Rider Spotlight: Jeremiah McDonald

At 24, Jeremiah McDonald has already pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with a foil.

Based in Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand, Jeremiah grew up around watersports. After sailing yachts as a child and becoming a kitesurfing instructor after high school, he discovered wingfoiling and quickly became hooked.

Five years later, racing and speed have become a major part of his riding — but so has the simple feeling of being on the water.

From Sailing to Wingfoiling

Jeremiah discovered the wingfoil shortly after the sport emerged. While stuck on the small Pacific island of Rarotonga during COVID, he had the time and conditions to fully immerse himself in the sport.

His competitive journey soon followed. In 2022, he competed in his first freestyle and slalom World Cups in Leucate.

Today, racing and speed are at the heart of his riding. He describes his competitive style as intense, adrenaline-filled and constantly challenging.

But when the racing is over, his approach changes.

I like to ride as small wings as possible and just enjoy the glide”.

Tauranga Harbour: A Playground of Conditions

Jeremiah's home spots are spread across Tauranga Harbour, where a huge range of conditions can be found within a short distance.

From flat water, speed runs and easy sessions right in front of his house to strong currents, long waves and beach breaks, the harbour offers something for every kind of session.

And some of his favourite sessions happen with his dad.

At 71, his father is still one of Jeremiah's most frequent riding partners. The two even took on DEFI WING together this year — an experience Jeremiah describes as “sooooo cool”.

Faster. Further. Better.

Jeremiah's goals are as much about progression as they are about performance.

Going faster. Gliding further. Jibe quicker. Getting up earlier. Helping others understand their moves. And, above all, having more fun than the last session.

23 Hours. 805 Kilometres.

In July 2026, Jeremiah pushed the limits of human endurance and set a new World Record.

Riding an ENSIS DOUBLE ACE in Giske, Norway, he completed 805.1 kilometres on foil in 23 hours and 37 minutes, setting a New World Record for the longest distance wingfoiled in 24 hours.

The challenge was as much mental as it was physical. After the first 12 hours, Jeremiah had already reached his initial goal of 500 kilometres. What followed was a battle against fatigue, cold and the limits of his own mind.

During the final 1.5 hours, with no energy left and the cold setting in, staying on foil became increasingly difficult. His strategy became simple: one more hour. Then one more minute.

Your body can keep going longer than your mind wants to believe”.

Supported throughout the attempt by his safety team, partner, friends and family, Jeremiah finished with 805.1 km on the foil.

One word sums up the experience for him: Defining.

Jeremiah’s go to

Jeremiah's current favourite is the DOUBLE ACE 5.5.

It’s so light in your hands but full of power. So easy to power, and sending it on that wing is so fun”.

Find Peace on the Water

Beyond the effort to improve and push the boundaries of what is possible, Jeremiah's advice to younger and newer riders is simple:

Enjoy the process.

Find peace on the water, and always focus on learning something new”.

For Jeremiah, progression isn't only about going faster or further. It's about staying curious, learning something new and making every session count.