Top 3 WING FOILING spots in the US (mainland)

[@jeffyates115]

Hey Damien and Gwen! Ashley and I watch you two daily. It was pretty cool to see Sandpoint, Idaho on the bucket list of must riding places on the US mainland. This is my home spot and I take a lot of joy calling Sandpoint my home turf. Also, I know Gwen has strong roots here. Sandpoint has been a great spot for windsurfers for 30 + years, then kiting hit SP, and we have had a small community of friendly riders. Now winging has hit our spot and it’s really grown into a really cool and friendly scene. I would really like to share a few positive points with anybody thinking about coming to Sandpoint City Bach. If you are winging, It is possible to ride on both north and south winds. Most of the wind surfers and wingers park down by the boat launch and launch off of the beach by The Statue of Liberty. It’s a very short and steep shoreline with big trees and a huge concrete jetty, so I would suggest kiters launch inside the marina where there’s a bit of a wind shadow and a little more useable shoreline. I can promise you the best winds are out of the north! If you are kiting, I feel strongly that you would only want to ride a North wind, South winds are very unfriendly to the kiters, as they are off shore and a lot more inconstant. Some of the best riding up here is cold-weather riding. The lake level drops 10 vertical feet in the late fall until May, which really allows us a lot more shoreline to make launching and landing a breeze. Like HR, we do get good wind, unfortunately it’s just not very consistent, but that’s just the beginning. Schweitzer Mountain has some amazing mtn biking and the skiing/snowboarding is next level. The town of SP also has so much to offer. Being one hour south of the Canadian border we do see a lot of Canooks coming down and taking advantage of our incredible territory, as it’s on their way to the HR Corridor. That’s about all I have for you, I look forward to someday seeing a few of you on the water🤙🏽

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Jeff, Thank you for sharing and hope to see you on the water one day!

[@sjcwindsurf]

I hope to come visit Sandpoint soon, thanks for the tips on launching location!

[@windlinewatersports]

We're headed that way the end of June. Look forward to seeing a new spot! Considering moving there

[@birgitteyoung2867]

I'm excited you visited my local spots. Love that we can wing all summer long for like 6 months. The other good news in the San Francisco Bay Area is we can get on the water and wing several times a month also in the "worst" off season. There's no bad weather; just bad clothes LOL

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Birgitte!

[@neebs4964]

I am surprised you left out Maui, unless you meant “continental United States. I am in agreement with San Francisco (lived there and windsurfed there for 35 years), Hood River (many trips to hood river from San Francisco). But San Francisco suffers from traffic and a short season, hood River suffers from a short season also, as well as long driving times.Maui on the other hand, where wingfoiling was born, offers a year long season (still winging in boardshorts in December), great friendly waves at spots even when the swell is big, and the most incredible downwind runs. You will meet the i ons of the sport - Robby Naish, Alan Cadiz, Zane Schweitzer, Kai Lenny, and Alex Aguera - as they are on the beach daily and generously offer help, tips, and sometimes gear! As a bonus, your non sailing family will have lots to do.

[@neebs4964]

Did I miss the part about “mainland US”? I don’t recall hearing you mention that in the video. Well, anyway, I loved the variety San Francisco offered, but it was the long winters that finally got to me so we moved to Maui 6 years ago. Come on out, you would love it here!

[@craigobikes123]

Agree. This is a no brainer. Maui is Mecca.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Steve, Maui is prime, we just wanted to keep it mainland for those who may not be able to travel. Many more great places out there of course, soon we will do our 345 best places thanks to you all! :)

[@pierrearmand6590]

San Francisco windy season goes from February March to October. That's 8 months. We also have about 30 different locations to sail at. We also have a variety of sailing sites 3rd Ave. Coyote point, crissie, Berkeley, Richmond, benicia, Sherman island. So if traffic is bad you can find a place close to home.

[@neebs4964]

@@pierrearmand6590 Technically yes, but the fringe months offer much fewer days that are sailable than April through August. I windsurfed there for 30 years and September and October typically offered 10 or fewer days, while February and March only worked for strong NW days. Of course that was when I was windsurfing, now I suspect winging would extend those days provided I had some large gear to take advantage of the slightly windy days that would not work for windsurfing.

[@BrandonSchmit]

I used to surf Fort Pierce. Totally agree! I am just getting into foiling and hope to go to each of these spots at some point!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Awesome Brandon we hope to share the water with you one day!

[@kiter9271]

Okobojo Point Recreation Area, Lake Oahe, Missouri River, South Dakota 12 miles north of Oahe Dam and 18 miles north of Pierre sits an wind sport oasis on the Northern Great Plains. No crowds. Decent swells unlimited number of beaches to ride. Huge beaches. Steady wind.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Randy you rock!

[@kiter9271]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin You're welcome, sir. BTW: Minneapolis based LAKAWA Board Shop crew kited and camped at Okobojo during our least windy month (Aug 18-22) and raved about the incredible kiting/camping/ foiling/mountain biking.

[@paulmctigue8445]

I appreciate your positive vibes that you bring to the sport!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

We appreciate you Paul!

[@racerrs125]

I call bull to the Fort Pierce as #1. You are showing video of a once in every two year day. We get swells on that side very few days. We also have many days of dead on shore winds and seaweed. You forget to mention all the fisherman casting lines at you.

[@johnschukei1708]

Damien, I have Nov15- Dec 15 off work to improve my winging skills. Where should I go? Drive to in Florida with my winging gear. Or fly to and rent.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

You should drive you will likely end up moving down here! Ahhhhhh kidding.... Florida can be good that time of year though. :)

[@johnschukei1708]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin Thank you! Looking at Airbnb rentals now. Happy foiling!

[@robadair]

Jacksonville FL has a few really good spots. I have spent about 2 months there this year in 3 separate trips. I am headed south again in January and Fort Pierce is now at the top of the list. Maine has some very special spots however the water is getting really cold and wind is inconsistent, especially in summer when it is somewhat warmer.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Rob for your info! You rock.....

[@vthops]

Rob, where in Maine are you talking? I’m in the Belgrade Lakes area in Central Maine and just starting out. Wind is t too consistent which sucks but it’s my back yard so it’s what I have…

[@MrWindman98]

Awesome idea. I hope this really blows up as I would like to travel within the country more. Now I go to La Ventana MX a few weeks a year. Amazing spot. I wonder if the typical kite spots are good like South Padre and Cape Hatteras? I'm from WA state which has great spots but is a little difficult for consistency.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

They are all great spots 100%!

[@oldbonz]

I shouldn't be sharing this, but Cape Hatteras NC is a dream spot. Flat water on the sound side for all levels, plus surf on the ocean side. It's been a kiting mecca, but the foilers are starting to find it. Sssssh! 🤫

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you John! You rock!

[@bille6596]

The weeds have always been a problem for windsurfing in the sound, especially in the fall. How does this impact the foil? I would imagine unridable after the weeds start.

[@stevenreyburn2274]

@@bille6596 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYatnWOGmNSXodE

[@stevenreyburn2274]

If you can Kite foil in the Pamlico in the Fall I don't see an issue with Wing Foiling there.

[@shanestimac4340]

Port Washington, WI - Awesome on a NE, flat on the inside waves on the outside. Downside, usually cold when the wind is good. Winds usually consistent when blowing down Lake Michigan. Waves can get overhead.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you! Yewwwwww

[@dfrancisco2307]

I will be at Ft Pierce this week!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

You will love it!

[@VeroKen20]

Awesome! The Ft. Pierce jetty is about 15 minutes from where I live. I hope to be taking up wing foiling in the near future. I'll be checking out training in Jupiter. Thanks!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

We would love to get you going! www.wingfoilprocenter.com

[@jeffbeck1674]

I get why you’d include only the mainland being from Florida, but I’m from Seattle. So for me this list would be: 1.Maui; 2. Hood River; 3. San Francisco; 4. La Ventana. Stoked to try Fort Pierce if I get back that way! Cheers!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Jeff!

[@BillBabcock]

Interesting, I may have to plan a trip to Florida and check out ft. Pierce. I live in Hood River and Maui, so I'm a bit spoiled, but I try to keep an open mind.

[@ivanmarrero2985]

Hi Damien, Thanks for all your help and motivation. I am starting to learn right now. Do you have any advise on whats the best / safest way to fall when on foil?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Tricky question! Best is to not fight it when you are feeling like you are going to fall. Honestly just try to avoid the foil. Usually backwards is safer but it is very hard to say what is the best way to fall! Just take it slow! You got this friend!

[@PFGray]

Lake Wenatchee, inland Washington State. Beautiful deep, clean water, lots of wind.

[@todayssunshine]

Planning a week of wing foiling in Fort Pierce based on your recommendation. Curious about best launch locations and parking. Do you recommend Jetty Park (south of inlet)? Or the State Park, or somewhere else for Fort Pierce. Which Jupiter Beach location do folks use to wing (and where to park).

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Best location is south side yep on a north wind or North East wind. It is always hit or miss on the perfect weather conditions but you can always head to Stuart causeway to ride as well if conditions are not great at Ft. Pierce. Hope that helps! Jupiter we ride at Juno beach shower 56.

[@martinomovies]

Please keep this up. I want to know the top 50 spots in North America, preferably within a day’s drive of Chicago.

[@ctduncan1]

south haven michigan can get really good

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Our next video top 498 spots in the US! ahhhhhhhhhhh

[@federicorio]

Go Florida!! I am brand new to winging and progressing well - I have a Dakine Charger/Chase kit with a 1950 wing and 6.2 wing. What should I consider for my next wing (size)? Thanks! Love you guys - pure energy!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

The 4.5m Mantis would be a great addition, check out our online shop, we appreciate the support! wingfoilprocenter.com/products/03s-mantis?variant=45088407454000

[@REGUSA24]

Coming down in early December. Have you got recommendations as to places to stay near Ft Pierce or Juno beaches? Any suggestions as to local lessons??

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

I would check Airbnb should be your best bet for those locations!

[@BrianWagener]

What wind direction is good for beginners at fort pierce?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

North wind is ideal but can work in NNW and NE but North is ideal as the jetty blocks the chop making it glass!

[@jackindekeu528]

Nice work, amigos. I've checked out the Fort Pierce inlet on the map and I am wondering if you are referring to the beach on the South or the one on the North, which appears to be the FP Inlet Park?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

South side! North / North East wind 100% incredible.....

[@jeromedayton2558]

I'm heading your way for the last two weeks of April. Exactly where do you guys congregate in Jupiter and Fort Pierce?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Both friend! :)

[@jeromedayton2558]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin So is it at the Jetties for Fort Pierce and Jupiter Beach Park for Jupiter?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@jeromedayton2558 South side of Ft. Pierce. Juno beach in Jupiter shower #33 or #56. Yewwwwwww

[@defenderoftheadverb]

Hood River is is a pissy little river that runs into the Columbia River at the town of Hood River. The river you sail in is the Columbia River.

[@CaKiteboarding]

I vote for South Padre Island. you might have to walk out a bit for the foil. Thanks for all your videos Damien, awesome job, very informative. Which big airport is closest to Fort Pierce.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

PBI or FLL

[@gottaflyrc]

Great idea to share the best spots! Good goals for an endless summer bucket list. I didn't catch the spot in Idaho though. Where was that, and when is the prime time? Thanks.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Sandpoint, Idaho

[@gottaflyrc]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin Thanks. That's almost in Canada. Between there, Hood River and San Francisco I'll need a thicker wetsuit.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@gottaflyrc Hood river is spectacular!

[@oceanlance]

Awesome. I'm getting my travel gear.. How consistent is the wind in Feb and March in Ft Pierce?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Its for sure a better time of the year in FL but wind is always a tricky, as its never the same everyday! In general a good time though.

[@asillybadboy]

Be ready to sit in the bar. Can go a week with out wind.

[@bille6596]

@damien Leroy traveling to Florida from Canada nov5-10 to learn to wing foil (I have a bit of beginner experience). Looking for the best spot with lessons and preferably rental gear available. Between Fort Pierce, jupiter, Miami and mabe st Petersburg- is fort Pierce still on top?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Bill I would check with Jupiter kiteboarding or Adventure Sports or let me know exactly what you are thinking and we can try and help! Thank you.

[@bille6596]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin Thanks Damien I will call them today, but here's what I'm thinking. I got a North wing foil package in June. I have a windsurf background and can stand up and taxi upwind no problem with the wing, but haven't been on foil yet. Lake conditions here are choppy and wind gusty. I'd like lessons to help "Crack the code" in easier conditions, and then be able to rent suitable gear to practice while I'm there. Will stay at the best location to make this happen.

[@bille6596]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin thanks for recommending Jupiter Kiteboarding for a lessons option in the area. Unfortunately I got shut out during my visit last week (first hurricane Ian, then the wind shut down) Ido at Jupiter kiteboard was great to stay in touch and made himself available the whole time (by chance if conditions changed). He was also super informative when I dropped by the shop for a visit, I really appreciate his advise. He's a real pro, hopefully I have a chance to get on the water with him next time. Also had a good talk with the staff at Good Breeze in Cocoa beach who also have a lessons program and some rental options for anyone with some basic foiling skills. I would stay away from Miami beach area. I reached out to a couple places multiple times but couldn't get anyone to even call me back. Now that I know the area maybe I'll visit again april/may when conditions are more reliable.

[@foilfanatic]

I need to get away from my backyard "special" and make the drive down to Fort Pierce. Maybe this week. You guys are on the money about Florida being rideable most days if you go to the right spot. Saturday, Stuart was on and no place else was. Sunday, Melbourne Beach turned on at the last hour and a half before sunset. Combination of reading forecasts, frontal movements, live wind, and dumb luck gets you on the water more than a few days per week.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

This week is looking good friend! Enjoy!

[@ColoradoMikeC]

I'm a little butthurt that twin lakes near leadville Colorado didn't make the list... who doesn't like 58 degree water and on/ mostly off condtions?? ;-)

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Love it! I am from Colorado I am in.....

[@erikalane2807]

Looking forward to check out fort Pierce and Hood River next year 😁😁 thanks guys 🤟

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you!

[@JakeStief]

You guys are legends! Such good vibes. Come hang out in Ontario and ride Cherry Beach :)

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Jake! 💯will share the water with you one day!

[@shreddagorge]

Surprised you didn't mention tax-free shopping in HR from several great shops located blocks from each other run by expert riders freely sharing personal experience and advice.

[@rodrigo_sotomayor]

Hi guys!!! First congratulations for yours amazing videos!!! I would like to know your opinion about the North Sonar foils (R1500 and HA1450) for to practicing wingfoiling before buy it… thanks! 🤙

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Honestly have not tried them yet so I can not comment. Sorry friend.

[@rodrigo_sotomayor]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin ok thanks Damien 🤙

[@kelamikam]

Have you guys heard of this place Maui? ;)

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Sure have it rocks!

[@shimonelkayam6746]

Kanaha beach in Maui is a great location as well. Thanks Damien and Gwen, you are an inspiration to us all !

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

You are so kind! We appreciate you Shimon!

[@Waialua-Wingfoil]

The bay past Mokuliea Beach Park on Oahu's North Shore. We call it Mogulia :) Fun vid guys I would like to try these spots out! I LOVE winging.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Joe! We all love winging.

[@lawrenceteresa]

Next time too 10 spots in other continents 👍🏻

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

I like this!

[@rkitedancer897]

Maui year round. Fantastic winds. Winter waves, summer flat water. Cabin Sites Cove on Lake Mohave winter riding. Strong winds all winter. Lake Mohave summer consistent thermals at 6mile and 9mile Cove plus fresh water. Those 3 spots are in NV and AZ.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@rkitedancer897 Thank you!

[@ctduncan1]

Fort Pierce on hard north is for sure best east coast spot for any wave-riding windsports, hawaii of course has many great spots but that's not continental. Would love to foil SF, the article in foiling magazine makes it seem incredible with the diversity of spots

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Duke for all your info and yes you will have to hit SF, a great spot with so many options!

[@mntheriault]

See you next week

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Yewwwwww

[@1kiteboy]

I would think that your number 1 place would be Maui .

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

We love Maui Bryan and is a very good spot 100% but there are some hidden gems out there as well.

[@tc158]

Thx for leaving Maui off the list.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

:)

[@dlsspy]

Kanaha.

[@Bill-in-SF]

1) If you want more views (and likes) consider cutting back the LONG opening; it took 66 seconds for the content to begin. 2) Your opener has a bit of a "look how cool I am!" feel to it. I'm sure it was fun to make, but probably not right for your target audience (we're not teenage girls). 3) You've ranked a Florida beach above SF Bay Area and Hood River? That suggests that you're (insert insult here). If you want to rank a Florida destination, be serious, and compare the location to other east coast locations. But your brand is hurt when you post silliness like this.