What are the safety rules for wing foiling?

Wing foiling may be an extreme sport. It can involve risks, and most accidents are due to human error. To protect your equipment, other people's equipment, other water sports enthusiasts, and your own physical well-being, it's important to follow common-sense safety rules to practice safely . It is therefore your responsibility to anticipate potential problems and take action to avoid them and ensure safe practice.

1. The wing:

Your wing foil is the component most likely to cause problems, both on land and in the water; it must always be securely attached. A broken leash or an improperly secured leash can result in your wing being lost or damaged. Therefore, it is crucial to check the condition of your leash before each session (and not forget it!) and also to properly secure your wing when leaving it unattended on land or even when inflating it.

• Always inflate your wing downwind of the foil, not upwind. If, during inflation, your wing flies off the foil, you're very likely to tear 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 best way is to attach the wing to the mast and wrap the leash around the mast to keep it from flying off.
• When you go out on the water, always remember to carry the foil upwind and the wing downwind.

2. The board and the foil:

Your wing foil board and foil will fly away less frequently; however, it is imperative to position them correctly on the beach. There are several possible ways to position them:

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

Before each session, the foil and the board must be checked (at the level of the screws and the joints).

3. Equipment selection:

Choosing your wing foil equipment directly impacts your safety; going out on the water with the wrong equipment can put you in danger, so always be sure of your equipment, whether it concerns its choice, maintenance, or implementation.

Example: if you set off with an offshore wind on a board with low volume and the wind drops, you will have difficulty returning.

Your personal safety depends on your personal protective equipment; collisions with equipment or other riders can be severe. You need to be prepared for them, but above all, protect yourself. It's simple: wear neoprene booties. They'll prevent cuts on your feet when you hit your foil. A helmet will protect your head from impacts when, for example, you lose control of the board while attempting your first backflip… or simply when you fall on the board.

A full-body suit is essential; it greatly reduces the risk of cuts and offers some impact absorption. An impact vest is a must-have, protecting your ribs and back. In our range, you'll find a top-quality impact vest that provides stylish protection and a few additional options.

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

• Enter the water when conditions permit, do not endanger the rescuers!
• Avoid standing near other users
• Enter the water only in designated areas (channels, for example).
• Never position your equipment between yourself and the rollers or waves….

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

• Respect the practice areas, some places are off-limits.
• Keep a close eye on swimmers, they are the most vulnerable in the water!
• Don't jump when the environment doesn't allow it; jumps too close to the edge or other users are prohibited as they are potentially dangerous. Find a spot where you won't hurt anyone to perform your best maneuvers and set social media ablaze.
• Respect basic right-of-way rules: the starboard tack vessel (right hand forward) has priority, as does the leeward vessel and the vessel being overtaken. When you do not have priority, clearly indicate your intentions to avoid misunderstandings and collisions.
• When you are 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 heading out, inspect the area and ask for information from those who regularly surf the spot. Find out about the wind conditions, waves, currents, shallows, and sandbanks present at the location.

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

Learn the basic steps to rescue a person in distress and know how to react in an emergency.

To do this, when you encounter an unconscious person, pull them onto your board or theirs (choose the larger of the two). Then, if access to a shore is easy enough to swim to, push the board to the shore before calling for help. If the shore is too far away or upwind, have a means of communication ready to alert the Coast Guard (CROSS) of your situation as quickly as possible. If you don't have a means of communication, signal to other riders.

Make sure you have a means of communication, such as a waterproof mobile phone, readily available in case of need.

Conclusion :

Wingfoiling can be both exciting and demanding, but safety must 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 of other riders and the rules of the water. Equip yourself properly with quality personal protective equipment and make sure your gear is in good condition before each session. Finally, get trained and familiarize yourself with the specific safety rules for your location. By adopting a responsible attitude and taking the necessary precautions, you can fully enjoy your passion for wingfoil safely.