Wingfoil: 7 reasons to get started!

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the last few years, there’s no escaping it: WingFoil is everywhere, on every kite spot from Fuerteventura to Dakhla. It’s all anyone’s talking about!

The number of riders is exploding, the traditional brands are developing their equipment, and even professional riders from all horizons (surf, kite, wind…) are full of praise for this new sport.

But what exactly is wingfoil? This activity consists of gliding along on a board fitted with a foil, while being propelled by an inflatable wing held directly in your hands.

So why is there such a craze for this new aquatic activity?

We’ve taken a look at the question, and identified the 7 main reasons why wingfoil is the hottest new water sport…

the best places to learn wingfoil

1. A water sports activity accessible to all

The success of wingfoil can already be explained by its remarkable accessibility. It’s a fun activity that can be enjoyed by riders of all ages, especially the very young.

Whereas kitesurfing can be frightening, and windsurfing and surfing require a sometimes arduous learning curve, wingfoil offers sensations very quickly and safely.

While a dozen hours of lessons are needed to start kitesurfing, it takes two or three times less to make your first wing slips!

And the fact that you’re not tied to the wing gives you undeniable safety.

From 7 to 77 years old, everyone can practice at their own pace. Speeds are limited and the glide is smooth and fluid, making it a very reassuring activity.

2. Compact, practical equipment

Forget bulky windsurfing gear, loading your board on the roof or a trailer…

Wingfoil equipment is as minimalist as it is practical:

• a wing that fits in a rucksack, inflates quickly and can be held in the hand
• a compact board that’s easy to carry

In fact, if you opt for an inflatable board, you can fit all your gear into a single bag!

And unlike kitesurfing and windsurfing, where you have to multiply the number of sails to cover different conditions, a wing kite is more versatile.

In fact, a single 5 m2 wing can already cover a wide range of wind conditions, from 11 to 25 knots… enough to have fun 80% of the time!

Perfect for travelling, or having your gear with you all the time… What’s more, it’s quick to set up (10 minutes) and requires no special adjustments, so you can make the most of your lunch break with an express session just a stone’s throw from the office.

3. The pleasure of riding new spots

Who hasn’t dreamt of riding the little lake next door, or that heavenly bay tucked away in the rocks…?

Except that between the trees, the power lines, the slopes, the crowded tourists… there are a lot of constraints that can get in the way of your desire to ride!

Requiring very little space to get started, and coping much better with turbulent winds than kitesurfing or windsurfing, wingfoils open up a whole new world of possibilities.

What’s more, unlike kitesurfing, you’re autonomous because you don’t need anyone to help you take off or land.

So keep your eyes peeled, let your imagination run wild and explore new spots you never thought you’d be able to ride!

At a time when spots are getting more and more crowded, and bans are legion during the summer months, wingfoil is a great way to ride away from the crowds.

4. Several possible styles of practice

The wing is your engine. Then it’s up to you to choose how you want to use it!

You can :

• Take it easy, even in light winds. You’ll be able to cover long distances without too much effort, and you’ll see some great scenery…
• Do freestyle tricks
• Looking for speed and a good laugh with your mates
• Surf the waves without having to paddle back to the peak
• Go for a downwind adventure and ride the swell trains
• Ride on dry land with a longskate, or snow with a snowboard…

5. No tether = total freedom and increased safety

In wingfoil, you hold the wing at arm’s length, without it being attached to your board, harness or lines.

Not only does this make it quicker to set up, it also offers many other advantages, not least in terms of safety.

With no release to activate, you simply release your wing and the pulling power stops instantly. Once released, the wing is held in place by a leash, but no longer pulls. And because there are no lines, there’s no need to worry about getting caught up in the line!

6. Complete physical activity

Wingfoil allows you to work the whole body.

Because you’re not attached to the harness, and the sail and board are not connected, it’s your body that makes the link between these two elements. So you work on your sheathing to transfer the energy from the wing to the board, and strengthen your deep muscles in the process.

Of course, your back, arms and shoulders are also actively working. But your legs are not to be outdone, particularly during the pumping phases.

As well as strengthening your overall muscles, wing is also a great way to work on your cardio.

No need to lock yourself away in a gym to get back into shape, wing is an ideal alternative that’s accessible to everyone, with the added bonus of a good dose of fresh air.

7. Become part of a new community

With wingfoil, the divide between aquatic disciplines is over!

This new sport has succeeded in meeting the incredible challenge of bringing together people from different backgrounds.

It has all the hallmarks of kitesurfing, with its inflatable wing and underfoot board. But there’s also an evolution on the water similar to that of windsurfing. Good surfers will be able to use the wing to go up to the peak and get their waves.

The wingfoil synthesises the essence of the leading water sports, in a new sport with a fun, playful image.

And because it’s such a young discipline, everything has yet to be invented, and there’s a real sense of emulation between practitioners motivated by this collective discovery.

So what are you waiting for?

Although very accessible, it’s important to learn wingfoil at a school, to save time, get off to a good start and practise safely.

Just in time, Ocean Adventure has selected the best wingfoil schools in France and abroad.