A guide to all the wingfoil moves you can learn

1. Beginner Moves

Getting Up on the Board:

The first move is mastering the technique of getting up on the board, either from a kneeling or standing position while controlling the wing.

Controlled Riding (Wing Handling):

Learning to steer the wing to move in different directions while staying on the board.

Foiling:

Once comfortable, you’ll learn to lift the board out of the water onto the hydrofoil and maintain a steady ride.

2. Intermediate Moves

Upwind Riding:

Improving your angle against the wind and maintaining an upwind course, which is a fundamental skill for returning to your starting point.

Gybes (Jibes):

A downwind turn where the wing changes sides, transitioning to move in the opposite direction. This move requires good balance and wing control. We have written a guide on how to gybe.

Switching Stance:

Moving your feet to switch from a regular to a goofy stance or vice versa while maintaining balance and control.

Riding switch:

Riding in a toe-side stance (facing the opposite direction of a regular stance = switch), which is essential for smooth transitions. Looking for a guide on riding switch, here you go.

Tacks:

A tack is a maneuver where you turn the board upwind to change direction, requiring good control over both the board and wing. Check out our guide on how to tack.

Wing Transitions:

Switching the wing from one hand to the other or swapping between a neutral and powered stance.

Pumping:

Using coordinated movements of the wing and board to generate lift and accelerate, especially in light wind conditions.

3. Advanced Moves

 

Wave Riding:

Using the foil to surf ocean waves without the power of the wing, letting the wave’s energy propel you while keeping the wing in a neutral position.

Duck Tack:

A tack where you “duck” the wing behind your head while changing direction, requiring good timing and coordination.

360 Spins:

Riding a complete circle with the wing, either on or off the foil, while maintaining control and balance.

Jumping:

Using the lift of the foil and the pull of the wing to jump out of the water. This move requires both strength and skill to execute safely.

Air Gybe:

A downwind gybe combined with a jump, adding style and flair to the transition.

Backwinded Riding:

Riding with the wing in a position where the wind is pushing from the opposite side of the usual stance, which is more challenging to control.

Hand Drag:

Touching the water with your hand while riding, adding a stylish touch to turns or carves.

Downwind 360:

Performing a full downwind loop with the board and wing, requiring excellent control and smooth maneuvering.

4. Expert/Pro-Level Tricks

Backflip:

Using the lift of the wing to perform a full backflip. This is a highly advanced move that requires mastery of both jumping and aerial control.

Front Roll:

Executing a forward roll while airborne. It’s a complex aerial trick that requires good timing and wing coordination.

Handle Pass:

Letting go of the wing with one hand during an aerial trick, passing the handle behind your back to the other hand.

One-Footed or No-Footed Jump:

Removing one or both feet from the board while airborne before landing back in position.

Back Loop Transition:

Combining a back loop with a direction change, landing smoothly and continuing in the opposite direction.

Tack 360:

Combining a tack with a full 360-degree turn, requiring a good understanding of balance, wing control, and board positioning.

These wingfoiling moves offer a wide range of challenges, from mastering the basics of foiling to performing advanced aerial tricks and transitions. As wingfoiling continues to evolve, more creative and challenging moves are being added, giving riders plenty of opportunities to push their skills to the limit.