Wing Foil

Imagine yourself flying like a bird over the water. You no longer surf the wave, but the swell! No need to wait for perfect conditions for surfing, all board sports with a foil board open an infinite number of spots and sessions. No need to wait for the storm to have sensations. In fact, from 7 or 8 knots of wind, you can sail a Wingfoil, Windfoil or Kitefoil and feel the most total freedom. The Foil is similar to a plane flying underwater, which generates a hydrodynamic lift force by its speed, lifting the rider onto his support. Indeed, like an aeroplane that uses the suction force of air molecules, the foil uses the suction of water molecules. The density is higher than that of air, which increases the upward suction effect with speed. The fins are parallel to the board, while the mast is perpendicular, which allows you to control your foil by simply pressing your feet on the board. The support can be a foil board, a kitesurf twin tip, a Stand Up Paddle, a surfboard or a Wind Surf or Wind Foil board. Thanks to this, it is possible to fly over the swell, to move from one wave to another, partially or totally out of the water. In order to have all the keys in hand to make a success of your session, we invite you to discover all the functioning of this tool in our News & Tutorials category. The hydrofoil was originally used on sailing boats, Eric Tabarly, a French sailor, was the precursor of the concept! The concept then briefly appeared in surfing, before developing considerably on the Hawaiian and French coasts in the 2000s with the Kite Foil, notably thanks to Laird Hamilton, Paolo Rista or Dave Kamala. The foil has revolutionised all board sports, and there is no doubt that this practice will be the trend for the coming decades. It has the undeniable advantage of offering the possibility of multiplying the number of waves surfed during a session! Even in unsurfable conditions, you can surf and ride. Today, it can be adapted to all disciplines, from offshore racing to board sports: Kite Foil, Surf Foil, SUP Foil, Wind Foil, Wake Foil or even Wing Foil, the latest addition to the board sports world.

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Inspired by nature, we fly, surf and row with our products developed on the Breton coast. We think for you: quality products, at affordable prices, that last over time. SROKA Company is a Breton brand developed by Bruno Sroka, 3 times world kitesurfing champion and the first man to have crossed Cape Horn in a kite. Born from the desire to share his passion while developing quality products that last over time, SROKA Company manufactures board sports equipment such as Kitesurf, WindFoil, KiteFoil, SurfFoil, SUPfoil, WingFoil, and inflatable Stand-Up-Paddle. Our approach: to make board sports accessible by offering the best products at the best price. That’s why each of them is tested and approved by our team on the Brittany coast. Join the family of board sports enthusiasts. Welcome to Sroka.

FAQ

Wingfoil, or wingsurfing, is the latest in board sports. It uses a foil board (inflatable or hard) with a very light inflatable wing to fly over the water and surf. The practice is a cross between kitesurfing, surfing and windsurfing. Very accessible, its modern form appeared around 2019 and is becoming exponentially more popular.
Even if the average speeds are lower than in kitesurfing and windsurfing, with the right equipment it becomes quite possible to exceed 20 or even 25 knots in wingfoil. For example, the top speed of our 1750 beginner front wing has been measured at almost 20 knots. Our performance models like the 670 or the 950 High Aspect are much faster.
Initially, you need a minimum of speed to get upwind in a wing foil. Once you have a stable cruising speed, tilt your shoulders back slightly and angle your board with a slight heel push.  Back up and tuck the wing in at the same time so that it is facing you. Keep your eyes on the heading. The back foot can be slightly further back than in a crosswind position. Be careful not to over-border the wing or press the back foot too hard: you will lose power and speed or end up facing into the wind. Having a long mast (90cm) helps to get upwind, as you can take more angle with the foil.
The leash is an essential accessory for safety in wing foil. It is compulsory to have a wing leash and a board leash. The kite leash should be elastic so that it doesn’t hurt your arm when you let go of the wing. It should be long enough to manoeuvre freely but not drag in your face either. It is best to avoid leashes like those used in surfing, as they can get back in your face when pumping. For the board leash, anything is possible as long as the accessory is solid (at least 6mm thick). If straight leashes work, then coiled leashes (or phone leashes) that don’t drag in the water, or even hip leashes for ultimate comfort and safety.
Yes, you can surf on a wing foil. It is even the best in the business. It is possible to ride up to the peak without tiring on the foil, then jibe to catch a wave like in surfing. You then put the wing in a neutral position by holding it by the handle on the leading edge, and all that’s left to do is enjoy the pure surfing sensation!
To start with a wave, you should look for waves that don’t break. The longer they are, the better. The ideal wave size to start wing foil surfing is between 40 and 80cm, then you can increase as much as the equipment and the level follow!
You can wing in all possible spots as long as they are safe. You should not go with an onshore wind and an unfavourable current. Beware of crowded spots. It is best to get information beforehand. Otherwise, there are countless spots. In the south, there is La Grande Motte, La Ciotat, Pointe Rouge, Hyères… then the Basque country for those who like surfing. The eastern lakes are not to be outdone with Annecy, Léman, Monteynard… The whole Atlantic coast is also full of spots, from La Baule to Belgium, via Brittany which offers both surfing and flat water. For example, there is Carnac, the Brest bay, the Crozon peninsula… Outside of France, the Canaries are a trendy destination with conditions to suit all tastes. Check out the guide to the perfect holiday here…