Getting started with wingfoiling in ideal weather conditions is great! But have you ever tried to take off in light winds? You know that frustration of being stuck on the surface of the water! Worse still, not even being able to stand up on your board! Or simply wanting to take off faster! The solution? Pumping! This technique will help you generate enough speed to finally take off. But also to maintain your momentum.
Learn to master the pumping technique with these tips and tricks, and you’ll probably be able to treat yourself to even more great sessions! Progressing in wingfoil will become even easier!
How does wingfoil work?
Wingfoiling is simply flying above the water using minimal, specialized equipment: a board, an inflatable wing, and a foil. There is no need for a mast like in windsurfing, or lines like in kitesurfing. It is much simpler, and practitioners progress quite quickly.
In a few words, how does wing foil work?
- The inflatable wing: this is the engine. Also known as the wing, it generates speed in order to capture the wind and create propulsion. The stronger the wind, the easier it is to fly.
- The foil: this is a kind of underwater wing, similar to a boat’s keel (or centerboard). The foil allows the board to rise above the water once a certain speed is reached: this is called a waterstart. Once part of the foil is out of the water, friction on the board is reduced, allowing for smooth and fast gliding at around 40 cm above the water’s surface.
- The board: serves as a support and ensures the rider’s stability.
Wingfoiling is first and foremost about that unique feeling of freedom. It’s a bit like escaping for the duration of a session, thanks to the elements provided by Mother Nature. We glide across the water, carried by the wind, with a feeling of lightness… Without a sound. And this board sport is accessible to everyone, even if you have no experience in any particular water sport. However, certain conditions sometimes require us to pump to get started and fly.
What equipment should you use for wing foiling in light winds?
Sailing in light winds requires the right equipment to optimize performance. This type of wind is defined as one that does not exceed around 15 knots. Certainly, on the spots in the south of France, the Mistral and Tramontane blow hard and quite often (much less so in summer). As for the Atlantic coast, the wind is present, but doesn’t necessarily blow as frequently in excess of 30 knots (except in stormy weather). What about lakes and ponds? The wind is fairly irregular and very light, not always reaching 15 or 20 knots – the ideal wind range for wing foiling without pumping.
That’s why getting the right wing equipment for fickle winds can come in handy on many spots.
- The board: choose a board that is light, long, and wide (but not too wide), with a large volume: at least 30 liters more than your weight. This will allow you to glide more easily in low wind conditions. There are SUP foil and/or downwind boards for experienced practitioners, which are long and narrow. But if you are a beginner, it is better to choose a more accessible board that offers optimal comfort. Flying is great, but before you can do that, you first need to learn how to sit and then stand on the board.
- Foil type: choose a foil with a large front wing area (between 1200 and 1800 cm² depending on the rider’s size and level) to generate lift at low speeds. A short-span foil may also be of interest to beginners and intermediate riders, as it allows for efficient pumping.
- The wing: choose the wing with the largest size so that it can take the maximum amount of wind. Below 4 m², the machine will be very difficult to start up, even for a featherweight.
What are the techniques for wingfoil pummeling?
Learning how to pump will help you take off and maintain a constant speed during certain sessions. It is our ally in light or irregular wind conditions. It involves rocking your body back and forth to generate speed and get the foil off the water. By using your body’s energy, particularly your shoulders, hips, arms, and legs, you create propulsion.
With little wind, from 12 knots upwards, you can fly wingfoil. Except that sometimes the wind can be disturbed during a wingfoil session. Varying from 12 to 25 knots, which is hair-raising, and you end up rowing in the middle of the water. Which is why, once again, it’s so important to know how to pummel a wingfoil.
What’s the best way to pump correctly and get into the right position?
Still kneeling on your float, start by making large, fluid movements (without being abrupt) with your arms and shoulders. Such as half circles, from front to back. Without the ears (ends) of your wing touching the water. As soon as you have a little bit of speed, stand up and bend your knees, lowering your center of gravity. Then, pushing on your legs, with your feet wide apart (your supports), tilt your body forward and backward, as if you wanted to push the foil into the water. It is mainly the back foot that pushes on the float. Finally, pull on the wing with each hand and move your arms forward to make the same semicircles as at the beginning, with a sharp movement each time. Repeat these movements rhythmically, without stopping. The arm and leg movements must be done simultaneously and quickly. Continue pumping when you are in the air and start to glide, to maintain flight for a few more seconds before you are stable on the board.
On the other hand, it’s possible that you’ll encounter calms while sailing. In other words, places on the water where the wind dies down considerably. In this case, you can use pumping to get through this air gap and maintain the speed of your wing equipment. With arms and legs.
What are the mistakes to avoid?
Don’t strain your arms; it’s mainly your body that should generate the power. Avoid arching your back too much or, conversely, standing too straight, as this may throw your board off balance and cause you to fall. It would be a shame to have to start all over again!
A few more tips to help you pump wingfoil
- Watch professional videos and tutorials to get inspired and help you master the different techniques of wingfoil pumping.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for advice at a surf shop to choose the right equipment for your level and the sailing conditions you most often encounter.
- Wingfoil courses are an excellent way to progress quickly and safely. Many sailing schools in France and around the world offer wingfoil courses.
- Train regularly to refine your technique.
Pumping is a movement that requires coordination and practice… And cardio! By mastering this technique, you’ll be able to sail a wingfoil in very light winds, and avoid having to swim back if the wind drops.
