Wing foiling
Wing foiling or wing surfing or winging is a wind-propelled water sport that developed from kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing.
The sailor is propelled by holding a wing that is usually attached to the wrist with a leash. The wing acts as an aerofoil, not as kite or a sail.
The board provides a platform for the sailor to get planing on the surface of the water, then rise onto the foil. Once on the foil, drag is greatly reduced and the foil is able to go upwind well. The board is also usually attached to by a leash to the waist.
Advantages of wing foiling include:
The wing is easier to handle and use than a kite - there are no kite lines and no bar.
Launching is easier than for kitesurfing - no beach is required.
Wing foiling is allowed where kitesurfing is banned in some locations (e.g. Sydney Harbour).
It can be good fun in lighter winds.
Inflatable wing boards are quite compact and portable, and can be good for learning.
Learning to wing foil
Learning to wing foil takes time. Previous experience with kitesurfing or windsurfing provides good balance skills, but using with wing and the foilboard requires different skills. Taking lessons with a qualified instructor will accelerate your learning.
You can learn how to use the wing by using a standup paddleboard (SUP) fitted with a centre fin so it can go upwind. This allows you to focus on using the wing and your balance while standing on a stable platform.
Once you have learnt how to use the wing and tack you can then start using a wing foil board and learn how to get it up on the foil.
Wing foil boards
A common mistake is to try to learn on a wing foil board that doesn't have enough volume. This makes it difficult to keep your balance while kneeling or standing on the board. Once you get the board is moving the foil will provide some stability.
When learning a board with volume of your weight in kg + 40 litres is recommended.
Once you are up and going on the foil a big board will soon be a hindrance due to its size and weight.
If you borrow a larger board while learning you will most likely want to buy a smaller board for ongoing use, e.g. a volume of your weight in kg + 20 litres.
Inflatable boards can provide good stability as they are more buoyant and are also handy for travelling.
Videos
Learning the basics - handling the board and wing and first runs.
Wing foil basics, practice controlling the wing before you get on the water.
Converting a SUP board to learn how to use the wing.
Using a converting SUP board to learn how to use the wing.
Going upwind can be tricky learn, here are some good pointers.