Here's how to choose your Wing Foil Wing

In the last years, Wing Foil has revolutionised the world of watersports with a discipline that is absolutely fun, adrenaline-pumping and above all capable of covering a huge range of conditions in which to go out. It is an explosive mix of surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, but somehow different from all three of these sports with its own now very defined and completely autonomous identity. It is no coincidence that in the world's major wind spots the number of Wing Foils in the water is increasing every year by leaps and bounds.

In addition to a board equipped with a Foil, those special wing appendages that allow the board to sail above the water surface, another fundamental component of the Wing Foil is the Wing. It is the one that captures the wind and generates the lift and propulsive force that allows the rider to sail, rise above the water and perform manoeuvres, transitions, jumps and tricks at will.

The market for Wing sails is constantly evolving and each brand now has several models in its catalogue with different characteristics in terms of size, design and manual wing control grips. The most popular brands are Duotone, Cabrinha, Naish, RRD, Ozone, etc. All this offer may confuse a Wing Foil neophyte at first. The most common mistake is to choose a wing that is too big or too small. In this guide, we want to help you choose the most suitable Wing Foil wing and devote yourself to this discipline with maximum fun and complete safety.

Which size to choose for your Wing? 

As with other watersports equipment, the choice of the Wing Foil wing is the result of a careful evaluation of technical elements, such as the rider's physical characteristics, his or her level and style of sailing, and the wind strength. The starting point for a wise choice is the size of the wing. The Wing sail market offers different sizes, from the smallest to the largest, which are always expressed in square metres. The general principle is that the larger the size of a wing, the greater its capacity to catch the wind and thus generate lift and propulsion for navigation. Conversely, however, a larger wing is also heavier and less manoeuvrable.

This table summarises the wing measurements and the relative wind range in which to use them:

• Small wings (2 - 4 m²). Ideal in strong winds of 25 to 30+ knots.
• Intermediate wings (4 - 6 m²). Ideal in medium winds, 18 to 25 knots.
• Large wings (6 - 8 m²). Ideal in light winds of -10 to 18 knots.

Choose a wing with or without windows? 

Some wings are equipped with small transparent windows, such as Duotone Unit Wing 2025, that increase the rider's view of his surroundings. They are made of xply or similar semi-transparent materials and weigh down the wing. Not all brands actually adopt them and they are not standard equipment. This is because during flight the position of the wing changes a lot depending on the wind. If the wind is strong, the wing is held higher in order to foil. If the wind is light, the position is almost similar to that of a windsurfing sail. When going down the waves, the wing is not needed at all and is carried above the head or to the side or even behind in a neutral position.

Our advice is that if a window model is chosen, it must be functional and optimally positioned.

Weight and rider level are crucial factors 

Besides wind strength, another crucial factor in choosing a wing foil wing is the weight of the rider. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier the rider, the bigger the wing must be, because it will need more power to sail and glide. Equally important is the rider's technical level and sailing style. In fact, experienced riders are able to go out in all wind conditions by exploiting the wing's performance to the fullest.

Here is an indicative table of Wing Foil Wing dimensions based on rider weight:

To get a better idea of how much the rider's weight and skill count, a rider who weighs 85 kg will be able to use a 5m² wing with 15-20 knots to start flying on water. After about fifteen sessions, he will be able to fly at 15 knots with the same 5m² wing. If the rider in question is athletic, he will be able to pump the same wing and take off even at 12 knots and could even glide in light breezes of 8 knots with the 5m² wing. Of course, to achieve this ability the rider needs a certain number of hours of practice.

How to choose between fabric, rigid or boom handles 

Another important factor in choosing a Wing Foil wing is the wing control handles. Wing Foils can be fitted with textile handles, rigid handles or a boom. Soft handles are comfortable and safe in the event of a fall. Rigid handles and especially the boom offer a more responsive and fluid feel when controlling the wing. The wind gusts themselves “pull” you less, because the rigid material absorbs the gusts better. On the other hand, they are heavier and more aggressive in the event of a fall or impact.

As with the Wing Foil board, a safety leash is finally required to avoid losing the wing or flying it out of control. Fortunately, Wing Foil leashes are usually included so that you can enjoy the thrill of gliding through the air safely.

The right equipment for your fun 

Choosing the right Wing Foil Wing is a nuanced decision that requires careful consideration of your skill level, body weight, the wind conditions in which you sail and your personal riding style. Our advice is to try the Wing before you buy it. Many schools and water sports centres offer equipment for hire or demonstration days where you can try before you buy.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced rider looking to upgrade your Wing Foil equipment, it is good to make an informed choice that will guarantee you great fun, fast and easy progression and complete safety when on the water.

Photo Credit

Photo 1: DUOTONE

Photo 2: DUOTONE

Photo 3: OZONE

Photo 4: CABRINHA