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windfoiler getting into wingfoiling: what equipment?

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Created by dimacced > 9 months ago, 8 Sep 2023
dimacced
176 posts
8 Sep 2023 5:35PM
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Hello everyone, I have been windfoiling for 4 years know, I am 75 kg, using 1000 & 800 cm2 front wings from Fanatic, I copy with almost any sea state and wind condition, and jibe with flying exit almost 50% of the time.
I would like to get into winging, I rented a big board (120 lt) with big foil (2000 front wing) to get a taste, and I got flying in half an hour practice in pretty gusty, nasty wind.
I would like to do more, but I struggle in deciding what equipment I should get to do so. I was told that the learning curve is quite steep expecially for the ones with my background in windsurfing, windfoiling and snowboarding, so some say I could even go with my 1000 front wing in slightly stronger winds with my existing 125 lt windfoil board, and buy a smaller dedicated board for wingfoiling after few sessions. Others suggested to get a big front wing to learn on (1750-2000) which makes everything much easier and could be used later on on lighter wind as well.
Is there any one that has made such a transition that could provide some advice? I will not quit windfoiling, I just want to add wingfoiling to my foiling experience. For the moment I got an old Echo 5.0 wing, I know is old tech but got it cheap for my first run, planning to go to a better one after few sessions (10 or so I guess), and possibly using it for wing skating. afther then.

Thank you all for any advice.

cheers

Edoardo

lao shi
WA, 1338 posts
8 Sep 2023 6:19PM
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Very similar to you I am 80kg and switched from a slingshot wizard 105 with 76 and 65 infinity wings. I bought a combo tabou pocket air 97l/173cm and an axis foil set up. 1050(wide 1500cm area) HPS front wing short fuselage and 425 stabiliser with 82 cm mast. I also have a 5m echo and got up and foiling quickly but gybing took a lot longer than I thought it would. It was only when I moved the mast forward in the tracks that it clicked. I have gone back to windfoiling this set up lately and added an 880(1000).
If you have steady 15 knots you can definitely go down to 1500 wing but as you will be falling off quite a bit you will waste a lot of energy trying to pump an older less efficient hand wing if it is less wind and a bigger front wing will help get up. The 97l was big enough for me ( I can uphaul it when wind foiling). Balance of board and foil track position was definitely key for me.
Good luck

Kitz92
VIC, 44 posts
8 Sep 2023 8:22PM
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I'm a similar weight to you and also come from a windsurfing/windfoiling background. I started winging on a 95l Fanatic Sky Wing and a 1500 Aero High Aspect foil. It was a bit tricky in the beginning (the board will seem super tippy after a windfoil board) but after a few sessions, I was up and going. It definitely helped having the windfoiling experience. My first wing was a 5m North Nova. I've been going for about 15 months now and have progressed to a 75l board and have added two hand wings (4.2 & 3.5) and two more foils (1000 & 725).
The foil you choose to start with will depend on how much wind you get at your local. If you consistently get 15 knots plus, I'd go with the 1500, otherwise the 1750 might be a better bet.

Stretchy
WA, 1036 posts
8 Sep 2023 6:23PM
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I moved from windfoiling to wingfoiling. Started with an Axis HPS980, about 1300cm2 and a 150l board. This was a great combo, the front wing is plenty big enough for my 92kg and the floaty board made the learning curve a lot easier. 10mths later and I'm on a 105l board and I'll be selling the big girl as I'll never use it again . Unless your windfoil board is a hybrid you'll need a dedicated wingfoil board so you can position your foil further forward. 125l is a good size for you to learn, but no good if the foil is too far back.

boardsurfr
WA, 2454 posts
8 Sep 2023 8:40PM
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I'm not sure a big front wing makes "everything" much easier. In wind above 15 knots and chop, smaller front wings can be easier and more fun. But when you start out, you'll be falling and starting a lot. Starting is usually a lot easier with a larger foil. The exception is strong wind and chop, when the foil wants to fly right away after standing up. That can become difficult to control. A hand wing that is too large for the conditions is partly to blame for these "too quick" take offs in stronger wind, but since beginners do not yet know how to pump well, that's pretty much a given.

If you get enough days where you could easily fly with a 5.0 m sail without having to pump, then using your current foils for winging may be worth a try. If it's mostly lighter, or you find that getting going is too hard, get a bigger foil.

John340
QLD, 3363 posts
8 Sep 2023 11:30PM
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All good advice but don't forget the necessary operation when making the change

thedoor
2469 posts
9 Sep 2023 1:14AM
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dimacced said..
Hello everyone, I have been windfoiling for 4 years know, I am 75 kg, using 1000 & 800 cm2 front wings from Fanatic, I copy with almost any sea state and wind condition, and jibe with flying exit almost 50% of the time.
I would like to get into winging, I rented a big board (120 lt) with big foil (2000 front wing) to get a taste, and I got flying in half an hour practice in pretty gusty, nasty wind.
I would like to do more, but I struggle in deciding what equipment I should get to do so. I was told that the learning curve is quite steep expecially for the ones with my background in windsurfing, windfoiling and snowboarding, so some say I could even go with my 1000 front wing in slightly stronger winds with my existing 125 lt windfoil board, and buy a smaller dedicated board for wingfoiling after few sessions. Others suggested to get a big front wing to learn on (1750-2000) which makes everything much easier and could be used later on on lighter wind as well.
Is there any one that has made such a transition that could provide some advice? I will not quit windfoiling, I just want to add wingfoiling to my foiling experience. For the moment I got an old Echo 5.0 wing, I know is old tech but got it cheap for my first run, planning to go to a better one after few sessions (10 or so I guess), and possibly using it for wing skating. afther then.

Thank you all for any advice.

cheers

Edoardo


I wouldn't trust the advice of anyone that tells you the learning curve on winging is steep. They cleary never tried windfoiling :))

Subsonic
WA, 3354 posts
9 Sep 2023 11:18AM
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thedoor said..


dimacced said..
Hello everyone, I have been windfoiling for 4 years know, I am 75 kg, using 1000 & 800 cm2 front wings from Fanatic, I copy with almost any sea state and wind condition, and jibe with flying exit almost 50% of the time.
I would like to get into winging, I rented a big board (120 lt) with big foil (2000 front wing) to get a taste, and I got flying in half an hour practice in pretty gusty, nasty wind.
I would like to do more, but I struggle in deciding what equipment I should get to do so. I was told that the learning curve is quite steep expecially for the ones with my background in windsurfing, windfoiling and snowboarding, so some say I could even go with my 1000 front wing in slightly stronger winds with my existing 125 lt windfoil board, and buy a smaller dedicated board for wingfoiling after few sessions. Others suggested to get a big front wing to learn on (1750-2000) which makes everything much easier and could be used later on on lighter wind as well.
Is there any one that has made such a transition that could provide some advice? I will not quit windfoiling, I just want to add wingfoiling to my foiling experience. For the moment I got an old Echo 5.0 wing, I know is old tech but got it cheap for my first run, planning to go to a better one after few sessions (10 or so I guess), and possibly using it for wing skating. afther then.

Thank you all for any advice.

cheers

Edoardo




I wouldn't trust the advice of anyone that tells you the learning curve on winging is steep. They cleary never tried windfoiling :))



I've heard a kiter tell a windsurfer the same thing. "its a completely different sport". "it'll be much harder to pick up than you think". Only to be disappointed when said windsurfer was up and going in the space of an hour.


Not saying its the same for everyone, there are always differences to each sport to pick up, but a lot of skills are transferable between windsports.


still, i don't think i could make the switch to kiting/ winging. Just the thought of the necessary operation makes me sore in the groin.

Faff
VIC, 1370 posts
9 Sep 2023 7:23PM
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thedoor said..

dimacced said..
Hello everyone, I have been windfoiling for 4 years know, I am 75 kg, using 1000 & 800 cm2 front wings from Fanatic, I copy with almost any sea state and wind condition, and jibe with flying exit almost 50% of the time.
I would like to get into winging, I rented a big board (120 lt) with big foil (2000 front wing) to get a taste, and I got flying in half an hour practice in pretty gusty, nasty wind.
I would like to do more, but I struggle in deciding what equipment I should get to do so. I was told that the learning curve is quite steep expecially for the ones with my background in windsurfing, windfoiling and snowboarding, so some say I could even go with my 1000 front wing in slightly stronger winds with my existing 125 lt windfoil board, and buy a smaller dedicated board for wingfoiling after few sessions. Others suggested to get a big front wing to learn on (1750-2000) which makes everything much easier and could be used later on on lighter wind as well.
Is there any one that has made such a transition that could provide some advice? I will not quit windfoiling, I just want to add wingfoiling to my foiling experience. For the moment I got an old Echo 5.0 wing, I know is old tech but got it cheap for my first run, planning to go to a better one after few sessions (10 or so I guess), and possibly using it for wing skating. afther then.

Thank you all for any advice.

cheers

Edoardo



I wouldn't trust the advice of anyone that tells you the learning curve on winging is steep. They cleary never tried windfoiling :))


Wikipedia:
The common expression "a steep learning curve" is a misnomer suggesting that an activity is difficult to learn and that expending much effort does not increase proficiency by much, although a learning curve with a steep start actually represents rapid progress.

Faff
VIC, 1370 posts
9 Sep 2023 7:34PM
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70 kg. Switched from a windfoil as well (old 683 Moses 1000 cm2 plus wizard 103). 92 l board at first, 75 l after 15 sessions. 4.5 slick. 1200 cabrinha. I don't think you need huge foils if you can already windfoil. The 1200 feels huge now and I mostly use 650 and 1000 foils.

dimacced
176 posts
9 Sep 2023 6:57PM
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thedoor said..

dimacced said..
Hello everyone, I have been windfoiling for 4 years know, I am 75 kg, using 1000 & 800 cm2 front wings from Fanatic, I copy with almost any sea state and wind condition, and jibe with flying exit almost 50% of the time.
I would like to get into winging, I rented a big board (120 lt) with big foil (2000 front wing) to get a taste, and I got flying in half an hour practice in pretty gusty, nasty wind.
I would like to do more, but I struggle in deciding what equipment I should get to do so. I was told that the learning curve is quite steep expecially for the ones with my background in windsurfing, windfoiling and snowboarding, so some say I could even go with my 1000 front wing in slightly stronger winds with my existing 125 lt windfoil board, and buy a smaller dedicated board for wingfoiling after few sessions. Others suggested to get a big front wing to learn on (1750-2000) which makes everything much easier and could be used later on on lighter wind as well.
Is there any one that has made such a transition that could provide some advice? I will not quit windfoiling, I just want to add wingfoiling to my foiling experience. For the moment I got an old Echo 5.0 wing, I know is old tech but got it cheap for my first run, planning to go to a better one after few sessions (10 or so I guess), and possibly using it for wing skating. afther then.

Thank you all for any advice.

cheers

Edoardo



I wouldn't trust the advice of anyone that tells you the learning curve on winging is steep. They cleary never tried windfoiling :))


I take it with grane of salt...my experience in windfoil is that the first part is difficult but you get it quickly, then comes the subtle one many never go through, the one when you see range expanding for same sail and foil just because you evolve your technique (i am still in that phase), many when getting overpowered go back to shore and change sail, never load the harness, etc...there are so many things to learn. On winging my impression is that it is quite simpler, expecially when you already are used to be lifted by the foil and control eight by moving your COG back and forth. The wing handling itself is much easier than windsurfing, at least this is the impression I got from my brief try. I also think that there is some cross-fit potential, what you learn from one may be useful in the other, and can make you a better rider overall...will see anyway I am curious.

Faff
VIC, 1370 posts
9 Sep 2023 9:13PM
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dimacced said..

thedoor said..


dimacced said..
Hello everyone, I have been windfoiling for 4 years know, I am 75 kg, using 1000 & 800 cm2 front wings from Fanatic, I copy with almost any sea state and wind condition, and jibe with flying exit almost 50% of the time.
I would like to get into winging, I rented a big board (120 lt) with big foil (2000 front wing) to get a taste, and I got flying in half an hour practice in pretty gusty, nasty wind.
I would like to do more, but I struggle in deciding what equipment I should get to do so. I was told that the learning curve is quite steep expecially for the ones with my background in windsurfing, windfoiling and snowboarding, so some say I could even go with my 1000 front wing in slightly stronger winds with my existing 125 lt windfoil board, and buy a smaller dedicated board for wingfoiling after few sessions. Others suggested to get a big front wing to learn on (1750-2000) which makes everything much easier and could be used later on on lighter wind as well.
Is there any one that has made such a transition that could provide some advice? I will not quit windfoiling, I just want to add wingfoiling to my foiling experience. For the moment I got an old Echo 5.0 wing, I know is old tech but got it cheap for my first run, planning to go to a better one after few sessions (10 or so I guess), and possibly using it for wing skating. afther then.

Thank you all for any advice.

cheers

Edoardo




I wouldn't trust the advice of anyone that tells you the learning curve on winging is steep. They cleary never tried windfoiling :))



I take it with grane of salt...my experience in windfoil is that the first part is difficult but you get it quickly, then comes the subtle one many never go through, the one when you see range expanding for same sail and foil just because you evolve your technique (i am still in that phase), many when getting overpowered go back to shore and change sail, never load the harness, etc...there are so many things to learn. On winging my impression is that it is quite simpler, expecially when you already are used to be lifted by the foil and control eight by moving your COG back and forth. The wing handling itself is much easier than windsurfing, at least this is the impression I got from my brief try. I also think that there is some cross-fit potential, what you learn from one may be useful in the other, and can make you a better rider overall...will see anyway I am curious.


Compared with windfoiling, winging is patty cakes. I was flying thru gybes on one tack after 15 sessions (on a 75 L board at that), and 25 sessions on the other tack. And once they click, you'll be flying thru them at a 90% rate.

aeroegnr
1731 posts
9 Sep 2023 7:24PM
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I haven't winged lately but on one of my first sessions I got a lot further through a foiling jibe than I had on windfoil. It's taken me a lot longer to get jibing on windfoil figured out than I ever imagined.

duzzi
1120 posts
10 Sep 2023 1:10AM
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aeroegnr said..
I haven't winged lately but on one of my first sessions I got a lot further through a foiling jibe than I had on windfoil. It's taken me a lot longer to get jibing on windfoil figured out than I ever imagined.


Hei! I never had the energy to figure windfoiling but for sure I am not getting into wingfoiling. It's kind of funny ... people tell you that kiting is easy, and then kite foiling is easy, and wind foiling is easy, and wing foiling too. The reality is that around here few kite any longer, nobody at all kite foils any, very few wind foil and all the people I know took at least a season to be able to stay upwind with a wing and do some sort of tack/jibe ...

windfred
65 posts
10 Sep 2023 1:37AM
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I'd like to try wingfoiling but I have so much invested in windfoil gear, I'm afraid I might like it.

WsurfAustin
651 posts
10 Sep 2023 1:57AM
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Maybe COREAS will chime in. He's done both. There's a long interview on YT with Robby Naish where explains why winging is easier etc. Makes sense in that you remove the 3rd component (mast base pressure) from the various forces. Took me a couple years of wind foiling to get where I'm at. The foiling part was pretty quick, but the jibes took a while. I love it now so much, no interest in winging. Maybe different if I lived in Maui or somewhere with waves/swell and reliable wind. I can see where winging would be cheaper and easier to transport. We have a few pretty good wingers here, and I was thinking it would be easier to de-power a large wing, but I see them struggle with being overpowered as well. Al least you wouldn't have the additional cost of a mast (If needed) when you buy multiple wings.

BullroarerTook
299 posts
10 Sep 2023 2:06AM
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I go both ways and I use the same boards and foils for both. Winging is so much easier without the extra moment point. Took me years to make flying jibes with a windsurf sail, days with a wing. Winging has a big advantage when it gets really windy imo since the wing de powers better, but slogging with the wing really sucks. WWF is really rewarding if you stay with it, but that's a really shallow learning curve. ;)

airsail
QLD, 1535 posts
10 Sep 2023 4:26AM
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Winging is easy to learn if you're a previous windsurfer, the controls are the same. Kiters take much longer to get it as totally different to using a bar. The wingfoil gear is lighter and cheaper than windfoil, especially with the amount of secondhand gear around.

Someone who has previously windfoiled should be up and winging in a session, ideally borrow a big board, 40lts above your body weight for that session, after that you won't need it. Don't go big on front wings, too big makes things harder. Around the 1200-1400 is just fine at 80kgs.

Faff
VIC, 1370 posts
10 Sep 2023 11:16AM
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windfred said..
I'd like to try wingfoiling but I have so much invested in windfoil gear, I'm afraid I might like it.


That was my fear, but then my foil started to fall apart. I wanted to buy a "dual use" foil just in case I wanted to try winging. The shop told me not to bother - "once you start winging, you won't go back to windfoiling". They were right. Had I been into racing, maybe it would've been different... But even there, the wings are catching up.

mr love
VIC, 2401 posts
10 Sep 2023 12:37PM
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Faff said..

windfred said..
I'd like to try wingfoiling but I have so much invested in windfoil gear, I'm afraid I might like it.



That was my fear, but then my foil started to fall apart. I wanted to buy a "dual use" foil just in case I wanted to try winging. The shop told me not to bother - "once you start winging, you won't go back to windfoiling". They were right. Had I been into racing, maybe it would've been different... But even there, the wings are catching up.


Geez, thats a very personal opinion, had the person giving this advice ever windfoiled??? probably not.

Nikita
QLD, 222 posts
10 Sep 2023 1:24PM
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mr love said..

Faff said..


windfred said..
I'd like to try wingfoiling but I have so much invested in windfoil gear, I'm afraid I might like it.




That was my fear, but then my foil started to fall apart. I wanted to buy a "dual use" foil just in case I wanted to try winging. The shop told me not to bother - "once you start winging, you won't go back to windfoiling". They were right. Had I been into racing, maybe it would've been different... But even there, the wings are catching up.



Geez, thats a very personal opinion, had the person giving this advice ever windfoiled??? probably not.


That fear is real. I sold my windfoil gear within about 2 months of winging. I loved windfoiling, but there are no obvious advantages over winging. Winging is simpler in terms of gear and rigging, and it's easier to ride. Plus you can fully depower and ride swells.
I started on the Fanatic 95L board and 1500 foil as well. I would recommend not going too small on the board and foil. I see people get excited and buy small gear and then be stuck floating around and not being able to get up on the foil. Of course your local conditions will determine what the right size is for you. Our typical conditions are 10 - 18knots with small wind swells.

Faff
VIC, 1370 posts
10 Sep 2023 4:01PM
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mr love said..

Faff said..


windfred said..
I'd like to try wingfoiling but I have so much invested in windfoil gear, I'm afraid I might like it.

That was my fear, but then my foil started to fall apart. I wanted to buy a "dual use" foil just in case I wanted to try winging. The shop told me not to bother - "once you start winging, you won't go back to windfoiling". They were right. Had I been into racing, maybe it would've been different... But even there, the wings are catching up.

Geez, thats a very personal opinion, had the person giving this advice ever windfoiled??? probably not.

He did, and he still windsurfs (occasionally), but no longer windfoils.

Faff
VIC, 1370 posts
10 Sep 2023 4:05PM
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Nikita said..

mr love said..


Faff said..



windfred said..
I'd like to try wingfoiling but I have so much invested in windfoil gear, I'm afraid I might like it.





That was my fear, but then my foil started to fall apart. I wanted to buy a "dual use" foil just in case I wanted to try winging. The shop told me not to bother - "once you start winging, you won't go back to windfoiling". They were right. Had I been into racing, maybe it would've been different... But even there, the wings are catching up.




Geez, thats a very personal opinion, had the person giving this advice ever windfoiled??? probably not.



That fear is real. I sold my windfoil gear within about 2 months of winging. I loved windfoiling, but there are no obvious advantages over winging. Winging is simpler in terms of gear and rigging, and it's easier to ride. Plus you can fully depower and ride swells.
I started on the Fanatic 95L board and 1500 foil as well. I would recommend not going too small on the board and foil. I see people get excited and buy small gear and then be stuck floating around and not being able to get up on the foil. Of course your local conditions will determine what the right size is for you. Our typical conditions are 10 - 18knots with small wind swells.


I'd say windfoiling still has the advantage in racing. But getting out thru the shore break with freeride/freestyle windfoil gear is painful enough.

mr love
VIC, 2401 posts
10 Sep 2023 4:20PM
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OK.....each to their own....I was windfoiling last week in up to 35 knots.......the wingers all holding their wings above their heads to depower looked awkward and painful......I had my hands full but quite doable, then the wind died and they all struggled to get home with some big walks of shame and I just cruised in. The old windfoil gear was pretty crap and I find you get opinions from guys that tried it when it first came out using unstable rubbish foils and now they wingfoil on modern gear and say its much better., but they have not used new really good windfoil kit. As far as depowering on a swell...you learn how to do it and it feels very natural...but you need a wave sail, cammed sails dont dump the power.
I bought a wing and a board , buckled to peer group pressure...tried it twice and went...WTF am I learning something new for when I am loving what I am doing now. I may get it out again over summer but not that motivated to.

I am not knocking Winging...I am just a grumpy old man sick of being told why winging is so much better than windfoiling by people who have never done it.

Faff
VIC, 1370 posts
10 Sep 2023 5:33PM
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mr love said..
OK.....each to their own....I was windfoiling last week in up to 35 knots.......the wingers all holding their wings above their heads to depower looked awkward and painful......I had my hands full but quite doable, then the wind died and they all struggled to get home with some big walks of shame and I just cruised in. The old windfoil gear was pretty crap and I find you get opinions from guys that tried it when it first came out using unstable rubbish foils and now they wingfoil on modern gear and say its much better., but they have not used new really good windfoil kit. As far as depowering on a swell...you learn how to do it and it feels very natural...but you need a wave sail, cammed sails dont dump the power.
I bought a wing and a board , buckled to peer group pressure...tried it twice and went...WTF am I learning something new for when I am loving what I am doing now. I may get it out again over summer but not that motivated to.

But early wingfoils were just as bad or worse (huge, draggy 2000 cm2 spades). And at least in windfoiling one could rely on decent rigs right from the start; first couple of generations of hand wings were trash. But yeah, going from a first gen windfoil to a 3rd gen wingfoil may have colored my perceptions.

Nikita
QLD, 222 posts
10 Sep 2023 6:28PM
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Definitely each to their own. If you're having fun, then it doesn't really matter what gear you're on.
I would agree that the early wing gear was rubbish. It only really got good in 2022.
If you're into racing, then windfoil makes more sense.

finno3
VIC, 21 posts
10 Sep 2023 6:47PM
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mr love said..
OK.....each to their own....I was windfoiling last week in up to 35 knots.......the wingers all holding their wings above their heads to depower looked awkward and painful......I had my hands full but quite doable, then the wind died and they all struggled to get home with some big walks of shame and I just cruised in. The old windfoil gear was pretty crap and I find you get opinions from guys that tried it when it first came out using unstable rubbish foils and now they wingfoil on modern gear and say its much better., but they have not used new really good windfoil kit. As far as depowering on a swell...you learn how to do it and it feels very natural...but you need a wave sail, cammed sails dont dump the power.
I bought a wing and a board , buckled to peer group pressure...tried it twice and went...WTF am I learning something new for when I am loving what I am doing now. I may get it out again over summer but not that motivated to.

I am not knocking Winging...I am just a grumpy old man sick of being told why winging is so much better than windfoiling by people who have never done it.


I hear you sick of been told to go winging,everyone I know who have switched to winging, from windfoil , learnt on crap gear
After 2 yrs windfoiling in Bass strait swells it's still a massive buzz
still need a good season under my belt to get where I want to be

John340
QLD, 3363 posts
10 Sep 2023 7:42PM
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mr love said..
OK.....each to their own....I was windfoiling last week in up to 35 knots.......the wingers all holding their wings above their heads to depower looked awkward and painful......I had my hands full but quite doable, then the wind died and they all struggled to get home with some big walks of shame and I just cruised in. The old windfoil gear was pretty crap and I find you get opinions from guys that tried it when it first came out using unstable rubbish foils and now they wingfoil on modern gear and say its much better., but they have not used new really good windfoil kit. As far as depowering on a swell...you learn how to do it and it feels very natural...but you need a wave sail, cammed sails dont dump the power.
I bought a wing and a board , buckled to peer group pressure...tried it twice and went...WTF am I learning something new for when I am loving what I am doing now. I may get it out again over summer but not that motivated to.

I am not knocking Winging...I am just a grumpy old man sick of being told why winging is so much better than windfoiling by people who have never done it.



I could not have said it better myself Martin. I thank JJ and 2keen in WA for showing us what is possible on a small board, wave sail and high aspect foil in waves. I'm having a ball trying to emulate them.

dimacced
176 posts
10 Sep 2023 9:37PM
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Faff said..


mr love said..
OK.....each to their own....I was windfoiling last week in up to 35 knots.......the wingers all holding their wings above their heads to depower looked awkward and painful......I had my hands full but quite doable, then the wind died and they all struggled to get home with some big walks of shame and I just cruised in. The old windfoil gear was pretty crap and I find you get opinions from guys that tried it when it first came out using unstable rubbish foils and now they wingfoil on modern gear and say its much better., but they have not used new really good windfoil kit. As far as depowering on a swell...you learn how to do it and it feels very natural...but you need a wave sail, cammed sails dont dump the power.
I bought a wing and a board , buckled to peer group pressure...tried it twice and went...WTF am I learning something new for when I am loving what I am doing now. I may get it out again over summer but not that motivated to.



But early wingfoils were just as bad or worse (huge, draggy 2000 cm2 spades). And at least in windfoiling one could rely on decent rigs right from the start; first couple of generations of hand wings were trash. But yeah, going from a first gen windfoil to a 3rd gen wingfoil may have colored my perceptions.



I think there is some psycological trick our mind is playing with us. This was happening when I was suggesting windsurfer to start windfoling...they started to be immediately defensive, so I stopped. The reason why I believe is because they invested so much in getting where they are in windsurfing (some not still able to do a decent power jibe though), that was mentally refusing to start again the learning curve for anything else. I had myself the same when somebody suggested winging to be interesting, but I wanted to play tricks with my mind and give it a try...found it interesting enoungh to do more...but not to abandon windfoil by any mean. I see winging is having quite a boost and technology especially on hand wings is improving very fast, my Echo is rubbish compared to 2023 wings out there, so at the moment winging has more margins for improvement vs windfoiling which from a market perspective is perceived as a nice expecially out of the IQ/racing envelope.
I you love sport and you are or have been teaching sports as myself, you get curious on what are the common biomechanics, and what the differences. I love windfoiling and will continue to do it, but there has been cases when I whished to be winging to avoid loosing a windy day opportunity I couldn't grasp with the windfoil..you know: logistics, crowded beach, no place to rig, ..in some cases winging can make it better, that is all, moreover from what I could see winging not being the sail conneted to the board allow to direct the pull in any direction and copy with gusty condition a little better and have a greater wind range you can use a sail for.

when windsurfers tell me...'so we will all be windfoiling then?' with sad faces...this makes me laugh and respond ...'no of course we are here for fun and you are free to have fun with whatever you prefer...no obligation'...

TroyMcClure
25 posts
10 Sep 2023 9:51PM
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I am just a grumpy old man sick of being told why winging is so much better than windfoiling by people who have never done it.


Yes this. Absolutely everyone asks when I'm going to move over to Winging like I'm some mis guided fool that needs to get with the programme! I will try it and it had better be f'ing incredible!!

mr love
VIC, 2401 posts
11 Sep 2023 8:47AM
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Its OK...I am back on my medication...

I am not having a go at winging at all......many of my friends are winging and loving it and I am so impressed with how the sport is developing and the amazing stuff some of the guys are doing now. My beef is nearly everybody saying to me .."when are you going to start winging, its way better than this" If I hear that from friends I know who have windfoiled and done so at a high level I respect their opinion but when I know that 95% of the people who say it to me have never stood on a windfoil board it starts to piss me off.



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