SAFETY EQUIPMENT

AND ACCESSORIES

If you’re going to wingfoil, then you need to protect yourself. It’s not that it’s an especially dangerous sport, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and take reasonable precautions. Remember, once your foil is flying, you’re high up and your first falls could be hazardous, especially if you make contact with the foil. To help prevent injuries, we’ve rounded up a list of useful and essential safety equipment and accessories to ensure you stay safe during your time on the water. 

HELMET

We highly recommend a helmet anytime you’re foiling, but it’s compulsory when you’re learning wingfoil.

Try and find a properly adapted helmet, like the ones used by kitesurfers. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s CE approved to ensure proper protection.  

BODY ARMOUR

Universally known as an impact vest, this is a padded, neoprene, sleeveless vest that is highly recommended for wingfoiling.

It provides excellent protection to your ribs and back if you fall on the board rails or the foil, thanks to extra padding in the vulnerable areas. Like your helmet, it must have a CE certification. 

WETSUIT

Wearing a wetsuit is highly recommended, depending on the conditions and the water temperature. Ideally, you need a shorty for summer and a full wetsuit the rest of the year, thicker or thinner depending on the season and the region.

If you’re planning to wingboard with the foil, we strongly recommend that you wear a full wetsuit with knee pads, even in the summer – it will protect your legs from the foil when you fall and be more comfortable.

Remember, you’ll be spending plenty of time on your knees during the launch/re-launch sequences, so knee pads will make the experience much more comfortable. 

BOARD LEASH 

You MUST have a leash that attaches you to your board—just like surfing, your board could save your life after a heavy fall.

A leash isn’t always supplied when you buy a board, so you’ll want to purchase one if it’s not included. Velcro-strapped to your ankle, calf, or even your waist, it’s good practice to check it over before every session to be sure it’s properly attached and there are no signs of wear and tear.

There are many different leash models available – a leash “coil” attached to your waist is a good option for foil riding as it will be kept further away from your feet and the foil.  

WING LEASH

Similar to the board, the wing MUST be attached to one of your wrists by a leash, which is usually supplied when you buy your wing.

You can attach the leash to either wrist or your wait before picking up your wing to carry it to the water and AFTER attaching your board leash to your ankle.

Check that there are no signs of wear and tear and that the connection to your wing is 100%. Your board leash can save your life and a poorly maintained wing leash can put someone else’s at risk.