Wing Foil, summer tips–get the kit and fly easy!

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Have you decided to start practicing Wing Foil?
To solve the equipment problem, the most popular brands on the market provide complete packages that include the wing wing, foil and board, all compact and inflatable.
You can even take them with you on the boat!
Wing Foil is the newest addition to the watersports sailing scene and in just a few years has won thousands of enthusiasts worldwide.
The success of this discipline is mainly due to the smooth and quiet sailing experience it gives, the relatively simple equipment and its extreme versatility.
Indeed, it can be practiced in both light breezes and strong winds, on flat water and in the waves.
And many sailors even take it on their boats while cruising for fun when they moor in the roadstead.
As with all watersports, even in Wing Foil to learn quickly and above all to practice safely requires the right equipment, which must be easy, manageable and versatile.
The components are actually few, but rather technical, and navigating the purchase of the first set can be complicated.
This is why the most popular brands on the market, including RRD, Duotone, Cabrina, and F-One, provide complete packages that include the wing wing, foil, and board, all of which are compact and inflatable.
So let’s see what it takes to enter the exciting world of Wing Foil and how to choose the right products.

Learning Wing Foil is easy with the right equipment

In Wing Foil sailing, the rider uses an inflatable wing, called a “wing,” which he holds with his hands while standing on a board equipped with a hydrofoil, which is a long, thin fin that allows the board to rise and make edges fully raised above the surface of the water.
To achieve maximum performance, Wing Foil requires some practice, good balance to handle the board and sail, and above all, stable, intuitive, and easy-to-handle equipment that makes it easy to learn.
What you need is a wing, a board, and a foil.
Each of these components plays an essential role in determining the quality of the sailing experience, directly affecting performance, maneuverability, and rider safety.
But how to choose them?

Wing: appropriate size and “comfortable” sockets

The wing or wing is a wing-shaped sail that is held with the hands and oriented so as to make the most of the wind and thus gain the speed needed for gliding.
Wing sizes range from 2.5 to 7 meters.
A good starting wing is a 5-meter wing for anyone under 70 kg in weight and a 6-meter wing for those who weigh more.
The second factor to consider is the various hand holds.
You will find two main components: soft grips running along the center mast or a rigid boom also on the center mast of the wing.
Each system has its pros and cons, so choose the one you feel most comfortable with.
Finally, consider the attachment of the “leash,” which is the selvedge with which you will stay connected to the wing in the event of a fall so you don’t lose it.
Leashes are usually attached to your “front” hand wrist, or to your waist.
Each version has merits and demerits, so choose the one that feels most comfortable to you.

Table: lots of volume to learn first

Wing Foil beginners should choose stable boards with large volume to make it easier to stand on the board and start.
A good rule of thumb is to have 30-40 liters of volume more than your body weight.
For example, if you weigh 80 kg, choose a 120-liter board.
Larger boards in fact provide enough buoyancy so that you can concentrate on controlling the sail without worrying about balancing on the board.
As you progress, you will be able to upgrade to a smaller, more maneuverable board.
Consider that many experienced riders use boards with less than 50 liters of volume.
It is also good to consider the “shape” of the board: a wide stern and a “nose,” i.e., a rounded bow, can be very helpful in aiding glide.

Foil: stable and with lots of lift

A central element of the equipment, the foil allows the board to rise above the water, creating the flying effect that makes this sport so unique and fascinating.
The foil consists of a mast or mast, a fuselage and fins.
A model with a larger wingspan and less sharp profile provides, even at low speeds, more lift, which is the principle behind Wing Foil operation.
For this reason, a front flap with an area between 1,800 and 2,500 cm2 is recommended.
A mast on the 70 cm is also ideal for learning because it gives you a good height on the water and allows you to safely pass the “chop,” or formed sea.
Finally, the rear fin, also called the “stabilizer,” should be chosen in proportion to the characteristics of the rider and the front fin.

What does a Wing Foil package contain?

Most of the Wing Foil Packs offered by the market include the inflatable board, the wing wing that is also inflatable, and the foil.
In addition to this there is the wing and board leash, carrying bag and inflation pump.
For a complete kit in terms of cost, it starts at about 1,500 euros and goes up to more than 3,000 euros for lighter and more advanced equipment.
A final recommendation for all beginners is to learn with the help of a qualified instructor in a calm, safe, uncrowded body of water with plenty of room downwind because that is where you will end up during your first few edges.
A wind of 12 to 15 knots is sufficient.
Always wear a helmet to protect you from falls, as well as an impact jacket, socks and a full wetsuit if the water is cold.
The rest, with the right equipment, will be pure fun! David Ingiosi

 

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