Foiling: Foiling Gear Considerations

Wing foiling is an exciting new water sport that requires appropriate gear depending on your experience, skill level and conditions. The right equipment will maximize your enjoyment and progression.

Large, flat bays free of marine traffic are ideal for learning wing foiling. It is highly recommended to learn with an instructor to accelerate your learning process.

Equipment Needed

Wing foiling is an exciting and challenging new water sport that can be surprisingly accessible. Its relatively minimal equipment packs into a car, and it requires less physical exertion than most other wind sports. However, like any new watersport, it has a learning curve and acquiring the necessary skills can take some time and practice.

To get started, you’ll need a good-quality wing foil board with enough volume to balance in the water. The best board for you will vary depending on your weight, ambitions and conditions you plan to ride in. You’ll also want to consider whether or not you want to ride with foot straps, as this can help with balance and manoeuvres.

Next is the front foil, which is attached to the fuselage and can have a huge impact on the performance of your set-up. The shape, surface area, thickness and length of the front foil will determine its ability to lift and generate speed. For beginners, it’s recommended to look for a foil that provides early lift, is stable at flight and is modular in design.

Foil Setups

Choosing the right gear for your experience level is essential to maximise your foiling experience. Wing foil equipment advances in leaps and bounds, but it’s not always necessary to have the newest, top-of-the-line gear if you are starting. You can find incredible deals on last season’s gear that will still do the job.

Beginner foilers will benefit from lower aspect ratio front wings to provide early lift off the water and a stable ride. These are usually shorter and more spade-shaped than the higher aspect ratio wings used by more experienced riders.

Harnesses

Harnesses come in two styles, waist or seat, with the choice usually coming down to personal preference and riding style. They also feature hook types, either sliding or fixed, with the latter providing more stability and control.

Booties

Wing foiling is a hot new wind sport that combines the power of a board with a kite-like sail that can lift the board out of the water. It’s a great way to experience the wind in a whole different way, and it’s drawing in surfers, windsurfers, kite surfers, and paddleboarders who are eager to learn this fast-growing new sport.

To get started, you’ll want a pair of neoprene booties that provide insulation and protection to the foot while keeping your feet in the proper position on the board. Neoprene boots are thicker than neoprene slippers and provide more warmth, but they also have a trade-off between board feel and flexibility.

Sunglasses

Wing foiling is a relatively new sport, but it’s already drawing watersport veterans and newbies alike. The best gear will make it easier to learn and improve at this thrilling new watersport.

A quality pair of sunglasses is a must for wing foiling. These must be able to stand up to the spray, saltwater and constant glare from the sun. It requires eyewear that has been specifically designed for water sports with a hard coating to resist scratches and a polarized lens to reduce the glare from the water surface.

The frame also makes a difference, with some frames offering superior comfort, fit and safety features. The Typhoon Spex, for example, features a safety leash and retainer system that keeps the glasses in place under a helmet while maintaining peak vision performance.

The type of material used in the lenses will also have an impact on their clarity, weight, durability and cost. Glass offers the highest optical clarity but is heavy and expensive. Polyurethane and polycarbonate are lightweight and flexible but less durable. Acrylic is a more affordable option that isn’t as clear or durable as other materials but still has good impact resistance.