WINGFOIL 101
How To Start Your Foiling Journey
Wingfoiling, sometimes called wingsurfing, is a rapidly growing watersport that combines a handheld inflatable wing with a hydrofoil board. It offers an incredible feeling of “flying” silently over the water. New Zealand, with its extensive coastline, lakes, and consistent winds, is an ideal place to learn and progress.
There is an endless wealth of information on your favourite video channel (i.e. youtube) to give you ‘armchair’ instruction on what to do and how to do it. However if you are starting from scratch, here is an overview of what the pathway to successful wingfoil. This includes what equipment is involved, and what it takes to get started…
1. The Wingfoiling Concept
Wingfoiling is the synthesis of four sports: windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, and foiling.
The Wing: A handheld inflatable wing (kite-like) provides the power. It’s not attached to your harness or the board, making it simple and easy to depower instantly by simply letting go.
The Board: A compact board, typically with high volume for stability when starting.
The Hydrofoil: A hydrofoil assembly (mast, fuselage, and wings) is attached underneath the board. Once you reach a certain speed, the foil generates lift, raising the board completely out of the water, which drastically reduces drag.
2. Your Learning Pathway
The most recommended and safest way to get started in New Zealand is to break the process into stages, ideally with professional instruction.
Stage 1: Wing Handling (On Land or on a SUP)
- Goal: Get comfortable controlling the wing and understanding how it generates power.
- How: Many schools start you on land with the wing, or on a stable Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) without a foil, just a board and the wing. This is sometimes called “Wing Surfing.”
- NZ Focus: Look for flat, sheltered water locations like Lake Pupuke in Auckland, Point Chev (Auckland), or the enclosed waters of Atawhai in Nelson.
Stage 2: Board Skills (On a High-Volume Board)
- Goal: Learn to stand, balance, and travel in a straight line on the water using the wing, still on a large, stable, non-foiling or high-volume foil board.
- How: Practice keeping the wing powered, steering, and changing direction (turning/gybing).
- Safety: This is where you master essential safety procedures and getting back upwind—a critical skill in New Zealand’s varied conditions.
Stage 3: First Flights (Adding the Hydrofoil)
- Goal: Get the board up onto the foil and maintain flight.
- Gear: You’ll transition to a dedicated foil board (large volume for a beginner) with a foil rig, which should have a large front wing for maximum lift at lower speeds.
- The Lift-Off: This is the most challenging part. It involves having sufficient power (wind) driving the wing and the board at the same time to gain the necessary speed for the foil to engage and lift you out of the water.
Stage 4: Progression
- Goal: Consistent foiling, riding upwind, and completing turns (gybes and tacks) while staying on the foil.
- Gear Refinement: As you progress, you will “downsize” your equipment to smaller, less voluminous boards and potentially higher-aspect foils for faster, more performance-focused riding.
3. Getting Started in Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Lessons are Key
Given the complexity of managing a wing, board, and foil simultaneously, lessons are highly recommended for safety and rapid progression.
- Where to Find Schools: Wingfoiling schools and instructors operate across the country, often branching out from existing windsurfing or kitesurfing operations. Explore our comprehensive directory Wingfoil Schools in New Zealand and start your journey!
Beginner Gear Considerations (Often provided by schools/rental)
| Component | Beginner Requirement |
| Board | High Volume: Add ~30 to your weight in kilograms to get a starting volume in litres (e.g., 80kg rider => 110L board). The stability of a high-volume board is crucial for learning. |
| Foil | Large Front Wing: A big surface area on the front foil wing (1800cc to 2400cc+) provides lift at lower speeds, making it easier to get up and stay on the foil. Shorter masts (60-75cm) are also helpful when learning in shallow water or dealing with less experienced falls. |
| Wing | Mid-Size: A 4m-5m wing is generally a good starting point for most NZ summer conditions and average-weight riders. “Power is your friend” when starting, so choose a size that ensures enough thrust. |
| Safety | Wetsuit (essential in most NZ waters), helmet, impact vest, and board leash. |
Beginner-Friendly Spots
The best spots for a beginner are typically areas with:
- Flat, Sheltered Water: Minimal chop makes balancing easier.
- Plenty of Space Downwind: Beginners often drift downwind before mastering the art of going upwind.
- Safe Launching and Landing: Sandy beaches or easy access points.
Check out our Learn to Wingfoil for a wingfoil school near you, 5 Great Flatwater Foiling Spots, Best Places To Wingfoil and our Detailed Spotguides. Now start your wing foiling journey!
