Pics: Oli Lane-Peirce.
There’s no getting away from wings, wing foiling at the moment. If you haven’t come across sit before wingin’ is a hybrid combining elements of kitesurfing, windsurfing, stand up paddle surfing and hydrofoiling that’s currently taking the watersports world by storm. Nobody could’ve predicted the interest wings have garnered, let alone predict the demand for gear.
Looking at the accompanying pics you may not instantly ‘get it’. It could appear kooky (it did to our resident guru at first). But with the wing and foil combo offering superior light wind performance, plus the ability to just let the wing go and riding waves, open ocean swell – using only the hydrofoil – before sheeting the wing back in and turning the power on again allows 100% freedom.
It’s an addictive feeling that’s for sure. The biggest selling point is wing foiling’s getting big interest from the surfing fraternity who traditionally haven’t gone anywhere near wind sports. But with the ability to turn junky days into fab days even staunch surfboard riders are taking wings in hand and getting involved.
For anyone that missed it NCW also has another business dedicated to the art of riding hydrofoils – including wings. Foilshop.co.uk has plenty more info about wing surfing and other forms of foiling, so check it out. Alternatively hit up NCW’s Foiling Knowledge section via the link below.