Wingfoil, synonymous with freedom on the water and unique sensations, is attracting a growing number of enthusiasts. But where to practice? How do you get started? Finding the ideal spot and getting the right advice are essential if you are to make rapid progress while sailing in complete safety. The aim: to combine gliding with pleasure!
Do you dream of learning to fly on water with an incomparable feeling of freedom and glide? Then wingfoil is for you! This water sport, a blend of windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing, offers an incredible experience for everyone. But where to start?
To begin wingfoiling, it is essential to master a few fundamentals:
Take lessons: group or private lessons are the key to learning the basics of wingfoil quickly and safely. In sailing schools, a qualified and experienced instructor will guide you step by step, correcting your mistakes to ensure optimum progress. Good advice from an experienced friend is just as valuable. Or take advantage of the many video tutorials available on Youtube and via applications and social networks.
Choosing the right spot: to get started in wingfoil, prefer shallow areas (at least 1.50 m), sheltered from strong winds and less crowded. Lagoons, lakes or protected beaches are ideal for beginners: the wind is generally gentler and the water calmer, offering ideal conditions for learning in total serenity.
Test and hire equipment: before you start buying wing foil equipment, take advantage of test events organized at competitions, by surf shops or directly by the brands. This will allow you to try out different equipment and better define what suits your level. You can also rent suitable equipment to familiarize yourself with the kite, board and foil. Some stores even offer test equipment, an excellent opportunity to refine your choice before investing.
Equipment: Once you’ve got the hang of wingfoil, you can consider investing in your own equipment. Whether you opt for new or second-hand, you’ll find what you’re looking for in a rapidly expanding market, with equipment to suit all levels and budgets.
The first wingfoil sessions focus on discovering and getting the hang of the kite, followed by learning to balance on the board. You’ll start by sailing without taking off, before practicing lifting the board out of the water and finally maintaining stable flight above the surface. As the sessions progress, you’ll learn how to generate power with the kite, manage your attitude in flight, better understand the lift of your foil, perform turns and transitions… You’ll finally be able to sail independently.
Wingfoil is an all-round sport that uses a wide range of muscles. It develops strength, endurance and balance. In addition to its physical benefits, it’s a fun activity that offers the perfect combination of release and relaxation.
In short, wingfoil is a sport that’s obviously fun, accessible to all, and that progresses quite rapidly as long as you sail regularly and follow the advice given.
Variable learning times
The question of how long it takes to learn wingfoil is often asked, and the answer depends on several factors:
Your initial level: if you already practice water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, or why not surfing, stand-up paddling or sailing, you’ll have a definite advantage. Your understanding of balance on the water and your feel for the wind will help you to better master your stability on your board and the traction + steering of your kite. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll progress more quickly!
Your assiduity: the more you practice, the faster you’ll progress.
Weather conditions: a steady, moderate wind of around 20 knots is perfect for learning to wingfoil. Weather conditions play a key role in progress, influencing both wind strength and water conditions. In fact, a spot with flat (or slightly choppy) water offers ideal conditions for starting out, as it allows you to concentrate on learning without being too disturbed.
Quality teaching: an experienced instructor will teach you the right techniques, so you can progress more quickly. Thanks to his expertise, he will be able to advise you according to your level and help you correct your mistakes.
Equipment: The choice of equipment is crucial when you start wingfoiling. Don’t underestimate it! Find out all you can about it from sailing schools, specialized shops and brands, and consult expert advice online. A foil that’s too small, a wing that’s too big or a board that’s too small can seriously slow your progress, and even discourage you. Choosing the right equipment for your level is essential for a pleasant and effective learning experience.
And if I don’t come from a board or water sports background, how long will it take me to progress in wingfoil?
In general, it takes several sessions to master the basics of wingfoil. Of course, this depends on the individual. Some are great athletes, others less so. Age and mental and physical strength can also play a role. Let’s say that a minimum of twenty hours is needed to fly and maintain balance over several meters when starting from scratch. The first few sessions will focus on learning fundamental techniques, such as steering the kite, maintaining stability on the board, gaining speed and, finally, getting off the ground. With practice and the right coaching, these steps will help you evolve smoothly before moving on to a more advanced level. You’ll then be able to move on to more complex actions, such as riding upwind, practicing jibes and tacks, accelerating, riding swells and waves, and perhaps one day jumping and looping.
Factors that accelerate learning
Choosing the right equipment: as mentioned above, choosing the right wingfoil equipment for your level and body type is essential for effective progress. Well-chosen equipment will give you greater comfort and control, and facilitate your initiation, enabling you to progress faster and more serenely.
Watching videos: today, thanks to the magic of the internet, we have the chance to share our sessions and get advice directly from our home sweet home. Wingfoil videos are an excellent way to visualize the movements of an online coach and better understand the techniques. They allow you to watch practical demonstrations, analyze movements and apply advice to hone your skills at your own pace.
The time it takes to learn wingfoil varies from person to person. With patience, perseverance and the right recommendations, you’ll soon be able to enjoy this marvellous nautical discipline and savour all the sensations it has to offer. After all, you too can experience the joys of wing foiling.
Choosing the right place to learn and progress in wingfoil is fundamental.
To get off to a good start, it’s best to choose a spot with suitable weather conditions. Here are a few criteria to consider:
The condition of the water: it needs to be calm, without too many waves or chop, to facilitate a seated and then standing start. This also prevents violent falls and reduces the risk of injury. Before you start, it’s super important to spot obstacles in and on the water, such as rocks, shoals, buoys or even the depth of the water. These elements can hinder your trajectory or put you in danger if you don’t anticipate them. Good visibility of the area is therefore essential for safe operation.
The wind: if possible, it should be steady and not too strong, so that you can manage your wing, take off smoothly and avoid being blown out in mid-flight. Avoid spots that are too exposed to gusts of wind or strong currents.
Sailing points of sail: start by sailing crosswind to get used to gliding and managing your wingfoil gear. Then, as quickly as possible, learn to sail upwind. At first, it’s easy to drift, so knowing how to sail in different points of sail, especially upwind, will help you get where you want to go while sailing.
How busy the wing foil spot is: a spot with few people on the water offers the advantage of being able to concentrate fully on your navigation. The more space you have on the water, the better you can focus on your own technique and evolve at your own pace. And all the while, you’ll enjoy an even more serene environment.
Infrastructure: the presence of a wingfoil school, sailing club or equipment rental company on the spot can be a real asset. This will reassure you and, perhaps, give you valuable local advice.
Ultimately, wingfoil is much more than just a water sport: it’s about connecting with nature and adapting to what it has to offer, while remaining respectful of the environment. Some sessions are better than others, and vice versa. It’s a hyper-complete activity that combines balance, coordination and intense pleasure. The wing foil mindset, which is both physically complete and a great deal of fun, is well and truly established among many of today’s practitioners. Unplug, push yourself and meet other riders to share your crazy sessions. So, what are you waiting for?
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