70KG / 155lbs or less, get a 4m wing. Above 70KG / 155lbs get a 5m wing.
Foil – A lot of nuances here, but if you are just starting out you’ll need as big a wing as possible – yeah I said wing because that’s the lower part of the foil that keeps you up and riding. Aim for 2450cm wing if you’re a regular-sized human who is just starting out.
Safety Equipment / Helmet / Floatation – When you’re learning you must wear a helmet. You’re going to fall a lot, so look after your noggin. Another thing is a compression vest or flotation vest. Super handy and comfortable.
Finally, make sure you have a leash to connect your board to yourself – you don’t want to lose your board, especially when you are just starting out!
Embark on Your Wingsurfing Adventure: A Step-by-Step Guide
So now you have the gear, the next step is to learn a little bit of technique and get into the water.
The video below highlights a few of the reasons why winging is becoming so popular and how to get going.
Mastering the Fundamentals: Wingsurfing Techniques for Beginners
The first thing to master with wing foiling is how to handle the wing or sail.
You can do this on land first – before you have to even get wet! Pump up your wing and just get started with handling the wing and moving it from side to side.
Walk one way, and then the other way, and practice moving your back hand to move the wing into the position you want.
Once you are happy with the wing you can get into the water and try kneeling on the board and getting a feel for the equipment.
Check out this video below for a more in-depth rundown of how to get going!
Unleash the Power of the Wind: Mastering Wingsurfing Techniques
Once you have done a few reps in the water and get the feeling of getting up and riding, it’s time to practice some more techniques.
Paddling and Board Control: Navigating the Waves with Confidence
I must say, it helps to take maybe one lesson so you can develop good habits and practices.
If not, I’d suggest learning with a friend – you always have someone looking out for you if you get into trouble and I think it also helps with motivation when things get difficult and you contemplate giving up.
The next thing before you actually get into the water is so asses the conditions and any potential hazards that may arise – try to foil away from other people, so look for a quiet section of beach without piers, rocks or other obstacles.
Embrace Etiquette: Navigating the Wingsurfing World Responsibly
I have been surfing many times when there have been others in the water on various surf craft that basically should not be out in the lineup – Try to not be one of these people if you are learning.
Choose a quiet section of the beach away from others – the last thing you want to do is crash into someone else!
Final Thoughts
I hope this has whetted your appetite and you’re now inspired to give foiling a crack.
I must say, it’s not easy to master, but the feeling is pretty incredible once you are up and riding, gliding along with the board up in the air – it’s addictive and like magic!
Get out there!
