There’s no question about it, winging is trendy, whether on land or on the water, in the snow or on the ice – the new discipline is easy to learn and incredibly versatile. The equipment is easy to handle and unbeatable in pack size.

For the selection of the right wing equipment it is important to find the right size of board and wing, similar to windsurfing or kitesurfing. Another important factor is the selection of the right foil. All components have to be brought in line with your own riding ability, body weight and the prevailing conditions.

Sounds complicated at first, but you can easily get oriented in the following 3 categories and make the selection of the individually perfect wing material.

Thanks to the wide wind range of the HY-Wing V2, almost all conditions can be covered with 4 sizes. The design is suitable for beginners, advanced riders as well as those who are currently pushing the limits of the sport.

When selecting the size, you are based on the prevailing wind force, similar to windsurfing or kitesurfing.

The following table associates each size with a wind range:

The figures are based on a wingsurfer with a body weight of 75 kg. Those who are significantly heavier or lighter go for the next larger or smaller size.

When choosing the right board, it is important to consider the following characteristics. Your own riding ability, body weight and the conditions in which it is mainly used.

With the rapidly changing wingboards at the moment, the volume specification in liters should be used as a reference.

Again, there are the following parallels to windsurfing: The heavier the surfer, the larger the liter rating of the board should be. The more advanced the surfer, the smaller the board can be.

Thus, for example, we recommend a beginner with 75 kg a board with at least 110 l volume. An advanced surfer with the same body weight will choose a board with 70-90 liters.

The following table gives a rough classification:

The relationship between board size and wind strength is similar. In light winds, a larger board with a stable stance is recommended. This makes it easier to pick up speed and take off. If the wind increases, you can use smaller boards and make a knee or water start with sufficient pressure in the wing.

The third component is the choice of the right foil. The following properties of the foil must be taken into account:

– Surface or size of front and backwing
– Mast length
– Fuselage length

Surface of front- and backwing

Similar to an airplane, the wings of the foil determine the lift and speed of the foil. For example, a front wing with a large surface area provides more lift than a wing with a smaller surface area. The size and shape of the front wing is particularly important.

A wing with a larger profile provides more lift than a smaller one. A narrow profile offers less lift, but flies faster. We recommend beginners to go for larger profiles because the trailing edges are more rounded and therefore safer.

The backwing gives the foil its stability. Its size determines the agility of the foil as well as its speed and acceleration. The efficiency of pumping also depends decisively on the backwing.

In terms of wingsurfing, this means that a larger wing (on the foil) enables take-off even at lower wind speeds. Likewise, a larger wing (on the foil) in combination with a smaller wing allows you to fly.

Considering the level of a wingsurfer, the advanced surfer tends to be able to take off better and earlier with a smaller foil than a beginner.

Mast length

In the rapidly developing foil market, there are many variations in mast lengths. Basically, however, the following relationship can be derived.

A shorter mast is particularly suitable for the first wing attempts, since it is easier to control and balance. Also ” dropping down ” during the ride is less problematic with a short mast than with a longer one.

Once you have learned the handling and feel over the foil, a longer mast again proves more comfortable and offers more room for trimming.

The larger the mast, the larger the area in which it can carry the surfer without getting a stall.

A longer mast thus also facilitates sailing in waves.

Fuselage length

The length of the fuselage influences the stability of the foil and at the same time its forgiving characteristics. The longer the fuselage, the more stable the flight and the more forgiving the foil. A longer fuselage can also generate a bit more lift with the same wing. Especially long fuselages are used for windsurfing. The fuselage for wingsurfing, on the other hand, is somewhat shorter.

– Always inflate the Wing with the recommended air pressure.
– Make sure that the valve is properly closed.
– Avoid contact with sharp objects during assembly, disassembly and use.
– Do not drag the Wing over the ground. It is best to carry the Wing by the neutral handle with one hand.
– Always lay the Wing down with the leading edge into the wind, the bottom side facing up. Put weight on the Wing with a blunt object or secure it to the ground with the help of the leash.
– Avoid intense sunlight when storing the wing, as this will cause the material to age.
– After use, rinse the Wing with fresh water if possible and allow to dry well.
– Deflate the wing completely before rolling it up.
– Do not fold or crease the windows of the Wing, this can cause cracks.
– It is best to store the Wing dry and clean in the bag provided.

WIng surfing poses certain dangers to you and others uninvolved, and as with any wind-driven water sport, you should follow a few rules.

– Do not go out on the water in offshore winds unless there is motorized help nearby that can bring you back in case of emergency.
– Find out in advance about the characteristics of the area, e.g. changing winds, shoals, currents, etc. Especially shoals near the shore can be dangerous when using a foil.
– Enter the water only at safe, manageable places. Entering over cliffs or through the shorebreak is not only dangerous for your equipment, but also puts you in danger.
– Don’t overestimate your ability and don’t go on the water in extreme wind and water conditions.
– Respect the right-of-way rules on the water as well as other rules that restrict the use of the sport. It is best not to go out on the water alone or at least inform someone on the beach who can keep an eye on you.
– Use a leash for the wing and your board so you don’t lose your equipment on the water.
– Secure your material on land so that it cannot fly away and/or injure other people.