Wingsurfing is THE hot topic in watersports at the moment. Best described as a cross between windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP and surfing – but with the added element of riding two feet above the water – it’s a discipline that grabs attention from the get-go.
Watersports Nomad don’t offer wing foiling as part of our curriculum (yet). Although you’ll still get a chance to try the thrill of foiling via the eFoil taster sessions we include. Courtesy of our good friends eVass.
What our Watersports Instructor Training Course(s) do, however, is give you the base foundational skills to progress onto something like wing foiling later. If you wish.
How do I get started with wingsurfing?
For anyone at an intermediate to advanced level with their windsurfing (as one example) learning how to wingsurf isn’t that tricky. With the right equipment, in the right spot and at the right time you’ll be up and flying quick smart.
Wing foil boards – at least during those initial runs – are a little like compact stand up paddle boards. If you can SUP then you should find standing on a high volume wing board fairly easy. Watersports Nomad does include paddle boarding in our Ultimate Instructor Course which will give you an understanding of that discipline. This knowledge can then be applied to wing boards if that’s a route you’re choosing to go.
Learning to handle the wing is important. This can be done on the land first before trying it out afloat aboard a standard paddle board or large windsurf board. In both cases, a craft with a centreboard or middle fin is key to avoid drifting too far downwind. This is par for the course when learning to wing but you can limit just how much of a walk back upwind you have.
What about the foiling part?
The most alien part of wingsurfing is the foiling bit. Balancing on a ‘stick’, which feels initially like a bucking bronco, can be extremely unnerving. Towing behind a boat is a good move, for anyone who has access. Focusing just on the board and foil being towed allows riders to get the feel of foiling without the added complication of a wing in the mix. Having gotten a few sessions under your belt it’s then time to step up in a windy environment with your wing back in play.
Another way to ‘learn’ the foil is to use electrically powered hydrofoil power – or an Efoil for short. As already mentioned, Watersports Nomad partners with eVass who have a range of eFoils available for our pupils to have a spin on. In the absence of a boat eFoiling will deliver the same foiling feels and the opportunity to learn the foiling skills you’ll need for winging.
With all the above dialled in it’s then onto winging proper. With time, perseverance and determination most riders will be sustaining flights in a few sessions. We’ll not lie. Wingsurfing can be as frustrating as any other discipline at times. But stick with it and you’ll get there.
Can you wingsurf in Vassiliki Bay?
As far as locations for wingsurfing go Vass is surely one of the best flat water spots you can find. Since the explosion of winging a few years ago the uptake in Vass has been huge. So much so that another of our partner brands – Club Vass – now have a dedicated wing foiling centre and area just downwind of the main windsurfing launch.
When learning anything new consistency is key – especially when it comes to wind sports. Being in a location that offers regular breeze is how to maximise time afloat and dial those skills in. In tandem, having flat water is also essential. Learning to wing foil somewhere choppy is a bit like riding uphill with the breaks on. And then, of course, there’s the warm weather and water elements. Falling is par for the course. But when there’s no risk of falling into cold water and then having to endure cold air temperatures dunkings become a thing of joy. And something to not dread.
During your time with Watersports Nomad, whilst training to become and awesome watersports instructor, you’ll get to see those who already wing doing their thing on the water. If you’re inspired enough to give it a go then we may be able to sort some wingsurfing sessions out for you at an additional cost. Speak to us if this is the case and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
So how do I become a wing foiling instructor?
As with windsurfing and dinghy sailing instructor qualifications wing foiling accreditation is done via the RYA (Royal Yachting Association). The course was launched a few seasons ago in Weymouth (UK) and has since seen large uptake. Whilst big fans of wingsurfing Watersports Nomad don’t offer the coaching course yet. We aim to get all pupils up to standard within the disciplines we know will guarantee you a work placement. But wing foiling is certainly growing and there’s ever more call for wing instructors. Watch this space on that one…
For anyone keen to pursue their wing foiling qualifications we can give you all the necessary info and point you in the right direction. It may be you have to attend a wing foil instructor course somewhere in the UK. You’ll need additional first aid and powerboat driving endorsements. The good news is your Watersports Nomad Instructor Training Course will give you these. Walking into a wing coaching course with your basic tickets already in place will put you well and truly on the front foot.
If you fancy learning more about the RYA’s wing foiling instructor course then follow this link.
Are there many wing foiling instructor jobs available?
Wing foiling is growing year on year. Some of our partner companies, who we work with to get our candidates jobs with, already offer wingsurfing in some of their resorts and centres. Neilson Active Holidays, for instance, operate wing foiling at their Cosmos Beachclub – which just so happens to be a short walk upwind from where Watersports Nomad is based in Vass. Mark Warner also offer foiling opportunities – although at time of writing this is windsurf foiling only. But may change.
Globally there are wing coaching set ups already established with more popping up all the time. Usually, the wingsurfing part is an accompaniment to other disciplines. So, as we said above having a varied list of coaching qualifications against your name is a good idea to maximise employment opportunities. You could possibly specialise if you wish, but this is a trickier option in our opinion – at least to start with.
Regarding any watersports industry jobs it’s worth having a chat with us to see what your options are. We know the industry well and can guide you effectively.
If you want to discuss anything to do with wing foiling or watersports instructor jobs at large, then give us a shout at Watersports Nomad. Also, have a look at our coaching courses by following this link.
Don’t forget to check out the Watersports Nomad blog for more info and insight.