Which wingfoil equipment should I choose? Wing size, rider weight, wind, and board: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE

SUELTALABARRA Family! Today I want to help those new to wingfoiling who have a big question : What measurements do I need? As always, it's worth remembering that these questions and the answers are given in much more detail at schools. From the Suelta La Barra blog, I try to help with my experience over the past few years.

Let's get into the future wingfoiler mess!

wingfoil is a sport that allows us to glide and fly over the water, propelled by the wind through a wing or sail held in our hands. Choosing the wing size is essential to enjoy this sport safely and efficiently, as a sail that is too large or too small can hinder control or prevent you from gaining enough power to elevate yourself on the foil . In this article, I explain how to choose the wing size based on the rider 's weight , the varying wind forces , and the board . No comments regarding the mast size, as it does not affect the operation of the equipment but does affect the balance, which you should already have mastered.

wing size is measured in square meters (m²) and varies from small wings of 2 m² to large wings of over 7 m². In general, the larger the wing , the more powerful it will be and the more thrust it will generate. Therefore, the choice of wing size depends directly on the rider 's weight and the wind strength. With all this and the limited experience available, along with the new developments in materials, I have created an approximate but not definitive table that may help you choose the right material. Still, ask me and let me advise you before purchasing your wingfoil equipment.

Now comes the good part of this modality: if you enter the water with a small wing and the wind is weaker, or if it dies in kitesurfing, the sail falls into the water, causing a shipwreck. With wingfoiling, this doesn't affect you as much, since with a board that floats, you sit or kneel, and the small wing will slowly carry you to land. On the contrary, if you choose to enter with a large wing and the wind increases or exceeds your needs, you just have to set up the sail catching less wind with a light leading edge resistance and trim very little with the fabric. Let's move on to the data you need to know.

rider weight is one of the most important factors to consider (as well as fitness, skill, and balance). In general, a heavier rider will need a larger wing to generate the necessary lift in light winds, while a lighter rider can start flying with a smaller wing .

Wind strength is another key factor. In general, the stronger the wind, the smaller the wing should be to avoid excessive drag that hinders control. Conversely, if the wind is light, a larger wing will be needed to generate enough thrust to glide across the water. At first, and you'll soon notice, you'll need more thrust to fly or take the board out of the water, and it will help to be "over-winged." It's common to see a beginner spend hours trying to get up and fly with a small wing on light days, which only makes getting started more difficult.

This video, which I made in 2023, will help you learn the basics and a little more about this sport, which is no longer new.

The team and its variables

Unlike twintip tip kitesurf , where the rider 's weight and water resistance make a big difference when choosing a kite , in wingfoil , the rider or wingfoiler flies above the water like a kitefoil. This minimizes drag and makes the weight factor less important when choosing equipment.

In addition to the wing , the board and foil play a crucial role. The board's floatation, which depends on its liter capacity (for a beginner, a minimum of 20 liters more than your weight), beam, and length will all help with balance. These measurements can help you launch more easily; don't go short or you'll slow down your learning process. Once in the air, the size and design of the foil 's front wing is what truly determines your experience, providing balance and speed. For example, a larger front wing (like a 2000 cm² one) will allow you to launch faster and in less wind. It will give you stability, although it will slow you down due to drag. Conversely, a smaller wing will require more momentum and wind to launch, but once in the air, you'll be much faster and more difficult to turn in beginners.

Weight rule of thumb: In wingfoil , for every 20kg difference in a rider 's weight, it is recommended to increase the wing size by 1m² and the front foil wing area by 100cm² .

Wingfoil Size Guide by Weight, Wind, and Riding Style

This table is a general guide based on experience to help you choose the right equipment. Keep in mind that wind ranges are wide and extremes can be more demanding. By this I mean that a 6m wing works perfectly at 12 knots, but in extreme areas of 8 or 20 knots, you'll be struggling.

The size of the wing to use for wingfoil depends on the rider 's weight, wind strength, and the foil board being used. It's important to choose the right equipment to enjoy wingfoil safely and efficiently. It's always advisable to consult an expert for specific advice before purchasing or using a wing.

¿aun con dudas? contacta y hablamos un poco de wingfoil y el material que necesitas. At dejalabarra.com, you can get personalized advice. Do it now on the contact page. https://sueltalabarra.com/pages/contacto .