Wingfoiling is the latest sensation in watersports, blending elements of windsurfing, kiteboarding, and foiling into one exhilarating experience. Whether you’re completely new to the sport or just curious, this ultimate guide will take you through everything you need to know to get started — from gear and safety to technique and tips for fast progress.
New to wingfoiling ? This ultimate beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know — from gear and techniques to safety tips and getting started on the water.
WHAT IS WINGFOILING ?
Wingfoiling (also known as wing surfing) involves riding a board equipped with a hydrofoil while holding an inflatable handheld wing. Unlike kitesurfing, the wing isn’t attached to your body, giving you more freedom and control as you glide above the water. This sport is ideal for adventurers looking for a fresh challenge or for watersport lovers seeking a new, wind-powered thrill.
WHY WINGFOIL ?
- Low Impact, High Fun: Wingfoiling puts less strain on your body than traditional wind or kitesports.
- Compact and Portable: The gear is lightweight and easy to transport.
- Freedom of Movement: No harness or lines – just you, your board, and the wing.
- Quick Learning Curve: Most people with watersports experience can get up and riding in a few sessions.
WINGFOIL IN LAS TERRENAS
Because teaching Wingfoil is super new in the Dominican Republic, you have to be extremely cautious about which school & size of the equipment you start with. Beginning with low wind and a small board, like 100 liters or 120 liters, can be super frustrating with no possibilities to find the right balance to experience your first flight. Few kite schools teach Wingfoil the proper way to make your journey easier!
At Kiteworld Dominican Republic we take good care of your starting equipment with a very easy board of 155 liters, which is super stable with a large foil under knees 2400 cm2 to fly as smoothly as possible for the first time.
Moreover, we don’t lose time putting you on a paddle board for the first hour like most of the other wing foil schools do in Dominican Republic. The spot where we teach Wingfoil in Las Terrenas will help you a lot because of the flat water with no waves to unbalance your body like in Cabarete. Right away, you will learn quickly how to handle the board & the sail at the same time, feeling the push of the small plane you have under water.
If you are a good windsurfer, in 3 hours you will fly over the water like a plane in the sky. If you start from scratch, 6 hours will be enough to make it work.
Ideal Conditions for Beginners in Dominican Republic
- Wind Speed: 10–20 knots (moderate and steady).
- Flat Water: Makes it easier to learn balance and control.
- No Crowed
WHAT’S NEXT AFTER YOUR FIRST WINGFOIL FLIGHT?
Once you get used to riding the big board, we will put you on the 120L one with the foil 2000 cm2. The idea is to reduce the foil size step by step in order to fly faster. The 1500cm2 size foil is the best compromise between speed and balance as a beginner. We recommend sticking with this wingfoil setup until you can execute the jibe correctly (turning downwind) in order to learn how to ride toeside.
WHAT SIZE OF EQUIPMENT TO BUY AFTER THE WINGFOIL COURSE ?
VERY IMPORTANT: never buy a big board size over 100L with a big foil because you will use it only at the beginning to help you find the balance between the wind & the water. For a 70 kg rider, the best evolutive equipment is a 90L wing board armed with a foil around 1200cm2 low/medium aspect ratio, combined with an 85 cm mast in order to have time to correct your flight mistakes in the air.
If you are new to the foil world, DON’T BUY a high aspect ratio foil because it needs a lot more speed to take off, giving you a hard time finding balance in the air. Medium aspect ratio front wing is the best compromise between the minimum speed you need to take off and stability during the flight.
There are many brands on the Wingfoil market, but the best is ARMSTRONG for the US part and FONE in Europe. Please contact us if you need more details to buy your first Wingfoil toys.
