What Is Wing Foiling? The New Star of Water Sports

If you’ve been vacationing on beaches, you’ve probably seen someone floating above the water while grabbing a small sail. They don’t have a line attached to a boat. 

Instead, they’re gliding with the power of the wind and their own skill. That person is wing foiling, and it’s lately becoming the next best thing in water sports.

Wing foiling is an extreme sport blending surfing and flying to a degree. It’s fun to watch and even more exciting to do. If you’re tired of the usual water sports, wing foiling might be the new craze you’re looking for.

So, What Is Wing Foiling?

Wing foiling is also known as windsurfing and wingboarding. It is a combination of kiteboarding, windsurfing, and hydrofoiling.

You have to stand on the board with the hydrofoil under it or a wing-shaped fin that will lift the board out of the water as you speed up. You will need to hold a lightweight inflatable wing to catch the wind and push you forward.

Unlike windsurfing, the wing is not attached to the board in this case. This is what makes it more challenging. Moreover, you don’t use a harness or long lines as you do in kiteboarding. 

All you have to do is hold the wing and steer with your arms while adjusting your weight and balance.

You can wing foil wherever there’s a big body of water and lots of wind. So, anywhere the windsurfers are is a good start. 

If you’re looking for the best places, check out websites like FoilPlanet for some popular locations. You could even consider some hidden gem locations to try wing foiling in.

The Brief Origins and Evolution of Wing Foiling

Wing foiling is relatively new as a sport, but it didn’t pop up out of nowhere. Water sports athletes have been experimenting with handheld wings since the early 1980s. 

Back then, it was seen as more of a novelty. The gear was bulky, the initial designs weren’t efficient, and most people didn’t know what to do with it.

Modern wing foiling began in the 2010s, when hydrofoils became more refined and inflatable wings were developed. 

Pro riders and companies combined several elements to create an apparatus one can maneuver with paddling and the wind. The result is a fast, smooth, and freeing sport.

Since then, wing foiling has exploded. You may have seen well-known surf brands invest heavily in the sport. Events have also been popping up worldwide, and communities have formed around this new way of riding the wind.

What Is Wing Foiling’s Edge Over Other Water Sports?

One of the biggest appeals of wing foiling is the freedom it gives riders. No lines are dragging behind you, a boom attached to a sail, or a jet ski. All it requires is you, the wind, and the water. It’s a great water activity to spice up your beach trips when you’ve mastered it.

You also don’t need super strong wind to move fast. The foil lifts you and reduces drag, so you can still ride in lighter winds than with a sail or kite. Once you get the hang of the controls, you can use the inflatable wing to catch waves and carve like a surfer.

It’s also a safer sport in many ways. If you fall, the wing will just float right next to you. You won’t get tangled up in lines, and kites won’t crash down on you unexpectedly. 

There are still some risks involved, but it’s generally more beginner-friendly than other water and wind sports.

What Kind of Gear Do You Need?

To start your adventure in wing foiling, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment:

1. The Wing

You need this handheld sail to power up your rides. It’s usually inflatable, with handles or a boom to hold onto. Sizes range from three to seven meters, depending on your weight and the wind conditions.

2. The Board

Your wing foil board should be shorter and thicker than a regular surfboard. However, it should also have enough volume to make you float even when standing still. If you’re a beginner, consider using a larger board for extra stability.

3. The Hydrofoil

A hydrofoil is a wing-like structure mounted under the board. It consists of a mast, wings, and a fuselage. As you gain more speed, the hydrofoil lifts the board out of the water, making the ride smoother and almost silent.

4. Safety Gear

You must always wear protective gear when wing foiling. A helmet, impact vest, and board leash are essential, especially if you’re still learning. 

In cold water, wear a wetsuit to stay warm. You might also need a harness. While not required, hooking the wing to your board can help reduce the strain on your arms.

Wing foiling might not be the cheapest sport to jump into, but you can manage by finding deals. For example, some spots offer gear rentals and affordable lessons to get you started without fully investing.

Wing Foiling 101

You might still be wondering, ‘What is wing foiling, and is it difficult to master?’ Like most board sports, it has a learning curve. However, it’s manageable if you’re patient and have the right conditions.

1. Check The Area

Assess the location, identifying potential hazards like large rock formations or piers. You should select a spot with light winds and enough space to control your board.

2. Holding Your Wing

First of all, you need to practice the basics on land. Spend time maneuvering your wing on the beach. Once you’re familiar with its movements, you’ll gain better control while wing foiling on water.

You must grasp your wing correctly if you want to generate enough power with it. Hold the front handle and maintain a solid grip with your front hand. Your front hand should be higher on the wing to catch more wind while your back hand controls the power.

3. Getting On Your Board

When you’re confident in your ability to perform the basics, you can try getting up on your board in the water. 

Stay low and balanced to prevent falling over. Angle the board into the wind while maintaining a steady backhand to provide enough power. To avoid destabilizing, keep the wing high and gently adjust as necessary.

4. Mastering The Foil

Balancing on the foil is one of the sport’s trickiest parts. To master it, keep your weight centered and knees slightly bent. Focus your eyes ahead to maintain stability and control. As the board lifts, relax and shift your weight carefully to avoid overcorrecting.

Like any water sport, you’ll improve with the help of an instructor. Find one with a great track record so you can learn from the best of the best.

5 Top Spots For Wing Foiling In The World

If you are out to experience the best wing foiling experience of your life, there are some destinations that can provide you with exactly what you have been looking for.

1. Kalpitiya- Sri Lanka

Kalpitiya is an amazing destination for wing foiling because of the ideal weather conditions it provides. 

The flat, deep waters, like Klapitiya Lagoon, are perfect for someone who is just getting accustomed to the sport. It provides a stable learning environment. The consistent winds make the place suitable for wing foiling

2. Tarifa – Spain

Tarifa is a famous spot for all kinds of surfing. So, beginners and experienced wing foilers can have an amazing experience. With the inflatable wing, you will not face many problems when surfing the waves. Moreover, you won’t need strong wind for this as well.

3. Fuerteventura – Canary Island

Southern Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands is another good spot for this sport. This is a perfect spot for all kinds of water sports because of the flat water conditions and consistent winds. 

Moreover, you will get different kinds of accommodations depending on your budget all year long. You will get the strongest wind in July-September, making it ideal for those who want fast speed wing foiling.

4. Lemnos – Greece

Unlike other beaches in Greece that are overcrowded and busy, Lemnos is a bit different and a blessing for people who love the sport. The crowd here is minimal, and you will be able to enjoy without any obstruction.

You get all kinds of water in this beach, like crop, flat, and even waves. So, whether you are new or a seasoned one, you can choose this beach for one of the best experiences.

5. Maui -USA

Muai is another famous destination for people who love wing foiling and offers the best conditions required for it as well. Moreover, this is one of the favorite spots for some famous wing foilers, like Kai Lenny and the Spencer brothers.

If you are relatively new to this sport, then you should choose Kahului harbours to learn the basics of the sport. Once you have gathered experience, learned a few tricks, and have enough experience, you can try Kanaha Beach and have an amazing experience.

Give It A Try

You now know the answer to the question, ‘What is wing foiling?’ It’s a unique water sport that combines elements of other sports that use sails and boards. While it’s still pretty young, it’s catching people’s attention through the speed, grace, and joy it brings.

If you’re a fan of water sports or looking for something new to do, wing foiling is worth your time. It might become your next favorite outdoor hobby.