Wingfoiling is becoming more and more popular, and its getting increasingly common to see these small wings riding on our spot in front of the beach. It was just 3 years ago when the legend of windsurfing (Robbie Nash) started this new discipline in watersports. This way to enjoy the ocean is getting attention from all types of people; there is no particular category of clients who call us to come for lessons – everyone can start from scratch in this new sport. You don’t need to have any previous experience to do it, only the decision to take the plunge (or preferably, the glide) !
Let’s explain some beginner tips to get you into the wingfoil world.
1. First of all, what equipment do we need to wingfoil ?
To practice wingfoil we will use a board, and a wing:
FOIL BOARD : The bigger the board the easier it will be for beginners, but once we know the basics of how to ride, we quickly start to adapt the equipment to match the rider.
FOIL MAST : For beginners we use the medium size, but again, after advancing to intermediate levels, you will choose the size of the mast depending on how you like to ride.
WING : The wing size depends on the wind, so normally, if we get addicted to this amazing sport, we will have then different sizes to be able to ride in different conditions.
2. What are the best conditions & spots ?
What make this sport so interesting is that we can wingfoil with really light winds and also with strong winds. Wave spot, steady water, lakes, open sea… so we can have fun in so many places! We can’t ask for better than that!
3. What are the lessons like ?
FIRST LESSON
The first lesson is dedicated to learning about the wing:
WIND THEORY + EQUIPMENT.
- How to pump the wing to gain lift.
- How to adapt the wing to the wind direction to build speed.
SAND EXERCISES
During this part of the lesson all exercises are done on a paddle board on the sand to make sure that the students get the right technique before heading to the water.
- How to hold a wing properly.
- How to power and depower.
- How to change directions.
- How to flip the wing when it falls down.
We do all these exercises first on the knees, and after we practice them standing up.
WATER EXERCISES
The water exercises are the same as the sand exercises, except you are going to be riding for real! At the end of the first lesson, you should be able to stand up with the wing, go out and come back in to shore, riding several meters without falling down.
SECOND LESSON
In the second lessons you will use the Foil Board itself.
We take the board, and wake board with it.
First of all we need to have some power, then when we have a bit of speed, the board will move a bit. That’s when we have to really work with our balance – achieving the same weight in the front as in the back.
4. How long will it take me to learn wingfoiling ?
If you have never done this kind of sport before (windsurfing, kitesurfing etc), the time to learn it will depend a little on your natural ability, but usually its about 3-6 days to get to the point of turning both directions.
5. Why come to Essaouira to learn wingfoiling ?
This a really important questions because we want you all to come and enjoy it with us!!
Essaouira is such a good place to learn wingfoil, because here we have 2 spots to learn, one in front of the school and another one close to the medina – depending on the wave direction and height, we will choose one or the other in order to give you the best conditions for learning. For us of course the most important is your safety, your progress and your enjoyment of the lessons! 😉
6. Last question that a lot of people is asking… Is it a dangerous sport ?
Some people ask us if this a dangerous sport because of the foil, all we have to say to answer this is that it’s very important to use a helmet and a life vest which will protect you in case you fall down and in the very rare case that you crash against the foil.
Our final tip:
If you are an ocean and wind lover, we encourage you to try the wingfoil – we can 100% guarantee that you will experience something completely unique in watersports, and the best way to feed, and encourage our inner child is to continue seeking new adventure, always trying something new!
We eagerly wait for you all in our Explora Watersports Center – Essaouira – Morocco !
