Meet Dani

Say hi to Daniel “Dani” Wenger. He’s 15, a wingfoil freestyle rider, and already looks way too comfortable in the air. Although he’s still young, Dani has already spent years on the water. His calm confidence and playful approach to riding make it clear that foiling has become second nature to him.

Home Spot: Lake Uri

Dani Wenger freestyling

Dani’s home spot is Lake Uri, right in the middle of Switzerland. It’s where he wingfoils most and where he learned the basics of foiling. Thanks to its solid wind, open water, and dramatic mountain backdrop, it’s an easy place to stay motivated and keep progressing.

“I love that you can foil right next to big, stunning mountains,” he says.

How It All Started

man somersaulting with wing foil

Before wingfoiling, Dani came from a windsurfing background. He started wingfoiling about five years ago, and the reason it caught his attention was simple. Wingfoilers were going higher than anything he thought was possible. Seeing riders like Balz Müller and Michi Näf in action sparked his curiosity.

“When I tried wingfoiling for the first time, I just couldn’t stop,” Dani says.

Riding Style and Sessions

two people riding on the lake

Today, his riding style is exactly what you’d expect from a young wingfoil freestyler. It’s a mix of freestyle, freeride, and fun. Dani prefers light wingfoil gear, plenty of freedom to move, and the chance to try something new every time he’s on the water.

“I just love the feeling of being free,” he explains.

Most of his sessions happen with friends. Not only does it feel safer, but it’s also more relaxed and motivating. Riding together makes it easier to push limits, call tricks, and keep the stoke high.

Progression Goals

Right now, Dani is fully focused on progression. He’s working toward landing his first backmobe and making his Palau 360s cleaner and more controlled. Step by step, each session is about refining technique and building confidence in the air.

The Perfect Session

person with wing foil on lake at sunset

A perfect wingfoiling session is easy for Dani to picture. Strong Mistral wind in Porto Pollo, around 30 knots, and fully powered.

He’s riding a 3.0 TOPSPIN ACE, a 47L ROCK’N’ROLL Pro, and his MANIAC INFINITY ACE foil. Add the ENSIS crew and some close friends, and it doesn’t get much better.

Advice for Young Riders

Young, motivated, and charging on the foil, Dani is definitely one to watch. When it comes to advice for new wingfoilers, Dani keeps it simple.  “Just keep going,” he says. “Once you get your first flight, you just can’t stop.”

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Photos courtesy of IWSA Media and Robert Hajduk

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