3 Common Mistakes Beginner Wing-Foilers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Wing-foiling is one of the most fun and freeing sports out there—but like anything new, the learning curve can feel steep if you start off on the wrong foot. The good news? Most beginner struggles come down to a few very common mistakes that are easy to avoid once you know what to look for.
If you’re just getting into wing-foiling (or thinking about it), here are the three biggest mistakes beginners make—and what to do instead so you can progress faster, safer, and with way more stoke.
1. Choosing the Wrong Gear
This is by far the most common mistake.
Many beginners start on gear that’s:
• Old, floppy wings with no structure
• Boards and foils that are way too small
• Random setups borrowed from a friend’s garage
Just because it exists doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
What you want instead:
• A big board:
Think 110L–140L, or even 160L depending on your body size.
The bigger the board, the easier it is to:
• Stand up
• Balance
• Get comfortable in your first sessions
• A bigger wing:
Power is your friend in the beginning. A properly powered wing will:
• Help you balance
• Stabilize your stance
• Compensate for lack of technique early on
At the start, power makes up for skill. Downsizing can come later—way later.
2. Learning the Wrong Technique (or Building Bad Habits)
Wing-foiling looks simple… until you try it.
A lot of beginners try to self-teach everything or rely on random tips from friends. The result? Bad habits that can slow progress for months—or even lead to frustration or injury.
What to do instead:
• Take at least one beginner lesson with a professional
One solid lesson can:
• Set you up with correct stance and body positioning
• Teach efficient wing handling
• Prevent bad habits before they form
In wing-foiling, the little tips and tricks make a massive difference. Getting them right early will save you a lot of unnecessary suffering later on.
3. Underestimating the “Little Things” and Rushing Into the Water
Many beginners are so excited to get riding that they skip the basics—and that’s where things can go wrong.
Commonly overlooked details:
• Not knowing how the wing flies or handles
• Not knowing how to safely carry gear in strong wind
• No understanding of self-rescue or board recovery
What to do instead:
• Practice flying the wing on the beach
Spend a bit of time just handling it until it feels natural and intuitive.
• Learn basic safety skills
• Watch videos on self-rescue maneuvers
• Learn what to do if your board leash breaks
• Understand how to get yourself and your gear back safely
• Work with a professional
Even briefly, this can give you confidence, awareness, and the skills to stay safe before rushing into the water.
Final Thoughts
Wing-foiling is an incredible journey—and starting with the right gear, good technique, and solid fundamentals makes all the difference. Slow down, set yourself up properly, and enjoy the process.
If you have any questions or want help choosing gear or getting started, feel free to reach out—and most importantly…
Enjoy the ride 🤍