Get on the Water with an ENSIS Wing Foil Set!
So, you’ve seen these guys, gliding above the water, looking like futuristic surfers with their inflatable wings, and you’re thinking, “What is that, and how do I get started?” Welcome to the world of wing foiling! Whether you’re a total discoverer or a seasoned water sports addict, this article is your go-to for all things wing foil set. We’ve rounded up the most common questions and answered them in one place, so let’s dive in and get you flying!
What Is Wing Foiling, Anyway?
Wing foiling (sometimes called wing surfing) is the love child of windsurfing, kitesurfing, and foiling. Imagine standing on a board, holding a lightweight, inflatable wing in your hands that isn’t attached to the board and using the wind to propel yourself forward. Add a hydrofoil underneath your board, and suddenly you’re gliding above the water, like a pond skater.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Wing Foiling?
The learning curve is real but totally doable! If you’ve got some water sports experience, you might pick it up faster, but even total beginners can get the hang of it. Most people need about four lessons (8 to 10 hours of practice) to get comfortable with the basics: managing the wing, balancing on the board, and lifting off on the foil. Stick with it, and you’ll be flying in no time.
Is Wing Foiling Hard? How Does It Compare to Other Water Sports?
Here’s the truth: it’s hard until it’s easy! Wing foiling is generally considered easier to learn than kitesurfing and even windsurfing. The gear is simpler (just a wing, board, and foil), and it’s more forgiving, has less setup, more stability, and you can start in lighter winds. The learning curve is steep at first, but once you get over that hump, it’s a blast. Plus, it’s a sport for everyone—any age, any gender. Pro tip: For some, learning to foil behind a jetski/boat can speed up their progress.
Can You Teach Yourself to Wing Foil?
For total discoverers, a few lessons can fast-track your progress and keep you safe. A qualified instructor will also give you crucial feedback and ensure you’re developing good habits from the get-go. However if you’re determined and have some water sports background, pick a beach with at least one metre of water depth (and no rocks!), wear a helmet and impact vest, and don’t be shy about asking other foilers for advice. The wing foil community is super friendly and always ready to help newcomers.
How Much Does a Wing Foil Set Cost?
Let’s talk numbers. Wing foiling isn’t the cheapest water sport out there, mainly because the gear is specialised and relatively new. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Wing (sail): £640 – £1,800
- Foil board: £800 – £2,400
- Hydrofoil: £800 – £2,000
You can find some great deals in the second-hand market, but always check the gear’s condition, especially the wing and foil, since damage can be costly to fix. Other than that, you might also look at investing in your progress by getting an instructor, which will vary in price based on your location.
Not sure where to find ENSIS wing foil equipment? Click here.
Do You Need Straps for Wing Foiling?
For beginners, it’s best to start without foot straps. This helps you learn proper foot placement and makes it easier to bail out if you fall. Some riders find that a single front strap helps with orientation, but wait until you’re comfortable before adding any. Once you’re ready to try tricks or get some airtime, that’s when straps come into play.
What’s the Best Wing for a Beginner Wing Foil Set?
When choosing your first wing, go a little bigger than you think you need. A larger wing gives you more power, making it easier to get up on the foil in lighter winds. But don’t overdo it; too much power can be hard to handle when you’re still learning. As you progress, you might prefer a smaller, more manoeuvrable wing for turns and tricks.
A great beginner option is the ENSIS SCORE. It’s designed to have the perfect combination of stability, power and forward drive, making it great for discoverers, kids, and schools. It’s super light in the hands thanks to its reworked profile and hybrid construction, and the egg-shaped rigid handles give you a firm and comfortable grip for direct steering and long sessions.
How Fast Can You Go on a Wing Foil Set?
Speed depends on your weight, skill, equipment, and wind conditions. Most riders cruise at 11–21 knots, but experienced foilers can hit 30–35 knots. Our very own ENSIS rider Joshua Pretorius has been a frontrunner in pushing the boundaries of wing foiling speeds. Joshua travelled to Luderitz, Namibia, a renowned spot for setting wind sports speed records, with the ambitious goal of breaking the 40-knot mark on his wing foil. During his time there, he achieved an incredible top speed of 37 knots using a 3.5m SCORE Limited Edition wing!
Where’s the Best Place to Learn Wing Foiling?
One of the coolest things about wing foiling is its versatility. You can wing foil on lakes, rivers, or the ocean—pretty much anywhere with enough wind and water depth. Unlike some other water sports that are heavily reliant on tricky winds or specific wave conditions, with the right wing foil sets, you can ride almost any body of water you find. Look for spots with:
- Steady wind
- Safe, sandy beaches
- At least 1 meter of water depth
- Minimal rocks and obstacles
This makes wing foiling a fantastic option even if you don’t live near the coast. Just make sure conditions are right for discoverers: gentle winds and flat water are ideal.
How Do You Jibe on a Wing Foil Set?
Jibing (turning downwind) is a key skill. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Ride downwind, pulling on your backhand for power and speed.
- As you start the turn, keep pulling until the board is almost sideways.
- When you’re ready, let go of your backhand, grab the new front handle, and let the wing swing downwind.
- Place your new rear hand on the right handle and bring the wind back into the wing.
Putting pressure on your backhand is often key to nailing this manoeuvre. By pulling hard on your backhand, you’ll get more power, speed, and glide, making it easier to switch your hands at the end of your turn and correctly steer your foil and board.
Pro tip: Practice makes perfect, but the right board can make a huge difference in how smooth your jibes feel, especially as you’re learning. If you’re looking to upgrade or find the perfect board for your next session, check out our latest wing foil boards here and see what’s new!
What Is Downwind Wing Foiling?
Downwind wing foiling is all about using both the wind and the ocean swell to glide effortlessly downwind. Instead of just relying on the wing (or paddling!), you use the swell to keep your foil up and cover long distances with minimal effort. It’s a bit more advanced and requires a good understanding of wave patterns, but it’s super rewarding once you get the hang of it.
Who Invented Wing Foiling?
Wing foiling’s roots go back to the early 1980s, but it didn’t really take off until hydrofoils became popular. Uli Stanciu (a prominent figure in European windsurfing) and Jim Drake (known for creating the first portable wing in 1981 and also the mastermind behind the original Windsurfer), are two names often credited with pioneering the sport. The sport has evolved rapidly since then, with contributions from riders and brands all over the world.
Get your hands on way more tips and tricks from the ENSIS Academy!
Quick Tips for Getting On Your Wing Foil Sets
- Start with lessons if you’re new to water sports.
- Choose a safe spot with sandy beaches and enough water depth.
- Go bigger on your first wing, but not too big!
- Don’t skip the helmet and impact vest.
- Join the community—ask questions, watch experienced riders, and soak up all the tips you can.
- Be patient. Everyone falls (a lot) at first. Stick with it, and you’ll be gliding before you know it.
Final Thoughts
Wing foiling is one of the most exciting, accessible, and rapidly growing water sports around. With the right wing foil set, a bit of patience, and a willingness to learn, you’ll be flying above the water in no time. Whether you’re chasing speed records, exploring your local lake, or just looking for a new adventure, wing foiling has something for everyone.
Got more questions about wing foiling? Contact us! We love getting more people on the water!
