“About six years ago, kitefoils became big in racing, where you saw them in professionals. Just as quietly, it evolved into more freeride and became more user-friendly. In the first years it was mostly used in the kite and windsurfing environment. But within the last two to three years, things have really gone strong within surf and SUP," says Jens Møller, who runs WestWind Hvide Sande Nord. In recent years, wingfoilers in particular have also appeared here on a larger scale. They can be recognized by the inflatable sail they hold in their hands.
"We can clearly see that wingfoil is becoming really big here at home. I think we will see a huge development within wingfoil in Denmark," states Jens Møller and continues: "It is a much larger audience because it can be done on flat water on lakes and fjords throughout the country. And in waves.”
The dedicated surfer from Hvide Sande also surf foils himself, and he certainly predicts a bright future for foil: "I think it will be a huge hit. This is the new future surfing," says Jens Møller.
Foil is not for everyone
You can acquire a foil for around DKK 12–15,000, so financially it is possible for most people to become a foil. However, Jens Møller does not think that foil is necessarily for everyone: "I would say that foil is for the passionate surfer who wants to make a connection to the sport that you are already doing. So you connect foil on top, for example on days with little wind or bad waves," assesses Jens Møller and elaborates: "It takes a long time to learn, so it requires some energy. I would say the best way to get started is if you have the entry from kite or windsurfing. Another option could be after jet skiing or cable parks (where this is offered). Because it's just something completely different when you're on the foil than, for example, surfing. The only thing you can take away from there is to paddle up the wave.”
Is foil now also safe?
In several places on the web, there has been a great debate about safety when there is a foiler out in the line-up with "ordinary" surfers. But the experienced surfer and foiler Jens Møller does not see that problem. "It's not an issue, because you don't have to foil the waves you want to surf. What foil does is open up places you would never surf otherwise. There are lots of spots that are not good for surfing, but work fine for surffoil. For example, in Hvide Sande there are many good sandbanks where there are waves that peak once and then fade away. You cannot surf them. But they are fine for surffoil.”
He acknowledges that it has been a big debate. And there's also a big but: "It's obviously dangerous when you can't surf. If you don't have control, you typically shoot the board away from you. And then you have a huge cheese grater (cheese grater, ed.) under you, which can hit others and yourself. It is dangerous. So as a beginner, don't go out in a line-up with a lot of other surfers. Then you have to find a place where there is plenty of space around you.” This is what it sounds like from the surfer, who has clear advice if you want to learn to foil: "Take a course. At the very least, go out with someone who can foil beforehand. It is important.”
Surfing underwater
The big difference with foiling is that you don't surf on the water, but under the water. "Foil starts with a prone surface, where you have a board that lies on the surface, and when you catch the wave, it gives you a slide, so you get momentum. When you slide the board and achieve a certain speed, the foil is activated by pressing the tail. Then it's like an airplane, where the foil gets an angle that looks upwards - your task is then to compensate by pressing the nose downwards, so that you make a flat surface - up in the air. That way, you hang up in the air and control the board with your weight and your body position" - this is how Jens Møller explains the technique behind the foil.
Wind and kite foil
With wind and kitefoils, it is the wind that gives you momentum. When you come up to "glide" on the foil, the water resistance and friction are removed from the board and the foil releases a lot of extra speed. This is the reason why you can use smaller sail and kite sizes, and thus have even more fun days on the water.
Surf and SUP foil With foil in both SUP and surf, it is the wave that provides energy for propulsion in the foil. Once there is movement in the foil and it lifts from the water, it is your job to keep the board in the air. The advantage of using foils in SUP and surf is that when the wave fades and dies, by pumping and using energy from the foil you can get out to the next wave and ride it. That way you can connect your waves and have much longer trips.
Wingfoil
Wingfoiling is a water sport that has gained great popularity over recent years. Wingsurfing combines many of the cool aspects of the other surfing disciplines such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and wavesurfing. Wingsurf gives you the opportunity to float over the water using a foil mounted on a board, as well as a wing that you hold on to with your hands.Wingfoiling is a versatile sport. Wingsurfing can be practiced both in still water and out on the waves of the sea. Thus, wingsurfing is a unique sport that gives you the opportunity to utilize and enjoy the water in a completely new way. With a wingboard, foil, leash and wing, you have ample opportunity to get on the water regardless of where you live in the country.
For beginners, the learning curve can be steep, as is often the case with water sports, but with proper instruction and instruction, anyone can get started with wingsurfing. At Westwind, we offer courses in wingsurfing , which act as an excellent springboard for countless hours of fun on the water. Once the basic skills are in place, wingsurfing continues to be a challenging sport that offers plenty of opportunity for development. Many windsurfers and kitesurfers choose to start with wingfoiling as it seems to be the next step in their development as water sportsmen. Windsurfers also enjoy the benefits of wingsurfing gear not taking up as much storage space and being easier to transport to and from the beach. Regardless of your level, wingfoiling is an adrenaline-filled experience with the feeling of freedom. There are therefore very few reasons not to start your wingfoil adventure as soon as possible!
