Wing Foil is simply surfing with a sail! This is the latest sport for those who love to glide on the water. It is a complete change of approach that will allow everyone to enjoy the joys of this type of activity. With simple, light and compact equipment, the sensations previously reserved for experienced surfers and other kite-surfers are now available to everyone. Let’s see how it’s possible, thanks to some advice that will allow you to start in the best conditions.
What equipment is needed to start Wing Foil?
Wing Foil is practiced with the following equipment.
The board: the choice of the board will be decisive for any practitioner, especially if you are a complete beginner! When starting out, stability is the key. SUP (Stand Up Paddle) boards are ideal. They will allow you to acquire the right reflexes. The goal is to float, not to spend your time falling! Depending on your size, you will have to adapt the size of the board: the heavier you are, the bigger the board you need.
The foil: this is what allows you to literally fly above the water! The foil is an aerodynamic keel that increases the lift of the board. Like an underwater wing, the foil will affect the speed and stability of the board, thanks to its positioning and its profile. You can practice without a foil at the beginning, but in this case you are in ride mode and you don’t make wave jumps. When you are a beginner, it is not a bad idea.
The kite: it is called the Wing, in surf language! Its surface area varies between three and six metres, and again it is the weight of the rider that determines the size of the wing, as well as the wind strength. Most surfers use a four-metre square wing and all have a leash that is attached to the wrist. The Wing is used to pull you along, taming the wind to gain speed is the goal of the game.
Discover our Wing Foil lessons in Hyères (Var department)
Is the Wing Foil equipment cumbersome?
One of the major advantages of this new sport is that it is extremely practical at all levels! Indeed, having fun during your outing is great, but you have to think about the before and after… In a few seconds, a rider can unpack his kite, even in a small area. It won’t take him any longer to inflate his kite and start his session by straddling his board. No more unpacking that kite surfers have to do, not to mention the reverse operation that takes just as much time… and energy! Wing Foil is as easy to practice as its material is simple to handle, which is one of the reasons for its success. There is no need for a bar as in Kite Surfing, and the sail fits easily into a bag that is half the size of the one usually used by Kite Surfers.
What are the good reflexes when you start?
There are several elements to take into account to succeed in your first Wing Foil session.
The spot: to put all the chances on your side and to start your Wing Foil training in the best possible way, you should choose a sea that is not too rough, without too many choppy waves. Indeed, these are annoying at the beginning, because they hit the board and cause a lot of imbalance.
The wind: to get off to a good start and sail correctly, a wind of 20 knots or 37.4 kilometres per hour is perfect. This is what will allow you to avoid over-pumping your arms when you start and to remain focused on your balance.
The supports: they are essential to the success of this first Wing Foil session. The objective is to weigh down on the board and not to lighten up as in kite surfing. This is the trick that will trigger a good start and an efficient glide. You have to put all your weight on the board to allow the kite to give you speed, this is what makes all the difference.
Our team of enthusiasts is waiting to introduce you to this spectacular new discipline that is Wing Foil. Our school, located in Hyères in the Var, is affiliated to the French Federation of Free Flight. We use DUOTONE wings and ION suits. With us, you will soon fly on the water in complete safety and discover unique sensations. We are waiting for you!