Wingskate, Wingspeed, Wingboard.....
The sport is so new that there is no set name for this simple and very accessible activity;
Whether with a mountainboard or a speedsail, the principle is the same: an inflatable triangular wing held at arm's length that allows you to move with the force of the wind on the beach or in open country, provided you have a hard surface.
Why try it?
1. Easy
Anyone can start riding after 15 minutes and really enjoy themselves after an hour, which is not the case with similar water sports.
- We start standing up, on hard ground. We don't lose energy in the water.
- Managing the power with the back hand provides reassurance at all levels.
- We start riding 5 minutes after arriving at the spot (no wetsuit to put on)
- You can start from age 8
2. Affordable
To practice winging on land, you won't need a state-of-the-art wing; a second-hand wing will do just fine. As for the mountainboard, you will reduce your budget by at least 3 or 4 times compared to buying a foil (new or used).
Not to mention the budget for your/your wetsuit(s) if you want to ride all year round.
3. An Endless Playground
One of the greatest advantages of this combo is the versatility of the spots. Although you will most often see this combination on hard sand beaches, there is no longer a need to live by the sea to go winging; an empty parking lot, a short grass field, an airfield or disused site will do the trick, provided it is exposed to the wind. Dirt or grass parking lots are often good options because the ground is well compacted. Small tip if you live inland: scout out the festivals around you 😉
The Mountainboard offers stability that the skateboard does not have. With its bindings (straps) and wide tires, it absorbs the irregularities of the terrain.
The wind range for riding starts at 13-14 knots, and if you practice on the beach, think about the wind direction as well as the tide times to ensure you have soft sand.
4. A tool to get started and progress
Not comfortable with water but attracted by Wing foil, the wing mountainboard will be your best entry point to then take off on the water.
You are a Wingfoil rider, the Mountainboard is a great "off-season" training
- We work on balance and foot placement.
- The jibes (front jibes or jibes) break down exactly the same way as on the water.
- You can already learn to pop slightly on the sand before trying again on the water.
To summarize what you need to think about:
- wind force
- wind direction
- practice surface (the harder the ground, the better)
Our advice:
- A 5m2 wing is often the most versatile
- Choose a well-oriented spot
- 15 knots is better
- Wear protection, helmets, knee pads....
For the board, depending on what you want to do, there are several possibilities:
BAZWING: ideal for cruising, for light wind (from 12-13 knots and 5m2 wing) and to work on your wingfoil maneuvers if that is the goal
KICKER 8 or 9": to get started (from 15 knots and 5m2)
FLYER 9": for speed, tightly tightened spring trucks and foot bindings are better!
EPIC 8": for freestyle, jumps, drifting ....
CORE: for the very little ones
The advantages of KHEO boards compared to a Speedsail:
- Their maneuverability
- The size (maximum 120cm for the Bazwing), our boards are compact and fit easily in a trunk
- The bindings if you want to go all out!!!
How to start:
1 Learn to handle the wing on the ground and understand how the wind catches
2 Get on your board and start moving in one direction
3 Come back to the starting point
4 Try the maneuvers
Tips:
- Always keep the arm towards the sky and bring the back arm down
- Never let go of the front hand
- If you go too fast, gently release the back hand
- Never get off the board before it comes to a stop
Enjoy your ride!!!
