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I used to windsurf (or sail board) but after a trip to the Maldives, I tried wing foiling. It's an interesting activity whereby instead of a fin, you have a hydrofoil (2) underneath and its purpose is to elevate the board above the water. Propulsion is from either a small motor or a wing (not a sail as in windsurfing or a kite as in kitesurfing). It is inflatable and attached to you via a leash.

What a learning curve! I have managed 3 extremely short flights before crashing. To say it's difficult is an understatement. However, I am a glutton for punishment so I am continuing It is a very good work out!

reddo wrote: ↑

Wed May 01, 2024 11:00 am

I used to windsurf (or sail board) but after a trip to the Maldives, I tried wing foiling. It's an interesting activity whereby instead of a fin, you have a hydrofoil (2) underneath and its purpose is to elevate the board above the water. Propulsion is from either a small motor or a wing (not a sail as in windsurfing or a kite as in kitesurfing). It is inflatable and attached to you via a leash.

What a learning curve! I have managed 3 extremely short flights before crashing. To say it's difficult is an understatement. However, I am a glutton for punishment so I am continuing It is a very good work out!

That is on my list as well.
Not necessarily a foil, but at least with a board, kite or wing.

PP

I started on a windsurf board to learn basic wing handling.

I do strongly advise lessons. It will shorten the learning curve and get you going. Then, as I am finding out, time on/in water.

Today was the day! I used my new 6m wing for the first time today. After a couple of attempts and the usual swimming and scrambling, I finally flew a couple of times. Very short flights this time.
Finally!!

reddo wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 14, 2025 6:11 pm

Today was the day! I used my new 6m wing for the first time today. After a couple of attempts and the usual swimming and scrambling, I finally flew a couple of times. Very short flights this time.
Finally!!

Jealous!

PP

Congrats!
Kind of a second First Solo

Thanks. I am feeling every muscle I used and then some. Hopefully the progress rate will increase now.

Looks far too much like hard work to me

That guy is good!

PP

Flips.

I think that's Kai Lenny. He's an incredible athlete.

Progress rate has increased. Managing to take off a lot more often now. The trick is to land elegantly instead of being ejected off the board. I can now see why impact vests and helmets are a must. Apart from the risk of stabbing yourself with the foil (definitely an ouch moment), you come off the board higher up now. I landed in the water head first and was very glad I was wearing the helmet.

I successfully did a couple of touch and goes (trying to get the feel for the landing) but then my wing took off without me. The leash failed!
Cue a ridiculous amount of time paddling back to shore (in a lake) and my friends rescued the wing.

Lesson learned. Always check the integrity of the knots, even if the leash is new!!