What is the difference between Windfoiling, Wing foiling, and Windsurfing?

Your beginner-friendly intro to one of our favourite summer watersports. 

There’s no question that we enjoy a windy province, so why not make the most of it with windfoiling? With our wide open skies and those reliable prairie winds, Saskatchewan offers world classideal conditions for  windsurfing and wingdfoiling. But which one is right for you? What is wingdfoiling, and why is it different from windsurfing? We have the answers to get you going on your new favourite way to enjoy summer!

Are windsurfing, wing foiling, and windfoiling different? 

What is windsurfing? 

Windsurfing combines elements of sailing and surfing. Riders stand on a board, using a fixed sail to harness the wind and glide on the water. It makes Deifenbaker Lake and Blackstrap a playground on a classic Saskatchewan summer day. Plus, windsurfing has been around since the 70’s!

What about wind foiling? 

Yes! Windfoiling uses a hydrofoil mounted beneath the windsurfboard. As speed increases, the foil lifts the board out of the water, reducing drag and creating a smooth, flight-like ride. The efficient foil means you can ride in much lighter wind conditions. 

What is wing foiling, then? 

Very similar to wind foiling but utilizing a free floating inflatable wing instead of a fixed sail. The inflatable wing feels more natural to learn and has the bonus of being lighter and much easier to pack up and travel with. This is the windsport that is taking the world by storm! Only a few years old…it has exploded all over the globe due to its intuitive nature and easy setup.

How do you learn to foil in Saskatchewan?

Well, here at Escape Sports, we are well acquainted with these sport and are happy to give you the feedback, gear, and advice you need to get going. You may well have seen us playing in the river once or twice! 

Ideal wind conditions: The best wind conditions for learning are between 20 to 40 kph, which we get quite often in Saskatchewan.
Where to practice: A quieter lake is nice, and you only need about 5  feet of depth for the foil to work. 
Best water conditions: relatively flat, deeper water 
Safety gear: the gear to help you while you are learning and still stay safe – wetsuit, helmet, life jacket.

WE TOOK SASKATCHEWANDERER OUT FOR A RIDE ON DIEFFENBAKER, IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE BOARDS IN ACTION! 

How do wing foiling and windfoiling differ? 

The big difference is that with windsurfing, the sail is rigid and mounted to the board, while wingfoiling has an inflatable wing, which most people will find much more intuitive and safer. The boards and foils are quite similar, as the dimensions and buoyancy are close to the same. There are, though, some little differences in the shaping between them. We are happy to help you pick the one that best suits your needs and experience level. 

How to select the right wing? 

It is generally a matter of your body weight and the wind speeds you will be going out in. Again, come talk with us as there is a wealth of experience we can draw from and help make that decision.. 

Personally, we favour wingfoiling for a freer vibe. We find that it is easier to get going with and offers more versatility.

The best spots for beginners to wing foil in Saskatchewan?

• Diefenbaker: Strong, consistent winds, world-class waves
• Buffalo Pound: Warm water and relatively stable conditions, which are sweet for beginners. In some directions, smooth rolling waves
• Blackstrap: Calm water and good accessibility.
• Katepwa: Beautiful scenery and great amenities.
• South Saskatchewan River (Saskatoon): Once you’re more experienced, this is an excellent spot close to home. Riding in the middle of downtown!

If you’re ready to up your summer adventuring, pop into the shop! 

Here at Escape Sports, we are down with adventure! If you want mega advice to get you started, the best place to start is the shop. We have a broad selection of gear suited to different styles and experience levels, but a conversation is the right way to sort out your needs. Feel free to check out our online stock if you want to get a loose budget in mind before popping in.