Wingfoiling has emerged as an exhilarating addition to the sailing community, and it brings with it an inevitable racing aspect. Nowadays, wherever there’s wind and water, you’ll find wingfoilers zipping along with their lightweight equipment. When two wingfoilers cross paths, it’s only natural to want to push the limits of speed and see who can outperform the other. Despite being a relatively new sport, there’s already a vibrant racing scene developing on both the international and domestic levels. Whether you’re just getting started with wingfoiling or you’re looking to elevate your racing game, I’ve gathered my top ten tips to help you make the most of your wingfoil racing experience.
Embrace the joy of racing. Wingfoil racing offers a fantastic opportunity to share the water with fellow enthusiasts. One of the most remarkable aspects of foiling is the quiet serenity as you glide across the surface. You can be in close proximity to others and still hold a friendly conversation, which elevates the social and competitive spirit of racing.
Stay open to learning. While coaching the kids on the Wylde Wind & Water Wingfoil Youth Team, I often emphasize that racing is one of the best ways to progress. It provides us with invaluable lessons on managing equipment, interpreting water conditions, and navigating various sailing environments—all while challenging our comfort levels. Each race is a new learning opportunity; I often find that one regatta teaches me as much, if not more, than a full month of independent training.
Don’t fret about the gear. The ideal way to start racing is with the equipment you already possess. Jump into the local race series and gain experience before considering upgrades. As you grow more comfortable with racing formats and improve your skills, then you can explore more advanced gear. Remember, don’t let your equipment hold you back from trying something new.
Familiarize yourself with the various starting techniques. There are three primary types of starts in wingfoil racing: the traditional upwind start for windward/leeward courses, reaching starts for slalom events, and rabbit starts suited for distance or marathon races.
As your skills improve, consider investing in more advanced equipment for wingfoil racing. Don’t let your gear stand in the way of new adventures.
The start sequence usually entails a 3-minute countdown. Since wingfoilers can accelerate quickly, it’s crucial to factor this into your pre-start routine to ensure you’re at the right position just 30 seconds before the start. Your goal is to cross the starting line at full speed and in full control. It’s important to maintain your foil during the pre-start, so practice maneuvers—such as jibes and tacks—during wind gusts to ensure you’re gliding smoothly as you cross the line.
Pump your way to speed off the start. When you’re ready to launch, use your entire body to pump for speed—beginning with your legs to compress the foil into the water for lift. As your board rises, extend your arms and capture more wind in your wing to balance against the foil’s lift while propelling yourself forward. Engaging your core is essential—not just for strength, but for stability. Remember, you are the vital link between the wing and the board; be a solid connection.
A key challenge for wingfoil racers is managing turbulence created by both the wing and the foil.
IWSA Media/ Robert Hajduk
Maintain speed and precision. On a typical wing racecourse, you’ll encounter two significant obstacles: dirty air and turbulent water. Dirty air can severely impact your top speed and angles for both upwind and downwind sailing. Strive to find lanes of clean air to mitigate wing turbulence. It’s crucial to avoid scenarios where a wingtip catches in the water—this can quickly lead to a swim. Be aware that foils disturb the water, creating turbulence as air is funneled down the mast. Learning to anticipate and navigate foil turbulence, whether from your own gear or from others, will enhance your performance.
The turbulence caused by someone else’s foil can throw you off balance or lead to cavitation. Learn to anticipate and avoid it whenever possible.
Experience diverse course formats. Wingfoil racing can be thrilling and fast-paced, making it highly engaging. Slalom races typically last between 3 to 6 minutes, while course races take about 8 to 12 minutes. Distance races usually stretch for 20 to 25 minutes, with marathon races extending to at least 45 minutes.
Appreciate the full spectrum of wind conditions. The minimum and maximum wind speeds for races can depend on both location and sea state, but race organizers usually strive for a minimum of around 6 knots. As for maximum wind speed? That’s often left to the discretion of the race committee. However, I recommend having a smaller wing handy—wingfoil racing in 35 to 40 knots can be chaotic, yet incredibly exhilarating.
Execute clean and safe mark roundings. Pay close attention to your exit angle when rounding marks, as this can significantly affect your speed and trajectory. Remember, you’re moving quickly, and a solid exit angle can make a critical difference in your race outcome. Just like at the start line, don’t hesitate to pump out of turns to gain momentum.
Seek out your racing community. If you’re wondering where to find wingfoil racing opportunities, you’re in luck! Numerous events occur around the world, including the prestigious Wingfoil Racing World Cup tour and GWA Wing Foil events. Additionally, there are one-design X-15 Class races and local competitions. Connect with your local sailing club or federation to discover upcoming races in your area. And if you can’t find a wingfoil racing scene near you, don’t hesitate to start one—sometimes, all it takes is another wing enthusiast ready to hit the water.