Kited › Wingfoiling vs kitesurfing
Wingfoiling vs kitesurfing
Both use wind and a board, but they feel very different. Here is how wingfoiling and kitesurfing compare for someone choosing between them in the UK.
The short version
Kitesurfing flies a kite on lines above you and rides a board in the water. Wingfoiling holds an inflatable wing in your hands and rides a foil board that lifts out of the water. Kitesurfing generally wants more wind and a bigger beach; wingfoiling can work in lighter wind and smaller spaces, though it is not easy to learn either. These are general differences, not published statistics.
Comparison
| Kitesurfing | Wingfoiling | |
|---|---|---|
| What you hold | A bar and lines attached to a kite flying overhead | An inflatable wing held in your hands |
| Board | Twin-tip or directional board | Foil board with hydrofoil underneath |
| Wind | Usually moderate to strong | Often workable in lighter wind |
| Launch space | Needs a clear area for lines | Needs less space, no lines |
| Learning | Kite control, body drag, water start, self-rescue | Wing handling, board balance, foil control |
| Kit | Kite, bar, lines, harness, board | Wing, foil board, foil |
Learning curve
Kitesurfing front-loads the learning on kite control and safety, then riding follows. Wingfoiling is often described as quick to get gliding on a big board but slow to master foil balance and control. Lessons are the sensible route for both. The Camber school we reviewed lists private wingfoil lessons of 3 or 4 hours as well as its kitesurf courses.
Safety differences
A kite on lines creates risks for you and anyone near the lines. The RNLI's advice includes keeping within swimming distance, carrying a means of calling for help and using trained launch helpers. Wingfoiling has no flying lines, but a foil board has a sharp hydrofoil below the surface and you should still wear a buoyancy aid and helmet, ride with others and follow local rules. Offshore wind is a danger for both sports because it can carry you away from land.
Some venues treat the sports differently, so check local rules: rules and permits.
Where to do each in the UK
Camber Sands and Rhosneigr both appear in guides for kite and wing foil. The Rhosneigr guide says foilers have flatter water north of the bay near Starvation Island for kite and wing foil, and rolling wave sets to the south. See the spots page.
Cost
We do not quote prices because they change and vary by brand and condition. Both sports need a significant outlay if you buy new, so rent or demo first. Wingfoiling may need less wind, which means more usable days, but that depends on where you live.
Which should you choose?
- Choose kitesurfing if you have a windy spot, like jumps and speed, and are happy to learn kite safety.
- Choose wingfoiling if you want to ride in lighter wind, have less space or like the glide of a foil.
- Try both in a lesson if you can: it costs less than buying the wrong kit.
See also learning to kitesurf, the kit guide and safety.
Check local rules and conditions before you go. Spots change: permits, closures, sea defences and tides all affect whether you can launch safely. This site is general information, not a substitute for a lesson or a local briefing.
Frequently asked questions
Is wingfoiling easier than kitesurfing?
It is different. Getting started can feel quicker on a big board, but foil control takes practice. Take a lesson for either.
Does wingfoiling need less wind?
Generally it can work in lighter wind than kitesurfing, but conditions vary by kit and rider.
Is wingfoiling safer?
There are no flying lines, but a hydrofoil has its own risks. Wear a helmet and buoyancy aid and follow local rules.
Can I learn both at the same school?
Some schools teach both; the Camber school we reviewed lists kitesurf and wingfoil lessons.