You can't deny that the popularity in wind-foiling has definitely taken a slump with the continuous growth and popularity of winging. However, wind-foiling, even though you could consider it a niche discipline in the world of windsurfing still goes on. Pockets of wind-foiling activity still exist at local inland reservoirs and clubs or at your local beach. Yes, they may be in the minority, but it's still going on. Wind-foiling represents windsurfing in the Olympics with iQ Foil being the one design equipment, and with its exciting format and variety of racing formats it's definitely an exciting representation of windsurfing in the racing world that we will get to see for the first time at this year's 2024 Paris Olympics. Junior & Youth iQ Foil is also incredibly popular and drawing huge interest from the next generation, wind-foiling isn't dead, it's just developed and the new kid on the block has stolen some of its thunder.
Personally, for me wind-foiling was a huge part in my foiling journey and personal progression. It transformed my windsurfing by allowing me to spend more time on the water regardless of whether I was inland or at the beach. I was able to perfect skills, techniques, understanding and ultimately have more and more fun. So much so, that I even dabbled with some of the early years of wind-foil racing in the UK. I admit I do a fair amount of winging also, but the opportunity and time on the water wind-foiling provides is a real treat and I am sure I will never get board of it and it's possible to chop and change foils to compliment the challenge our riding.
This story is from the Issue 434 - June 2024 edition of Windsurf.
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This story is from the Issue 434 - June 2024 edition of Windsurf.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
New School
Slingshot’s windsurfing brand manager, Wyatt Miller, has noticed that kids are drawn to playing with wings and puts forward an interesting case as to why he thinks this could help entice them and others into windsurfing.
Changes
Wave sailor Flo Jung reflects on our changed world during his lockdown in Germany.
THE LAST WAVE
Lockdown stirred the creative juices of reader Björn Alfthan, who peers into the future to present a fictional story set in the wild waves of Norway, five years from now.
STILL IN THE GAME
After a horrific fracture in his leg from a crashed aerial in 2018, Alessio Stillrich is back! John Carter talks to the highflyer from Gran Canaria about his move to the Simmer team, recovering from injury and how he learned to windsurf in Gran Canaria!
MOVE ON UP - GET ON THE FRONT FOOT
This month we look at how our front foot weighting can affect and improve different aspects of our main windsurfing moves.
SOUTH' KIPA
Nik tweaking it over home waters.
A NEW NORMAL
On a trip to La Tranche-sur-Mer in France last year, Tris Best estimated over 80% of the windsurfers were foiling. This summer in Portland Harbour, foiling activity has increased dramatically too he reports. With the market offering plenty of choice to recreational windfoilers, our test team check out some of the latest foil offerings.
TACKING – THE SEQUEL
Having given you time to practice, Harty concludes his tacking series by critiquing various tacking options, including the carve tack, as well as offering solutions to common slip-ups.
‘NO VAPOUR TRAILS TO SCAR THE SKY' *
Realising we may be about to enter an extraordinary period in our lives, Harty decided to keep a windsurf-centric lockdown diary. Here are some of his choice excerpts.
REDEMPTION DAY!
Renowned for its windsurfing and variety of spots to sail at, Kimmerdige Bay is a wave sailing jewel on the south coast of England. Timo Mullen gives a guide to its shores while reflecting on why a recent session there was a reminder that there is no place like home!
