How to Choose the Best Beginner Wingboard Size.
Published 11/04/2024
Choosing the right board size for wingfoiling or wingsurfing is crucial when you’re just starting out. A common misconception in foiling is that the board's size doesn't matter since you'll mostly be riding on the foil. However, the board plays a huge role at every stage of your progression, especially for beginners. We’ve been teaching wingfoil lessons in Texas and La Ventana, Mexico, for eight years now, and we’ve had the chance to try lots of different boards. Certain sizes and styles absolutely work better than others. Here’s our guide on how to find the right wingfoil or wingsurf board.
Table of contents:
Why the right wingsurf or wingfoil board matters.
Wingfoil and Wingsurf Board Size Recommendations for Beginners
Understanding Board Shape and Design for Wingfoil and Wingsurf
Choosing the Right Wingfoil or Wingsurf Board Size Based on Your Weight
Why a Larger Wingfoil or Wingsurf Board is Better for Your First Lessons
Intermediate Riders and Discipline-Specific Wingfoil and Wingsurf Boards
Do I Need Lessons to Learn Wingfoil or Wingsurf?
It’s Not That Complicated: Choosing the Right Board Size
Wingboard Frequently Asked Questions
Why the Right Wingfoil or Wingsurf Board Matters
The right board size and shape are key for wingfoil and wingsurf, regardless of your skill level. For beginners, a large board with more volume provides the stability needed to focus on learning the basics of wing control without constantly losing balance. You’re looking for lateral stability and ideally a faster takeoff and forgiving touchdowns since you’ll be doing a lot of that in the early stages. Not to mention there is a lot of wing management you will be working on. A good analogy is that wingfoil is like flying a helicopter. You’re controlling the angle of the wing above your head and using your feet to control the board and foil under the water. There is so much going on that you want to break it down to wing management with an easy board first.
As you progress to more advanced levels, a smaller, more responsive board will offer quicker maneuverability, making your sessions more challenging and exciting. The key is choosing the right size to learn so you can size down the next season. That said, it’s okay to just go big here.
Wingfoil and Wingsurf Board Size Recommendations for Beginners
For those new to wingfoiling or wingsurfing, stability is the top priority. Choosing a board with the right volume can make the learning curve significantly easier. For most beginners, we recommend a board between 110 and 160 liters, with the exact size depending on the rider's weight and local conditions. In areas like La Ventana, where conditions are optimal for learning wingfoil and wingsurf, larger boards up to 160 liters are especially popular, as they provide the extra stability needed for learning. We like to use large boards for lessons, but after your lesson, you might consider starting on something in the 110 to 140 range. A 160-liter board is great for an introductory lesson but is probably excessive for most riders once they strike out on their own.
Understanding Board Shape and Design for Wingfoil and Wingsurf
Board shape plays a significant role in how a wingfoil or wingsurf board performs. Longer boards with sharp rails are more forgiving and help beginners maintain a straight line and build speed, making them suitable for the initial stages of learning. As you progress, the shape will also assist in maintaining speed during touchdowns, allowing you to pump back up without losing too much momentum. The AK Phazer is a great example for beginners. Its design allows for fast take-offs and a "locked-in" feel, which aids in balancing and speed-building. This is especially helpful when transitioning from learning wing control to actually flying on the foil. A board with rounded rails is great for sharp turns but might be too difficult for someone new.
The issue with going with a massive wingboard is that more surface area means more drag during takeoff. This is amplified when using an inflatable wingboard. This extra drag isn’t a deal breaker when you’re in the wing management stage, but it’s ideal to go for the smallest large board you can use without losing stability. This isn’t a deal breaker
Choosing the Right Wingfoil or Wingsurf Board Size Based on Your Weight
Your weight significantly influences the appropriate board size for wingfoiling or wingsurfing. You want to get something big yet size-appropriate so the board is easy yet manageable.
Here’s a general guideline:
50-60 kg (110-132 lbs): 100-110 liters
60-75 kg (132-165 lbs): 110-140 liters
75-90 kg (165-198 lbs): 125-160 liters
These recommendations serve as a good starting point, but the local conditions where you’ll be practicing—like wind strength and water chop—can affect your choice. In windier or rougher conditions, a larger board will give you more stability. There is a lot of crossover too. Many couples will share a wingboard. For example, a 195-pound rider can share a 140L board with a 130-pound rider. In the very beginning, stability and ease of use are the most important. As both riders progress, they would look to size down to different-sized boards over time to meet their needs.
Why a Larger Wingfoil or Wingsurf Board is Better for Your First Lessons
We use large wingboards in our wingfoil school. When teaching wing lessons, we want our students to have a fun and easy time getting to know the wind wing. Sometimes schools will overcomplicate the process and use a standup paddleboard. This does work, but we prefer to get our students used to the feel of a wingboard without the added pressure of getting on the foil. That usually takes a few lessons anyway.
There are two planes of balance: side to side and nose to tail. In chop or waves, the board will be tippy and extra responsive to where you distribute your weight. Learning to balance on their knees or even on their feet can be very tiring for new wingers. We find on “smaller” high-volume boards, students get exhausted much faster than they do on larger 140 to 160L boards. Removing the extra balance allows them to focus on the fundamentals without working too hard. It's recommended to use a large board in lessons and consider a large but more manageable board as your first board once you have a few lessons under your belt.
Intermediate Riders and Discipline-Specific Wingfoil and Wingsurf Boards
As you improve, your choice of wingfoil or wingsurf board will become more specific to your riding style, whether that’s freestyle, wave riding, or racing. At this stage, smaller boards will offer quicker response and more precise control. Because there are so many variations based on specific disciplines and skill levels, it’s challenging to cover all options in a single blog.
Do I Need Lessons to Learn Wingfoil or Wingsurf?
No but it’s recommended! While wingfoil and wingsurf are generally safer and easier to learn than sports like kiteboarding, taking lessons is still highly recommended. Without proper instruction, the learning curve can be steep and frustrating.
Lessons can help speed up the "J-curve" of learning, allowing you to make weeks or even months of progress in just a few days. In your first lessons, you’ll focus on mastering wing control rather than immediately getting up on the foil.
La Ventana is one of the best places to learn wingfoiling and wingsurfing, thanks to its reliable wind conditions and beginner-friendly environment. The bay, known as the "catcher's mitt," naturally curves to bring new riders gently back to shore. Additionally, Kite Academy, an IKO-certified school with over eight years of global teaching experience, offers expert instruction to help you advance quickly. The frequent good wind ensures you’ll get plenty of practice time, making La Ventana a top choice for learning wingfoil or wingsurf.
Imagine learning four times faster in a warm beautiful location where you will meet other like minded people. The community is simply amazing here. Learn more about wingfoil lessons in La Ventana Mexico Here. Or book your lesson now!
It’s Not That Complicated: Choosing the Right Board Size
There’s no need to overthink it! Start with a larger board that provides ample stability to help you learn faster. Once you’ve built a strong foundation, you can transition to smaller boards that match your skill level and riding style. Most riders will size down by 20L every season. This way, you can work your way to a small sinker board progressively and experience new technology in gear every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right wingfoil or wingsurf board size? Choose a board that matches your weight and offers enough volume for stability. For beginners, boards between 110 and 160 liters are ideal.
Why is the board size important for wingfoil and wingsurf beginners?
A larger board provides more stability, making it easier to focus on learning wing control without constantly losing balance.
Can I start with a smaller wingfoil or wingsurf board as a beginner?
It’s not recommended. Smaller boards are less stable, making them harder to balance on. Start with a larger board to build confidence and skills.
What kind of board shape is best for wingfoil or wingsurf beginners?
Boards with longer lengths and sharper rails are more forgiving and help with tracking straight and building speed for take-off.
What board size is most popular for beginners learning wingfoil or wingsurf in La Ventana?
Boards ranging from 140 to 160 liters are popular for first-timers in La Ventana due to the favorable learning conditions and extra stability.
Do I need lessons to learn wingfoil or wingsurf?
Yes, lessons are highly recommended. They can help you progress faster and safely by focusing on key skills like wing control and balance.
What are you working on with wingfoil right now?
Written by: Aaron Snook, Jungle Jo & Ryan “Rygo” Goloversic
We’ve been traveling for the past 8 years teaching kiting in amazing destinations. We’re passionate about Kiteboarding and have produced independent Kiteboarders all across the world. Many of those students are now friends we kite with when we are in their home kite spot. Our goal is teach the fundamentals of kiting, make you aware of the intricacy of the wind and respect of the environment and others on the water. All of our instructors are current IKO certified instructors. Come and see what this sport is all about, the people and places it will take you might just be the best thing about Kiteboarding. It has been for us!
