Wingfoil is an innovative water sport that has grown in popularity in recent years. Combining elements of kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing, wingfoil offers a unique experience of gliding across the water and gives a real sensation of flying on water.
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What is wingfoiling?
Wingfoiling is a water sport that involves using a hand-held wing to capture the wind and propel yourself through the water, while standing on a board fitted with a foil.
The foil is a kind of hydrofoil fin mounted under the board which, at a certain speed, lifts the board above the water, reducing drag and giving a sensation of flight. This combination provides great manoeuvrability and unrivalled freedom of movement.
The difference between wingfoil and other water sports
Wingfoil stands out for its relative simplicity in terms of equipment and its smoother learning curve compared with other board sports.
Unlike kitesurfing, there is no need for lines or harnesses, and unlike windsurfing, the kite is not attached to the board, giving the wingfoiler greater freedom of movement and ease of use.
Why learn wingfoiling?
Wingfoil has become extremely popular in a very short space of time. So what are the reasons for this craze?
There are several reasons for wingfoil’s growing popularity.
➜ Reason n°1: The simplicity of the equipment attracts many beginners.
With just a board, foil and kite, it’s quicker and easier to prepare and get on the water than with other water and sailing sports.
➜ Reason n°2: The learning curve is generally faster than for other water sports.
This allows beginners to make rapid progress and enjoy themselves from the very first sessions.
➜ Reason n°3: Wingfoil offers some pretty crazy versatility, enabling the sport to be practiced in a wide range of conditions.
It can be practiced on different types of water: lake, lagoon, sea or ocean. And in a wide range of wind conditions. Wing foiling is therefore accessible to a wide audience, regardless of geographical location.
➜ Reason n°4: The sensations are addictive.
Wingfoil provides a sensation of lightness of glide, rapport with the water and flight that no other water sport can match.
How start wingfoiling?
To get started with wingfoil, we recommend following a few key steps.
➜ Step 1: Take lessons with a qualified wingfoil school.
Learning the basics of wing handling, board position and safety techniques will help you progress much faster and sail safely.
An instructor will be able to provide you with personalized advice and correct your mistakes right from the start, which is crucial for avoiding bad habits.
➜ Step 2: Choose the right equipment.
For beginners, a wider, more stable board and a medium-sized foil are recommended to make learning easier. It’s best to start with a intermediate-sized wing (example: 5m2), which will be easier to maneuver.
➜ Step 3: Regular practice is the key to success.
Start with sessions in moderate wind conditions, and gradually increase the difficulty as you gain confidence and skill.
Patience and perseverance are essential to master wingfoil, but the sensations of glide and freedom are more than worth it!
In short: wingfoil is an accessible sport that you can learn quickly and enjoy indescribable sensations.
Wanna learn wingfoil? Book your wingfoil week in Portugal!
See you soon on the water,
Léa & Marco 🤙🏼