Inflatable Wings
Inflatable Wings
Wing foiling, also known as wing foil or simply winging, is a relatively new water sport that has gained significant popularity in recent years. The concept of handheld wings for water sports dates back to the early 1980s, but the modern inflatable wing used in wing foiling is a more recent development. In 1981, Jim Drake (the inventor of windsurfing) and Uli Stanciu created the first rigid handheld wing for use with a windsurfing board, but this early version didn't gain much traction due to the high drag of large 14-foot windsurf boards.
Inflatable wings took a giant leap forward with Tony Logosz's "Slingwing" design in 2011. The wait for commercial availability ended in March 2019, when Duotone unveiled its game-changing inflatable wing. This sparked a whirlwind of activity, as top water sports brands Naish, F-One, and Slingshot quickly entered the market with their own innovative wing designs. Modern inflatable wings for wing foiling are designed with lightweight materials and innovative construction techniques, featuring an inflatable leading edge and struts for rigidity, as well as handles or a boom for control. take the inflatable wing and add a foil board and a foil... Now you have a new exciting, accessible sport!
Wing foiling has evolved to encompass several disciplines, including freeride (the most common, focusing on cruising and enjoying the ride across water), wave riding (combining wing foiling with wave surfing), freestyle (performing tricks and maneuvers), racing (competitive wing foiling), and downwind (using the wing to ride downwind over long distances, often in open ocean conditions).
The versatility of wing foiling has contributed to its rapid growth, allowing riders to enjoy the sport in various wind and water conditions, while the inflatable wing's ease of use and portability have made it accessible to a wide range of water sports enthusiasts, from beginners to experienced riders.
Learn more about the world of wing foiling in our latest blog series : What is Wing Foiling? 5 Reasons You Should Get On It
Unsure of what size wing you should get? Check this blog: Best Wing Size For Beginners