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As we all get back to business and many people enjoy vacations, wingsurfing – along with its big brother, wingfoil – is the biggest new trend on the water.
The Royal Yachting Association launched their WINGsurf training program in June and there are already four centers in the southwest, including Edge Watersports in Exmouth, which run courses to bring new enthusiasts to pilot the kite, and they also train instructors.
Wingsurfing is a mix of kitesurfing, kitefoil, windsurfing and stand-up paddle (SUP). It uses a semi-inflated kite, much like kitesurfing, to propel you.
The kite is not attached to the board – there are no lines or harnesses and no rigging to do – it is controlled by your hands when you are standing, and like windsurfing you can use a single board or with a foil.
Wingsurfing is a great option for the whole family and all levels and ages. No previous water sports experience is necessary and you can learn the basics on a large windsurf board or a windSUP. If you want to go to the next level, you will need a dedicated wingfoil board that has a foil attached to it.
The new RYA program consists of four progressive courses, aimed at introducing complete beginners to wingsurfing and then developing their skills to foil with confidence.
Edge Watersports has many years of experience teaching water sports in Exmouth, an exceptional destination for sailing and many other water sports that have produced world class sailors.
The Exe Estuary offers a variety of conditions in different tidal and wind states, and a useful environment for learning with large expanses of flat and deep water behind a large sandbar. Watersports manager and trainer Steph Bridge says it’s the flat water that makes a big difference when learning to wingsurf, but then people can catch the waves on the other side of the sandbar an once they are up and foil.
She said: “We’ve been involved in the kite for a long time, and at first we saw windsurfers and kitesurfers trying out, but this year the sport really opened up to people who had never played sports. sailing before.
“Compared to other water sports, it’s very safe and people learn their wind knowledge from it. Right now it seems to appeal mostly to the 30-50 age group and an equal number of men and women, unlike most water sports which are more male dominated. But I think that we will soon train many more young people before they move on to other sailing disciplines because it quickly allows you to understand the foil – much more than with sailing, kitesurfing or windsurfing.
“It’s very accessible – people who have tried kitesurfing but didn’t understand it started to fly a lot easier because they feel in control. And you can also get in the water so quickly – just inflate the kite and go. I think we’re going to end up with a racing event soon – and it won’t be long before it becomes an Olympic sport.
“The best thing about wingsurfing is accessibility,†said RYA chief instructor Amanda Van Santen. “It’s incredibly easy to master the basics, and the kit is affordable and easy to carry.
“Just five years ago the availability, cost and skills required made most foiling sports an unrealistic option for many. Now you just need to visit your local body of water to see how popular it is.
The RYA WINGsurfing program includes instructor training and center recognition as well as classes, so look for more opportunities and information at www.rya.org.uk/go/wingsurfing.
Do you like boating? So why not join the association that promotes and protects safe, successful and rewarding British boating. Join us today and support the RYA in protecting your navigation rights and freedoms. Enjoy free advice and support on all aspects of your boating, plus a range of fantastic personal offers for members. For more information call 02 380 604 159, email [email protected] or visit www.rya.org.uk
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