Beginner wing foil gear guide

What wing gear is right for me? It is the question we get asked most, and the honest answer is that it is different for everybody. There is a lot of kit out there, so here is how we help people choose.

The three things you need

To get into wing foiling you need a wing, a board and a foil. Get all three right for your weight and the conditions you will learn in and progression is quick. Get one of them wrong and it can feel like the sport is fighting you.

Wing

Size matters most. We advise buying a bigger wing to start, anything from 4.5m to 6.0m depending on your weight. When you are learning you want to go out in lighter wind on the flattest water you can find, and a bigger wing gives you the power to do that. For most people the most manageable wind is 12 to 20 knots, and your first wing should suit exactly that.

Hard handles or a boom versus soft handles is the other thing to look for. We have found the hard handle and boom options far more user friendly at the start. They make it easier to find and hold the power of the wing.

• 60 to 75kg: 4.0m to 5.0m wing
• 75 to 90kg: 5.0m to 6.0m wing
• 90 to 105kg: 5.5m to 6.5m wing
• Over 105kg: 6.0m to 7.0m wing

Board

The right board is what makes progression possible. Three things matter.

Dimensions. Look for a board between 5'8" and 6'2" long and 26" to 32" wide. That gives you a stable platform so balance is far easier.

Volume. Enough volume to float you comfortably is the most important thing. Around 20 to 30 litres above your body weight is about right. If you weigh 70kg, something around 90 to 100 litres is ideal. Much more than that has the opposite effect: you sit too high on the water and every little bump knocks you off.

Construction. Solid boards in fibreglass or carbon make a big difference to how quickly people progress. Inflatable boards are great for travel, but they stick to the water more and are harder to get up on the foil.

Foil

The foil is what you are aiming to ride on, so getting it right matters. The front wing provides the lift, and its size sets how early the board lifts. Between 1500 and 1800cm² is right for most people starting out. If you have foiled before in another sport, you can start smaller.

Mast length affects stability and how forgiving the foil feels. A 70 to 80cm mast is ideal for learning.

Not sure? Ask us

We know this can feel like a lot when you are about to start. Reach out with any question, or come into the shop and we can chat it over with a coffee. You can also take kit out on the water with us before you buy.