How to start Wingfoil?
A practical guide.

How to start Wingfoil?
A practical guide.

What is wingfoil?

Wingfoil is the latest in board sports, halfway between Windfoil (the evolution of windsurfing), Kitefoil (a kite derivative) and SUP Foil (what if your paddle 'flew' over the waves? 🐥 ). In practical terms, this involves sailing above the water thanks to the use of a wing held in two hands ("wing") with a foil mounted on a board.

The Wingfoil community is gaining more and more members, and you're dreaming of getting into it too? In this article, we take a look at this discipline so that you'll have (almost) no secrets left. On your marks, get set, ride! 🏄‍♀️

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What is wingfoil?

Wingfoil is the latest in board sports, halfway between Windfoil (the evolution of windsurfing), Kitefoil (a kite derivative) and SUP Foil (what if your paddle 'flew' over the waves? 🐥 ). In practical terms, this involves sailing above the water thanks to the use of a wing held in two hands ("wing") with a foil mounted on a board.

The Wingfoil community is gaining more and more members, and you're dreaming of getting into it too? In this article, we take a look at this discipline so that you'll have (almost) no secrets left. On your marks, get set, ride! 🏄‍♀️


Is it possible to learn on your own?

Is it possible to learn by yourself? Starting wingfoil at a wingfoil school is a good first option! It makes learning easier and more effective at first.
Trying wingfoil on your own is also an option - although the initiation takes more time, it will be cheaper and just as satisfying once those first sensations have been tamed!

💡With The Ridery, there are two options:

⭐Learn for yourself with our beginner pack at €39 / day OR €35 / half-day. If you want to book your pack it's this way: "Book my starter pack"
⭐Join one of our partner wingfoil schools


How to choose the right Wingfoil equipment?

Getting the right equipment is essential, but selecting the right wingfoil gear isn't easy when you're just getting started! You're in luck: wingfoil is our department 🤙🏻

Your choice of equipment will depend on three factors:

  • Key factor n°1: Your size

  • Key factor n°2: Your skill

  • Key factor n°3: Weather conditions

    • To help you choose your equipment with peace of mind, here's everything you need to know about wingfoil equipment and how it can evolve as you progress👇 We're always available by phone and in shop to answer any questions you may have (or not!) 😉

    Discover our detailed guide to choosing your wing pack


    How to know you're making progress? The different stages.

    Your knowledge of water sports and wind techniques, your physical condition, where you live (and therefore how often you'll be able to go on the water) and the equipment at your disposal are all factors that will determine the pace of your progress.

    In the meantime, here are a few guidelines to help you get your bearings 😉

    Learning the ropes:

  • You can learn to handle the wing on the beach; ;

  • If you have the chance, you can do a towed foil session behind a boat with some friends;

  • Then you can try to get upwind on your knees on the board. And once you've mastered this stage, you can try to go upwind again, this time standing up but without foiling; ;

  • That's it, you can now try to foil;

    • Little hint: you know you're improving when the names of the tricks you learn become more and more technical 😅

    Here are a few examples:
    ⭐Pumping your wingfoil (on the water) ;
    ⭐Doing a ''Le jibe'' (= manoeuvre which consists of changing tack by going in the direction of the wind);
    ⭐Performing a Le tack (= manoeuvre that consists of changing tack by going upwind).


    Find all the detailed steps in the article below👇
    ""The stages of progress in Wingfoil"."

    As always, we're available by phone and in shop to answer any questions you may have (or not!) 😉

    Renting VS Buying: A winner?

    Good equipment is the key to a successful micro-adventure! The problem is that one can't always afford to buy new... At The Ridery, we bet on second-hand equipment without neglecting its quality.

    Everyone wins: the buyer, the seller... and the planet 🌍 In fact, according to a study carried out by Thredup in 2020, buying second-hand equipment today means reducing your carbon footprint by 5 to 7 times compared to buying a new product. By changing your consumption habits, and giving priority to repairing, exchanging, selling and buying second-hand, you are choosing to protect nature, and for that we say 👏🏻.

    From a technical point of view, beginners need to change equipment at each stage of their progression to ensure they are riding in the best conditions, which can quickly become restrictive and expensive to buy.
    As the weather also has an impact, it is advisable to have at least two wing wings and two foil front wings to be able to ride in 80% of conditions. These are two good reasons why buying new equipment is pointless, and why you should hire it instead!
    If you already have an intermediate level, this may be debatable, depending on your need for flexibility etc.

    We hope this article has shed some light on wingfoil and the different stages involved in getting started.
    Don't hesitate to contact us directly if you need any further information!

    Stay Tuned and Keep Riding 🤙

    The Ridery