How Much Wind for Wing Foiling? A Beginner's Guide

In the latest "Wing Wednesdays" episode with Tucker and Jeff, they address the question: “How Much Wind for Wing Foiling?” Emphasizing the significance of optimal wind speeds, they pinpoint 16-20 knots as the sweet spot for novices, especially in flat waters. The discussion also underscores the importance of being attuned to local wind conditions, as factors like wind meter placements and water temperatures can affect readings. While experienced foilers might boast about riding in as low as 6 knots, beginners are reminded to approach such claims critically, considering the multiple variables at play. The key takeaway for newcomers is to understand the nuances of wind conditions, continually practice, and let the wind steer their foiling journey.
Thank you for sharing the kiteboarding and wing foiling stoke with us! 🤙🏽 Please join us in the comments section and get a conversation started. We’re always happy to help!
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[@andreatopcat8180]

Compliments. Your discussions are the most realistic and useful for beginners!I'm learning with a 10 foot inflatable sup without foil. But the waves bother me a lot. Should I only go out with flat water? And with how much wind at minimum and maximum with sup and wing? Thank you.

[@wingsurfcamp8240]

Bought my first Wing from Tucker in 2019 (thank you Tucker) and he continues to give me great advice on a regular basis.

[@martinomovies]

After 2.5 years at 220 pounds, I can get up in a little less than 10 knots on a small board with a 7m wing and a 2100 sq cm foil. But I learned how to do that after many low wind sessions. It just takes a lot of time on water, muscle memory, perfect timing, and a sixth sense.

[@MACkiteboarding]

For sure, experience is key in light winds. Technique is huge. -Tucker

[@stokedforsuccess100]

Excellent. Thanks for that honesty, and breaking it all down. Need more videos like this.

[@lmmmandel]

you two are good at doing these videos! My complements

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thanks! We've had lots of practice.

[@mekanism1200]

I have been trying to learn to wing foil in light conditions for almost year. I have only been on foil 2 times for about 10 feet each time. I'm heavy though, 230lbs, using an 8m wing, biggest foil from Axis and large volume board, still can't get on foil consistently. Honestly if you live in an area where conditions are regularly less than 15kts you might be better off saving up for an e-foil. I'm starting to wish I had. At least with e-foil you are guaranteed to be foiling and can fit the sport to your schedule, not having to rely on mother nature's schedule to align with yours.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yes, learning in light winds is super challenging. You are learning more than you think but it's hard to tell until you get some decent wind. Once you are confident starting on that board, you might check out a more efficient board so you can build more apparent wind and board speed for liftoff. A DW board is typically the best choice for those sub-par conditions but also more difficult to learn on. -Tucker

[@vim55k]

I plan to build dyi foil assist - learn on it to foil. Learn wing with sup. Then connect the two in our 11-16knots sea thermals... What do you think?

[@MACkiteboarding]

That sounds ambitious, my friend. 🤙🏽 I can’t comment on the DIY “foil assist”, but I highly recommend learning to wing with a SUP, as it will provide a stable platform to learn on. You’ll be able to have some fun in those lighter conditions with your SUP, but you’ll definitely appreciate at least 14 knots when learning to ride your hydrofoil and wing board. Good winds to you! -Aaron

[@bootnick21]

Wich foil of the north sonar line you recomend for ultra low wind conditions? MA, HA o SF? And which size?

[@henryhester1897]

Yup , just put my new 5.0 up for sale.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for sharing the stoke, my friend. 🤙🏽 Good winds! -Aaron

[@slogoheinzy8695]

great video - im a beginner 80kg and have a 140liter board ( gong lance 5ft 9 ) and its not lifting for me in 15 knots. A mates 120liter fanatic 6 ft board seems to be lifting ( exact same 2000cm foil and 5m wing) Is this this just a case of more wind required for this board at my level

[@MACkiteboarding]

Most likely just need a bit more wind. I haven't ridden the Gong but the Fanatic is very efficient. - Tucker

[@justinrosen3044]

very useful videos, keep them coming. I am a 200lbs beginner with local conditions with avg wind range of 12mph 17mph. If I can only buy two wings, what would you recommend? * 5.0 and 7.0 * 6.0 and 8.0 or some other combination? A 5.0 seems like it might be on the smallish end and a 8.0 looks massive. All the guides are written for lighter riders.

[@kountchev1]

if you are asking this question, then go for 6 and 8 m2

[@MACkiteboarding]

A good 7-8m with a 5-6m for better winds would be my suggestion. -Tucker

[@johanbergkvist8834]

How big is your front foil?

[@kountchev1]

@@johanbergkvist8834 1280 F one phantom.

[@MACkiteboarding]

@@johanbergkvist8834 That would depend heavily on the board I'm using. On a DW board, it's rare for me to use anything larger than 1200. On a normal board, as large as 1400. -Tucker

[@Leo73rr]

What is best for light wind - a 2400 cm square beginers front wing, or a 1700 cm square medium aspect? What is best? More lift? Or less drag?

[@MACkiteboarding]

For a new rider, the 2400 low aspect will be easier since it requires less technique but more experienced riders will appreciate the better top end range, glide, apparent wind that the smaller, higher aspect option offers. 1700 is still quite large and easy to get on foil for most riders. -Tucker

[@Leo73rr]

Thanks Tucker! 👍🙏