A complete wingfoil starter guide

Wingfoiling is one of the fastest growing watersports in the world right now and for good reason. Light gear, quick to learn, and you can do it almost anywhere there's wind and water. 

Ready to start wingfoiling but not sure where to begin? You're not alone. It's the question we hear most at our shop on the Brouwersdam. Wing, board, foil: three pieces of gear that all need to work together. Get them right, and you'll be flying in no time. Get one wrong, and learning becomes a lot harder than it needs to be.

In this guide we'll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the right setup. Let's go!

Where are you going to wingfoil? 

Before you look at gear, ask yourself one question: where are you going to ride? Your spot influences your setup more than most people realise.

At a coastal spot like the Brouwersdam, wind is strong and consistent. Typically 15 to 20 knots on a good day. Perfect for learning fast. Inland spots tend to have lighter, less consistent wind. If you're riding inland, you may need to go one size up on your wing to get enough power.

Know your spot first. Everything else follows.

 

What's in a complete wingfoil set? 

A complete wingfoil set has three main parts:

1. The wing: what you hold in your hands to catch the wind and generate power.

2. The board: what you stand on. Volume and size determine how easy it is to get up and stay stable.

3. The foil: the underwater system that lifts you off the water. The front wing size determines how much lift you get at low speeds.

Get these three right and you have everything you need. Our sets are put together so all three components work well together. 

Find your wing & foil size

Wing size is mostly determined by your weight. As a rule of thumb:

Your weight	Wing size	Foil size
Under 70 kg	4.5 – 5 m²	1500 – 1800 cm²
70 – 85 kg	5 – 5.5 m²	1700 – 2000 cm²
85+ kg	5.5 – 6.5 m²	1900 – 2400 cm²

 

These sizes are based on average wind conditions of around 15–20 knots. In lighter wind, go one size up. All the wings in our sets are forgiving, easy to handle and suitable for riders of all levels.

As a beginner, you want a foil with a large front wing. More surface area means more lift at lower speeds which makes getting up off the water much easier. Once you're comfortable, you can step down to a smaller, faster foil.

Finding your board volume

Board volume is where most beginners go wrong, they go too small too soon. More volume means more float, easier take-offs and more stability. Here's the simple rule:

Just starting out?	= your body weight + 30–40 litres
Already foiling & looking for a good deal?	= your body weight + 5–10 litres

 

A rider of 75 kg just starting out would typically go for a board of around 105–115 litres. As you get more confident on the foil, you can step down in volume for a more responsive, playful feel.

How do you choose between sets?

Once you know your sizes, it comes down to three questions:

What brand speaks to you? All the sets we carry are A-brands: F-one, Duotone, North and Slingshot. At beginner level, the performance difference is small. It really comes down to feel and preference.

What's your budget? Our sets range from entry-level to more premium options. All of them are put together to give you the best progression for your money.

How much time do you have to practise? If you're going to be on the water twice a week, investing in a slightly better setup makes sense. If you're starting with one session a week, a solid entry-level set is the smarter choice.

Still not sure? Come into our shop at the Brouwersdam and we'll help you figure it out in person.

 

Never tried wingfoiling before? Book a lesson first

If you've never wingfoiled before, don't buy gear just yet. Book a lesson first. After one or two sessions on the water you'll know exactly what setup suits you and you'll make a much better purchasing decision.

Our instructors teach right here at the Brouwersdam. After your lesson, come into the shop and we'll help you find the perfect set based on what you just experienced on the water.

 

Complete your setup: the checklist

Our sets include wing, board and foil. To complete your setup you'll also need:

• Wing leash: keeps your wing attached if you let go
• Pump: make sure it matches your wing brand
• Helmet: essential, especially when learning
• Wetsuit: the Brouwersdam can be cold even in summer
• Water shoes: to protect your feet  
• Screwdriver: for foil assembly
• Board bag: to protect your investment

Everything is available here or in our shop at the Brouwersdam.

 

Ready to find your setup?

Check out our complete wingfoil starter sets: up to 30% off, all A-brands, wing, board and foil included.

🔗 Shop all complete wingfoil sets here

 

Recommended starter sets

• North Seek Air + Prime edition Foil set
  
• North Seek 2025 + Prime Edition Foil set
• Slingshot Slingwing v6 + Glide Craft + One-Lock Wingfoil set
• North Nova 2025 + Seek Air Wingfoil set
• Slingshot OneLock Beginner Wingfoil set
• North Learn to Wing set (trade in after learning)
• Slingshot Wing Quick Start Board Package

 

Any questions? Drop them in the comments, send us a message or come find us at the Brouwersdam. We're here every day.