Starting wing foiling requires a different setup compared to when you're improving your skills. Regardless of your level, you'll need three essential things: a wing, a board, and a foil. So, what gear do you need for foiling? Selecting the right equipment according to your skill level gives you the best chance to learn wing foiling effectively.
Wings can vary in size, ranging from 2.8 to 6.4 meters. For those weighing up to 70kg or 155 lbs, a 4m wing is a good starting choice, while those above that weight might prefer a 5m wing.
The next factor to consider when selecting a wing is how you'll hold it. Two main options are soft handles along the center strut or a hard boom attached from tip to tail. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so go with what feels more comfortable.
Take some time to consider which leash attachment you want to use and how you'll stay connected to your wing. Leashes can be connected to your wrist, "front" hand, or waist. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so pick the one that feels most convenient.
The best thing you should do is practice and try many different setups to know your preference!
If you're new to wing foiling, it's best to go for stable and floaty boards. These boards will help you stay balanced while you're on the water. A helpful guideline is to look for boards with 30 to 40 liters more volume than your body weight.
As you progress, you can use a smaller, more maneuverable board, but you want to maximize your learning time for at least your first few sessions. Bigger boards give sufficient float to concentrate on learning to control the wing without also focusing on balancing on your board.
You don't need to try to balance so much when you have larger boards. So, remember this while picking your initial setup. If you have more experience in watersports, go for a slightly smaller board. As you become more skilled, you'll prefer riding a smaller board. Many experienced riders opt for less than 50L of volume surf foil boards.
The foil consists of a fuselage, wings, and mast. When picking a foil, it's best to go for stable ones with good glide and lots of lift. We've seen that a taller mast (70cm or more) is ideal for beginners since it gives you adequate height and prevents breaching in choppy or wavy ocean conditions.
If you're a beginner, search for foils that do not require high speeds to lift off. This means you can get on the foil at slower speeds, which is essential for effective and safe learning. Look for foil wings that allow 10-12km speeds on the lower end. Also, find a foil that works well in different wind conditions to effectively wing in various situations.
Moving forward, you will want a foil wing allowing acceleration, superior turning capabilities, and more speed.
If you're new to foiling or about to try it for the first time, pay close attention to the strength and direction of the wind, the size of the waves, and how deep the water is, and also consider things like debris, rocks, other people in the water, and the topography of the place you're in. All of these factors are important to consider.
The best wind speed for beginner learning wing foiling is around 15 to 20 knots (approximately 28 to 38 kph). Building enough speed to lift off might be challenging if the wind is lower than that. On the other hand, if it's too windy, you'll have to work harder to keep your board under control.
The best wind direction for learning wing foiling is when the wind blows to the shoreline parallelly, called cross-shore wind. Avoid offshore wind if you're a beginner, as it can be risky since it's harder to get back to the shore with full control of your equipment. Onshore wind also makes wing foiling challenging because you'll constantly be pushed back to the shore and into shallow water.
It's best to start learning wing foiling in calm waters without waves, like in lakes. Wing foiling is a very versatile sport for the ocean and freshwater lakes. However, for beginners, lakes are the safest option because the water is often smooth, and you have land around you. If you try wing foiling in the ocean, pick a spot shielded from large waves or opt for a day without waves.
Make sure the spot you choose for practicing in the water is good. The best place is a big bay shaped like a half-moon, without obstacles, and not crowded with other people in the water. Large bays are great for learning wing foiling because you have lots of space if you make mistakes and need to return to where you started.
Ensure you know the area's topography. Check for big rocks in shallow water that might get in the way of the foil. How long must you paddle before getting to the right water depth? Look for large amounts of seaweed that could get entangled around the foil. Always know the land well before you go out.
Before you try entering the waters after practicing on the beach, you need to make sure that you have your equipment ready and prepared.
Wing foiling is a tough sport. It needs you to understand two main things: water and wind. If you haven't sailed or kite surfed before, knowing how the wind affects the wing is the most significant challenge. So, practicing flying the wing on the beach before you go to the water is a good idea.
Training on land provides a safe space to become familiar with flying the wing and master the right techniques. Take all the time you need for this step; some beginners may wait to venture into the water.
Before flying the wing, ensure the leash is securely attached to prevent it from flying away. Hold the wing by its front center strap, allowing it to stay in a neutral flying position.
Then, one by one, walk your hands so that one controls the front handle and the other controls the back. To keep the wing under control, always keep at least a single hand on the front hand. The front hand normally holds the wing while the backhand directs and controls it while wing foiling.
You can understand how the kite moves with the wind in this position. Your arms should be relaxed and extended above your head, and avoid the urge to bring the wing closer to your body; doing so will only make the wing drop. If the wing begins to descend, use your backhand to punch toward the ground, and the wing will lift.
