When I first saw people wingfoiling, I thought it looked like some sort of futuristic windsurfing-kitesurfing hybrid. A guy standing on a board, floating above the water, holding what looked like an inflatable batwing? Looked cool, but also a bit ridiculous.
Fast forward a few years and now more and more people are getting into it. If you’ve ever dreamt of gliding effortlessly above the waves, powered by nothing but the wind, wingfoiling might be for you.
At Kitekuda Kite Resort, we’ve seen plenty of beginners progress from total newbies to flying over the water in just a few days. Here’s how you can do the same.
Step 1: Understand What Wingfoiling Actually Is
First things first – what exactly is wingfoiling? In simple terms, it’s a mix between windsurfing, kitesurfing, and foiling. You hold an inflatable wing in your hands (it’s not attached to the board like a windsurf sail), and you stand on a hydrofoil board. As you gain speed, the foil underneath the board lifts you out of the water, reducing drag and making you feel like you’re flying.
It’s fast, smooth, and incredibly fun. And the best part? No lines, no kite crashes, no tangles – just pure freedom on the water.
Step 2: Get Comfortable with the Wing (Before Hitting the Water)
Before you even step on a board, the first thing you need to learn is how to handle the wing. This is best done on land, where you can focus on:
- Controlling the wing’s power by adjusting the angle
- Flipping and turning the wing smoothly
- Understanding how the wind interacts with it
Trust me, this will save you a lot of frustration later. Spend a little time getting comfortable, and your water sessions will be way easier.
Step 3: Start on a Big, Stable Board (No Foil Yet!)
When you’re ready to get on the water, don’t jump straight onto a foil board. That’s a guaranteed way to spend most of your session swimming instead of winging. Instead, start with a big, stable board, like a SUP or a large wingfoil board (without the foil attached).
Here’s what to focus on:
- Start kneeling and get used to holding the wing while balancing
- Stand up gradually, keeping your feet in the right stance
- Learn to generate power with the wing and steer without losing balance
Once you feel confident, it’s time for the real magic: the foil.
Step 4: Introducing the Hydrofoil – The Game Changer
This is where wingfoiling becomes something completely different from regular windsurfing or kitesurfing. The hydrofoil lifts your board out of the water as you gain speed, reducing resistance and creating that smooth, floating feeling. The first time it happens, it’s an incredible sensation. But getting there takes a little practice.
A few key tips:
- Keep your weight forward: too much back-foot pressure and you’ll pop up and crash
- Use small, controlled movements: big shifts will throw you off balance
- Expect to fall: it’s normal, and every wipeout gets you closer to mastering it
Once you get comfortable controlling the foil, that’s when the real fun begins
Step 5: Learning to Turn – Tacks & Jibes
Once you can ride in a straight line, the next challenge is changing direction without sinking.
The two main techniques are:
- Jibing: A smooth downwind turn
- Tacking: A more advanced upwind turn
Both take a bit of practice, but once you’ve nailed them, you’ll be able to stay on the foil for longer rides without stopping.
Best Conditions for Learning Wingfoiling
If you’re just starting out, the right conditions can make or break your learning experience. Here’s what you should look for:
- Wind strength: 12-20 knots – not too weak, not too strong
- Water conditions: Flat water is MUCH easier than waves
- Equipment: A big board (100L+) and a large foil (1500+ cm²) give the best stability
Lucky for you, Kitekuda offers all of these.
Why Learn Wingfoiling at Kitekuda?
Wingfoiling is taking off worldwide, and Sri Lanka is quickly becoming a hotspot for learning the sport. At Kitekuda Kite Resort, we offer:
- Perfect wind conditions: consistent and beginner-friendly
- Shallow, flat water: makes learning so much easier
- Top-quality wingfoil gear: for all skill levels
- Experienced instructors: who actually know how to teach wingfoiling properly
Whether you’re completely new to watersports or you already kite or windsurf, wingfoiling is a whole new experience—and one that’s absolutely worth trying.
Final Thoughts – Is Wingfoiling Hard to Learn?
Honestly? It depends on your background. If you’ve done kitesurfing, windsurfing, or even wakeboarding, you’ll probably progress quickly. If you’re completely new to board sports, it might take a few more sessions—but it’s still very achievable. Either way, the first time you fly above the water, you’ll be hooked. So, if you’re keen to learn, come to Kitekuda and let’s get you wingfoiling!
About the Author
Hi, I'm Mike, a passionate Australian windsurfer and kitesurfer, also the owner of Kitekuda Kite Resort and the Duotone Pro Centre. I have called Sri Lanka home for the past 30 years and I love sharing my knowledge and experience of this beautiful island with all our visitors. I've been living at Kitekuda, situated on the diverse Kappalady lagoon, for the past 10 years, and I know this unique little ecosystem like the back of my hand. I'm committed to promoting sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka by building deep relationships in the local village and running initiatives that will lead to long-term benefits in the area.
#becomekuda #kitekuda #kitesurfingsrilanka #windsurfing #kitesurfing
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