WingSUP means being towed by a wing or a parawing while standing on a stand up paddle board fitted with a central fin. Without a foil, the board stays on the surface of the water: it is the simplest way to discover the wing and make the most of your SUP on windy days.
- Gear: a WindSUP paddle board with a central fin, plus a 3 to 4 m wing or parawing
- Who it's for: paddlers who want to ride when the wind picks up, beginners in wing, future wing foilers
- The key point: the central fin acts as a centerboard, it prevents the board from sliding downwind and lets you sail upwind
- Foil: no, WingSUP is practiced without a foil
What is WingSUP?
WingSUP combines two activities: stand up paddle and wing. You hold the wing in your hand, standing on your board, and the wind moves you forward instead of the paddle. The board glides on the surface, without a foil, which makes the sport accessible and reassuring: moderate speed, falls into the water with no risk, and no takeoff technique to learn.
It is also an excellent way to use your paddle board more often. On windy days, when a paddle outing becomes tiring, WingSUP turns that wind into propulsion.
The gear for WingSUP
A WindSUP board with a central fin
This is the most important element. On a classic paddle board, the fins are placed at the back: as soon as the wing pulls, the board drifts downwind and you can't hold your course. A WindSUP board also has a fin in the center of the hull. This fin acts as a centerboard: it provides lateral grip that counters the wing's pull, lets you hold a clean track, and lets you sail upwind to return to your starting point.
The inflatable WindSUP 10'6 Fusion was designed for this use. It remains a full-fledged paddle board for days without wind, and can also be turned into a windsurf board or a kayak.
The WindSUP is temporarily unavailable, with a return planned for early 2027. Contact us to be notified as soon as it is back in stock.
A wing: the Wing V4
A classic inflatable wing works very well for WingSUP. The Wing V4 SROKA comes in sizes from 2.8 to 7 m²: choose the size based on your build and the wind strength on your body of water. If you plan to move on to wing foil later, you will keep the same wing.
Or a 3 to 4 m parawing
A 3 to 4 m parawing is also very well suited to WingSUP. It is steered with a small bar connected to the wing by short lines, requires no inflation, and fits in a backpack. The parawing FYNIX comes in 3 m and 4 m, the two sizes suited to this practice.
Accessories
Keep your SUP paddle on board: it lets you get back if the wind drops. The leash is essential: it connects you to the board if you fall.
WingSUP, the best gateway to wing foil
Everything you learn in WingSUP will serve you in wing foil: handling the wing, reading the wind, understanding points of sail, sailing upwind, changing tack. The difference is that you learn all of this on a stable board, at moderate speed, without managing a foil takeoff at the same time. Once steering the wing feels natural, the move to foil is much faster. For next steps, check out our guide: how to start wing foil.
Our tips for your first sessions
- Choose a sheltered body of water and a moderate, steady wind for your first outings.
- Never ride in offshore wind: it pushes you out to sea.
- Start on your knees to get a feel for the wing, then stand up once the pull feels familiar.
- For your first runs, stay on crosswind legs, out and back, before trying to sail upwind.
- Ride with someone or in a monitored area, and let someone know about your outing.
Frequently asked questions about WingSUP
What is WingSUP?
WingSUP means using a wing or a parawing, held in your hand, to be towed on a stand up paddle board. The board has no foil and stays on the surface of the water. It is an accessible practice, ideal for discovering the wing and making the most of your SUP on windy days.
Can you do WingSUP with any paddle board?
It is possible, but a paddle board without a central fin drifts downwind as soon as the wing pulls, and it becomes very hard to hold a heading or return to your starting point. A WindSUP board, fitted with a central fin, provides the anti-drift grip you need and lets you sail upwind.
Wing or parawing for WingSUP?
Both work. The wing is held directly by its handles and will also serve you in wing foil. The parawing is steered with a small bar, does not inflate, and fits in a backpack. For WingSUP, a 3 to 4 m parawing is well suited.
Do you need a foil to do WingSUP?
No. WingSUP is practiced without a foil, the board glides on the surface. This is precisely what makes it simpler and safer to start. The foil comes later, when you move on to wing foil.
Can you sail upwind in WingSUP?
Yes, as long as you have a board with a central fin. This fin counters the drift caused by the wing's pull and lets you gain upwind, then return to your starting point.
Is WingSUP a good way to learn wing foil?
Yes. You learn to handle the wing, read the wind, and change tack on a stable board, without managing foil flight at the same time. When you move on to wing foil, you only have the foil left to tame.
About the author
Bruno Sroka, three-time world champion, four-time European champion and three-time French champion in kitesurfing. Crossed Cape Horn by kitesurfing (2008), English Channel record (2012), France-Ireland crossing of 444 km (240 nautical miles) in 16 h 40 (2013). Former PE teacher, founder of SROKA Company, a Breton brand of foil, wing foil, SUP and parawing.
