What are the safety rules for wing foiling?

Wing foil may be an extreme sport. It can involve risks, but most accidents are due to human error. To protect your equipment, the equipment of others, other riders on the water, and your physical integrity, it is important to follow common sense and safety rules to practice safely. It is therefore your responsibility to anticipate certain problems and to act to avoid problems and practice safely.

1. The Wing:

Your wing foil wing is the element most likely to cause you problems, both on land and in the water; it must always be attached. A leash breaking or being improperly secured, and your wing is lost or damaged. It is therefore essential to check the condition of your leash before each session (and not to forget it) but also to properly secure your wing when you leave it unattended on land or even when you inflate it.

• Always inflate your wing downwind of the foil and not upwind. If, during inflation, your wing flies onto the foil, you have a high chance of making a hole in the canopy with the front or rear wing of the foil.
• When you leave the beach and leave your wing attached to your board. Secure it to prevent it from flying away. The most suitable way is to stick the leading edge to the mast and wrap the leash around the mast to prevent it from flying away.
• When you go into the water, always remember to carry the foil upwind and the wing downwind.

2. The Board and the Foil:

Your wing foil board and your foil will fly away less frequently, however, it is imperative to place them correctly on the beach, they can be placed in different ways:

• Upside down, lying on the deck, tail towards the wind (Ideally, orient the nose of the board facing the wind).
• On its edge (only when the ground is soft for the equipment) with the tail of the board towards the wind or the foil downwind. (However, you risk damaging your foil. And the performance of the foil depends on the surface condition of your wings. So personally, I'm not a fan of this solution).

Before each session, the foil and the board must be checked (screws and connections).

3. Equipment Choice:

The choice of your wing foil equipment directly impacts your safety; going into the water with the wrong equipment can put you in danger. Always be sure of your equipment, whether it's its selection, maintenance, or implementation.

Example: if you go out with an offshore wind with a low-volume board and the wind drops, you will have difficulty getting back in.

Your personal safety depends on your personal protective equipment; impacts with equipment or other practitioners can be harsh. You need to prepare for them but, above all, protect yourself from them. For this, nothing could be simpler: wear neoprene booties, they will prevent cuts to your feet when you touch your foil. A helmet will prevent head injuries when, for example, you lose the board trying your first backflip… or simply when you fall onto the board.

A full wetsuit is a must-have; it greatly reduces the risk of cuts and slightly absorbs impacts. An impact vest is a must-have; it will protect your ribs and back. In our range, you will find a premium impact vest, ensuring protection with style and some additional options.

Wing foil navigation, like any activity, is subject to maritime rules. Among all the rules, those for launching are important: be sure to follow these few rules:

• Go into the water when conditions allow, do not endanger rescuers!
• Avoid getting too close to other users.
• Go into the water in authorized areas (channels, for example).
• Never position your equipment between you and the rollers or waves...

Once on the water, other small rules must be followed:

• Respect practice zones; some areas are forbidden.
• Stay attentive to swimmers; they are the most vulnerable in the water!
• Do not jump when the environment does not allow it; jumps too close to the shore or other practitioners and users are prohibited as they are potentially dangerous. Find a place where you will not injure anyone to perform your most beautiful maneuvers and light up social media.
• Respect basic priorities: the starboard tack user (right hand in front) has priority, as does the downwind user and the overtaken user. When you do not have priority, clearly show your intentions to avoid misunderstandings and thus collisions.
• When downwinding, be careful not to cut anyone off.

Safety is not limited to the water; it is also important to take precautions on land.

Before you start, inspect the environment and ask for information from the regulars at the spot. Find out about wind conditions, waves, currents, shoals, and sandbanks present at the spot.

Finally, it is essential to know rescue techniques and emergency procedures in case of a problem.

Learn basic first aid to help a person in distress and know how to react in an emergency.

To do this, when you encounter an unconscious person, lift them onto your float or theirs (choose the larger of the two) then, if access to a shore is easy enough to swim, push the board to the shore before calling for help. If the shore is too far away or upwind, have a means of communication to inform the Cross of your situation as quickly as possible. If you do not have a means of communication, signal to other riders.

Make sure you have a means of communication, such as a waterproof mobile phone, close at hand if needed.

Conclusion:

Wingfoiling can be both exciting and demanding, but safety should always be a priority. By following these essential tips, you can ride with peace of mind and fully enjoy this unique experience. Remember to be responsible and respectful towards other practitioners and navigation rules. Equip yourself properly with quality personal protective equipment and ensure your gear is in good condition before each session. Finally, train and inform yourself about the specific safety rules for your spot. By adopting a responsible attitude and taking the necessary precautions, you can fully enjoy your passion for wingfoiling safely.