Wing Foiling Safety 101

Foiling is an unmatched experience on the water – you ride faster, jump higher, and cover more ground. Whether you’re SUP foiling, wingfoiling, surf foiling, dock starting, or trying parawinging, we’re all chasing that incredible feeling of flying across the water. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, it’s important to keep safety – yours and others’ – in mind. Accidents happen when you least expect them. Today, we’ll talk about how to reduce risks and the safety equipment you should consider before heading out – all about wing foiling safety.

Things to Know Before You Hit the Water

There are countless ways things can go wrong, but the three most common scenarios are equipment failure, collisions with others, and self-injury. Fortunately, by keeping a few key considerations in mind, you can greatly reduce the risk of finding yourself in a tough situation.

1. Don’t Rely on Your Gear to Save You
Foiling equipment is not safety equipment. In the worst-case scenario, you should be able to comfortably make it back to shore without your gear or assistance from others. Only go as far out as you’re willing to swim back.

2. Dress for the Conditions
Stay warm by wearing appropriate water wear or a wetsuit suited for the weather. If the wind drops or your wing fails, you might face a long swim back to shore.

3. Understand the Spot and Conditions
Familiarize yourself with the location. Talk to locals, check surf reports, and assess the weather conditions. Plan your entry and exit points, and make sure you can manage them even if your equipment fails or the wind dies down.

4. Know the Right of Way
Learn the right-of-way rules, but remember that avoiding collisions is always the top priority.

5. Don’t Go Alone
Foiling with others is safer and more enjoyable. You can keep an eye on each other, though it’s important not to rely solely on outside help for rescues.

6. Respect Your Skill Level
Push your boundaries wisely. Be honest about your abilities- whether it’s understanding when to take lessons, recognizing if the wind is too strong, or knowing when waves are beyond your skill level.

7. Maintain Your Equipment
Regularly inspect and maintain your gear. Check the screws on your foil, inspect the tracks on your board, and examine your leashes and wings for any nicks or damage.

8. Always Use a Board Leash
A board leash is essential. It makes it easier to return to your board and helps protect other water users by preventing your board from becoming a hazard.

9. Always Wear a Helmet
There’s no reason not to wear a helmet. Accidents, especially bumps and knocks, happen more often than you’d expect. A helmet should be non-negotiable, protecting you from yourself and other riders.

Safety is essential for an enjoyable foiling experience, but it doesn’t mean you should lose sight of why you’re out on the water – to have fun! By taking precautions and preparing, you can focus on having a great time on the water. Stay safe, respect your limits, and most importantly, have fun out there!

ENSIS Safety equipment

Ensis has you covered when it comes to safety, our gear is built to be reliable and strong. If you’re needing a leash and helmet solution we have a couple of options that could suit you, so keep in touch with your local ENSIS dealer!

Board Leashes
There are several types of leashes to choose from, including ankle, waist, and knee leashes. The best choice often comes down to personal preference. ENSIS board leashes are all coiled to minimize drag in the water, making them a reliable option for any foiler.

For wingfoiling, a waist leash is highly recommended. It’s an excellent option for switching between stances as it helps avoid tangles.

For surf foiling and SUP foiling, where you typically ride in a single stance, a knee leash is ideal. It provides minimal interference when set up for one stance, giving you more freedom of movement.

Double Shell and Balz Pro Helmets
When choosing a watersports helmet, the most important consideration is a great fit, both helmets feature a 360° micrometric fit system for a snug fit, and both our helmets meet EN 1385 safety standards for water sports.

The Double Shell Helmet is lightweight and offers top-tier impact resistance, ideal for competitive riders. It includes removable ear pads and a magnetic buckle for added convenience.

The Balz Pro Helmet prioritizes durability with multiple-impact protection, fixed ear pads, and a glare-reducing peak. It also comes with a sticker pack for customization and junior sizes for young wingfoilers.

Interested in anything wing or foil?

Interested in events ENSIS are hosting or attending or want to try out the gear? Be sure to follow our social media for future announcements, or check out the DEMO DAY page, for future events.The ENSIS team is highly skilled in wing foiling and is eager to assist you in starting your wing foiling journey. Our worldwide retailers offer a variety of ENSIS products. Contact us now to learn more about our products or locate an ENSIS retailer nearby.