Why Kiteboarders Love to Wingfoil
If you already kiteboard, you know the thrill of harnessing the wind. And while kiteboarding never really gets old, with endless travel destinations, new tricks to master, and ever-changing conditions, there’s something exciting about learning a new wind sport. That’s where wingfoiling comes in.
Wingfoiling challenges your body in new ways while building on the skills you’ve already developed through kiteboarding. It’s a fresh progression that’s fun, rewarding, and accessible.
Kiteboarding Skills that Transfer to Wingfoiling
Kiteboarding teaches foundational skills that make learning to wingfoil much smoother. If you already ride, you’ll bring with you:
An understanding of the wind window: One of the hardest things for new riders to grasp is how wind direction affects movement. As a kiteboarder, you’ve already got this down.
Familiarity with upwind/downwind tacks: The logic of how to move on the water stays largely the same between kiteboarding and wingfoiling.
Foil balance: If you’ve ever ridden a kitefoil, you’re already used to the sensation and balance required to foil.
Why Wingfoiling is so Fun
There’s a unique sensation to wingfoiling that sets it apart. Once you generate lift and start flying above the water, it feels effortless and smooth, like gliding through the air.
Other things we love about it:
You can ride in lighter winds or in places not suitable for kiteboarding, like smaller lakes or tighter beaches.
It’s less intimidating for beginners, especially kids or those who find kiting a bit too intense.
It’s gentler on the knees—once you’re up, there’s less impact and strain.
The waist-deep water with less chop in Corpus Christi makes the learning process more forgiving and approachable.
The Difference Between Kiteboarding and Wingfoiling Gear
Wingfoiling gear is refreshingly simple compared to kiteboarding. There are fewer lines, no harness, and no risk of a power loop gone wrong.
The wing is handheld and tangle-free, making it easy to reset and reposition.
Beginners start on larger boards for easier balance, much like learning to kite on a twin tip or a surfboard.
The foil and mast setup is the most technical part of the gear, but you can rent gear from us until you're confident enough to go solo.
Unlike a kite, when you let go of the wing, everything just stops—there’s no power being generated, which adds a level of safety and simplicity.
Pro tip: traveling with wingfoil gear is a bit trickier since foil boards are more fragile than twin tips, but as you progress, you’ll likely want to bring your setup on every trip.
How long does it typically take for kiteboarders to learn how to wingfoil?
At the Kite & Wing Academy in Corpus Christi, experienced kiteboarders usually get the hang of wingfoiling within six hours of instruction, often broken up into a “2-on, 2-off” or “1-on, 1-off” approach. We teach a specific skill, let you practice, and then build on it in your next session.
Our shallow water and consistent wind in Corpus Christi offer the perfect learning environment. And when you’re ready for the next level, meet us in La Ventana, Mexico, for deeper water, stronger winds, and bigger challenges.
Wingfoiling in La Ventana, MX
Join us this season in Corpus Christi and add a new windsport to your skill set. Whether you want to try something new or add to your kiteboarding toolbox, we’ve got the gear, instruction, and ideal conditions to get you flying.