How to Take off and Fall Properly in Wing Foil?

When you’re new to wing foil, even with experience in other water sports, you might feel some apprehension about the technique. With the guidance of wing foil experts, learning can happen quite quickly, provided you show patience and determination. Discover some tips for mastering your take-off, riding upwind, and slowing down in wing foil.

Wing Foil: the Art of Gliding above the Water

The wing foil is a new water sport that emerged for the general public in 2019. It’s a hybrid version of kitesurfing, which uses the wind, waves, and the mechanical action of pumping to offer a wonderful sensation when gliding above the water. An amazing synergy between the foil and the wing allows the rider to move above the water at quite impressive speeds.

The KGG water sports school offers training and lessons for wing foil beginners. Thanks to the expertise of its passionate instructors, KGG introduces you to this thrilling sport in a fun atmosphere. Based on the Giens peninsula, the school has a magnificent spot near Hyères. It’s an exceptional setting for learning wing foil, kitesurfing, or even kitefoil.

How to Take off Properly in Wing Foil?

Before seeking high flight performance in wing foil, it’s important to gain speed to attempt a take-off, especially in crosswind. Place your body weight on top of your front leg positioned on the board. Once airborne, keep the board very horizontal so that the foil can remain in the water. This balance is essential to stay airborne.

To quickly succeed in your first flights, it’s important to properly place your feet. You should place them on the longitudinal axis of your board. Pay particular attention to positioning your back foot on the foil’s base plate, while your front foot should be placed 50 cm forward.

Make sure to properly install the wing strap on your back to ensure optimal comfort during your wing foil practice. It is recommended to keep the wing above your head. A position that is too low risks spoiling your speed and obstructing your vision.

Once you’ve taken off properly and are cutting through the air above the water, you should remain in a crosswind position. Maintain firm pressure on your foil with the wing. Depending on the swell, it’s advisable to seek flat navigation, or even a slight counter-heel.

Be patient and don’t hesitate to repeat the movements several times to take off properly. It takes practice to find the right balance. It’s about developing the perfect synergy between the rider, the equipment, and the elements.

Riding Upwind in Wing Foil

To ride upwind in wing foil, you need to head closer to the wind or luff. Apply pressure on your heels, then lower the wing while engaging your core. Body weight provides the ability to counteract the wing’s pull.

Be careful about the height of your wing. If it’s too low, it can catch in the water or be more susceptible to turbulence related to movement. Using a harness provides more comfort when riding upwind. You get better stability and smoother movement.

How to Fall Properly in Wing Foil?

In wing foil, you’ll hear both “fall” and “drop” used. To fall properly in wing foil, you need to push forward with your front leg positioned on the board. This action propels you towards the front of your foil. Falling properly, therefore, means transferring your weight forward. At the same time, raise the wing above your head to cut off propulsion. Through this action, the foil begins its descent.

If you need to make an emergency fall in wing foil, there are several solutions. The first is to jump into the water with your wing downwind of the board. Try to grab it with one of your hands. Another solution is to let yourself fall backward, but be careful not to block the wing in the foil. Finally, a last tip is to simply let the foil rise to disengage.

Wing foil is a rapidly growing water sport. It requires personal investment and patience to be fully mastered. Being guided by passionate instructors will allow you to learn the fundamentals of wing foil and develop your technique. Ultimately, you will become more fluid and fully enjoy the freedom of gliding above the waves.