Wing Foiling in Maui: A Scenic Adventure

Foil surfing is a maritime high-speed ballet. The board appears to glide several inches above the sea, powered by a mix of wind and wave. This kind of surfing is called foil surfing, though it is more accurately called wing foiling. The board's design is key to this activity: The wing foil board "lifts like a hydroplane and feels like riding above water," says Olivia Jenkins, a foil surfer. Board lift isn't the only sport where wind plays a role. Foil surfing brings together elements of windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing.

A Board Designed for Speed

Foil surfing is a rare surfboard design where a hydrofoil wing is attached to the bottom of the board. Wing foil boards have a specialized hydrofoil that helps lift the board above the water, as Jenkin points out. The board is moved by the power of the wind caught by the wing, an inflatable sail (also sometimes called a wing). The fabricated blade makes the board's maneuverability efficient, faster than paddleboards and more streamlined than paddleboards. The hydrofoil design and inflatable wing stand out in part because they increase speed, reducing drag and creating lift. Water foiling feels like floating above water, rather than riding through it. The wing used in foil surfing can be used as power, or it can be used as a stabilizing point. The design of the prop creates a natural counterbalance. Unlike the kite in kitesurfing, the wing in foil surfing eliminates drag, which makes the board move more smoothly, dynamically, and faster. The sport's name comes from the windsurfing element of its design, but in the water, it is distinct. The hydrofoil, the part of the board that lifts the rider above water. It is a literal "wing," with a surface area that catches the wind. Foil surfing requires technique and balance. The rider must control both the wing and the board, and foil surfing's design makes it easier to maneuver around the water. Unlike paddleboards, where balance ensures the board stays in the water, foil surfing is all about the rider's skill to balance the hydrofoil and the wing. But, If the rider falls off or lets the board go, the hydrofoil and the wing will return to the water.

Going with the Flow

Foil surfing is a broad trend in the watersports world. While surfing and paddleboarding emphasize reaching a specific destination, foil surfing is about the journey and flow. The experience is much like birdwatching from the deck of a cabin cruiser—the difference, is an active involvement with other people and the environment. Olivia Jenkins is an Instgram post that shows her foil surfing next to her partner reveals the sport's social nature, People who foil surf enjoy exploring . The practice can be seen in picturesque locations like Maui, Hawaii, and the Bahamas. Water activities like paddleboarding and jet skiing are still popular but less about the journey than the destination. These activities are about zipping across water and, ultimately, reaching the end. They are more about the thrill of speed over a period. The pleasure of riding with the wind and waves is a major draw. The sport exalts a different kind of thrill. To experienced surfers, the physical sensation of the ride is completely different.

The Appeal of Flow

The Wind Rush

Foil surfing brings a sense of freedom and adventure to water sports. Hydrofoils allow the board to completely lift above the water, eliminating the friction that slows down traditional surfboards. The wing allows for a magical experience of riding above the water. It is both skill and balance to control both the wing and board. The sensation is completely different. The hydrofoil reduces drag and increases speed. For riders, foil surfing is a transportation experience for enthusiasts. This means the rider can travel across larger distances in less time. Driving across lakes or bays can be faster and more efficiently with less effort and fatigue. The speed on water is determined by the angle of the hydrofoil. The wing can be used to fight, but that is not usually necessary. Riders often look for new routes and explore new locations. When the wind speeds up, so will a foil surfer.

Sail with the Wind

Riders use the wind as an element. The wing is an inflatable sail that catches the wind. Riders control the direction of the board by the way they hold the wing. The technical terminology of the wing may be startling, but wing foilers describe that catching the wind creates a rush that moves the rider forward. The user rests the board until the rider navigates to gain leverage. The position stabilizes when you are directly in the wind. Riders steer by tilting the wing and pulling on the harness. Wing foiling is dynamic in the ocean, like steering a car. The hand can be used to control the board through ocean waves that makes it feel like the rider is flying.

Hydrofoil Effect

Traditional surfboards have fins that stick out at the bottom of the board, which help steer the board through the water. A hydrofoil can be thought of as a pair of wings that lift and accelerate. When water passes over the wing, it creates lift, which helps the rider glide above the water and travel faster, sometimes at speeds up to 30 to 40 miles per hour. The rider doesn't have to worry about fins. The need to paddle isn't necessary. Instead, waves are navigated by leaning and balancing on the hydrofoil. This makes the sport more adaptable to different sea conditions, such as a smooth or rough sea. For beginners, the wing may need to be slightly higher to stabilize. The board can be easily maneuvered by balancing on the hydrofoil. The forward motion is created by the pressure of the wind on the wing. The rider can control the speed. When the rider slows down, they drift slower. They can simply use the board's momentum to complete the path.

The Wing as a Sail

With foil surfing, the wing acts as both a sail and a stabilizing point. The rider's control over the wing is constantly changing. Unlike kitesurfing, the rider controls the wing directly, tilting it in the direction they want to go. A rider leans forward with the wind. The wing concentrates wind pressure from all angles, which makes it much easier to control. Wing foiling is similar to wing surfing, in which the board is controlled with the sail via a harness. While the wing can be stowed, the board is often strapped to the rider's body. It is operated with the body rather than the wings. The wind acts as both propulsion and balance.

Your First Rides

Get the Gear

• Board: The right board depends on your size and skill level. Specially, a board with a hydrofoil that extends under the feet. Hydrofoil boards are shorter so that the board's width can be increased to place the wings under the feet. The board shape varies by manufacturer, but the "standard" has a wider deck with more foot straps. Most boards come with a kit of 4 or 5 wings and a surfboard fin.
• Foot Straps: These help keep you strapped to the board. The foot straps are attached to the board. Most boards come with the straps, but they may need to be ordered.
• Harness: This is not included with the board. Sturdy harnesses can be found in surf shops.
• Safety Gear: Foil surfing can be dangerous, and while it is just as safe as surfing, it is important to wear a helmet and a wetsuit. Start with a life jacket if you are still a beginner. If you fall, the wing will fall with you. Pay attention to the buoyancy and avoid injury.
• Wing: Some wings are made of nylon fabric and can be inflated to the shape of the wind. After use, it can be folded away. Inflatable wings can fold up and packed away, perfect for travel.
• Leash: Purchase a leash to attach to the rail of the board. Keep your board within reach at all times. The leash will keep your board tethered to you in case you fall off.

Learning the Proper Way

Try picking up a surfing class for beginners. Practice making corrections to your stance, position, and balance. Take notes from professional foil surfers. If you fall, the wind will still control the board so make sure to stay on the board. Watch videos and do research on the differences between windsurfing, surfing, and kitesurfing. Foil surfing is similar to surfing and paddleboarding, but instead of riding the waves and moving back and forth, foil surfing is about riding the wind and coasting over the water. The hydrofoil lifts the board above the water, which reduces drag and increases speed. There is an inherent skill in navigating the waves, but you must also be aware of the wind's erratic behavior. Be prepared to adapt to the demands of the environment. That's the appeal of the sport. Wing foiling with friends is a great way to pick up techniques. Take a class to learn how to steer and ride the board. Be prepared to hold weight on your body in order to maintain balance. Protect yourself with a wetsuit and helmet, and remember to stay on the water above.

Dipping into Hawaii

Foil surfing is a clean sport, and without fins, Hawaii is probably starting to see them. "It's easier to use than other types of surfboards, and it's much more fun," explains Olivia Jenkins. She explains that the wing makes foil surfing a brand-new world experience. Wing foil surfing can be learned from a pro.