What is Wing Foiling?
Wing foiling is an exciting watersport where you stand on a specially designed inflatable board while holding a wing in your hands. This wing catches the wind and generates forward momentum, allowing you to gain speed. What makes wing foiling unique is the hydrofoil technology: a wing beneath the board (the foil) that creates upward lift, similar to an airplane's wings. This lift causes the board to rise above the water, allowing you to "float" above the surface. Thanks to this technology, almost all resistance is eliminated, enabling you to go faster with less wind and glide effortlessly over the water.
How difficult is Wing Foiling?
Many consider wing foiling a challenging watersport, but it is relatively easy to learn, especially with the right equipment. The wing foil sets from Stardupp are specifically designed with materials that enhance stability and lift, making it easier to rise out of the water and maintain balance. Compared to other watersports like kite surfing or windsurfing, wing foiling requires fewer technical skills to master the basics. In short, wing foiling is not as difficult as it seems, especially when choosing a Stardupp wing foil set!
What do I need to start Wing Foiling?
To start wing foiling, you need a board, a wing, and a foil. We offer complete wing foil sets that include everything required to get on the water immediately, or you can assemble your own set by selecting a wing foil board, wing, and hydrofoil separately.
Alongside this basic equipment, using the right safety gear is essential. We strongly recommend wearing an impact vest, helmet, and wetsuit for extra protection and comfort. An swim vest is crucial for protecting your body from falls or collisions.
A good wetsuit is also an indispensable part of your gear. It keeps you warm, allowing you to stay in the water longer and enjoy your wing foil session to the fullest. With the right equipment and safety materials, you are fully prepared to hit the water safely and comfortably!
How much wind do I need for Wing Foiling?
Thanks to the hydrofoil beneath your board, you can start wing foiling at relatively low wind speeds. It is often possible to wing foil from wind force 3, or about 10 knots. This makes wing foiling an accessible sport, even on days with less wind.
However, the amount of wind you need depends on several factors. Your body weight plays a major role: lighter individuals require less wind than heavier ones. The size of your wing is also important: a larger wing catches more wind, making it easier to generate speed at lower wind speeds. Additionally, the size of the front wing of your foil is crucial. A larger front wing generates more lift, allowing you to rise out of the water at lower speeds and requiring less wind to stay airborne.
With the right combination, you can fully enjoy wing foiling in almost all wind conditions.
What is the right wing for me?
We offer various sizes and types of wings so you can choose the best one for your level and conditions. The size of your ideal wing depends on your weight and the wind conditions in which you plan to ride. You can choose between the Stardupp Hawx Wing in 5 and 6 square meters.
If you want to ride more often in light wind or if you are on the heavier side, the 6m wing is an excellent choice. If you are lighter and/or prefer to ride in strong winds, the 5m wing is better suited. With the right size and model, you can maximize your enjoyment of wing foil sessions!
Both Hawx Wing sizes are available in two variants: soft and rigid. The difference between them lies in the handles. The soft wing has flexible straps as handles, while the rigid wing is equipped with two carbon bars. The soft wing is ideal for beginners, as its design ensures you cannot grab it incorrectly, making it easier to use. Additionally, the soft wing is slightly safer since the soft straps are less painful in case of a fall or collision with the wing.
For more advanced wing foilers, the rigid wing is a better choice. The rigid wing responds faster and is more stable in the hand, providing better control and precision while riding.
How Does a Hydrofoil Work?
A hydrofoil is an innovative technology in watersports that mimics the function of an airplane but operates underwater. The system consists of several components that work together to lift you above the water and provide stability and control while riding.
The most crucial part of the hydrofoil is the front wing, which functions similarly to an airplane's wings. As water flows rapidly past this wing, it generates upward lift, lifting the board above the water's surface. Behind the front wing is the back wing, also known as the stabilizer or stab. This smaller wing provides stability and grip in turns.
The front and back wings are attached to a horizontal component called the fuselage, which connects both wings. The fuselage is linked to the mast, the part that connects the foil to the board.
The synergy between these components creates the unique function of a hydrofoil, allowing you to glide effortlessly over the water.
Wing Foiling on a SUP
Did you know you can also wing on a SUP? This is a fantastic way to get acquainted with wing foiling, especially if you already own a SUP board and want to try something new. With just a wing and your SUP, you can enjoy the wind and water without immediately investing in a full wing foil set.
For beginners, this is a perfect way to learn how the wing responds to the wind and how to position it optimally, building a solid foundation for eventual foiling. To make SUP winging easier and more fun, we recommend using a SUP with an additional fin in the center of the board. This extra fin helps you sail higher upwind and provides more stability, significantly improving the learning experience. We sell separate fin boxes, allowing you to add an extra fin to any SUP.
If you are comfortable winging on a SUP and ready for the next step, you can always add a wing foil board and foil to your gear for an exciting new challenge!
Stardupp Wing Foil Products
Stardupp Wingfoil Set
To make things easier, we offer a convenient set that includes everything you need. This complete set allows you to hit the water immediately and progress quickly. It consists of:
- Stardupp Club 6.2 wing foil board
- Stardupp Hawx soft wing, 5.0m² or 6.0m²
- Stardupp Navigator 2100 Foil
- Luxury carrying bag for your board, wing, and foil
- Pump for inflating your wing and board
- User manual to get you started quickly
- Leash for your board and wing, essential for safety
Stardupp Navigator 2100 foil
The Stardupp Navigator 2100 foil is an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced wing foilers. This foil is made of 100% carbon and has a front wing surface of 2100 cm², which gives this foil a lot of lift even at low speeds. In addition, this size ensures that you can sail long straight stretches with confidence and can maneuver smoothly through turns. The mast of this foil, the part that connects your board to your wing, is 80 cm long. This ensures a perfect balance between ease of use and speed.
Stardupp Hawx Wing
We offer the Stardupp Hawx Wing wing in different sizes and variants, to meet different needs. You can choose the rigid wings, which are equipped with stiff carbon bars for maximum control and precision, ideal for advanced wing foilers. Or you can choose the soft wings that have flexible bands, making them lighter and more user-friendly, perfect for beginners. The wing is available in two sizes: 5m2 and 6m2, so you can choose the right size for your weight and the wind conditions. This way you can always find a wing that suits your level and the conditions in which you will be sailing.
Stardupp Club 6.2 Wingfoilboard
For beginners and advanced wing foilers, the Stardupp Club 6.2 Wingfoilboard is an ideal choice. Thanks to the wide shape, this board is very stable, making it easy to keep your balance, even in challenging conditions. The combination of an aggressive rocker and silicone rail at the back ensures an easy take-off and a soft touchdown, making sailing more comfortable and easier. The board has an integrated carbon plate that provides more stiffness and a direct connection to the foil. This ensures a stable and direct transfer of lift from the foil, giving you more control while sailing. In addition, the board is equipped with foot straps, which helps beginners to easily place your feet and for advanced users ensures that you have more control at higher speeds. Do you find the foot straps a bit exciting? Then you can easily unscrew them from the board.