Wingfoiling in Hyères

SUPfoil

The SUPfoil (or Stand-Up Paddle Foil) is an innovative variation of the traditional stand-up paddle. In this discipline, a foil wing is attached to the underside of the board, allowing the user to rise above the water surface as they gain speed. The advantage of this technique is that it offers an almost frictionless gliding sensation, allowing riders to surf smaller waves or even flat water, while using a paddle to propel and steer the board.

Wind Foil

Wind Foil is an evolution of traditional windsurfing. As with SUPfoil, a foil wing is attached to the underside of the board, allowing the surfer to “fly” above the water once a certain speed is reached. Thanks to the reduction in friction, riders can reach higher speeds and enjoy a unique sliding sensation, even in lower wind conditions. The mast of the sail is always used to catch the wind and propel the board.

Surf Foil

Surf-Foil is an adaptation of traditional surfing where, again, a foil wing is attached to the board. This configuration allows surfers to glide above the water, offering a new dimension to surfing. The main advantage of Surf-Foil is that it allows surfers to catch and ride waves that would normally be considered too small or too soft for traditional surfing. It is a discipline that requires a certain mastery, because controlling the foil requires a different technique from that of classic surfing.

GETTING STARTED:

For an easy start, the choice of board is essential! A large board with a volume greater than your weight. If you weigh 80 kg, you can start with a 120/130l board. This will allow you to float better, you can start on your knees to gain a little speed before getting up. With progression you will very quickly be able to do a waterstart a bit like in windsurfing and thus use a board with a much lower volume to favor the maneuverability and reactivity/volatility of the machine.

EQUIPMENT:

The wing can be done from a SUP (Stand-Up Paddle) or a large longboard, but it’s very slow, we’re not going to lie, the advantage is to combine it with foil!!! To gain speed and ride the waves, it is better to combine it with the foil. The surface of the wing could be between 1200 cm² and 1800 cm² (lift), the length of the mast is not that important at the start, but it is better to stay within the standards, especially to start wing foiling at the Presqu island of Giens!

Super easy to take anywhere, because it fits in a small bag twice the size of a kite, incomparable compared to windsurfing: no need for a mast or wishbone 😉. For the size of the wing, the standard surface is around 4m², however you will find wings from 2.5m² to 6m², to be adapted depending on the force of the wind and your weight and the surface area of your wing. That’s quite a few parameters, so the advice of a pro from our sailing school in Hyères is not too much to combine all these variations with each other, especially at the beginning.

For larger sizes, if it can have a window it’s a plus to see what’s happening downwind. The leash is attached to your wrist and to the front of the wing. Another one on the board…Inseparable accessory: Ze pump! Sometimes delivered with the wing when purchased (but not always!) be careful to find out carefully because the inflation tips are often different depending on the brand… There are adaptable kits 😉