How to surf a wave in wing foil?
Do you already know how to wing foil and want to take it to the next level? Do you dream of surfing waves while flying on the water, without the board ever touching the water? You've come to the right place! In this article, we'll explain how to surf a wave in wing foil, giving you tips on choosing the spot, wing position, the path to follow, and maneuvers to perform. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, you'll find all the information you need here to fully enjoy this exciting sport.
Prerequisites for surfing a wave in wing foil
What level of practice is required to start surfing?
- Know how to ride correctly: You need to master the basic principles of wing foiling, speed and direction control, changing tack, etc. You also need to know the safety rules and right of way on the water.
- Know how to master jibes: It is preferable to be able to perform them without losing control or touching the water with the board before trying to surf. Here you will find our illustrated guide explaining how to perform a jibe in wingfoil, step by step.
If you have these skills, you are ready to surf a wave in wing foil! Otherwise, we advise you to practice on flat, calm water before venturing into waves.
"With a foil like the 1350 Lift, you can surf infinitely on the slightest ripple over 20cm. It's the best way to turn a bad spot into a dream spot!"
Choosing a spot for wing foiling
- Wind direction and strength: prioritize side shore wind (parallel to the beach) or side on shore wind (slightly oriented towards the beach), which allows for easy navigation and returning to shore in case of a problem. Avoid offshore wind (blowing towards the open sea), which makes returning difficult and dangerous. The wind strength should be sufficient to inflate the wing and lift the foil, but not too strong to avoid losing balance. Generally, a wind between 10 and 25 knots is recommended.
- Wave size and shape: choose waves adapted to your level and equipment. For beginners, it is better to opt for small, soft, and regular waves, which allow you to get familiar with gliding and lift-off. To progress, you can move towards hollower and faster waves, which offer more sensations and maneuver possibilities. Avoid waves that are too big or too breaking, which can be dangerous. You can also easily start in chop and catch your first surfs.
- Available space: make sure you have enough space to navigate without disturbing or being disturbed by other practitioners. You must respect the rules of priority.
How to surf a wave in wing foil?
- Spot a forming wave and turn around in front of it, or at least sail in the same direction as the wave. You need to position yourself at a sufficient distance to have time to prepare and get into position.
- Match your speed to the wave's speed to get as close as possible to it. The goal is to be on it, without being too far ahead or too far behind. Use the wing to accelerate or slow down, by pulling or releasing the handles or the boom.
- Once on the wave, put your wing in a neutral position by holding it by the leading edge handle. This allows for more freedom and true surfing. Keep the wing above your head or to the side, depending on the wind.
- Adjust your trajectory according to the shape and movement of the wave. You need to steer the board with your feet and torso, keeping your knees bent and your gaze towards the horizon. You can adapt your speed and direction with the wing, by moving it slightly and smoothly.
- If you are going faster than the wave, you need to go diagonally to the wave, so you don't overtake it or lose it. If you are going slower than the wave, you need to stay perpendicular to the wave, so you don't get caught or fall.
What equipment for wingfoiling?
The "Classic" range
Classic foils have a medium aspect ratio. They are easy to handle and offer good stability and maneuverability. They are ideal for beginners or riders looking to have fun in waves or make transitions. They are available in several sizes, ranging from 1250 cm2 to 2000 cm2. The 1250 is for experienced riders or very light beginners (-50 kg).
The "High Aspect" range
High aspect foils have a high aspect ratio, meaning a larger wingspan relative to the chord. They are more efficient for surfing because they glide longer. They are also better suited for light winds or gentle waves. They are available in several sizes, ranging from 950 cm2 to 2000 cm2.
| Front Wing | Surfing Behavior |
| HA 1350 | Glides infinitely on the slightest ripple. Perfect for chop, small swell, and waves less than 50 cm. Ultra-efficient for pumping. It's the ultimate wing for having fun in wing surf and surf foil in small conditions. 100% compatible with surf foil. |
| HA 1190 Lift | Glides for a very long time and has a lot of lift. Perfect for chop, small swell, and waves less than 70cm. Very efficient for pumping. 100% compatible with surf foil. |
| HA 1190 Speed | Glides for a very long time, gains more speed than the 1190 Lift but requires a few more centimeters of wave to glide as much, due to its faster and less lifting Speed profile. Perfect in small to medium swells and waves less than a meter. Very efficient for pumping when you have a bit of speed. It will be harder to restart it by pumping if it loses speed, compared to the Lift version which can restart very easily at low speed. 100% compatible with surf foil. |
| HA 950 | Perfect for swells over 50cm to glide effortlessly. You gain a lot of speed with great control. |
| Classic 2000 | Very powerful, it's the wing that offers the most lift. A heavy rider can catch their first surfs in waves or swell between 20 and 60 cm. |
| Classic 1750 | This is the perfect winglet for starting in Wing. It allows medium-sized riders to get into wingfoiling in the best conditions and catch their first surfs with ease. |
| Classic 1500 | This is the perfect winglet for starting in Wing when you are a small rider (-60kg). It allows light riders to get into wingfoiling in the best conditions and catch their first surfs with ease. 100% compatible with surf foil for larger riders. |
| Classic 1250 | This is the perfect wing for carving and exploiting the maximum of waves from 30 to 80cm for an average rider (80kg). 100% compatible with surf foil. |