5 Key Steps to Learn Wing Foil

Before entering the water, it is essential that we know how to assemble your wing foil equipment correctly. To do this, it is crucial that we follow the following steps:

1. Assemble the rear wing, front wing, spar and fuselage securely using screws.
2. Place the mast in the center of the foil guides if you don’t have specific instructions. Next, finish assembling the front wing of the foil.
3. Inflate the wing to the recommended pressure (PSI), making sure the leading edge points into the wind.

Being aware of the wind is crucial to wing foiling safely and effectively. We have to learn to distinguish between:

• Against the Wind: refers to the side from which the wind blows. In this case, if you are facing directly into the wind, you are upwind. It is the opposite direction to where the wind is carrying any object, whether it is your wing or your board.
• Downwind: refers to everything that is in the direction towards which the wind blows. It is the opposite side from “upwind” and the place where the wing will move if it is not secured. In practical terms, it is the natural direction in which the wind pushes you.

While sailing, your wing should always be on your downwind side. This ensures stability and prevents the wing from causing you to lose control or lose your balance.

Before jumping into the water, we are going to practice handling the wing on the beach, to develop the necessary basic control skills with the wing, understand its behavior in the wind and feel safer when the time comes to get on the wing. board.

Learn to Flip the Wing

One of the basic movements is to rotate the wing so that it is in the correct position. This movement is essential to readjust the wing when you are in the water. To do this, these are the steps to follow:

1. Grasp the leading edge handle with both hands.
2. Extend your hands to the side until the wing is perpendicular to you.
3. Gently rotate the wing into the wind, making sure the leading edge is always facing the direction of the wind.

Power Control

Managing the power of the wing is key to maintaining control both on land and in the water. We will practice the following exercises:

• To generate power: Extend your front arm while gently pulling with your back hand toward you. This will make the wing catch more wind.
• To reduce power: Relax your back hand and allow the wing to open into the wind.

Pumping technique

A good exercise is to practice pumping the wing on the ground. This move will help you build momentum when the wind is light:

1. Extend your arms and bring the wing forward.
2. Pull the wing toward your hips in a repetitive motion.

Practicing on land allows you to gain confidence by becoming familiar with the handling of the wing and its reactions to the wind, improving your power control and balance before facing the water. This preparation time reduces common mistakes, facilitates a smoother transition to the water, and increases your chances of sailing success, ensuring your experience is safer and more enjoyable from the start.

Once you feel comfortable handling the wing on land, it’s time to take your practice to the water. This step is crucial to adapt to the dynamics of wing foil in a real environment and develop the balance necessary for sailing. This process can be broken down into three key steps:

1. Team Preparation and Position

Before entering the water, make sure you attach the safety straps correctly: the wing leash on your wrist and the board leash on your back ankle.
When walking into the water, keep the board in vertical position with the foil pointing into the wind to avoid damage or interference. Once the water reaches waist height, position the board at 90° to the wind, foil down, and position the wing floating on your downwind side.

2. Board Climb and Initial Balance

Hold the front wing handle with one hand and use the other to stabilize yourself as you step onto the board on your knees. Find your balance point by distributing the weight evenly between both knees. Keep the wing elevated and at a 45° angle above you, making sure the leading edge is pointed into the wind. If the wing touches the water, gently lift it to float again.

3. Transition to Standing Position

First place your front foot diagonally across the center line of the board and stabilize yourself before lifting your back foot. Adopt a low stance, with your knees slightly bent and your weight balanced. While holding the wing, adjust its angle to catch the wind stably and always look forward to maintain balance and direction. Practice gentle movements to avoid losing stability.

Mastering the foil takeoff requires technique, coordination, and a little practice. With the necessary time and following the right steps, you will be able to experience the sensation of ‘flying’ over the water.

1. Starting Position and Speed ​​Generation

Adopt a low stance, with your feet aligned on the board and your weight slightly toward your front foot. Keep the wing at 45° to catch the wind. Generate speed by gently pulling with your back hand or, if necessary, use the wing pump technique to achieve sufficient momentum.

2. Transition to Takeoff

As the board gains speed, briefly transfer your weight to your back foot to lift the foil out of the water. As soon as you take off, adjust your weight toward your front foot to stabilize your flight and prevent the foil from rising uncontrollably.

3. Maintain Flight and Control Landing

In the air, dynamically adjust weight between both feet to maintain a constant height and use gentle movements with the wing to control power. If the foil touches the water, maintain sufficient speed and practice lifting it again in a controlled manner.