Wing Foil

Experts in wing foil: our brand offers top-of-the-range equipment, expert advice and French carbon production for optimum performance.
Wing foil (or wing surf), which appeared on our spots in 2019, is one of the hottest water sports. A hybrid between surfing, kitesurfing, SUP and windsurfing, it brings together the best of these board sports in an accessible, fun and innovative way.
Wing foil: the complete guide to getting started, choosing your equipment and progressing
What is wing foil?
Wingfoil is a water sport that combines a board, a hydrofoil placed under the hull, and an inflatable wing (the wing) to be held directly in the hands thanks to handles or a boom. Unlike kitesurfing or windsurfing, there are no lines or rigid masts to hold the sail. With maximum freedom and the incredible sensation of flying over water, it’s a gliding sport accessible to all.

The foil, attached to the underside of the board via a box (often a double US box), enables the rider to take off as soon as a certain speed is reached. From then on, you can glide smoothly and silently over the surface of the water. Even in light winds, you can fly: a real revolution for sailing enthusiasts frustrated by light winds!

This gliding activity has recently exploded with the arrival of easier, lighter and more forgiving equipment. The foil mast is made of aluminum or carbon, the foil wings, which are increasingly efficient, are rigid and made of carbon, and the boards are designed to facilitate progression, and shaped according to the program chosen (beginner, freeride, freestyle, slalom). Wings are generally made up of 2 inflatable bladders (the smaller being the central batten, the larger the leading edge).
Why are so many people taking up wing foiling?
Because it’s great fun, less physical than windsurfing, less dangerous than kiteboarding, and can be sailed in almost any weather. With wingfoil, you can fly in winds as light as ten knots. It can be practiced at sea, on lakes, or even on ponds. All you need is a bit of water at least 1.50 m deep, some air, and off you go.

It’s also a sport with fewer logistical constraints, hence its success: the equipment is more compact than a windsurfing quiver, and you don’t need as much space to set up your gear as you do with a kite foil. You can pack your equipment in special cases, slip it into your trunk, and be on your way in no time to your on-water sessions.

And best of all: the gliding sensation is magical! For many riders coming from kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing or stand-up paddling, it’s a new passion.
Wing foil vs kite foil vs windfoil: the differences
Kite foil: faster, more technical, but dependent on a steady wind and a large, wide beach. More difficult to learn. You need a good kitesurfing background to get started.

Windfoil: perfect for windsurfers who want to sail in light conditions, but requires windsurfing experience and more equipment (sail, mast, boom…).

Wingfoil: compact, lightweight, easy to carry and quick to move. Suitable for novices and experienced riders alike.

The wing kite is also safer: less power, no involuntary jumps and the ability to let go of the kite in the event of a fall without continuing to be towed. A real plus for those who want to sail and progress without getting scared.
Getting started
The board
To get started, choose a foil board with good volume (at least 30 or even 40 liters above your body weight). The wider it is, the more stable it is. A longer board glides better over the water, making take-off easier and quicker. Beginners are advised to choose a board that is long and wide enough to facilitate their first sessions. On the other hand, a shorter board offers better responsiveness and tighter turns, but requires greater technical mastery.

Inflatable or rigid wing board: which to choose?

Inflatable boards are lightweight and not very fragile, making them ideal for beginners thanks to their ease of transport and safety aspect (less risk of injury in the event of contact). However, they offer reduced stability, as they react strongly to your movements. This can slow your progress slightly. What’s more, because they’re so light, these boards tend to flip over towards the sky when you fall. So be careful not to damage your kite!
Rigid boards stand out for their stability, greater responsiveness and superior performance. These assets will enable you to progress more rapidly in wingfoil, making learning both more motivating and more effective.

The model AFS Fly One model is perfect for beginner wingfoil pilots who want to progress smoothly.

The foil
It consists of :

a foil mast: generally 65 to 80 cm to start with

a fuselage: often made of aluminum or carbon. In the early stages, you should opt for a fuselage that’s long enough to enable easier take-off and more stable flight (at least 65 cm).

a front wing: with a large surface area to facilitate lift, especially in the learning phase (between 1,500 and 1,800 cm² depending on your size). A thick front wing is also recommended for beginners.

a stabilizer: to maintain your balance in flight (around 250 cm² to start with).

a plate on most foils: this is the part that connects the board to the foil. Sometimes it’s molded directly to the mast, sometimes not.

The choice of a complete foil, recommended for beginners in wingfoil, is the Flyer from our AFS range.
Find out in this article the advantages of riding with a full-carbon foil.

La wing
The wing is an inflatable wing (sail) that is rigid when pressurized. It’s a bit like the wingfoil engine. Available with boom or handles. Sizes range from 1.5 to 8 m². The surface area used depends on wind strength and rider size. For beginners, a 3 to 6 m² kite is sufficient. A smaller wing is easier to control, but offers less lift. And a wing that’s too big will be heavier and take up more space. With a single wing, a 4 m² size is ideal for sailing in winds of 15 to 25 knots, for people weighing up to 75 kg. For heavier riders, a 5 m² wing, or even 6 m² for those weighing around 100 kg, will be more suitable.
The wing AFS D-LITE wing is best suited to all-round gliding, especially for beginners.
Find out in these articles what equipment you need start wing foilingand to progress in wing foil.

Accessories for wing foiling

Neoprene wetsuit and booties
Helmet and impact vest for your safety.
Board leash and wing leash: essential for not losing your gear.
Pump with pressure gauge to inflate your wing to the right pressure. Check that the nozzle matches your wing’s valve before buying any pump.
Wrench and screws: most foils are fitted with two Torx wrenches of different sizes. However, this is not necessarily the case with all wingfoil brands.
Foil bag for your equipment.

Some riders complete their quiver with a second or even third wing, a smaller (or larger) foil front wing and a smaller (or larger) board.

Where can you practice wing foil?
You can wing foil wherever it’s allowed, as long as the sailing conditions remain easy, with a minimum of water depth and a little wind:

In France, the best-known spots are in the Mediterranean (Leucate, l’Almanarre), Brittany, and on the west, Channel and North Sea coasts. But also on various French lakes, notably those of Monteynard and Serre-Ponçon, or in the Paris region. A growing number of water sports centers offer courses lasting several sessions, for all levels, as well as wing foil rental.

Abroad: Dakhla (Morocco) remains a safe bet, with wind almost all year round, whatever the season. Tarifa, in southern Spain, and the Canary Islands also offer numerous wingfoil spots (beginner, intermediate and expert levels). You’ll easily find schools where you can take wing lessons.

Here you’ll find a selection of the best destinations for wing foiling.
Tips for discovering and getting started in wing surfing
Start with a moderate side-shore or side-onshore wind (15 to 20 knots), so as to return more easily to the beach. Also, opt for a spot with flat water (no waves) and a safe, wide water area (avoid rocky bottoms and/or obstacles on the water surface).

First of all, learn to handle the wing on the beach, then make your first tacks on your knees before trying to fly. Some sailing schools also offer boat-towed flight, so you can learn to manage your board’s trim and stability in flight.

Watch tutorial videos and pro tips on the web (YouTube).

Don’t hesitate to take a course at a nautical base with good equipment, adapted to your level.
Wing foil: a constantly evolving discipline
This new water sport is evolving fast: wings are becoming more powerful, foils more technical but also better designed for beginners, and materials lighter.

Today, models of all types of equipment are versatile or adapted for foil surfing, racing, downwind and SUP foil downwind, or even freestyle. Many riders mix styles, test new gear, exchange ideas on forums and at wingfoil events.

In fact, our AFS brand pushes the boundaries of foil sports with this set of derivative disciplines.
Guide to optimizing your wing foil equipment
Strapless board or strapless navigation?
Strapless: total freedom
Sailing without footstraps means absolute freedom. The deck remains bare and uncluttered, making it easier to move around the board and more intuitive to change tack. This is often the best option for beginners to wing foiling. Without straps, you learn to position your feet and find your balance without discomfort.

With straps: for greater control and performance
As soon as you become more comfortable, footstraps become a real ally. Properly positioned, they guarantee better foot placement, faster. Footstraps take you to the next level: more responsive pumping, more efficient starts, more committed jumps and more precise steering in straight lines and curves. You can go faster too. They are particularly useful for committed sailing in strong winds or rough conditions, providing more control and float hold.
What is the ratio of a foil?
The aspect ratio is the elongation of the front wing of the foil. In other words, it’s an indicator of the wing’s shape and efficiency. The higher the ratio, the more suitable for advanced riders or SUP foils. The lower it is, the better it is for beginners, as it is less technical.

In this article, we explain in detail what this ratio means and how it influences the behavior of your wing foil gear, an essential criterion to take into account when choosing your foil when you’re evolving.
The wing foil harness: why and how to use it?
Using a wing foil harness can really make a difference, especially if you want to sail longer and more efficiently. In the video below, we explain the benefits of a harness and how to choose the right one.

Why choose a leash belt harness for wing foil?
The belt prevents the board leash from dragging in the water, improving comfort and safety. It also offers the option of adding a harness hook to free the arms for smoother sailing. On long tacks, the harness takes the strain off the arms, stabilizes the wing and improves performance, especially upwind.

What type of harness should I choose?
There are several options:

Classic belt harnesses, often used in kitesurfing or windsurfing, with a metal buckle (not recommended for wings) and a wide strap to distribute pressure evenly across the lumbar region.
Special wing harnesses are more compact, often with 3D-printed buckles, so they’re lightweight and won’t damage your gear.

A word of advice: when you start wing foiling, it’s best to do it without a harness until you’re flying. And even wait to progress further, until you’ve stabilized your flight.

How to adjust the foil in a double US box rail?
Setting the plate on the wingfoil rail: front or rear?
The further forward the turntable is, the more power you’ll get, and therefore the easier it will be to take off. It’s worth noting that, for larger riders, it may be necessary to move the turntable forward in the case. In light wind conditions, or if you’re under-canvas, moving the turntable forward also increases lift.
What if I move my foil back into the housing? Because you’re a lightweight. So you’ll gain speed and transitions, especially the jibe, will be easier to execute. This is because there’s less weight under the board, which becomes easier to handle.

What exactly are the wedges for?
Stabilizer wedge :
You can also adjust the behavior of your foil by using shims. To gain power, you can place a shim to tilt the stabilizer while moving the mast position forward in the box. This can improve pumping, provide more energy when jumping, and offer better handling. The adjustments are almost infinite. The important thing is to find the combination that suits you best, depending on the conditions of the day. There is no universal setting!

Cale rake :
This is a small accessory for adjusting the inclination of the foil in relation to the board. Placed between the two, it adjusts the foil’s flying height and maneuverability. It is generally used when the board tends to sink too much into the water or, conversely, to lift too much ha ut.
How do you maintain your wing?
To make drying easier after your session, the best thing is to leave the wing inflated so that it can stay in good condition for as long as possible. If this is not possible, avoid hanging it by the handle. In fact, a deflated wing suspended in this way can cause the central bladder to twist, leading to long-term damage and herniation.
Tidy up your wing
Last step: fold and store your wing in your bag. Start by unscrewing the valve to let the air escape. If there’s one valve per flange, you’ll need to unscrew the center batten first. Next, roll up one ear of the wing, then the other, always aiming for the middle flange.
Start and first wing tacks
We have prepared several tutorial videos for you to :

start from the edge and make your first wingfoil runs
find the right position on your board for trouble-free takeoff
switch your feet before or after a jibe, and how to do it (a maneuver that consists in changing tack with the wind at your back, like a gybe in windsurfing).
how to pumper
learn how to make a wing foil tack, i.e. turn into the wind without losing too much speed.

Now, are you ready to fly?
Wing foiling is more than just a gliding sport: it’s a new way of exploring the wind, the water and the feeling of freedom. If you’re in good physical condition, whether you’re a beginner, an experienced rider or simply curious, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this highly addictive discipline. And before you head out on the water, make sure you’re aware of the rules of priority to be observed on the water, especially the best-known one: starboard tack has priority (front right hand in front) over port tack (front left hand in front).
To help you make the best purchase, you can consult our experts for advice on wingfoil equipment through our various communication channels.