ENSIS Survival Guide to Wingfoiling in Winter
As the festive season rolls in the days get shorter the water gets colder and suddenly the couch looks very inviting. But winter wingfoiling has its own kind of magic. Empty spots, crisp air, clean wind and that unbeatable feeling of earning a session when most people stayed home.
Wingfoiling does not stop just because summer packed up. With the right mindset, a bit of planning and the right gear winter sessions can be some of the best of the year. Consider this your friendly survival guide to getting on the water during the cold festive season.
Before the session
Getting mentally ready is the first step
The hardest part of a winter session is often leaving the house. Once you accept that it will be cold but worth it everything becomes easier. Do not overthink it. Decide the night before check the forecast pack the car and commit. Winter wingfoiling rewards preparation and punishes hesitation.
Stay warm while setting up
Cold hands and rushed rigging are a bad combination. Set up as much gear as possible while you are still warm. Inflate wings inside if you can or at least get everything laid out before you start undressing. The goal is simple spend less time standing cold on the beach and more time riding.
Bring warm clothes that are easy to remove. Big jacket beanie thick socks and a hot drink go a long way. If you start shivering before you even get into your wetsuit the session will feel twice as hard.
Dress for winter not for optimism
Winter wingfoiling is not the time to test whether last year’s wetsuit is still fine. A proper winter wetsuit makes all the difference. Hood gloves and booties are not optional once the water cools down. Cold fingers and frozen toes end sessions early and turn good days into uncomfortable ones.
Fit matters. A snug wetsuit keeps water movement low and warmth high. Gloves should allow enough grip to comfortably handle the wing. Booties should be warm without cutting circulation. Comfort equals longer sessions and more fun.
On the water
Choose your spot carefully
Winter is not the season for sketchy launches or adventurous experiments. Pick familiar spots with easy access and safe wind directions. Onshore or cross onshore winds are your friend. Offshore winds are a hard no in winter conditions.
Staying closer to shore is not a sign of weakness. Short tacks mean quicker exits if something goes wrong and less stress if your hands start losing feeling.
Ride within your means
Every fall means water flushing through your wetsuit and energy lost. Focus on smooth riding steady flights and enjoying the conditions. Winter sessions are about flow not progression.
If you feel cold take a break. Come in warm up move your fingers and reset. Shorter sessions done well beat long sessions that end exhausted.
Do not go alone
Winter wingfoiling is better with company. Even if you are not riding together having someone on the beach or on the water adds a huge safety margin. Keep an eye on each other and do not hesitate to check in if something looks off.
Winter spots are quieter but that does not mean you are invisible. A bit of awareness goes a long way.
After the session
Dry gear equals better next sessions
The session is not over when you leave the water. Wet cold gear makes the next day harder than it needs to be. Open everything up as soon as possible. Wings wetsuits gloves and booties all dry better when spread out and aired properly.
Salt and sand left to sit in winter conditions can do real damage. A quick rinse and proper drying keep gear working longer and feeling better.
Prep now suffer less later
Winter rewards preparation. Check screws tighten anything loose and leave boards and foils ready for the next session. The more you can do at home the less time you spend cold on the beach next time.
A ready car and a ready kit turn winter sessions into simple decisions instead of logistical missions.
Why ENSIS gear feels at home in winter
From the beginning all ENSIS boards wings and foils are designed and tested on cold Swiss lakes. Short days cold water gusty winds and numb fingers are part of everyday riding for our team. If something is uncomfortable hard to handle or unreliable in winter it does not survive the development phase.
That means stable boards that get you flying without drama wings that remain predictable when the wind is uneven and foils that lift smoothly without demanding perfect technique. In winter that kind of reliability matters more than anything.
Interested in anything wing or foil?
If you’re into wingfoiling or foiling and want to stay updated on events, demos, or the latest ENSIS gear, follow us on social media or check out our DEMO DAY page for upcoming opportunities. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, our experienced team and worldwide retailers are here to help. Reach out to learn more or find an ENSIS retailer near you!
