Wingfoil riding technique: the best tips for wingfoil beginners and advanced riders

Want to get started with wing foiling, or have you already gained experience in the sport and want to improve your wing foiling technique ? Then you've come to the right place! In our guide, you'll find essential wing foiling tips on how to easily learn the basics as a beginner, as well as a detailed overview of the best techniques . We also give you recommendations for the perfect wing foiling equipment, because it's crucial for making rapid progress on the water . Whether you've just recently bought your first wing foil board or have already experienced some adventures on the water – with the right tips and the right wing foiling equipment , you'll see improvements in your skills in no time!

Start wing foiling now – basics of wing foil riding technique

Before we delve deeper into wingfoil riding techniques, let's look at the basics. A solid foundation will make everything else much easier!

How do I hold the wing correctly?

In wingfoiling, the correct positioning of the hydrofoil wing is crucial for control and propulsion . Here are a few important points:

Hold front hand up

Your front arm should be above your back arm to keep the wing stable.

Don't grip too tightly.

The wing should fit loosely in your hand. Too much tension makes it harder to control.

Tilt the wing slightly

If you tilt it forward, you get more power. If you tilt it back, you reduce the speed.

Practice this position on land first before trying it on the water.

What driving techniques do you need to master for wing foiling?

Now it's time to get down to business! As soon as you, as a wingfoil beginner, are standing securely on your board and holding the wing correctly, you can learn the different wingfoil riding techniques.

1. Starting and standing up on the board

Kneel on your board and hold the wing above you.

Once you are stable, place one leg up first, then the other.

Keep your wingfoil board straight and the wing slightly angled.

Once you have speed, shift your weight slightly backwards – the wing foil will lift you out of the water!

2. Drive straight ahead and control your speed

Distribute your weight evenly between both legs.

Hold the wing slightly in front of you to make optimal use of the wind.

To brake, open the wing slightly, but don't pull it too close to you.

Our tip : With a little more wind, driving will be easier.
lighter, as the wing generates more thrust.

How do I perform a tack or a jibe?

A big step in developing your wingfoil riding technique is learning to tack and jibe .

The tack – Turning safely against the wind

Steer slightly into the wind and keep the wing above your head.

Shift your weight onto your front leg to stabilize the board.

Change your hand position and turn the wing to the new side.

Reposition yourself and continue driving.

Good wingfoil equipment with a maneuverable foil will help you master these wingfoiling maneuvers faster!

The jibe – Turning smoothly with the wind

Ride slightly downwind and keep the wing stable.

Pull the wing over your head and change your hand position.

Gently turn the board with the wind and realign yourself.

Once you regain speed, keep the wing facing in the direction of travel.

How do you improve your balance on the foil?

Balancing on the foil often feels wobbly at first – that's perfectly normal! Here are a few tips to improve your stability:

Choosing the right board

A larger wingfoil board gives you more stability.

Balance training

Wingfoil training on a balance board or a SUP will help you train your balance.

Looking ahead

Don't look at your feet, look in the direction you're traveling.

Keep your center of gravity low

A slightly bent stance provides better control.

Over time you will feel more confident and can try out one or two new wingfoil riding techniques !

Surfer von hinten zu sehen wie er auf dem Wing ASC Foilboard foilt
Detailansicht mit Aufschrift Stay Salty

Wing foiling with a water start – how to get started from the water

In wing foiling, the water start is a real milestone! It can seem challenging, but with the right technique, it's easier than you think. Find an area with sufficiently deep water (at least 1 meter) to ensure the foil doesn't touch the bottom. First, pull yourself onto the board and kneel in the middle, with your knees slightly apart for more stability. Bring the wing towards you using the leash and grab the handle on the leading edge with your upwind hand. Now, assume a position where your front arm holds the handle on the center strut and your right hand reaches for the rear handle. When you stand up, the wing will not only provide propulsion but also help you maintain your balance.

Use the wind's pressure to stabilize yourself as you first stand up with your front foot and place it in the footstrap. Repeat this with your back foot and turn the board away from the wind to generate more speed. Pump the board to get your foil lifted. Once you have enough speed, you need to balance the pressure you generate with your front and back feet to keep your board upright. By pulling with your back arm, you can now regulate how much power the wing delivers. On a lighter wind day, you'll need to pump your wing and board to gain enough speed. With a little practice, that first wobbly start will soon turn into a flying start to your next adventure on the water.

Our tip: A protective vest provides additional buoyancy and makes it easier to raise your arms when adjusting the wing.

Wingfoil riding technique for professionals: What other tricks can you learn?

Once you can ride confidently, you can also learn tricky tricks with the wing foil!

Foil pumping

By making targeted up and down movements, you can keep the foil moving even without wind.

Switch Stance

Here you change your foot position while driving.

Jumps (Airtime)

With a quick impulse, you can take off and glide through the air with the foil.

360° Spins

For absolute pros: Turn completely around your own axis while driving!

If you want to start wing foiling, we advise you to buy a good wing foil set with a lightweight wing and a maneuverable foil, as this makes it easier to perform the tricks.

Recommendations for your wingfoil equipment – ​​What do you need?

Wingfoil Board

Stable and with sufficient volume (at least 120–140 liters for beginners).

Wingfoil set

A complete set including board, foil and wing is perfect for beginners.

Foil

A large front wing (approx. 1800 cm²) helps you to take off more easily.

Wing

A larger wing with approximately 4.5 to 5.5 square meters (depending on body size) is helpful for learning.

Wingfoil material

Carbon foils are lighter and more stable than aluminum models.

Perform a wingfoil test

If you're unsure, try out different models before you buy!

Frau trägt Manera Seafarer Neoprenanzug am Strand
Detailansicht vom Print an den Waden

Learn wingfoil riding techniques with professional equipment from the F-ONE PRO SHOP

Want to get started with wingboarding, wingsurfing, or wing foiling? Looking for the right equipment or have questions about boards, wings, foils, wetsuits , or other accessories ? Then give us a call at +49 172 815 794 7 or email us at info@fone-pro-shop.de – we're here for you even outside of business hours and happy to help. Or are you already a pro looking for new gear to improve your performance on the water? Then order now from our online shop. We have everything you need for your sessions on the water!

Still questions?

Do you have general questions, need personal advice, or would like to request a set price quote?

Then feel free to contact us by phone at +49 172 8157 947 or write to us via the "Contact" button.