Wingfoiling is a new and exploding addition to the world of sailing, and naturally it has a racing component built into its foundation. Wherever there’s wind and water these days, wingfoilers can be seen flying fast with light and minimal equipment, and when two ­foilers meet, who doesn’t want to see how fast they can go? And who’s faster? Even though wingfoiling is relatively new, there’s already plenty of racing developing, internationally and domestically. Whether you are new to wingfoiling and want to race for the first time, or you want to push yourself to the next level, here are my top-10 tips to make the most of your wingfoil racing.

Enjoy the racing. Wingfoil racing is a unique way to share the water with a lot of people. One of the coolest things about foiling is how silently you sail across the water. You can be very close to another person and have a conversation, which makes racing much more social and competitive.

Be open to learning new things. When I work with the kids on the Wylde Wind & Water Wingfoil Youth Team, I tell them that the best way to improve is to race. Racing teaches us so many invaluable lessons about equipment management, reading the water, sailing in a variety of conditions, and pushing our comfort zones. Every race will teach us something, so we have to remember to be open to learning from it. I learn as much from one regatta as I could from an entire month of training on my own.

Don’t stress the gear. The best equipment with which to start racing is the gear you have. Use it to participate in a local race series, and as you get more familiar with the racing formats and as your skills improve, then you can purchase more-advanced equipment for wingfoil racing. Don’t let your equipment be your barrier of entry to try something new.

Learn the different starts. There are three types of starts in wingfoil racing: traditional upwind starts for when you are ­racing windward/leeward courses; reaching starts for when you are slalom racing; and rabbit starts for when you are distance racing or marathon racing.

As your skills improve, you can purchase more-advanced equipment for wingfoil racing. Don’t let your equipment be your barrier of entry to try something new.

The start sequence is typically a 3-minute countdown. Because wingfoilers sail very quickly, you cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, so calculate this into your prestart routine so that you know where to line up at 30 seconds before your start. The goal is to cross the start line going full speed—and in control. You always want to be on foil during the prestart sequence, so jibe or tack in puffs—whatever keeps you on the foil—so you can ensure that you’re foiling when you cross the line.

Pump for extra speed off the line. When pumping for speed off the start, use your whole body, starting with your legs, to compress the foil into the water to generate lift. As the board starts to rise, extend your arms and capture more wind in your wing, which will counter the lift of the foil and propel you forward. When pumping, engage your core, not only for strength and power, but for stability as well. Remember, you are the connection between the wing and the board. Be a solid connection.

Stay fast and tight. On the typical wing racecourse, there are two major obstacles to avoid: dirty air and dirty water. Dirty air can be really disruptive to your top-end speed and your upwind or downwind angle, so do your best to find lanes of clean air to avoid wing turbulence. Wing turbulence is one of the easiest ways to catch a wing tip in the water, which often results in swimming. Foils disturb the water and create turbulence from the introduction of air down the mast. Somebody else’s foil turbulence can knock you off balance or cause your foil to cavitate. Learn how to anticipate foil turbulence, and if you can, avoid it.

Somebody else’s foil turbulence can knock you off balance or cause your foil to cavitate. Learn how to anticipate foil turbulence, and if you can, avoid it.

Embrace different courses. Wingfoil racing can be short and intense, which keeps it exciting. Slalom races are anywhere from 3 to 6 minutes, course races are about 8 to 12 minutes, distance races are around 20 to 25 minutes, and marathon races are at least 45 minutes.

Enjoy the entire wind range. Wind minimums and maximums depend on the ­location and sea state as well, but race organizers typically aim to sail in 6-knot minimum. And the wind maximum? That depends on the race committee, however, I recommend getting a small wing because wingfoil racing in 35 to 40 knots is chaotic but a ton of fun.

Clean and safe mark roundings. It’s especially important to pay close attention to your exit angle from a mark rounding. You’re moving at a high rate of speed, and your exit angle can make or break your race. Also, just as you would off the starting line, pump out of the turns to accelerate.

Find your fleet. Where to wingfoil race? There are many race opportunities around the world, including the high-level Wingfoil Racing World Cup tour, GWA Wing Foil, X-15 Class races (one-design), and national and local races. Connect with your local sailing club or federation to learn more information about the upcoming races in your region, and if you don’t have a local wingfoil racing scene, start one. All it takes is another winger.

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Wingfoiling has taken the watersports world by storm, attracting enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds because the sport’s versatility allows us to enjoy it almost anywhere, even in less-than-perfect conditions. However, for beginners, navigating the rapidly-developing aisles of wingfoiling gear can be overwhelming so let’s get you on the right equipment first.

Your First Board

To kickstart your wingfoiling adventure, you need four essential components: a board, a foil, a wing, and a positive attitude for learning a new sport. For stability during your initial wingfoiling sessions, opt for a board with more volume than your bodyweight. As a rule of thumb, a board with 30 to 50 liters more volume than your weight is suitable. For example, if you weigh 85 kg, consider a board in the range of 120 to 140 liters. Larger boards provide the necessary balance and stability crucial for learning, allowing you to focus on handling the wing and getting up on the foil.

Your Starter Foil

The four foil components are the mast, front wing, fuselage, and back wing. The front wing provides lift, and the back wing offers stability. Initially, a shorter mast (around 65 to 85 cm) is recommended for beginners. Foils are usually sold in sets, and starting with a larger foil is advantageous. A front wing sized between 1500 to 2000 square-centimeters is suitable for beginners, providing easier lift. A slightly longer fuselage contributes to stability, while a back wing in the range of 250 to 300 square centimeters is ideal.

Your Wing Choices

Selecting the appropriate wing size depends on the wind conditions at your learning location. For winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots, a wing size between 4 meters and 5 meters is recommended. A 4.5-meter wing is also a great option for beginners. Lighter individuals can opt for smaller wings, while those over 80 kg may find a 5-meter wing more suitable. Larger wings will be more challenging to handle and maneuvers, so choose a size that balances lift and manageability.

Once you source your gear (and by now there is plenty of used equipment to save money initially), there are several ways to progress quickly up the learning curve, starting with one of the best Apps available: the Duotone Wing Academy. Thiswill be your go-to resource as it’s especially tailored for beginners, but it also covers a lot of advanced lessons.

Your future success on the water starts on the shore. This means spending time on the shore with your wing, familiarizing yourself with its handling and power. Practice the necessary steps on the sand before venturing into the water. And when you do finally make the leap to the water, be sure to choose a calm location for your initial learning experiences. Choppy and wavy conditions will complicate the learning process. Initially, you may drift downwind, so choose a location where walking upwind is easy or consider having an assist boat to help you move upwind efficiently.

Patience is key, of course because learning a new sport can be physically demanding. Be patient with yourself as your muscles adapt to the unique demands of wingfoiling. Don’t let your frustrations hold you back; foiling will come sooner than you think. And if it doesn’t, consider taking a few professional lessons from a school or private instructor to gain essential knowledge and skills. And lastly, always prioritize safety, which means wearing protective gear such as a helmet, impact vest, and knee pads to safeguard against potential injuries during the initial learning phase.

Once you source the right gear and the appropriate time and effort into your development guarantee what you will get is pure freedom. The sensation of flying above the water is not comparable with anything else. You will love it and it will not become your hobby, but your lifestyle.

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As it is with wingfoil tacking, the exciting and essential skill of wingfoil jibing has two fundamental flows: heel-side to toe-side and toe-side to heel-side. Presuming you are new to jibing, the best starting point is the heel-side to toe-side transition. This involves riding with your front foot forward and executing a seamless turn into the “switch” position (toe-side), which eliminates the need to change your feet during the jibe.

Step 1: Get comfortable with the foil

First, let’s get you comfortable with that foil beneath you. Imagine the little plane below the surface—you must know how to control it. It will instantly respond to your every weight movement. Bigger foils that are ideal for learning are more forgiving and will allow you to have some more time to put it all together, so I definitely recommend starting with big gear in the beginning of your wingfoil journey.

Let’s practice for the jibe by riding heel-side and practicing subtle turns to the left and right. This will help you get a sense of the control needed for the jibe, which you will initiate by shifting your weight from your toes to your heels.

When transitioning to toe-side, the key is to shift your weight forward, leaning onto your front foot. This adjustment is the secret sauce for maintaining that perfect balance and control during your turn. To master riding toe-side, you have two options: initiating a jibe into toe-side or switching your feet while riding. The choice is yours.

Whether you’re switching from toe-side to heel-side, or the other way around, it all starts with lifting the front of your board. As you do this, shift more weight onto your back foot and swiftly switch your foot positioning. This ninja move ensures your board stays perfectly balanced throughout the entire maneuver. Don’t forget, the wing above your head can act as your wingman, providing that extra lift when you need it.

Step 2: Master the heel-side to toe-side jibe

Many wingfoilers consider this type of jibe to be the easiest, making it the perfect starting point for newcomers. Entering the heel-side to toe-side jibe you want to first generate additional speed. To do so, just before making the turn, pull on your back hand to grab some power in the wing. Then, transition to holding the wing high overhead. Keeping the wing elevated will help you master this move. Now, carve your turn to point the front of your board downwind. Shift your weight onto your toes and bring your hips forward. Then, release your back hand from the wing. Allow your board to keep turning while your wing is still high above. Simultaneously, switch your hands and start pulling on the back hand again to power the wing. Finish the maneuver by pumping the wing and the board a bit if your speed drops during the jibe.

Step 3: Move on to the toe-side to heel-side jibe

This second style of jibing has similar steps, but is a little bit more difficult to start with. I believe once you master the heel-side to toe-side jibe, this jibe will be much easier to handle.

Let’s get to it. Build speed before starting the jibe by pulling on your back hand slightly more to power the wing. Now hover your wing overhead as you initiate the turn. Keeping your wing high will help you have more balance. Release your back hand as you begin carving your board downwind while transferring your weight onto your heels.

As the board turns, switch your hand on the top handle, or on the top of the boom. The key moment is when you’re completing the maneuver, swiftly pull back on your back hand to catch the wind and maintain your speed as you exit the jibe. If you need more speed, you will need to pump the board slightly to continue flying.

By mastering both heel-side to toe-side and toe-side to heel-side jibes, you’ll unlock a world of control and excitement in your wingfoiling skills. Mastering the switch of your feet while riding is also another next-level achievement. Always remember: practice, practice, practice and be patient. It all takes time, but let me tell you it is worth it.

Paula Novotna @paulanovotna is the first-ever women’s world champion in wingfoiling, excelling in both freestyle and racing. Follow her journey on her social media channels, including Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube, and Facebook. She’s here to inspire and share her experiences with you to become a better wingfoiler.

The post Three Ways to Master Your First Wingfoil Jibe appeared first on Sailing World.

After honing your skills with wingfoil jibes, the next progression is taking your wingfoiling to the next level by perfecting the tack. Tacks are not only practical for changing your direction swiftly but also add a touch of style to your wingfoiling performance. Mastering tacks requires practicing diligently, and once you’ve perfected them you’re sure to impress others on the beach, and enhance your overall wingfoiling experience. So, let’s get to it.

Step 1: Start from Toe-side Stance

Begin by attempting a tack from your toe-side stance. While riding toe-side, keep your wing elevated to maintain control. To set up for the tack, glide upwind while holding your top hand on the wing. Ensure that your wing is positioned correctly.

Step 2: Turn the Wing and Change Hands

Now it’s time to initiate the tack. Turn the wing over your head to the opposite direction while keeping your board on course. Quickly switch your hands, starting with the one on top. Simultaneously, use your bottom hand on the wing to pull it and catch the wind to continue riding smoothly.

Step 3: Weight Distribution

As you complete the tack, be prepared for your board to want to rise. Counter this by shifting weight onto your front foot immediately after the tack. Depending on the wind conditions, you may need to employ a slight pumping motion to maintain momentum.

Step 4: Practice and Consistency

With practice, you’ll become more consistent in executing your tacks. As you improve, you’ll notice a significant enhancement in your wingfoiling performance and the movements will all become second nature. The elegance of well-executed tacks will garner admiration from fellow wingfoilers and motivate you to continue progressing in the sport.

Step 5: Transition from Heel-side to Toe-side

Transitioning from a heel-side stance to toe-side can be a bit more challenging than the previously explained tack, but let’s break it down:

• Build speed while riding heel-side and turn your board upwind in the opposite direction.
• Keep your wing elevated and release your back hand. Swiftly rotate the wing over your head.
• Change your top hand to your second hand rapidly and position your back hand on the second handle to maintain speed.
• Balance your board and shift your weight from heel-side to toe-side. Place more weight on your front foot to maintain control.

Step 6: Heel-side to heel-side tack (Complete Tack)

For the advanced tack—from heel side to heel side—which is great for upwind progress, follow these subtle steps:

• Start similarly to the previous tack, but position your feet out of the back strap and toward the middle of the board.
• Throw the wing over your head while turning your board.
• As you change your hands and pull on the back hand, switch your stance on the board.
• The board will naturally rise during the turn, so shift your weight to the front of the board.
• If you lack sufficient speed, employ a pumping motion to keep going.

For additional tips, follow me on Instagram @paulanovotna. Happy wingfoiling and see you on the water.

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Last year, my family and friends took a welcome break from the racing circuit to explore the Abacos Sea in the Bahamas onboard a Sunsail bareboat catamaran. Like any family outing this was supposed to be all about relaxing and recalibrating, but those who know me know I’m not one to sit around and twiddle my thumbs. Nope. For this family adventure I made sure to bring my wingfoiling gear, and I’m glad I did as I was rewarded with many days of beautiful flat-water fun straight from the back of the yacht. As this was my first time on a charter catamaran with wing gear, I did learn a few new things that will make me better prepared next time, so here are some tips to help you get the most out of your wing foiling adventure trips.

Travel light

Traveling with massive bags can add extra anxiety and cost to the start and end of a holiday, not to mention taking up valuable space on board whatever yacht you’re on, so consider investing in an inflatable board.  I have a board made by French company Gong, which inflates to 20 psi and packs down into a normal size travel bag. I barely notice the difference over a traditional hard board. I have traveled several times with a hard board, but they’re pretty unwieldy and you’ll get charged oversized bag fees both ways. Not to mention, there’s a good chance it’ll get dinged somewhere along the way.

I also normally use a 1.25-meter wing boom, so for traveling, I cut mine in half and added a smaller piece of carbon tube inside at the join so it fits easily into the bag too.

Also, don’t tell the airline it’s a surfboard. Generally, they like to charge you extra for a surfboard but if you say they’re golf clubs it’s cheaper or even free. Armstrong even makes a board bag with “Golf” written on it.

Check the forecast and take only what you need.  If you’re heading to the Caribbean, chances of using your 3-meter wing are pretty slim so save the space.

I haven’t tried one yet, but they do make small travel pumps or even electric ones that plug into a USB socket. This could be another great space saver.

Launch away

I rigged up everything on the bow tramp of the Sunsail Catamaran, tied all the leashes together, tossed them overboard and walked the leash back to the stern. When launching, I had the wing in my hand, pushed the board a meter or so away from the boat and jumped on!  The first few attempts didn’t go so well, but I eventually realized that there was a big wind shadow for the first few meters behind the boat. The situation is a similar story for coming back to the transom when you’ve finished.  It’s easy to underestimate how little wind there is at the back, so you’ll glide toward the stern for a long way. It’s best to consciously touch the board down and do the last few meters with the board in the water.  This also means you’re less likely to fall backward onto the transom.  One other option is to have the tender on a long tether off the transom and stop with a seat on the nice and bouncy tubes.  The sensible thing would be to stop well away from the boat and swim your gear back to the ladder, but we all know that’s not going to happen!

Lash it down

Triple check you’ve got everything in your bag before you leave because the chances of getting spares on your trip are low.  Also, make sure you tie everything down once you’ve finished or are transiting between anchorages because you don’t want a storm to come through in the night and blow your board away…which might have happened to me on my last trip.

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