To wake foil, you ride a foil board behind a boat, holding a rope. The boat gives you the speed, so you need no wind. Once the board lifts, it flies above the water on the foil. This guide walks you through your first session: the gear, the boat, the start in the water and safety. To see the gear we recommend, go to our wake foil page.
What do you need to start wake foiling?
You need a boat and a driver, a tow rope, a wakefoil board and a complete foil: front wing, stabilizer, fuselage and mast.
We recommend one setup: the Silk V2 front wing with the Pulse wakefoil board. You pick your Silk V2 size from your weight.
Be clear on one point. We have no wing made for beginners in wake. The Silk V2 is our wake wing, for intermediate to expert riders. Your level changes the size we recommend. Run the foil finder, choose wakefoil and set your level to get your size.
The Pulse is short and low in volume: 4’0″ x 19.3″ (122 x 49 cm), 19 liters. It sinks easily for the takeoff and fits on wakefoil racks. Our guide on which foil to choose for wake foiling covers the gear in detail.
What boat do you need to wake foil?
You can ride behind any boat. The bigger the boat, the bigger its wave. You can also trim the engine so the bow rises and the wave gets bigger. The ideal is still a wakeboard or water ski boat, built to make big waves.
How fast does the boat go?
The boat should go a little slower than your flying speed on the foil. That way, you can carve on the wave without losing it.
How do you get up on a wake foil?
You start in the water, holding the handle, then take off. This part can be long and frustrating, but a professional coach will guide you through it.
Wake foil safety: what to check before you ride
An impact vest and a helmet are the minimum. Ask a professional for advice when you choose your gear.
Wake foil or wakesurf foil?
This guide covers foiling while towed by the rope. For foiling on the boat’s wave, read our guide to wakesurf foiling.
Warranty, returns and used gear
- Our foils are made in France, at our factory in Brittany.
- All our products come with a 2-year warranty.
- For returns, see our terms of sale.
- Looking for used gear to start? Check our marketplace.
Wake foiling FAQ for beginners
Can a beginner start on AFS gear?
Yes, with one caution. The Silk V2 is for intermediate to expert riders, and we have no beginner wing for wake. Run the foil finder with your level before you pick a size.
Do I need a special board?
Yes. A wakefoil board is short and low in volume, so it sinks easily for the takeoff. The Pulse is our wakefoil board.
What should I wear to wake foil?
An impact vest and a helmet, at the very least. Ask a professional for advice when you choose your gear.
Ready to pick your gear? See the Silk V2 front wing, the Pulse board and the size table on our wake foil page.