With the relatively young sport of winging surging, companies have been quick to introduce new iterations of their handheld wings. Companies are also providing options between inflatable and hard boards as well as an extensive selection of hydrofoils. It’s amazing how quickly this sport has evolved!
As the name has yet to gain widespread popularity, newcomers and experienced athletes alike are engaging in a budding trend of developing their skills in this activity.
What is Wing Foiling/Wing Surfing?
Wing Foil is a straightforward concept: it involves combining the wind-powered propulsion and lift of a wing with a hydrofoil mounted on top of your surfboard.
Once you reach adequate speed, the foil will ‘take off’ from beneath your board, allowing you to steer through the water like an aircraft in flight – hence foiling!
What’s more, this high-speed journey offers effortless gliding over waves for extended periods. They can withstand light winds, and you can easily balance yourself on a wing board.
Wing Foiling Terminologies
Wing
The Handheld Wing
Foil
The Hydrofoil under the water
Mast
The structure that connects the board to the fuselage
Fuselage
The structure that connects the Mast to the hydrofoil
Front Foil Wing
The part of the foil that creates lift. The surface area measured in cm²
Rear Foil Wing – Stabiliser
A small rear wing that balances the front wing
Looking To Start Wing Foiling?
Wing Foiling is a thrilling way to ride the waves, as it involves controlling a hydro-foil board through the use of wind power with just one hand.
If you’re not familiar with what this type of tool looks like, let us explain: It’s an object attached to the underside of your board that utilizes plane-like aerodynamics to generate lift and force your surfboard up off the surface!
We all know that Surfing is kinda hard to learn in itself, unlike windsurfing which is a water sport completely beginner friendly. You just have to Wing leash and do standup paddle board and voila you’re already on your first steps into trying both water sports and wind sports.
What do you need to buy to start Wing Foiling?
Wing
If you’re just getting started, Wings is the ideal choice! Even though it’s still in its early stages of development, we’ve seen remarkable developments when it comes to performance and ease of use.
When you’re just starting, it’s best to choose wing sizes. A 4m wing is ideal for those who weigh up to 70kg or 155 lbs while a 5m should be your go-to choice if you’re heavier than that. This serves as the general rule of thumb when selecting your first kiteboarding wing.
When selecting a wing, you’ll need to think about how it will be held. Generally, there are two ways of doing this: soft handles along the center strut or a hard boom that runs from one tip to another along the same line on the leading edge. With either option, your wing will provide greater stability and control for your flight experience and ride better no matter the wind range.
You have a selection of leashes and booms to choose from, each offering its benefits. Booms should be taken with extra caution as they are hard and can lead to injuries if not handled properly and you might get blown away by the offshore wind even in flat water.
When deciding how you’ll secure the leash, think about whether you’d prefer having it attached to your wrist or waist; depending on what feels most comfortable for you so you can decide when you’ll be doing upwind riding.
The wings start at about $400 depending on the specs and size. Don’t forget that these options come complete with their advantages and drawbacks too!
Board
The board is the most important, and probably the most expensive component of wing foiling. It’s cost you about a thousand dollars for just the board. However, you can opt for a small board to keep down expenses.
With bigger boards, your balance doesn’t have to be as good so keep this in mind when choosing your first set-up-if you’re more experienced in watersports you may be able to start on a slightly smaller board but having a big board gives you a huge advantage especially if you’re just starting to learn.
As a general rule of thumb, the more advanced you get, the smaller board you’ll want to ride. Many high-level riders are using surf foil boards with less than 50L of volume.
Foil
Constructed from a mast, fuselage, and wings, the foil is an essential component of your experience.
When picking out the perfect one for yourself, ensure that you prioritize stability, gliding capability, and lift.
We recommend selecting foils with masts at least 70cm plus tall as they provide greater altitude while also keeping riders upright during choppy ocean waves or swell. These will cost you for starters $700.
Conclusion
Wing foiling is a fun and exciting way to get into the world of watersports.
Whether you’re looking to learn how to windsurf or simply want something new and exciting to try, wing foiling is sure to be a rewarding experience.
To get started, be sure to do your research and carefully consider all of your options when choosing your wing, board, and foil. With the right gear and some practice, wing foiling is sure to be a rewarding experience for all!