LE MAGAZINEWing foil VS Wind foil: which nautical activity to choose?
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 water thanks to a foil, using 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 to choose according to your level, your desires and your conditions of practice.
How does a wind foil work?
Windfoil is a fascinating discipline derived from windsurfing, just like kitesurf foil or Sup foil, offering board sports enthusiasts new perspectives and unrivalled sensations. This water sport is based on the ability to navigate on water using the force of the wind, but with a special twist: windfoils enable you to fly above the water rather than simply glide on its surface. Windfoil operation is therefore similar to that of classic windsurfing, with virtually identical maneuvers, but the gliding sensations experienced are completely different and incredibly exciting. You benefit from a certain speed and can enjoy a unique water gliding experience.
How do I make a wind foil?
To windfoil, here are some key steps to follow:
- Choose the right equipment to get started: opt for a windsurfing board adapted to windfoil with a foil housing, as well as a specific sail and foil.
- Learn the basics of windsurfing: Master harness navigation techniques, tacking maneuvers, and sail adjustments.
- Fitting the foil to the board: Install the foil correctly in the board housing, making sure it is stable.
- Start in the right conditions: Choose suitable weather conditions and spots for beginners.
- Position yourself correctly: Place your feet in the straps of the board and keep a balanced position.
- Generate power: Use the force of the wind to generate power in the sail and allow the foil to take off.
- Keep your balance: Concentrate on keeping your balance and adjusting your footing to the foil’s movements.
- Practice regularly: Regular practice is essential to progress in windfoil and develop your gliding technique.
Remember to sail within the limits of your skills and take into account the weather conditions. With perseverance, you will be able to enjoy the pleasures of windfoil and enjoy the unique sensation of flying above the water.
Wind Surf Foil for windsurfers
Wind Foil is a very popular activity with windsurfers. Indeed, Windfoil can be seen as an extension of windsurfing. It ‘s as simple asadding a foil to the underside of a wind surf board. Thanks to the 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 to the wingfoil is that you can’t stop dead in your tracks. Windsurf Foils 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 advantages of the Wind Foil for windsurfers:
- Wind Foil is very quickto learn. The board is longer and bulkier, so it will provide more stability.
- Windfoil is easy to master. Thanks to the basics of windsurfing, it is easy to find your bearings and progress quickly.
- Wind Surf Foil doesn’t require a large sail area. So you’ll be able to keep your Wind Surf quiver!
Choose Wing Foil, the new discipline with many advantages
Wingfoil is a new discipline that combines windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, surf foil and sup foil. Unlike windfoil and wind surf foil, in wingfoil the wing is not attached to the board, but held in the hand. This gives you greater freedom of movement, 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, space-saving and ease of use. Wingfoil offers freedom and versatility, all with lightweight equipment.
Who can wing foil?
Wing foil is a sport accessible to all levels, from water sports beginners to experts. Whether you like surfing, kitesurfing or stand up paddleboarding, you can discover wing foil. However, to fully appreciate this sport, it is advisable to have good balance and physical fitness. Whether you’re looking for a new thrill or an experienced rider in search of a new challenge, wing foil offers a unique experience on the water.
What wind speed for wing foils?
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 an efficient take-off and enjoy sufficient lift, thus guaranteeing optimal sailing conditions. With the gain of experience, it is possible to sail 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 wingfoiling:
- Easy to transport and store: the equipment doesn’t take up much space, so it can be stored in small spaces. Plus, you can easily carry it around, and if you opt for an inflatable wingfoil, all your gear fits in a backpack!
- Wing foil is the gateway to other disciplines: SUPfoil, Surffoil, Wakefoil, Downwind, Pumping…
- Possibility to sail everywhere, there are no massive restrictions as can be seen in kitesurfing for example. Make all the spots your new playground!
- The hardware is simple and easy to install. Unlike kitesurfing, wingfoil requires very little space on the beach to assemble your equipment. In addition, the installation is very fast.
- The wingfoil gives you maximum freedom: as the wing 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 pumper between waves to reconnect them without limit.
In short, what’s the best choice between Wing foil and Wind foil?
Wingfoil and Windfoil are two different foil sports. Wing Foil is more accessible. It’s a lighter, more practical sport that costs less overall than Wind Foil. Wingfoil will also make it easier for you to exploit many spots that would not be of interest to windfoil. The Wind Surf Foil will be easier for windsurfers to learn. In light winds, the Windfoil will be more effective than the Wingfoil. What’s more, as you progress in Wind foil, it will be easier for you tolearn Wing Foil later on. Conversely, wingfoiling won’t make learning to windfoil any easier.
Wingfoil or Windfoil, 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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