Skip to main content

Kitesurf vs Wingfoil: Which is best for you?

borja mericaechevarria sinha

ozu school (1)
Kitesurf & Wingfoil Courses

Official Nautical Sports School

If you want to learn in the most efficient, comfortable and safe way, you are in the right place! Request information without any obligation.
Kitesurf vs Wingfoil: Which is best for you?
Kitesurfing is a mythical sport that has been practiced since the early 2000s, and every year, thousands of people venture to discover this incredible sport.
On the other hand, wingfoil is a relatively recent type of water sport, which began to be developed less than 10 years ago but is nevertheless attracting more and more practitioners. Although both sports share the essence of sliding driven by the wind, they are quite different in terms of sensations, technique and equipment.
We are going to address the main differences that these sports present in certain aspects, without referring to one being better than the other. We will give you the key points so that you are able to evaluate which sport best suits what you are looking for.

Sensations in the water

Fly or glide?

With the arrival of hydrofoils, the way of sailing on the surface of the sea has completely changed, opening up a range of new sensations and possibilities.

Kitesurfing: The traditional sliding experience
In kitesurfing, you use a small board that, thanks to the power generated by the kite, allows you to slide while always maintaining direct contact with the water. You will feel each wave under your feet, forcing you to constantly read the sea surface to adapt to the undulations and maintain good speed. Being propelled by a kite that flies about 22 meters away from you gives you a feeling of pure adrenaline. The kite acts as your propeller, allowing you to reach high speeds and make impressive jumps. It is the perfect option for those seeking strong emotions and enjoying a dynamic experience in the water.

Wingfoil: Flying over water
Wingfoil offers a completely different sensation, difficult to compare with any other traditional gliding sport, such as kitesurfing or windsurfing. By incorporating a hydrofoil under your board, as you gain speed, the board begins to rise out of the water, taking you into a “flying” state. One of the main advantages of this modality is that, once you rise on the foil, the resistance is much less than on a conventional board that remains in contact with the water. This allows you to ride in lighter winds than you would need for a traditional board. In addition, wingfoil offers a smoother and more fluid experience, since you will not notice the imperfections of the sea surface. The glide is silent and calm, making it a more relaxing but equally exciting option.

Dificulty Levels

Coordination vs Technique

Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing requires more practice and supervision, especially in the learning phase. Safety techniques are essential to ensure safe practice, as you will be constantly connected to the bar, which in turn is attached to the kite.
Handling the kite, coordinating with the board and understanding wind conditions are skills that take time to master, especially for beginners. Learning to control the kite in different directions and react to unexpected situations can be quite a challenge.

Wingfoil
Wingfoil, on the other hand, is relatively more accessible to beginners, in part because you don’t have to handle a large kite above you. In addition, you will start practicing on a board with a lot of buoyancy and stability, without worrying about the foil in the first days.
The wing wing is easier to handle than a kite and does not require as much wind power. However, the most technical part of wingfoiling, and the one that usually causes the most problems, is learning to stand on the foil and maintain balance in the air. This also takes practice. Beginner foils offer greater stability in flight, sacrificing some speed. As you progress, you will begin to use more advanced foils, which will offer greater performance, but will be more difficult to control.

Wind and Water Conditions

Accessibility

Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is highly dependent on stable wind conditions, especially in the medium to strong ranges. If the wind is too light, you will not have enough power to sail, and when the wind is unstable, the kite can lose pressure and even fall from the sky. The best conditions are found in places with constant winds, such as Tarifa or Cabarete.
As for water conditions, kitesurfing is very versatile: you can practice it both in flat waters and in waves. . In any of its forms, this sport always offers an exciting and varied experience.

Wingfoil
The wingfoil is more adaptable to different wind conditions, since you do not need as much power to rise above the water thanks to the hydrofoil. This makes it a viable option even on days with light breezes, when sports such as kitesurfing or windsurfing without a hydrofoil would be unfeasible. The wingfoil is especially efficient on flat waters, as the lower turbulence in the foil provides an experience more fluid and constant sliding. However, it also offers a unique experience in small waves, allowing riders to enjoy the undulations of the sea to propel themselves without depending so much on the wind, a sensation highly appreciated by lovers of this sport.

Safety

Big differences

Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is a sport in which safety measures and rescue techniques must be taken into account. Due to the power of the kite and the fact that we will be using a board that does not have the buoyancy capable of keeping us out of the water if we are stationary, it can be more risky if not practiced with the proper technique.
Poor kite control or an unexpected gust of wind can lead to dangerous situations. Always being hooked to the bar, this will mean that if we have a problem with the kite, we will always be dragged in the direction of the wind. That is why it is necessary to know how to handle the kite in an emergency.

Wingfoil
Wingfoiling is generally safer since you have more control over the wing and there are no harnesses keeping you connected to a constant power source. In addition, the wing can easily release in case of problems and a wingfoil board will always allow you to stay afloat and be able to swim to land in case of emergency. However, foiling underwater can be dangerous if you are not careful or in accidental falls, as the wings of the foil are usually sharp to improve hydrodynamics and you can cut yourself very easily if you crash into it.

To sum up
Which is Best for You?

The choice between kitesurfing and wingfoil depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you are looking for. If you enjoy adrenaline, speed and high jumps, kitesurfing is the ideal option. However, if you prefer a more fluid experience, with less dependence on the wind and lighter equipment, wingfoiling will offer a more relaxing but still fun experience.
Both sports have their unique charms and challenges, so the best option is to consider your goals and the local conditions where you plan to practice. Why not try both and find out which one best suits your style? Discover the highest quality courses in Arifa with the Ozu Kitesurf Courses School

GALERÍA DEL POST

Since 2001

Leading Kite School in Tarifa

Kitesurf & Wingfoil Courses

play