Start Wingsurfing / Wingfoiling

Off to the water with the wing

The Verband Deutscher Sportbootschulen e.V. (VDS) aims to ensure the high quality of training offered by watersports and boating schools, and create a solid basis for beginners to learn how to enjoy and feel safe in their watersports. This is also the aim of boot Düsseldorf and our cooperation makes it easier to share important tips & tricks with those interested in the entire range of watersports. Beginners can also try out new sports at boot Düsseldorf.

boot for beginners

Mann auf Board beim Wingsurfen |Copyright © Hoeppner Sport- und Markenkommunikation GmbH

Wingsurfing and wingfoiling: the big trends in watersports

Wingsurfing and wingfoiling are a combination of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing and foiling. There are many spots where they can be practiced in lakes and rivers and the ocean. Thanks to their multifaceted nature, potential and simplicity they inspire both experienced watersports enthusiasts and novices.

The first wingfoilers and wingsurfers were on the water in 2019. And since then, their numbers have steadily increased. Because who doesn’t like feeling free, flying and playing with the elements. Winging is fun, suitable for the whole family, easy to learn and offers almost unlimited flexibility – from relaxed cruising to fast-paced racing, acrobatic and wild freestyle and the exhilarating rush of surfing. Anything is possible!

What is the difference between wingfoiling and wingsurfing?

Wingsurfing: When wingsurfing, you hold the wing in your hand while standing on the board. The wing is aimed into the wind to generate both lift and propulsion.

Wingfoiling: In wingfoiling, you glide over the water with a wingfoil board and a wing. The foil enables you to virtually float above the water.

What equipment do I need?

Wing: The size depends on the wind conditions, the discipline and your body weight.
One or two leashes, one to connect the wing to your wrist and the second leash for your ankle. A hip leash is also available.
Wingfoil board with foil
Helmet, impact vest, wetsuit and neoprene boots
Pump for inflating the wing. Most manufacturers include a pump with the board.

Wingsurfing and wingfoiling at boot 2023

The heart of both sports: the wing

The base of the wing resembles a kite, but the wing is inflated. It is controlled by means of several handles, which are attached to a central strut. Some manufacturers produce wings with a fixed boom or pole. Some have additional loops attached to the front strut (depending on the brand) for holding the wing steady while riding the wave, which allow the wing to float smoothly without a pressure point. Some newer wing models have a window in the cloth for better visibility.

The size of the wing depends on wind strength, your body weight, the location and your level of skill. Basically, a wing between 4 and 6 m² is recommended for beginners, depending on their body weight. For wingfoiling in stronger winds, a smaller wing is better.

Children and people with low body weight should use smaller wings.

The table below gives an initial overview:

Weight kg

3bft

4bft

5bft

6bft

50

60

70

80

90

100+

4m²

5m²

6m²

7m²

3m²

4m²

5m²

6m²

3m²

4m²

5m²

6m²

3m²

4m²

5m²

Wingacademy auf der boot 2023, Copyright © C. Tillmann | Messe Düsseldorf

The board

Beginners should start with a bigger wingfoil board. The smaller the board, the more difficult it is to control. Additionally, the size of the board depends on body weight. The rule of thumb here: add approx. 25 kilos to your own body weight, to ensure adequate stability even in windy conditions. More volume means better stability. More experienced wingfoilers can ride smaller boards, which are more fun on the water.

Meanwhile there are special foils for wingfoiling. Contrary to kitefoiling, these use a bigger front wing. Beginners should start with a front wing 1600 to 2000 cc depending on their body weight. Advanced and professional kiteboarders can use smaller front wings. A mast length of 75 cm is generally suitable.

Getting into the sport

The advantage of wingsurfing and wingfoiling is that you don't need much space or special wind conditions. For this reason, some spots become true wing hotspots.

The more experience you have in watersports and other board sports, the easier it is to get into wingfoiling and wingsurfing. If you’re a surfer or kitefoiler you already meet the prerequisites.

But with a little commitment even watersports beginners can learn wingfoiling and windsurfing quickly and easily. Many kitesurfing schools also offer wingfoil courses. The advantage of the wing over the kite is that the wing has no 25-meter lines and you don't need a harness.

The VDS wing schools offer one course for obtaining a wingsurf/wingfoil licence, which is divided into two wingsurf levels, three wingfoil levels and 2 theory blocks.

Questions and answers about the sport of wingsurfing

At what age is it best to learn wingsurfing or wingfoiling?

Wingsurfing is a very safe sport and as soon as you can swim, you're good to go.

How long does it take to learn these trend watersports?

Wing control is very intuitive and the basics can be learned in minutes. You will also made quick progress on the SUP or similar boards. But in order to foil safely, you will first need some training and that takes longer for some learners than for others.

What is the VDS course like, how long does it take, how much does it cost?

There are various different concepts for learning wingsurfing. They cover everything from the introductory course in SUP to the intensive foil course.

What is the best group size for learning wingsurfing or wingfoiling?

Of course, it’s always best to learn in small groups, especially if you want to progress quickly. Ideal is no more than four students per teacher.

What equipment is required for the courses?

Bring what you would normally need for going swimming. The rest is usually provided by the school.

What do you learn during a course?

Everything that’s important, from proper conduct on the water and setting up the equipment to the relevant techniques, such as wing handling or launching on the board.

Do I receive a certificate after the course?

Yes, after completing the course you may obtain a VDS wingsurf/wingfoil licence, which is divided into different levels to precisely certify the level of knowledge of each student.