You've probably already seen them on your homespot or else on Instagram, the foil wingers! A triangular 'sail' in your hand, 'floating' above the water on a hydrofoil. This new sport is conquering the waters very quickly. Well, new .. In the early years of windsurfing, in the early eighties, there were also experiments with so-called handheld wings. At the then popular windsurfing spots such as The Gorge and in Hawaii, this Wind Warrior soon fell into obscurity.
In 2020 the wing is back, fully evolved and with plenty of possibilities. On a normal SUP or with hydrofoil, inflatable or with a boom, on flat water or in the waves, cruising or jumping. But how do you start and what do you need?
Duotone was the first to launch wingsurfing on the market in 2019 and also the only brand that has wings on which you can mount the boom. The advantage of the boom is that you are not limited in the position of your hands. The other big advantage is that you can trim the wing. When it blows gently, you shorten the boom and the wing catches more wind. If it blows hard, you flatten the wing. Almost all other wings are completely inflatable. The advantage of this is that they are lighter and can be stored smaller, and these wings are generally more stable and therefore more suitable for wave riding and downwinders. Most wings are available between 2m and 7m, depending on the wind force you want to wing you choose your size. The most all-round size is a 4m or 5m.
If you already have an inflatable sup, a wing is a nice addition! Normally you only go paddleboarding with little wind, but now you can also get on the water with wind. If you really want to float over the water, you will have to invest in a board that can accommodate a hydrofoil. If you have no experience, it is certainly advisable to purchase a (sup) board with a volume of at least 130 liters. This way you have enough buoyancy to sail on both the SUP and the foil. You can easily experience when the foil is going to lift. If you become more experienced and want to jump into the waves or even jump, you will soon start looking at boards with a volume below 75 liters.
Which hydrofoil you want to mount under the board is completely dependent on what you want to do and what your weight is. The larger the front wing, the front wing, the sooner it will create upward force (lift). For a novice winger, a front wing of 1500 to 2000 cm2 is generally the right size. More advanced often go to a smaller size, between 1250 and 1500, these give a little less lift but are more manoeuvrable.
Can anyone wingsurf? Yes, anyone can learn! Starting on an inflatable sup is the most accessible way to start. The board is relatively soft and when you let go of the wing all the power is immediately out. If you want to continue on the foil, we advise (if you have no previous foil experience) to follow a short clinic. This way you can get started safely.
We are very enthusiastic about wingsurfing and have become quite addicted. It is a completely different experience than windsurfing or kite surfing and definitely an addition! The feeling of foiling over the waves without straps with just a wing in your hand is indescribable!
