Wing foiling is a sport that can be practiced year-round. So if you too want to sail all year long and make the most of every session, even when it's cold, here are some tips from the Sroka team on where and how to wing foil . For winter wing foiling, there are two options.
- Either we equip ourselves properly to face the winter,
- Either we opt for a trip to a country with a mild climate and suitable weather conditions for wingfoiling.
How to wing foil in winter while staying at home? What equipment do you need?
Sailing in winter isn't the most pleasant experience if you're not properly equipped. But it can become a real pleasure and thrill if you choose the right gear .
First and foremost, choose a spot suited to your skill level and always check the weather forecast. In winter, weather conditions on the water change rapidly: safety must remain your priority. Make sure that access to the spot is safe and that you can practice safely in case of a drop in wind or equipment problems.
When it comes to equipment, whether you're wing foiling, downwind, surf foiling, pumping, etc., it's essential. Here's what you'll need to go wing foiling in winter .
Equipment
Whether it's for learning, progressing in wing foiling, or simply continuing to sail in winter, the equipment makes all the difference.
1. Full winter suit
If you're not too sensitive to the cold, a 4/3 or 5/4 combination will do the job just fine.
A wetsuit with an integrated hood is the best choice for wing foiling in winter while staying warm. A full wetsuit with an integrated hood will better protect you from the cold and also prevent water from seeping into the suit.
Key takeaway: 30% of our body heat is lost through our extremities. For those who are particularly sensitive to the cold, there are 6/5/4 suits like those from Hoalen.
2. Balaclava, slippers, earplugs
If your wetsuit doesn't have a built-in hood, you can wear one separately. This helps retain heat, protects you from the cold (wind and water), and means you only need one wetsuit for sailing, with or without a hood.
The same applies to winter slippers, which keep your feet warm. Opt for slippers that are flexible enough to maintain good foot support.
Finally, don't forget earplugs to prevent exostosis.
3. The gloves
Gloves are a very important piece of equipment for winter sailing. Not everyone likes wearing them, but they offer excellent protection against the cold.
There are two main types of gloves:
- Full gloves offer maximum protection against the cold but can in some cases reduce sensation in the hands when holding the grips and cause cramps in the forearms.
- Open mitten gloves that keep fingers and hands warm without losing sensation at the wrists.
4. The impact vest or jacket
The Sroka impact vest will insulate you from the cold thanks to its neoprene construction and reinforced foams, while protecting you from impacts.
Penultimate tip
Tip 1 : If you're in a rather cold location, avoid using boards with a 40L volume. If you have the option of using a board with more volume, it will prevent you from spending too much time in the water and swimming too long if the wind drops.
Tip 2 : When you go for a session, land your kitesurfing or wing foil kite on the beach as soon as possible. It's best to avoid sharp rocks and asphalt in strong winds. If your kite slips due to the wind, it will rub against the ground, causing wear and tear on the seams or canopy.
Wing foiling destination abroad during the winter
If the desire for sunshine is stronger than anything else and you cannot stand sailing in the cold, you have only one solution left: find a paradise destination to sail in the sun.
Here is a list of the best spots abroad where the wind conditions are excellent for wing foiling in winter. This list is not exhaustive but will surely give you some travel ideas.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is an area where trade winds prevail during the winter. They offer pleasant temperatures, ranging from 24 to 29 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the consistent trade winds provide ideal conditions for wing foiling. Therefore, the French Antilles, such as Guadeloupe and Martinique, are ideal destinations for winter travel and optimal conditions. For something a little more exotic, you could opt for St. Barthélemy or the Grenadines.
Zanzibar
Located off the east coast of Africa, Zanzibar is an increasingly popular destination for watersports enthusiasts. It offers ideal wind conditions year-round. From December to March is the kuzi season, which brings consistently strong high-altitude winds, creating perfect conditions for wing foiling and other watersports. This is an ideal time to practice wing foiling and hone your basic techniques.
Sri Lanka
In addition to favorable temperatures all year round, Sri Lanka, like Zanzibar, benefits from constant winds that are favorable for wing foiling.
The Kalpitiya area, on the northwest coast, works particularly well from May to October with often consistent winds and flat lagoons perfect for making progress. During the European winter, sailing is also possible on the south coast, although the wind is generally lighter there.
With warm water, reliable wind and varied spots, Sri Lanka remains a very good option for an exotic wing foil trip.
Cape Town in South Africa
Cape Town, and Langebaan in particular, is a very popular kitesurfing destination. Renowned for its strong and consistent winds, especially from November to March, Cape Town offers excellent conditions during this period. These conditions are ideal for wing foiling if you enjoy riding with smaller wings.
The Canary Islands
In winter, it's not the windiest season, but you can still have some great sessions, especially for wing foiling, surf foiling, or kitesurfing. Plus, the water and air temperatures are mild and pleasant. (Water temperature: around 18°C and between 20 and 25°C for the air temperature)
Cape Verde
This archipelago, located off the west coast of Africa, is an ideal destination for watersports like wing foiling. With its stunning landscapes, fine sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, it attracts a growing number of watersports enthusiasts, including wing foilers. Boa Vista , the island off the coast of Senegal, offers perfect conditions in winter; whether you prefer waves or flat water, you'll find what you're looking for with warm water and consistent winds.
Brazil
Brazil is known for its consistent winds during the French winter, offering strong and steady conditions. Spots like Jericoacoara and Cumbuco are popular with wing foil enthusiasts.
- Jericoacoara : Located on the northeast coast of Brazil, Jeri is famous for its consistent winds and lagoon waves. All of this offers ideal conditions for wing foiling.
- Cumboco : is another spot in Brazil, also very renowned, it offers fine sandy beaches, lagoons and very good wind conditions especially in winter in Europe, which is suitable for wing foiling.
Morocco
It's often said that Morocco has more waves in winter and more wind in summer. However, the wind remains consistent throughout the year, averaging over 20 days a month with speeds of 12 to 20 knots. So, if you're planning a winter trip to southern Morocco for windsurfing, expect plenty of wind during your holiday. With spots like Dakhla and Essaouira, you'll have a multitude of locations to satisfy your wing foiling desires.
Tarifa
Tarifa is located in the far south of Spain, just a few kilometers from Morocco. With over 300 days of wind per year, Tarifa is considered the wind capital of Europe. This makes it one of the most renowned destinations for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wing foiling enthusiasts. With spots like Playa Chica, Bolonia, Tarifa Town, and even the more challenging spot of Caños de Meca (with its reef of rocks that can sometimes break the surface), Tarifa offers ideal wind conditions for wing foiling year-round. It allows for sailing with wind and mild temperatures even in winter. When the Levante wind picks up, the wind force is generally 6-7 Beaufort, providing strong and consistent wind conditions.
In summary
In summary, you have two options .
- If you want to sail every weekend, you will need to equip yourself properly for sailing in the cold, prioritizing a warm wetsuit and protecting your extremities so as not to lose too much energy.
- If you only want to sail in warm weather, choose a sunny destination for winter sailing with mild temperatures.
In this case, you have two options. Either you choose a destination where you can rent equipment locally, or you bring your board bag with you to sail with your own gear (check out our wing foil packages ). In the latter case, be sure to check excess baggage fees with your airline. The price varies from one airline to another.
If you still have questions about this, or for any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us !