Wingfoil beginner: 5 mistakes to avoid 🌊
Wingfoil is the sport that’s become all the rage. If you’re here, it’s because you’re thinking of taking the plunge, or are just starting out! But be careful, if you don’t have any equipment yet, avoid making these mistakes. Here are the five most common mistakes that beginners often make, and which can hold you back as you learn.
Table of contents
1. Believing you can learn everything by yourself 🏄🏽♀️
‘Well, the reality is that wingfoil requires a bit more technique. A lot of beginners think they can learn everything on their own by watching YouTube videos. That may work for a while, but at some point you’re going to need a bit of help to avoid bad habits.
Tip: Take a few lessons with a school! A good instructor will explain the basics, show you how to handle the kite and correct your mistakes. This will save you time and prevent you from getting into tricky situations on the water.
2. Choosing unsuitable equipment 💨
Not paying attention to your equipment is another big mistake that beginners often make. If you land with a wing that’s too big or too small, you risk having a hard time learning. The same goes for the size of your board and your front wing. These are two very important factors when you choose your first equipment. Choose a board with a lot of volume (around 150L) and a front wing with a good surface area (around 1500cm2).
Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask for advice in a specialist shop or from a school. Learning with the right equipment will enable you to make rapid progress. There’s a tendency to jump ahead too quickly.
3. Analyse the conditions carefully 😎
Another common mistake made by beginners is not taking the time to assess the wind and sea or lake conditionsbefore taking the plunge. Too much wind or crashing waves can quickly make your session difficult or even impossible.
Tip: Before setting off, check the weather forecast and observe the conditions on the spot. Check the wind strength and direction, as well as the sea state. The ideal spot for beginners is a calm stretch of water with a steady wind. Don’t venture onto the spot if you’re on your own or if the wind is blowing off-shore. If you’re all alone on the spot, ask yourself the right questions before getting in the water (when the conditions are right, you’ll never be alone).
4. Rushing into advanced manoeuvres
We all know how tempting it is to want to show off your skills in the first few sessions. Rushing is a common mistake made by all riders. Learning little by little is the key to success. Before learning to jump, there are many manoeuvres to master.
Tip: Concentrate on the basics first. Learn to stand up, turn smoothly and control your speed. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can gradually move on to the more advanced manoeuvres. Take the time to master each step, and the rest will come naturally.
5. Ignoring safety
Finally, let’s talk about a crucial point: safety. Too many beginners start out without a helmet or lifejacket, thinking that it will never happen to them. But a fall can happen to anyone, even the best.
Tip: Don’t forget your safety equipment. Always wear a helmet and a life jacket, even if you feel comfortable on your board. Choose spots that are suitable for wingfoil and avoid obstacles. And above all, listen to your instincts: if the conditions seem too difficult, don’t hesitate to postpone your outing.
Now you’re armed to avoid the most common mistakes when you start wingfoiling. By preparing yourself, choosing the right equipment, taking lessons and following the safety rules, you’ll maximise your chances of having a great time on the water.
If you want to learn wingfoil, we offer wingfoil courses in Portugal on the Obidos lagoon (1 hour from Lisbon). Don’t hesitate to contact us to book your next adventure! 🤙🏼
See you on the water,
Léa & Marco