Find out what gear suits your riding style, goals, and level of experience.
Wingfoiling – also known as wing surfing – has rapidly evolved into one of the most exciting and accessible disciplines in watersports. Blending the best of windsurfing, kitesurfing, and foiling, wingfoiling offers a fresh, challenging, and highly rewarding ride. And it’s not just a trend — it’s a full-fledged sport here to stay.
Whether you’re an experienced wind or board rider or completely new to the water, this guide will help you select the best wingfoiling gear based on your level, style, and conditions.
Wingfoiling is relatively easy to learn, requires minimal gear, and works in a wide range of conditions. Here’s why riders around the world are making the switch:
Less gear, more freedom
Smaller footprint – no need for massive beaches or 25m lines
Low wind-friendly – you can ride with as little as 10 knots
Compact and travel-friendly – everything fits in your car
Safer and more forgiving than other wind sports
A complete wingfoil setup typically includes:
A Foil Wing
A Wingfoil Board
A Hydrofoil (mast, fuselage, front and rear wings)
A Leash and protective gear (helmet, impact vest)
Each component plays a key role in your progression, so let’s break it down:
Wing sizes typically range from 2.5m² to 7m². For beginners, the most important factor is matching the wing size to your body weight and average wind conditions:
<70 kg → 4.0m² – 4.5m²
70–85 kg → 5.0m² – 5.5m²
85+ kg → 6.0m² – 6.5m²
⚠️ Tip: It’s easier to learn in steady medium winds (12–20 knots). Avoid gusty or overly strong conditions at first.
Modern wings come in various handle styles:
Soft handles – lightweight and flexible (e.g., North Nova, F-One Strike)
Rigid handles – improved control with direct feel (e.g., Duotone Unit)
Boom system – more similar to windsurfing (e.g., Duotone Slick)
Hybrid setups – a mix of both for precision and comfort
📌 Try before you buy — each handle system feels different. Windsurfers may prefer the boom, while kiters often favor soft handles.
A leash connects your wing to your wrist (or waist) and is essential for safety. After a fall, your wing will drift safely downwind while staying within reach.
Wrist leashes are the most common and beginner-friendly.
Waist leashes offer more freedom for advanced riders.
Always use a leash with a stainless steel swivel to prevent tangling and ensure reliable recoil.
Your board’s volume is key for getting started. Beginners should prioritize stability and buoyancy:
Beginner → Rider weight + 30–40 liters (e.g., 80 kg → 110–120 L board)
Intermediate → Rider weight + 10–20 liters
Advanced → Rider weight or less (often 50–75 L)
The board shape matters too:
Longer, wider boards = easier to balance and get flying
Shorter, compact boards = more maneuverable for freestyle or wave riding
🛹 Example: The SKY STYLE comes in multiple volumes, making it easy to scale down as you progress.
The foil is what lifts you out of the water and provides the magic of flight. It includes:
Mast – Connects board to fuselage (70–90 cm is typical)
Fuselage – Connects the wings together
Front wing – Generates lift
Rear wing (stabilizer) – Balances and stabilizes your ride
Start with a medium aspect front wing for better stability and control
A shorter mast (~70 cm) is easier to manage at lower speeds
As you improve, you can switch to a longer mast and higher-aspect wings for speed and performance
🛠️ Many brands like SabFoil, Axis, and Cabrinha offer modular foil systems — making upgrades super easy.
As you grow in the sport, you’ll find multiple ways to enjoy wingfoiling:
Cruise, explore, and cover long distances. Great for all levels.
Jump, spin, and throw tricks — a playground for creative riders.
Use your foil and wing to surf waves like never before. Perfect even in weak surf that would be unrideable on a surfboard.
Don’t overspend on advanced gear when starting — beginner-friendly kits are better for learning
Get advice from local shops or instructors based on your wind and water conditions
Try different wings and boards if you can — comfort and confidence are everything
Upgrade gradually as you improve
Whether you're in it for the thrill, the freedom, or the flow, wingfoiling is one of the most exciting water sports of our time. With the right equipment, you’ll be flying in no time.
Want help choosing your perfect setup?
🛒 Check out our curated gear selection on wake-style.com — from beginner-friendly foil kits to pro-level wings and boards.
When learning wing foiling, it's important to have expert coaching, as well as a safe and effective environment around you.
WakeStyle also runs a wingsurf school, offering wing foil lessons and dedicated hydrofoil lessons with the aid of a boat (also for kiters).
Lessonses take place at Almere (Marina Muiderzand), and Loosdrecht.
Click on the link or contact us directly for more info!
If you still have questions, check also our page dedicated to the Wingsurfing FAQ
Wakestyle is a specialized Wingsurf Shop, if you find yourself in the Netherlands, come to visit our physical store! We're just 20 minutes away from Amsterdam, Almere, Utrecht, Hilversum, and Amersfoort.
WakeStyle also gives the chance to try the newest wing foil gear at many spots in Noord Holland. The nearest spots to our shop are: Almere, Marina Muiderzand, Loosdrecht, Wijde Blik, Ijburg and Strand Horst.
Find out what gear suits your riding style, goals, and level of experience.
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