Since these new wings first appeared on the internet, I have been asking myself this question, “Is it worth it?”. In the past few months, I dealt with this sport more intensively. My conclusion: Yes, it is worth it!
About me: I started windsurfing when 8 years old, switched to kiting when 16, kite foiling from 2017 on and then surf foiling and windsurf foiling in 2019. I am 177 cm and weigh 78 kg.
Most of my surf sessions involve traveling by van or plane. The 39 liter JP Prone 5’0 has been part of my travel quiver for 2 years and I didn’t want to get me another board. So far, I have used it for surf- and kite-foiling. Due to the low volume, I considered foot straps to be helpful for the water start which is why I laminated inserts for straps to the board. I own the NeilPryde Glide Surf Large with a 75 cm mast, a 1600 cm2 front wing and a small and large tail wing. For kiting I use the small wing, everything else I do with the big tail wing, so, also wing foiling.
I had my first sessions in 18 knots and flat water. It was very frustrating because when trying to start my tiny board sunk until the water was up to my belly and launching seemed impossible. Nevertheless, I still managed to get onto the foil and fly in my first session, which was very motivating.
When trying again in 25 knots, water starts were so much easier: With only little effort, the kite wing lifts you to the surface and after a few seconds I was on the foil and able to discover the advantages of this sport.
My experience from kite foiling and riding directional surfboards helped a lot with the gybes: I always let my board come down and touch the water before swapping the feet. Similar to kite foiling, you‘ll learn very quickly how to control the lift of the wing and to keep the pressure steady, thus achieving more stability in transions.
Riding surf is much more demanding because the lift from the foil gets much stronger which you actively have to balance. As with kite or windsurf foiling, it is advisable to use a longer mast when the water is not flat.
Going upwind is possible, but you cannot sail the same angles as when kite- or windsurf foiling.
After my frustrating start in 18 knots, I had doubts that it would be possible to sail in such light winds with a 4m wing – at least not with my tiny board. So, I swapped it for a borrowed 110 l board on which I can stand like on a SUP. I also took a bigger front wing for more efficiency when pumping the foil. There you go: With some experience wing foiling is possible even in light winds!
This means that Lake Garda will be very popular with me again – but only with a new bigger board in my quiver.
Get a wide and voluminous board which allows you to kneel or stand on when on the water. Big enough gear will get you going much easier and first flights will happen earlier.
A foil front wing from 1600 to 1800 cm2 is ideal to begin and will be a good all-rounder afterwards, too. It offers sufficient lift but not too much to overpower quickly when riding most wind waves.
Setup: <80 kg, 4qm Wing, 110 l Board, 1800cm2 Foil
Beginners without foil experience should start in minimum 20 knots and flat water.
The advantage: in this quite strong wind the foil will lift automatically which makes it easier to get used to flying.
Beginners with foil experience can start already in 16 knots and flat water.
Here, you have to pump the foil to get the lift out of the water but then the wind is ideal for relaxed flying.
In areas with rather light winds and small waves, go for a big foil.
The right size of the wing not only depends on the wind strength but also on your body size.
A small wing touches the water less easily when water starting and and prevents the tip of the wing from dragging in the water when flying and making control difficult.
Which handles you use depends on your wing and brand. I use the first and third handle for starts and then swap to two and four.
Sailing overpowered is much easier as is the case with kiting and windsurfing. The most exhausting parts are the starts, after which it is quite relaxed.
A lot of physical power can be saved by sailing drawn-out tacks instead of pushing upwind. When you find the “right” angle upwind, both arms can be stretched and the wing can be held without much effort.
Avoid bending your arms – otherwise you’ll exhaust quickly.
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