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How to jump correctly on a wing foil – level 1

Once you've experienced the sensations of wing foiling , some riders want to fully exploit the sport's potential. To fulfill your desires for freeride riding and performing tricks, we create high-performance and easy-to-handle wing foil products and packages . We ensure they are adaptable , supporting you from your beginnings to fulfilling your freeride and performance aspirations. Sharing our passion for foiling goes far beyond product creation; we're committed to providing you with the best advice to have a blast on the water. Want to take it to the next level and launch your first jumps? Here are all our recommendations on " How to Jump Properly on a Wing Foil " to push the limits of this sport. 7 tips for successful wing foiling (Level 1) THE SPOT AND THE CONDITIONS Unlike some foiling disciplines, wing foiling doesn't necessarily require powerful waves. It's perfectly possible to start on flat water for your first attempt. Ideally, however, you should begin during a fairly windy session (at least 20 knots), with enough chop and/or swell to help you get going during the jump . Also, make sure you choose a spot with sufficient depth . Otherwise, you could damage your foil on landing or if you fall. THE EQUIPMENT When you start wingfoil jumping, prioritize safety above all and equip yourself with protective gear, a helmet and an impact vest with specific wingfoil accessories. For jumping, a slightly smaller board is ideal due to its increased responsiveness and compact size . These boards are generally equipped with footstrap inserts , which are very useful for jumping. The straps will provide stability and control in flight, preventing you from losing the board mid-air . A board that is too large will not be suitable for jumping at all. We recommend a board of 5'5" or shorter (depending on rider size). For more information on using straps or riding strapless in Wing Foiling, we invite you to read this dedicated article. Finally, for maximum speed and optimal jump, we recommend a fast foil and a relatively small front wing ( less than 1500 cm²) . Find our SROKA quiver for wing foil jumping at the end of the article THE PREPARATION Well balanced on your board, with a crosswind , gain maximum speed by loading up with your wing and foil (that is, by being as edged in as possible on your board, pressing down on your heels and pulling up on your toes). Maximize the power of your wing to accelerate. To do this, position the wing as vertically as possible in front of you to catch the maximum amount of wind. Position yourself on your preferred side to begin jumping. THE IMPULSE Locate a section (a choppy patch or a small wave) in front of you. As you approach the crest of your wave, bend your knees more and more (three to four meters before) to prepare for the jump and generate maximum power (continue to edge by pressing hard through your heels). Your gaze should be fixed on the impact zone (the area where the jump will begin). As you near the crest of the wave, turn slightly upwind while continuing to generate maximum power. Bend your knees , squat down, and just before impact (takeoff), apply pressure to your front leg to lower and then raise the foil. This will generate additional lift at the moment of takeoff (you should feel the board nose-dive just before impact). Make sure the front of the board doesn't touch the water, as this will slow you down and cause you to lose your balance. This step is crucial to maximize the power transferred to the foil at impact and thus increase your chances of going as high as possible. TAKEOFF At this point, move slightly closer to the wind (luff) and continue to gain maximum speed. As you take off, shift your weight onto your back leg to lift the foil. Extend your legs while pushing off to jump as high as possible. You're now jumping! You can now position the wing above your head by bending your arms (umbrella position). THE THEFT From takeoff, keep your wing above you like a parachute. Orient it to maximize your glide . Pay attention to your body position: don't lean back or forward, and stay as tucked in as possible to better control your flight and descent . In case of total loss of control, don't hesitate to detach yourself from the board to avoid injury. THE DESCENT AND LANDING This is the second part of the jump. Stay tucked in, keeping the nose of the board pointing upwards, to land on the back of the board. Keep your wing in an umbrella shape until landing . Straighten your legs slightly before touching the water to cushion the impact, and then bend them again to cushion the impact when the foil touches down. If your landing is successful, the foil will immediately take flight once the board is out of the water. For a soft landing , never land flat on your back with your full weight. This could easily cause you to fall, injure yourself, and damage your board. Therefore, never land flat; always land on the back of the board. Learning to jump requires time and repetition. So don't hesitate to practice. Our SROKA quiver for wing foil jumping The 4'6 Fast Flyer Performance Wingfoil Pack was designed for the most experienced riders looking to amplify their sensations and take their jumps, turns, and freestyle tricks to the next level . Combining the lightweight and highly maneuverable 4'6 Fast Flyer (with strap inserts) with the 2021 Sroka Wing and the S-Foil 1750 will boost your performance and allow you to unlock the full potential of wing foiling. Performance Wingfoil Pack 4'6 Fast Flyer This rigid package is the perfect quiver for riders starting out in freeriding or looking for a bit more volume . The Sky Rider 5'5 , equipped with strap inserts, was designed for wing foil performance . Like the Fast Flyer, all stages of manufacturing are 100% Made in Brittany . We've once again included our 2021 Sroka Wing and the S-Foil 1750 in this package, guaranteeing quality , versatility , and speed . Sky Rider Complete Wing Foil Pack In summary: If you're a beginner, don't forget to equip yourself with protective gear. Choose a spot with choppy water Start in your preferred stance and pick up speed by loading your wing and foil. Find a section to lean on, bend your legs to push the foil in Extend your legs to generate momentum , while keeping your arm fully extended above your head to edge the wing. Stay well above the board during the flight and descent Absorb the impact by straightening your legs and pushing the front fin down first. Keep the wingtip above your head throughout the landing Advanced tips/pro tips: Focus your gaze on the designated landing zone Take your time and go gradually