Wings
Wingsurfing is the first port of call to learn how to handle a wing . Taking things one step at a time is the best approach . With either an inflatable or hard SUP , you ’ re free to begin your winging journey . Starting in mellow breeze strengths , it ’ s a case of ramping things up incrementally . And all within a few short sessions . It doesn ’ t take that long for experienced paddlers to get to grips with a wing . Wings aren ’ t as critical to sheeting angles as windsurf sails . And they ’ re much lighter and freer to use without not being attached to your board .
Wings come in various shapes and sizes and with different features . It was once thought a 4m wing is all you need . Yet this has proved to be incorrect . Wings , being inflatable ‘ engines ’, are low power . Therefore
As a general rule of thumb , wing sizes and weight could look something like this ( note : this is just a rule of thumb ): Kids to young teen riders – 1.5m Teens to 60kg riders – 4m 60 to 80kg riders – 5m 80kg to 100kg + - 6m
bigger riders will need around 6m to deliver the right amount of oomph . Lighter riders will get away with smaller sizes .
There ’ s a thought that bigger wings of 6m will see the tips caught on the water . This may happen . But it ’ s super easy to correct the wing ’ s angle , which is good to learn . Plus , when you get to the point of wanting to foil , a bigger wing will stand you in good stead for those first flights .
It ’ s worth considering your overall height when choosing a wing – and then looking at the design more closely . For instance , a more compact wing shape with pulled-in tips will benefit if you ’ re shorter in stature , and this should mean less wing tip clipping .
There are wings with material handles , wings with hard handles and wings with booms . It ’ s worth demoing ( if you can ) these different styles to get an idea of what you like and don ’ t .
Wing skating
Wing skating is another way to dial in your wing technique and enjoy land-based fun . This mightn ’ t be for everyone , but I ’ m a big advocate . Rolling round on a longboard skateboard or land paddle board with a wing in hand is good to practise and great fun . It ’ s also a way to fill the void when conditions may be too cold ( particularly in winter ) or just not right . Wear a helmet and pads , and you should be fine .
35 s t a n d u p p a d d l e m a g u k