Our Riders Answer Questions About Women in Wing Foiling

Wing foiling is for everyone; that’s the message we champion at ENSIS. But in a sport with a predominantly male presence, we’re particularly passionate about empowering women in extreme sports. We proudly support a diverse team, with nearly half of our sponsored riders being female. We’re witnessing fantastic growth in the female wing foiling community, and to celebrate this, we’ve interviewed two of our talented riders, Flora Artzner and Laura Rudolph! They share their journeys, including how they discovered wing foiling, the challenges they faced, and valuable advice for any woman interested in taking flight. We’ve also gained industry insights from our Marketing and Sales Lead, Karin Pfister.

Photo by Daniel Pankoke

Getting started

What got you interested in wing foiling?

Laura:

For me, it was wonderful to see such an elegant sport that made the rider look as if they were dancing over the water. The colourful wing in your hands is like a butterfly wing, and the board just glides under your feet. It also helps that the gear is so small, light and easily set up and carried to the water.

How much experience did you have in water sports before you started wing foiling?

Flora:

I got into windsurfing when I was just ten, thanks to my dad. It was purely for fun, exploring the coast of Almanarre, a way to escape and enjoy the weekends. Then I started my studies at engineering school, and work took over. I had to work abroad for a while so the windsurfing took a back seat for a few years. Then I started freelancing in biodiversity, I returned to France and it gave me a lot more freedom to pursue water sports again. I wanted to try out wave windsurfing, then foil windsurfing. Naturally, I fell in love with wing foiling. It was the sense of freedom and lack of sensation that gripped me. There’s no noise, no bumping from the waves, the board isn’t even touching water, it’s super smooth. Learning on a lake for the first time really helped me, it’s much flatter than the sea and there’s the security of knowing you’re not going to get pulled into deep sea! 

People often think you need exotic locations to wing foil, but I disagree. Europe has amazing spots, especially in France and the UK. Paris even has a thriving wing foiling community. All you need is a bit of wind and water – and you’re good to go!

What is your favourite thing about the sport?

Flora:

Wing foiling gives me this amazingly pleasurable sensation that fills me with joy and connects me to the moment. It’s a fantastic way to escape the stresses of life, particularly during the pandemic when everything was so uncertain. What I also love is how you can gradually and consistently improve. Mastering a new trick, like a simple jump, or nailing a jibe is super satisfying. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of gliding above the water. The wing foiling community is amazing too. Everyone is so supportive, helping each other out, pushing you in the water, the energy is infectious! There’s a laid-back vibe, even when it comes to something as simple as finding a parking spot!

Laura:

The wing foiling equipment is super versatile. You can use the wing whether there’s just a gentle breeze or when the wind really picks up. It feels incredibly light in your hands, making it easy to learn the ropes. You don’t need a tonne of power to get going, but it does require a bit more skill to master.

Photo by Tobias Meier

Progression and Technique

What was your biggest challenge starting out?

Laura:

Coming from windsurfing, I was used to having that direct connection between the board and the sail through the mast. It was a pretty big adjustment switching to wing foiling because suddenly, you’re the only thing linking you to the board. It felt really different at first.

What are some tips you might suggest to women to improve their technique and performance?

Laura:

Go winging with other women. We’re all in the same boat, facing similar challenges, so we can offer each other support and advice. Because women often have different body types and strengths compared to men, we tend to understand each other’s struggles better. That’s why I love organising women’s camps with ENSIS– it’s a great way to connect with other female wing foilers and share tips.

Women often have a more technical approach to winging, so finding the perfect gear setup is super important. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mast positions and foot straps until you find what works best for you. Once you’ve nailed your setup, you’ll notice a huge difference in your riding and have way more fun!

What would you say to any women who are considering giving wing foiling a go but are nervous about taking first steps?

Flora:

My advice? Just go for it! Don’t let doubt hold you back. You’re totally capable of succeeding and having a blast while doing it. I know there can be fears, especially when you’re starting out. Coaching and practice can really help build confidence. Safety is key, so always wear a helmet, life vest, wetsuit, and boots. Remember, if you fall, protect yourself first, don’t worry about the gear. I’ve only hurt myself once, in Brazil in a competition, and it was a silly accident in really shallow water.

When I’m coaching, I see that mental blocks are often the biggest challenge. Everyone’s different, so understanding what’s holding someone back is important. One time, strong winds were really scaring a student. I listened to her fears and then we turned it into a game, transforming fear into excitement. We replaced the dark colours of fear and doubt into bright positive colours that inspired energy, peace and motivation. It’s amazing what you can do with your mind!

How do you approach wing foiling in different conditions?

Flora:

The crazy thing about wing foiling is that you can ride in almost any conditions – all you need to do is switch up the size of your wing. They range from tiny 1.8-metre wings all the way up to massive 6-metre ones. I’m lucky enough to live by the Mediterranean, where the waves are pretty chill most of the time. But I love it when it gets stormy! That’s when I grab my smallest 1.8-meter wing. It’s like gearing up for battle – I feel so light and unstoppable. Depending on the conditions, and the seasons, I’ll swap between a swimsuit and a wetsuit. Winter’s actually my favourite time to wing foil, because I try my best to keep my carbon footprint low, so when France has stormy weather, I make the most of it! I try to avoid flying to find waves. France is my playground, and I love adapting to whatever the weather throws at me.

Photo by Santi Laurini

Community and the Future

Do you feel like wing foiling is an accessible sport for women?

Laura:

Yes I think wing foiling is accessible for women because it’s easier to pick up than wind surfing for example. The gear is lighter and you don’t need as much strength. It’s a bit more technical, though. The cool thing is that the number of women getting into wing foiling is really growing fast compared to windsurfing. It’s super important that companies make gear that works for women too. We had a big chat about the thickness of the ENSIS boom, for example. It’s essential that women are involved in giving feedback to the industry, not just men.

What do you think the future has in store for women in wing foiling?

Laura:

It’s exciting to think about the future of women in wing foiling. I really hope to see more female athletes competing at the highest level, like the World Cup. It would be amazing if they got the same level of support and prize money as the male competitors.

I also think more women will start wing foiling because the equipment is becoming better suited to us. Things like the handle grips, footstrap placement, and overall weight of the wing are making a big difference.

Have you met any inspiring women in the wing foiling world?

Flora:

Absolutely, I’ve met a bunch of incredible women in the wing foiling world. As a woman in a male-dominated sport, having strong female role models was really important to me. It pushed me to work harder and aim higher. Eva Nora, my first team manager, was a huge inspiration. She was so supportive and patient. I remember this one time when I was just starting out, she showed me how to do a basic 180 jump. She broke it down so simply, and I nailed it first try! It was a massive confidence boost. She is always smiling and offering advice, which makes learning so much fun. The whole ENSIS team, actually, has been amazing. People like Balz Müller and Michael Näf are incredibly talented but also super down-to-earth. It’s a great atmosphere to be part of.

And then there’s Eva again. Can you believe she was still wing foiling when she was eight months pregnant? It was mind-blowing! She’s a true inspiration and a real-life superwoman. It showed me that you can still enjoy the sport even when life changes, and that’s a powerful message.

Photo by Michi Näf

Wing Foiling Wisdom

Do you have any pre-foiling rituals or routines?

Flora:

When it’s time to hit the water, I need to be buzzing with energy. The quickest way to get me pumped up is with some positive music. I can switch moods super fast with music, so I always have a playlist ready to go. I also always like to make sure my body is prepared before going on the water, so I give my neck and shoulders a quick warm-up. My favourite song is always changing, but I’m a big fan of reggaeton. Anything that makes me want to dance is usually a winner!

Laura:

I don’t have any specific rituals, but there are a couple of things I always do before hitting the water. First, I make sure the centre strap connection on the wing is secure. This way, if the worst happens and the wing breaks, some air will still be trapped in one of the tubes. It’s a small thing, but it gives me extra peace of mind. I also quickly check my wing leash to make sure it’s in good condition. I had a scary experience once when my leash snapped, so I’m extra cautious about it now.

What’s your favourite wing foiling memory?

Laura:

My favourite wing foiling memory is definitely the time my boyfriend and I crossed from Corsica to Sardinia. It was the most stunning downwinder I’ve ever experienced. The whole journey was just pure magic.

Is there anything you wish more people knew about wing foiling?

Flora:

I wish more people knew just how accessible wing foiling really is. It’s a sport for everyone, no matter your age. Where I live, in Almanarre, I see people from their teens to their sixties hitting the water. It’s not as intense as some might think. You can take it easy and still have a blast. No need for crazy risks or superhuman strength! It’s amazing to see such a diverse group of people enjoying the sport together. Women, especially, shouldn’t feel held back. Wing foiling is perfect for us! It’s way safer than kitesurfing and so much easier to get started. You can pump up your wing in just a few minutes and transport it easily. Plus, you don’t need a huge beach to launch from; even a rocky shore works as long as the water’s shallow.

The best part? You don’t have to travel halfway across the world for incredible wing foiling experiences. There are amazing spots right on your doorstep. It’s crazy how many people feel like they need to go abroad for a great vacation. Let’s celebrate the amazing places we have right here! Wing foiling is about adventure, friendship, and exploring your local area. Supporting your country’s economy is another bonus!

Laura:

Actually, I think a lot of people worry that wing foiling is dangerous. But it’s really not, as long as you take a few safety precautions. Wearing a helmet and a wetsuit can help protect you from most injuries. And honestly, the feeling of flying over the water is just incredible – you’re like a butterfly!

There’s a pump foil clinic coming up in Brunnen, and I’m running a special one just for women too! I did a training course back in June covering windsurfing, winging, and pump foiling. We came up with some cool ways to teach people, especially to help them get over the fear of the foil. Anyone can join the pump foil clinic, and I hope to inspire more women to give it a go!

Photo by Santi Laurini

Industry Insights from Karin

How has the watersports industry changed over time? In the past, were there fewer women involved in the business or as athletes? Are there more women involved now?

Plenty of renowned companies that offer wingfoil equipment today were founded many years ago by sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing pioneers, e.g. by Neil Pryde and Robby Naish. With the rise of wing foiling in the last few years, new brands have come onto the market. Of both the long-standing and the young companies, I only know of one woman in the management team: Karin Jaggi, who, together with Patrik Diethelm, manages the fortunes of the “Patrik” brand. I don’t see any development from then to now. I really hope this changes. There are more female athletes in all sports than there used to be, but there is still a lot of room for improvement in the business side of things. 

What are some of the biggest difficulties that women face when working in watersports companies or competing in watersports?

As in other male-dominated industries, being a woman makes you stand out. But that doesn’t have to be difficult, on the contrary, you get a lot of attention. However, it is difficult for the athletes who take part in competitions. As in other sports, men stand out as faster and more radical, so a large portion of the spotlight is directed at men. The prize money is often greater for men competing, even though the costs and effort for the women are the same. We have seen some improvement in this regard in recent years and ENSIS is very committed to the female athletes!

In your experience, do you think women bring any unique strengths or skills to the watersports industry?

Women bring unique strengths and perspectives to the watersports industry. Their insights are invaluable in developing products and marketing strategies that resonate with a female audience. For example, at ENSIS, we’ve found that having a balanced team with nearly equal numbers of women and men has led to a deeper understanding of our customers’ needs. I advocate products that are also tailored to women. The look and feel should suit men and women, but more importantly, products must also be developed for women and tested by women. There is a huge difference between an 80 kg man riding a 47 L board and a 50 kg small woman doing the same. 

Additionally, women athletes are inspiring role models who can help to grow the sport and encourage more female participation. As team manager, we can rely on Eva Nora’s expertise, who in addition to her work for ENSIS, also takes part in wingfoil contests and is the mother of two children. This is ideal for ENSIS! 

What advice can you give to other women who want to pursue careers in the watersports industry?

Absolutely do it! It is extremely exciting and fulfilling.

What are some of the best things about being a woman working in the exciting world of watersports?

I think I can make a difference for women with ENSIS, as the industry continues to neglect the issue around women working in the extreme sports sector. Other than that, the people I interact with every day are truly inspiring. Whenever I have the opportunity to meet our ENSIS riders in person, I am always impressed by their strong personalities. We have a lot planned for the future.

It’s clear that women are making waves in this exhilarating new sport. Through the inspiring stories of Flora and Laura, we’ve seen firsthand the joy, challenges, and triumphs of female wing foilers. With a growing number of women embracing the sport and companies like ENSIS championing diversity, the future of women in wing foiling is undeniably bright. 

To follow Flora and Laura more closely, check out their socials here: Flora’s IG and Laura’s IG.

We, at ENSIS, hope that these experiences inspire you to take your first flight. So if you’re looking for your first wing, look no further than our Spin Wings for smaller riders!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wing, find your spot, and let the adventure begin!

You can find more wing foiling content at ensis.watersports.