Skip to main content

What advantages does wingfoil offer over kitesurfing?

Wingfoil has become the new way to enjoy the wind and the sea in recent years.

We leave you a small list of advantages that wingfoil offers over kitesurfing. We are not saying that neither is better than the other, since both offer unique sensations and, each in their own way, they are incredible sports that you become addicted to.

  • FREEDOM. Kitesurfing requires specific conditions and an adapted and safe place to launch the kite, so you must be in the right place and have someone to lift your kite. On the other hand, the wingfoil can be mounted and start navigation from practically anywhere, always taking into account the level of the practitioner.
  • GREATER WIND RANGE. The advantage of being able to unwind our wing so easily allows us to fly with a 4 meter wing in winds from 12-13 knots to 35 knots.
  • SAFETY IN STRONG WIND. With the wingfoil, when a very strong gust hits you, when you release the back hand or both and it loses all the force and you will never be in danger of flying away.
  • THE DELICATE AND FLOW. The wing has been created to blend with the foil. Together they give a feeling of fluidity, smooth navigation, tranquility, calm, freedom, it is a navigation that can be super relaxing with light winds…
  • IF THE WIND GOES AWAY. If the wind suddenly stops and you are very far from the coast with your kite, you have to try to return with a large piece of equipment and a board that does not float, in addition to knowing self-rescue techniques to prevent the kite from taking you adrift. You’re in real trouble. With the wingfoil you just have to tie or deflate the wing and paddle back.
  • DOWNWINDS. The advantage of wingfoil comes with the issue of organization. In kitesurfing, you can do a 15 kilometer downwind, but you will need someone to pick you up upon arrival. The advantage of the wingfoil is that you can do several downwinds in the same session since the foil, having less friction than a board, will allow you to sail upwind with an efficiency that kitesurfing would never imagine.

Now that you know the benefits of wingfoil over kitesurfing, you can take a look at our Wingfoil courses in Tarifa and start enjoying the great freedom that this new sport offers.

Best wing foil gear to start with?

To start in this sport, volume is the key aspect.

More board volume will provide more buoyancy and a foil with more surface area will be more stable once in flight.

Recommended Wingfoil equipment for initiation:

  • a 120L board, minimum 6′ (length and width)
  • a wing of 5 m2. The size of the wing decreases as the force of the wind increases, while remaining in relation to the weight of the user.
  • A foil with a medium mast of about 75 cm and a foil wing of between 2000 and 2500mm2 will facilitate getting out onto the water, in almost flat water, but without much speed.

We recommend that you get started in this sport with a Official Wingfoiling School since it can entail certain risks if adequate knowledge is lacking.

Who invented the wingfoil?

There is no single inventor of wingfoil, as it is a sport that has evolved through experimentation and the combination of existing technologies in the field of water and wind sports.

But a brief history of the birth of this sport as a concept:

The birth of the Wing Foil took place in Hawaii, where a group of passionate local surfers ventured to experiment with the fusion of an inflatable wing and a foil to cross the waters. The vision behind this innovation was to harness the momentum of the wing to propel the foil and rise above the water, especially in low wind conditions.

The precursor of this aquatic revolution was the surfer Alex Aguera, who ingeniously designed the first wing prototype. After adjustments and refinements, Aguera and his team achieved a walk on the waters, thus discovering the possibilities that were hidden in this new sporting discipline. This maiden voyage marked the beginning of an activity full of emotions and unlimited perspectives.

 

Is wingfoil dangerous?

The danger is minimal with a fairly large foil, not very fast and not very sharp. Safety comes from the choice of material: a board with good buoyancy), practiced close to the shore, on a calm sea, with a weak side wind of 15 to 20 knots, allows you to reach the shore on dry land quickly in case drift, while the land wind tends to push you towards the open sea.

The level of danger is determined by your choice of material and conditions.

  • The gear: the larger and slower the foils are, the less sharp they will be and therefore will not be dangerous. On the other hand, with high aspect foils the edge surface tends to be reduced as much as possible to minimize friction in the water and maximize speed. Therefore, with those foils you must be very careful not to hit yourself or to be well protected so as not to suffer cuts or injuries.
  • The conditions: if you have any problems on a day with a weak side wind of 15 to 20 knots, it will be much easier for you to reach the shore in case of drift, while the onshore wind tends to push you towards the open sea.

How to choose your Wingfoil Equipment?

We will provide you with the key information you need to make informed decisions and accelerate your wingfoil progress.

Wingfoil has seen a surge in popularity thanks to advances in hydrofoils. Choosing the right equipment makes a difference in your speed of progression.

Crucial Equipment Details:

  • Wing sizes: We recommend starting with a 4 or 5 meter wing, depending on your weight. A typical mistake is being afraid of using a slightly larger wing size that will propel us more. This makes getting on the board and getting off the foil much easier than if you use a slightly smaller wing.
  • Hydrofoils: The wing surface affects glide speed and stability. Choose according to your level; The large ones are ideal for beginners (between 2000 and 1200), these will provide great stability on the foil and on the board, but sacrificing a little your maximum speed. On the other hand, smaller wings are more unstable when you are going slow and learning to control the foil but they become more stable when you go faster.
  • Mast Length: A length of 70 cm is excellent for learning. Adjust according to your preference between stability and maneuverability. Unlike hydrofoil, masts are more stable when they are shorter, but they reduce maneuverability. For more advanced riders, masts between 85-95cm are recommended.
  • Table Considerations: Tables are measured in liters and choosing the right one is crucial. Calculate your weight in kilograms and add 30-40 to obtain proper flotation. Don’t rush to size down; a larger team speeds up progression.

 

Although wingfoiling may seem effortless, patience and determination are key to mastering the art of flight over water.

What does a wingfoil team consist of?

A wingfoil kit is made up of the following elements:

  • Wing or Ala: as its name indicates, it is similar to a wing, it will be our engine.
  • Table: there are different models and sizes depending on the level and conditions of each one. They usually have a thicker structure to provide flotation and stability.
  • Foil: the crucial piece of this sport, it consists of a mast (between 75 to 100 cm long) with an airplane-shaped base, which creates lift, allowing the board to rise above the surface of the water. It can be adjusted to control the height at which you fly over the water.
  • Helmet and Vest: Although they are not essential, in wingfoil it is highly recommended to be well protected to avoid injuries with the foil.

How much does a complete wingfoil kit cost?

The cost of a complete wingfoil kit can vary significantly depending on the brand, quality, and whether you are purchasing new or used equipment.

We provide you with a general price range for each major component:

  • Wingfoil board: They can cost from around €300-500 to several thousand euros if you buy new boards from the last year, depending on the brand and type of construction.
  • Foil: Foils can also vary in price. You can find second-hand options from €500 onwards. And the new options would be on average €1,200-€2,000.
  • Wing: you can expect to buy a second-hand one with some use for €300-€400 or if you opt for a new option, wings sell in the range of €800-€12,000 arpox. Depending on the brand and model.

In summary, you can opt for second-hand wingfoil equipment that is around €1000-1200 or new equipment that would be around €3000-4000.

It is advisable, but not mandatory, to have more than one wing or foil size as it will help you get the most out of a greater wind range.