Wind Foiling
A new sport has made its way to Truckee California called wind foiling. Wind foiling is a mix of windsurfing and many other sports that you would see done on a water source during the summer. The summer isn’t the only time that you will see wind foiling in the Truckee area. Keep reading to find out more about this new sport that is sweeping the area or click here for the full original article.
What is Wind Foiling?
Unlike Kiteboarding and windsurfing where the rider is attached by a harness, the wing is handheld and extremely free-flowing. If the wind becomes too strong, which is a frequent occurrence, the wing foiler simply lets go of the handheld inflatable sail to depower and minimize the danger of a fall. (Source)
The wind, or handheld inflatable sail, is used to harness the wind energy which in turn powers the wing foiler’s travel, seemingly magically, a foot or two above the water while standing atop a board. This magic is driven by the inverted T-shaped “foil” which is located below the board and gives the board lift much like an airplane wing by turning the water flow downwards and creating higher average velocities on its top surface. With enough speed, the rider goes up “on foil” ad races at a crosswind trajectory above the lake’s surface. (Source)
A wing foiler simply walks down to the water’s edge and takes off without the need to clear an area of people and other dangers before attempting to launch a large powerful kite. There is also no risk of tangling hundred-foot kiteboarding lines in the plentiful pine trees as a wing has no strings and can be easily released and relaunched. (Source)
Beginning boards are large and high volume so standing on the board is much like standing on a buoyant and stable stand-up paddle board. More advanced boards are smaller and partially sink slowing for enhanced performance including more technical tricks, higher speeds, and even jumping. (Source)
How to Start
The two most common ways to start foiling are by being pulled behind a motorboat at slow speeds and by renting an e-foil. For both activities, choose a calm day with flat water to increase your chances of success. By eliminating the wing at first, it is easier to familiarize yourself with the dynamic motions of the foil. (Source)
The wing can be learned separately starting with lessons on land.
Safety Gear
In addition to a wing and a board with foil, the beginner wing foiler will want to have some safety gear. The following should be considered:
- Helmer
- Wet Suit
- Impact Vest
- Face and Eye Protection
- Knee Guards and/ or Shin Guards
Where is The Best Spot?
The top spots around the area to try wind foiling are as follows:
- Donner Lake
- Boca and Stampede Reservoirs
- Kings Beach
- Lake Forest in Tahoe City
Source: Kreiss, Joshua. “Wing Foiling: New Wind Sport Blows into Truckee.” SierraSun.com, SierraSun.com, 25 Sept. 2022, https://www.sierrasun.com/news/wing-foiling-new-wind-sport-blows-into-truckee/.
A new sport has made its way to Truckee California called wind foiling. Wind foiling is a mix of windsurfing and many other sports that you would see done on a water source during the summer. The summer isn’t the only time that you will see wind foiling in the Truckee area. Keep reading to find out more about this new sport that is sweeping the area or click here for the full original article.
What is Wind Foiling?
Unlike Kiteboarding and windsurfing where the rider is attached by a harness, the wing is handheld and extremely free-flowing. If the wind becomes too strong, which is a frequent occurrence, the wing foiler simply lets go of the handheld inflatable sail to depower and minimize the danger of a fall. (Source)
The wind, or handheld inflatable sail, is used to harness the wind energy which in turn powers the wing foiler’s travel, seemingly magically, a foot or two above the water while standing atop a board. This magic is driven by the inverted T-shaped “foil” which is located below the board and gives the board lift much like an airplane wing by turning the water flow downwards and creating higher average velocities on its top surface. With enough speed, the rider goes up “on foil” ad races at a crosswind trajectory above the lake’s surface. (Source)
A wing foiler simply walks down to the water’s edge and takes off without the need to clear an area of people and other dangers before attempting to launch a large powerful kite. There is also no risk of tangling hundred-foot kiteboarding lines in the plentiful pine trees as a wing has no strings and can be easily released and relaunched. (Source)
Beginning boards are large and high volume so standing on the board is much like standing on a buoyant and stable stand-up paddle board. More advanced boards are smaller and partially sink slowing for enhanced performance including more technical tricks, higher speeds, and even jumping. (Source)
How to Start
The two most common ways to start foiling are by being pulled behind a motorboat at slow speeds and by renting an e-foil. For both activities, choose a calm day with flat water to increase your chances of success. By eliminating the wing at first, it is easier to familiarize yourself with the dynamic motions of the foil. (Source)
The wing can be learned separately starting with lessons on land.
Safety Gear
In addition to a wing and a board with foil, the beginner wing foiler will want to have some safety gear. The following should be considered:
- Helmer
- Wet Suit
- Impact Vest
- Face and Eye Protection
- Knee Guards and/ or Shin Guards
Where is The Best Spot?
The top spots around the area to try wind foiling are as follows:
- Donner Lake
- Boca and Stampede Reservoirs
- Kings Beach
- Lake Forest in Tahoe City
Source: Kreiss, Joshua. “Wing Foiling: New Wind Sport Blows into Truckee.” SierraSun.com, SierraSun.com, 25 Sept. 2022, https://www.sierrasun.com/news/wing-foiling-new-wind-sport-blows-into-truckee/.