The rise of wingfoiling and parawing: a sport that exceeds expectations and redefines limits

SUELTALABARRA and SUELTAELWING! Family wingfoil has gone from being an emerging curiosity to a global phenomenon in the world of water sports. What began as a promising discipline has far exceeded all initial expectations, establishing itself as an extraordinarily dynamic and constantly evolving activity. Its appeal lies in the unique combination of elements from windsurf , kitesurf and foil , offering an experience of gliding and flying over the water that is both intuitive and deeply rewarding. This fusion has democratized access to the sensations of foil , allowing a wider audience to enjoy weightlessness and speed, completely transforming the water sports scene.

It's been two years since this video, which remains the most viewed for wingfoil beginners, and it's time to make a new one with all the elements that have come from brands like SIC, PLKB, Flysurfer, Mistral...

From origins to global expansion: unprecedented growth

The wingfoil concept was born from the idea of ​​combining an inflatable sail (the "wing") with a board equipped with a hidrofoil (the "foil"). The goal was to create a system that would allow the rider to ride with the wind while the board rose above the water, minimizing friction and maximizing speed and the sensation of flight. The first prototypes were rudimentary, but the simplicity of their design and the immediate fun they offered quickly captured the imagination of enthusiasts.

In just a few years, wingfoil has experienced exponential growth. What was once a niche sport has now become a discipline accessible almost anywhere with wind and water. This growth has been driven by several factors:

• Ease of Learning: Compared to other wind and board sports, wingfoil has a surprisingly quick learning curve, especially for those with prior board sports experience.

• Safety and Portability: The equipment is relatively safe and easy to transport and set up, making it ideal for travel and spontaneous sessions.

• Versatility: It can be practiced in a wide variety of wind and wave conditions, from flat waters to large swells .

The Maneuver Explosion: Redefining Creativity on the Water

One of the most exciting aspects of wingfoil is the speed at which maneuvers are developed and perfected. The community of riders , driven by a shared passion and healthy rivalry, is constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. What was once an expert-level maneuver is now a common trick that many aspire to master.

wingfoil maneuvers can be classified into several categories, each offering a unique challenge:

• Basic and Transition Maneuvers: These include turns like the jibe and tack , which are essential for changing direction and maintaining flow. Mastering these fluid transitions is the foundation for more complex movements.

• Jumps and Flights: Using the lift of the foil and the power of the wing , riders perform breathtaking jumps, some with complex rotations (such as 360s or flips ) that defy gravity. foil pumping allows riders to maintain flight even in light winds, demonstrating exceptional control.

• Wave Surfing and Downwinders : The ability to "disconnect" from the wind and ride the waves' power purely with a foil is one of the most rewarding aspects of surfing. downwinders combine long distances with ocean swells surfing .

• Freestyle and Technical Maneuvers: This is where creativity shines. Maneuvers like touch-and-go , extreme carves , and developing grabs and tweaks add an artistic and technical element to every session.

This constant evolution is amplified by the spread of videos and social media, where riders share their achievements, inspiring others to try new challenges.

Competitions: the stage for innovation and excellence

The growth of wingfoil has led to an increasingly structured and exciting competition circuit. From local events to world championships, competitions are the ultimate test bed for skill and innovation.

Competition modalities usually include:

• Race: riders compete on a marked course, demonstrating speed, strategy, and skill in transitions. The ability to fly efficiently and maintain constant speed is crucial.

• Freestyle: This modality is a festival of creativity, where judges evaluate the difficulty, execution, variety, and style of the maneuvers performed by competitors in a given time.

• Wave Riding: In wave conditions, riders are judged on their ability to ride the waves with foil and wing , wave choice, radicality of turns and aerials.

These competitions not only crown champions, but also drive the development of the sport by showcasing new techniques and limits, inspiring the next generation of wingfoilers .

Below you can see some maneuvers that are already being seen in international competitions:

One of the highest scores of the semis, a 9.47 from @aleks_and_tom.twins! July 2025

And here is a sample of wingfoil competition:

The parawing or pocketwing revolution: a new horizon of maneuvers

The arrival of parawing or pocketwing represents the latest frontier in the evolution of wingfoil equipment, promising to redefine the sport's possibilities. These wings, characterized by their even more compact design, smaller wingspan, and greater aerodynamic efficiency, are not just an incremental improvement, but a paradigm shift.

The advantages and potential impact of parawing are significant:

• Greater Maneuverability: Its smaller size and more direct response facilitate tighter turns and more precise movements, opening the door to new freestyle maneuvers that require extreme agility.

• Ease of Jumps and Rotations: By reducing the wing 's inertial mass and improving airflow, parawing will make jumps easier to lift and allow for faster, more controlled rotations in the air. This means we'll see more complex and stylized aerial tricks.

• Improved High Wind Performance: Its more robust and compact design allows for improved control in stronger winds, expanding the range of conditions in which radical maneuvers can be safely performed.

• Pumping Potential: The improved efficiency of these sails could further enhance pumping , allowing riders to maintain flight and speed with less effort, which is key for wave surfing without constant connection to the wind.

The widespread introduction of parawing is expected to unleash a new wave of innovation in freestyle and wave riding , taking wingfoil 's spectacularity to unprecedented levels. riders are already experimenting with these new tools, and it's only a matter of time before new standards in difficulty and creativity are set.

Discover in this video the spectacular maneuvers of a rider during his first contact with parawing :

Liam Coralle and wingfoilworldtour publish parawing maneuvers July 2025

And check out this rider's incredible flow with a parawing:

A sport with a bright future

wingfoil is more than just a fad; it's a sport that's here to stay and continue to expand. Its accessibility, combined with the thrill of speed, soaring over the water, and constant innovation in equipment and techniques, position it as one of the most exciting and promising aquatic disciplines.

Kai Lenny, a professional aquatics athlete from the North Shore of Maui, Hawaii, talks about the present and future of parawing in this video podcast on his channel.

A clear example of this impact on competition was seen this year at the Défi Wing in France , where parawing de Flysurfer prevailed against 600 wingfoilers. rider Théo de Ramecourt (@theoderamecourt) dominated the second heat, demonstrating the potential of this new configuration. This milestone has sparked an interesting debate within the community: is this still wingfoiling , or are we entering the realm of shortline kiting ? Whatever the answer, the truth is that parawing are pushing the boundaries of the trendy water sport.

If you're looking for an activity that combines adrenaline, technique, and a deep connection with the aquatic environment, wingfoiling offers an incomparable experience and a future full of discoveries and challenges. Are you ready to join the wingfoiling revolution and experience the sensation of flying over the water?