What is Wingfoiling

Posted on 7 January 2025
By Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic
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What is Wingsurfing?

Wingfoiling is the new kid on the block when it comes to wind and water sports. The first wings came out in the 80’s with windsurfing but never took off. I remember seeing people use them in the snow back in 2010. The first inflatable wing was a prototype at a Duotone meeting in Tenerife. I had no idea, that weird looking sail would blow up as much as it did. From a novelty to a new and thriving sport. Honestly, I was a late adaptor as my first love was kiteboarding but wingfoil has grown on me and I’m loving the process of practicing a sport that is in its early days like kite was when I first started.

Wingsurfing or wingfoil are interchangeable terms but it’s the art of using wind power with a handheld wing while riding on a hydrofoil board. It’s a unique mix of surfing, windsurfing, and kitefoil, giving you the surreal feeling of flying over water. Whether you’re cruising flat water or carving waves, wing foiling is all about freedom and connection to the wind. A good friend made the analogy that kite is like flying a plane, but wing is like a helicopter. You’re using your hands and feet in a symphony where the smallest input makes a big impact on the flight. I loved that as it rang true. That alone makes wing an engaging sport at every level and the beginning stages take a little more work than other wings sports but also yield more rewards when you get it.

Cocoa Beach, with its consistent north east winds in the winter and a variety of beaches or river locations range from calm waters for learning to small waves to advanced conditions, is an amazing spot to learn wing foiling. Best of all, you’re only a short drive from some of Florida’s most famous wing foil spots like Jetty Park in Fort Peirce or The Causeway in Stuart Florida. For first timers, the consistent conditions and forgiving beaches make easy to build confidence before venturing into more difficult ocean locations. Whether you're just starting out or perfecting your foil technique, Cocoa Beach offers the ideal environment

Wingsurfing in Cocoa Beach

The Gear You Need to Start Wingfoiling

The right gear makes all the difference when you’re starting. We carry a wide range of wings, hydrofoils,, wingboards and more including some of our top picks for Cocoa Beach.

The Wing: Sometimes called a wingwing or a hand kite. Yeah, the names are confusing. This inflatable sail ranges from 2.5m to 9m in size. Beginners benefit from larger wings, which provide more power in lighter wind conditions. 6m is the best size to start in Florida. You’ll want the extra power for leanring and need it on the frequent light wind days.

The Board: A stable board with plenty of volume. Most riders start with something like a 90L 110L or 140L We have an article about what the best size wing board is that you can read here. With the rise in popularity of midlenth boards we favor something like the Ak Durable Phazer 110L for it’s stability with less drag and a faster takeoff.

The Hydrofoil: This is the underwater wing that lifts your board above the surface. Beginners should use larger hydrofoils, as they’re more forgiving and work at slower speeds. There is a point of diminishing returns but 1600 is a good starting point for most new riders. It’s going to plane at slow speeds, have tons of lateral stability from the wingspan and feel like a dance floor as you build skill. This is not a sport we encourage making your life harder. Go for easier gear the first year. You can spend 3 months learning a small wing or 1 week learning on a large hydrofoil!

Safety Gear: A helmet, flotation vest, and booties are a must, especially for the choppy conditions you might find around Cocoa Beach. Add a board leash and a wing leash to keep your gear close at all times. Our beaches and much of the Banana River can have shells or small rocks so the booties will go a long way. With wingboards you’ll be on your knees a lot at first and the booties will keep your feet happy.

Wetsuit: So beyond warmth we encourage using some kind of long leg wetsuits. You will be doing so many water starts the first week that your knees can take a beating. The kneepads and extra protection will protect you from getting a rash or just torn up.

How to Start Wingfoiling: Rygo’s 6 P’s Method

As a coach and wingfoiler, I created the 6 P’s Method to simplify the learning process. I’ve been teaching wind sports for over a decade and this is something. I made for myself while I was learning. These are the things that really made a difference and helped me lock in new movement patterns with deliberate practice. I encourage you to learn these and treat them like a mantra until they are integrated. You’ll thank me later.

Points of Contact: Keep steady contact with your gear. Whether you’re adjusting hand positions on the wing or balancing on the board, maintaining at least one solid connection point is crucial. An example is when I change hands on the wing, I put one hand on the nose of the board. Or I might put a wing tip in the water for balance. Sometimes I have my forearm up against the leading edge. Just find any point of contact and use it to your advantage. This will improve special awareness, balance, and control.
Position: Stay low with a bent-knee stance to keep your center of gravity stable. This helps you control the board and wing without tipping over. Consider where you’re balance point is and keep it centered. Consider your weight and how you shift your hips when water starting. Position is everything and small details impact the wing and foil. Pay attention and take note every time you ride. What you are aware of will become unconscious soon. Think of backing your car our of a driveway. You probably do it automatically! Be present to form good habits.
Patience: Don’t rush the process. Spend time flying the wing on land, learning how it responds before heading out to the water. Be patience waiting for the wind when you’re out there. If there are holes, wait for the stronger gusts. Be patient with yourself as this does take time. You get the idea.
Persistence: You’ll fall—probably a lot. Keep getting back up, because every wipeout is a step closer to mastering the sport. If you don’t keep with it, you’ll never learn the sport.
Practice: Wingfoiling isn’t something you learn in one session. Consistent practice builds the muscle memory and confidence needed to progress. Try to ride as often and frequent as you can. It will compound in your favor over time.
Place: Choose the right location for your first sessions. Cocoa Beach’s shallow, sandy areas are perfect for beginners, with enough wind and space to practice safely. Call us to learn about our favorite locations here or for more tips.

The 6 P’s Method isn’t just a checklist; it’s a mindset. Use it, refine it, and you’ll find yourself flying above the water sooner than you think.

Step-by-Step Guide for Your First Wingfoil Session

Start on Land: Practice controlling the wing on the beach. In Cocoa Beach’s steady winds, spend time figuring out how to steer and generate power before getting on the water.;
Enter the Water: Head into shallow areas where you can stand. Position the wing overhead and let it pull gently to get a feel for the power.
Kneeling Position: Once on the board, start on your knees to stabilize yourself. Keep the wing angled to catch the wind and maintain balance.
Standing Up: Transition to a standing position slowly. Bend your knees, stay centered, and let the wing’s pull lift you onto the foil.
Ride and Adjust: As the foil lifts the board, ease off the wing to avoid overpowering. Smooth movements and a steady stance are key to staying balanced.

Why Cocoa Beach is Ideal for Learning Wingfoiling

Cocoa Beach is one of the top spots in Florida to learn wingfoiling. Its consistent winds, beginner-friendly sandbars, and warm waters create the perfect training ground. The shallow areas let you practice without worrying about deep-water wipeouts, while the steady breeze gives you plenty of opportunities to catch your first ride. Plus, the local wingfoiling community is welcoming and full of stoke, making it a great place to connect and learn.

Common Challenges Beginners Face in Wingfoiling

Balancing on the Board: Staying steady takes time. Keep your knees bent, your weight centered, and your focus forward.
Wing Control: Handling gusts and maintaining wing power is tricky at first. Practice on land until you’re comfortable.
Foil Breaches: If the foil rises too high, it can lead to instability. Stay aware of your weight distribution to avoid this common mistake.

Safety Tips for Wingfoiling in Cocoa Beach

Wind Awareness: Cocoa Beach’s conditions are generally consistent, but always check the forecast. Avoid days with offshore winds or stormy weather.
Gear Up: Helmets and impact vests protect you during falls. Booties are helpful, especially for the shallows where oyster beds or debris might be present.
Self-Rescue Skills: Know how to paddle or drift safely back to shore in case the wind dies or you encounter gear trouble.

Progressing Beyond the Basics: What’s Next?

Once you’ve nailed the fundamentals, it’s time to take on more advanced skills. Practice gybing, riding upwind, or even catching waves. Cocoa Beach’s variety of conditions gives you plenty of room to experiment and grow. The key is to stay curious and keep pushing yourself—you’ll be amazed at how quickly you progress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wingfoiling in Cocoa Beach

What is wingfoiling, and is Cocoa Beach a good place to learn?

Wingfoiling combines a handheld wing and a hydrofoil board, allowing you to glide above the water using wind power. Cocoa Beach is an excellent place to learn because of its steady winds, beginner-friendly sandbars, and shallow waters. It offers ideal conditions for building confidence and mastering the basics.

Where are the best spots to learn wingfoiling in Cocoa Beach?

Some of the top beginner-friendly spots include:

Cheery Down Park: The waves here are often smaller on a north east wind. You can go to Jetty park for even smaller waves but it can be very shallow there and you will have to go out a ways.
Kelly Park: Great for parking and easy beach access with consistent wind conditions.
Jacques Beach off the 528: A calmer, flat-water area perfect for beginners looking to avoid waves. This is a small pull off just before the Port Canaveral Exit when coming into Cocoa on the 528. You’ll often see wingers here.

What gear do I need to wingfoil in Cocoa Beach?

Wing: A 4m and a 6m wing is great for Cocoa Beach’s average wind conditions.
Board: A stable board with extra volume is recommended for beginners.
Hydrofoil: A larger foil for easier lift and control at lower speeds.
Safety Gear: Helmet, flotation vest, and booties to protect against falls or debris in shallow areas.

Shop wingfoil gear here. Wingfoiling Hydrfoils • Wingsurfing wings • Wingboards

What are the wind conditions like in Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa Beach typically has consistent winds ranging from 10-22 knots, depending on the season. We do get North winds that blow over 25 from time to time but that is less frequent. The summers are very light while the Spring, Fall, and winter have great winds with good frequency. We have several locations that work on different wind directions so you can ride more frequently. Winters will be mostly north while the spring will see more south winds. Avoid riding the coast on a north wind unless we have some east in it. The shape of our coast will make it gusty and difficult. You can drive to Playa Linda Beach for Smooth north winds or head south to Satellite beach.

Do I need lessons to learn wingfoiling in Cocoa Beach?

While you can self-learn, taking lessons is highly recommended. Professional instructors can teach you essential techniques like wing handling, self-rescue, and foil control, helping you progress faster and safer. You can spend months with trial and error or hours with a good instructor. Not to mention an instructor will link you up with the local community and show you the lay of the land.

Our beaches can be a challenge for new riders and the easy beginner spots require local intel to navigate properly.

How long does it take to learn wingfoiling?

Most people can learn the basics—like controlling the wing and balancing on the board—in a few sessions. Mastering foiling (riding above the water) usually takes 5-10 sessions, depending on your background in other board sports and your persistence. Coming back to the 6ps with persistence. If you wait weeks between sessions, you will regress as you’re working though the J curve of learning. Try to get out often until you’re riding then you can dial back and maintain.

Are there any safety tips for wingfoiling in Cocoa Beach?

Always check the wind forecast: Look for steady winds and avoid squalls or offshore breezes.
Start in semi shallow areas: You need depth for the foil but there is no need to venture far off shore. Take advantage of our rivers here and ride with the locals. You won’t have to worry about the Ocean or heavy conditions.
Wear safety gear: Helmets, impact vests, and booties can make a big difference in protecting you during falls.
Practice self-rescue: Know how to paddle back to shore or handle gear issues in deeper water.

Can I wingfoil in Cocoa Beach year-round?

Yes, Cocoa Beach is a year-round wingfoiling destination. The water stays warm in most seasons, but a wetsuit will be necessary during cooler months (November through March). This is the windiest season and the best time to visit. Summers are amazing for SUP but the wind is very light.

What should I know about Cocoa Beach etiquette for wingfoiling?

Respect other water users, including surfers, paddleboarders, and swimmers.
Avoid crowded surf zones and stay clear of piers and fishing areas.
Always follow local rules and designated zones for water sports.

What’s the best time of year to wingfoil in Cocoa Beach?

The fall winter and spring months are ideal, with steady winds and comfortable water temperatures. Summer can be calmer, requiring larger wings, while winter offers stronger winds but cooler water.

Are there shops or schools in Cocoa Beach for wingfoiling?

Yes, stop by Epic Board sports for all things wingfoil or SUP. Give us a call or email us if you need any help or have questions about wingfoiling here.

Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic:

Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing specialist and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. An avid waterman, he's passionate and knowledgeable about all things watersports from wingfoil to wake. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.