A beginner ’ s guide to wingsurfing wingfoiling
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Words : Tez Plavenieks Pics : Oli Lane-Pearce , Mike Pringuer & Tez Plavenieks Wingsurfing and foiling continue to grab headlines and attention . Being the new kid on the watersports block , but one with unique dynamism and visuals makes this so . Wonder , bewilderment and interest ensure winging pricks interests every time it ’ s seen . Initially , SUPers may struggle to spot the synergy between holding a wing and swinging a paddle . Yet there ’ s plenty . So with that in mind , here ’ s the SUPM beginner guide to wingsurfing and foiling .
Why wing ?
Any recreational paddler will probably tell you they have zero interest in inflating a wing and using wind for propulsion . Seasoned paddle boarders , however , used to milking and using the elements to their advantage , will perhaps recite a different story .
Wind plays a massive part in SUP . Understand and use it correctly to enjoy blowy sessions when other paddlers might struggle . Get it wrong , and the breeze can cause all sorts of issues . Not least getting back to shore if the direction ’ s offshore .
Flip this to riders who have downwind SUP experience , SUP surfing know-how and utilising Mother Nature to the best effect and the draw to winging is tangible . A wing can be an additional tool to enjoy even more time afloat , not just the extension of a paddle . Suppose Mother Nature ’ s not playing SUP ball and blowing dogs off chains . In that case , a wing ( easily inflated and set up , plus intuitive to use ) will get riders amongst it .
Wingsurfing can be done aboard any SUP with the addition of a central fin or drift stopper . This stops downwind glide and keeps the board on a straight and narrow . The additional gear isn ’ t as big an outlay with wingsurfing . One wing , a drift stopper ( or similar ), and you ’ re good on your usual sled .
Adding a foil is the next step . A foil and foil board are arguably the most efficient ways to use a wing . Foil boards can be a hybrid mix of paddling and foil platform , which further cuts costs and aids versatility ( more on boards in a mo ). And with already nailed down wing handling ( born of wingsurfing ), you ’ re already steps ahead .
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