Published on: 12 August 2021
A cross between windsurfing and snowboarding, Wingsurfing is a brand new watersport quickly taking flight and UKSA (United Kingdom Sailing Academy), based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, is offering one of the first RYA (Royal Yachting Association) accredited courses dedicated to it.
The watersport provides the perfect platform to progress to the more advanced wingfoiling which has seen an explosion globally over the last 12 months. Wingsurfing, and wingfoiling, use a wing with an inflated leading edge on a strut/boom. Unlike windsurfing, the wing isn’t attached to the board, but is still controlled by the rider’s hands whilst standing. A bit like conventional windsurfing, riders can choose to fly the wing on a plain board or one with foils.
Ben Willows, CEO of UKSA, commented: “Foiling has changed the watersports landscape entirely. The use of wing-power is actually one of the easiest and quickest methods of learning how to foil. Whether you want to cruise on flat water, venture into downwinders, race, learn tricks, or ride swell and waves, the sport and UKSA kit can take you there. I am thrilled to be offering this exciting new course as we are starting to see more and more people take an interest in the watersport.”
By the end of UKSA’s two-day RYA Wingsurfing course, students will have a good understanding of the equipment used and recommended; how to launch and land safely as well as perform a self-rescue. Students will also learn how to fly and control the wing on land initially, progressing to a board without a hydrofoil, before introducing a foil in the First Flights course, once ready.
No previous watersports experience is necessary and students can learn the basics on a large windsurf board or windSUP (stand-up paddleboard). To register interest or to find out more visit the UKSA website, here.