How to Learn Wing Foil for Beginners
Watersports like all dynamic action sports carry inherent risks but with common sense and education from qualified instruction, you can easily enjoy these incredible sports safely. Take the time to learn safely, you will progress quicker with qualified instruction and knowledge.
Generally, accidents happen due to a lack of experience, dangerous location or changing weather conditions. There are some key points as below of wing foil:
The basic information need to know before I start wing foil
- When starting out take lessons from experienced and qualified professional sources.
- Know how to swim.
- Even if you’re a good swimmer, wear a life jacket/PFD when you’re on the water.
- Check weather and sea conditions before heading out.
- Protect your skin.
- Protect your head, wear a watersports helmet.
- Never go out alone.
- Know the local rules.
- Label your gear with contact info.
- Be respectful of ALL sea life.
- Be respectful to all water users; keep a safe distance to avoid incidents.
What should I pay attention to when learning wing foil?
- Make sure your wristband is tightly attached to your wrist. And lest the wings be blown away by the wind.
- Always wear a helmet The foil is sharp.
- Stay away from waves and chop at the beginning.
- Choose the right gears (Please refer to this article “How to choose a surf wing for beginners“
How to setup my wing? (Detailed info please refer to WingHier manual)
- Attach the pump leash to the wing’s leash connection loop.
- Check the valves and seal are clean and free from sand or grit.
- Screw the valves firmly to the base.
- Open the top valve cap
- Attach pump, inflate to 7 PSI, don’t overinflate above 8 PSI. Pump the Leading Edge (LE) first then the strut.
- Close the top valve cap, check the valve is screwed in tight and is sealing.
- Close the neoprene protection cover.
- Never leave your Wing unattended without securing it. Attach the leash to your board, a weight or a solid object.
Start to learn wing foil
- Wing foil take-off is not very complicated, but requires the right approach. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you start with a SUP, preferably a large enough SUP. To calculate the volume(how many liters), you must add 20% to your body weight.
- Get into the water with your board and your wing, get on the board and kneel. Then try to keep the board position 90 degrees from the wind direction and the direction you want to start. To turn the board into the wind, you must place your front hand on the “Y” handle or the first rib handle and your backhand on the third rib handle. Push the wing downwind, which will rotate the board against the wind.
- To turn the board downwind, move your backhand to the fourth handle and push the wing into the wind, which will turn the head of the board downwind.
- With your board at 90 degrees to the wind, move your backhand to the fourth handle on your rib cage and lift yourself off the board. Make sure to lay the wing flat on top of your head, otherwise, the tip will touch the water and flip the wing into the water. If you have enough power and the wings are well positioned, you should move forward.
- In order to go downwind, move your backhand to the fourth or fifth handle and push the wing up.
- In light winds, use the “Y” handle for more lift when pumping. Your backhand should be on at least the fourth handle. Make sure your back foot is on the centerline of the board and your front foot is slightly off the centerline of the board toward the wind.
- When the board picks up a bit, you need to start pumping the board and the wings to get the foil up. A good suction can be one of the most important steps to take off. Remember to keep your hands up to prevent the tip from touching the water. If the tip touches water, it can throw the wing into the water.
