LE MAGAZINEWing foil VS Wind foil: which nautical activity to choose?
The Wing Foil and Wind Foil are two activities that look very similar at first glance, so how do you choose? Both sports involve flying over the water using a board and a kite to catch the wind. foilBoth sports involve flying over water using a kite, a board and a wing to catch the wind. If in both cases the sensations are magical, after reading this article you’ll know which nautical activity is best for you.
How does a wind foil work?
Windfoil is a fascinating discipline derived from windsurfing, just like kite surfing foil or stand-up foil, offering new perspectives and unrivalled sensations to watersports enthusiasts. This water sport is based on the ability to navigate on the water using the force of the wind, but with a twist: windfoils enable you to fly over the water rather than simply glide along its surface. Windfoil operation is therefore similar to that of windsurfing, with virtually identical maneuvers, but the sensations experienced are completely different and incredibly exciting.
How to make wind foil?
To windfoil, here are a few key steps to follow:
- Choose the right equipment: opt for a windsurf board adapted to windfoil with a foil box, as well as a specific sail and foil.
- Learn the basics of windsurfing: master harnessing techniques, tacking maneuvers and sail adjustments.
- Mount foil on the board: Install foil correctly in the board housing, making sure it is stable.
- Start in suitable conditions: Choose weather conditions and spots that are suitable for beginners.
- Position yourself correctly: Place your feet in the straps of the board and maintain a balanced position.
- Generate power: Use the force of the wind to generate power in the sail and enable foil to take off.
- Maintain your balance: Concentrate on maintaining your balance and adjust your supports to the movements of foil.
- Practice regularly: Regular practice is essential to progress in windfoil and develop your technique.
Don’t forget to sail within the limits of your skills and to take weather conditions into account. With perseverance, you’ll be able to appreciate the pleasures of windfoil and enjoy the unique sensation of flying over water.
Choose Wind Surf Foil for windsurfing enthusiasts
Wind Foil is a popular activity with windsurfers. Windfoil can be seen as an extension of windsurfing. It’s simply a question ofadding a foil underneath a wind surf board. Thanks to foil, drag is reduced and gliding sensations are multiplied. The sensation of speed is nothing short of impressive, even in light winds.
The disadvantage of the Windfoil compared with the wingfoil is that it is not possible to stop short. Windsurfers Foil have more inertia, so you need to plan your trajectories more carefully. Finally, the equipment is heavier and takes up more space than Wingfoil equipment.
The benefits of Wind Foil for windsurfers:
- Wind Foil can be learned very quickly. The board is longer and bulkier, so it provides greater stability.
- Windfoil is easy to master. Thanks to the basics of windsurfing, it’s easy to find your bearings and make rapid progress.
- Wind Surf Foil doesn’t require a large sail area. So you can keep your Wind Surf quiver!
Choose Wing Foil , the new discipline with many advantages
Wingfoil is a new discipline that combines windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, foil and sup foil. Unlike wind foil and wind surf foil, in wingfoil the wing is not attached to the board. This gives you greater freedom, so you can switch from wing foil to surf foil in a single movement. The wingfoil can be neutralized very quickly.
What’s striking about this new activity is the simplicity of the equipment, its lightness, its space-saving qualities and the ease with which it can be put into action. Wingfoil offers freedom and versatility, all with lightweight equipment.
Who can wing foil?
Wing foil is a sport accessible to all levels, from watersports beginners to experts. Whether you like surfing, kitesurfing or stand-up paddling, you can discover wing foil. However, it is advisable to have good balance and physical fitness to fully appreciate this sport. Whether you’re looking for new sensations, or an experienced rider looking for a new challenge, wing foil offers a unique experience on the water.
What wind speed for wing foil?
The ideal wind speed for wing foil practice varies according to each rider’s preferences and level of experience. For beginners, a minimum of 15 knots of wind is recommended to ensure efficient take-off and sufficient lift, thus guaranteeing optimal sailing conditions. As you gain experience, you’ll be able to ride in lighter winds. However, for more intense sensations and the possibility of making jumps, a wind range between 15 and 20 knots is recommended.
The advantages of wingfoil :
- Easy transport and storage: the equipment doesn’t take up much space, so it can be stored in small spaces. What’s more, it’s easy to transport, and if you opt for an inflatable wingfoil, all your equipment fits in a backpack!
- Wing foil is the gateway to many other sports: SUPfoil, Surffoil, Wakefoil, Downwind, Pumping…
- You can sail anywhere, and there are no massive restrictions like in kitesurfing, for example. Make any spot your new playground!
- The equipment is simple and easy to set up. Unlike kitesurfing, wingfoil requires very little space on the beach to assemble its equipment. What’s more, installation is a snap.
- Wingfoil brings maximum freedom: as the kite is not attached to the board, you can manipulate it as you wish. You can start the session in wingfoil, go through freesurf, downwind and pummel between waves to reconnect without limit.
In short, what to choose between Wing foil and Wind foil?
Wingfoil and Windfoil are two different sports using foil. Wing Foil is a more accessible sport. It’s a light, practical sport that costs less overall than Wind Foil. Wingfoil also makes it easier to exploit many spots that would otherwise be uninteresting for windfoil. The Wind Surf Foil is easier for windsurfers to learn. In light winds, Windfoil will be more efficient than Wingfoil. What’s more, as you progress in Wind foil, you’ll find it easier tolearn Wing Foil later on. Conversely, wingfoiling won’t make learning to windfoil any easier.
Wing Foil or Wind foil, the choice is yours!
If you have any further questions, or if you have any other requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Le Magazine
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