Wingfoil: The New Frontier in Watersports – Growth, Benefits and Challenges

Wingfoiling is the latest sensation in wind‑powered sports. Combining a foil board with a handheld wing, it offers a unique blend of surfing, sailing and flying. Schools are adding wingfoil courses alongside surfing and kitesurfing, so understanding the sport’s appeal and growth helps attract new students.

Global competitions and popularity: Wingfoil racing has matured quickly. At the 2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup China, 70 competitors from 12 countries gathered on Daishan Island to compete for 500 ranking points and €60,000 in prize money. Notable competitors included world champion Mathis Ghio and emerging talent Kamil Manowiecki. Chinese sailors showcased their skills on home waters, illustrating the sport’s growing popularity in Asia.

Market growth: A 2025 market analysis notes that the wing foiling equipment market is still young but growing rapidly. Analysts estimate the 2025 market size around US$250 million and project a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 % through 2033. Growth drivers include user‑friendly equipment, improved wing designs and strong demand for online sales. Established brands such as F‑ONE, Naish and Duotone are investing heavily, while new entrants keep innovating.

Benefits and limitations: Wingfoiling attracts many because it is accessible and safer than kitesurfing. According to a 2024 overview from Elite Watersports, beginners can learn wingfoiling on their own (though lessons speed up progress), and it doesn’t require a large launch area. Riders can paddle back if the wind drops and enjoy surfing small, non‑breaking waves. However, wingfoiling is not the best choice for big‑air tricks; it is more about fluid rides and can be physically demanding. That same article notes that wingfoiling gear is more expensive and bulkier than kiteboarding gear.

The table below summarises key figures and characteristics of wingfoiling.

Wingfoiling sits at the intersection of surfing and kitesurfing: it delivers the freedom of gliding above the water without long kite lines or crowded launch zones. The sport’s rising popularity and organised competitions demonstrate real opportunities for schools to expand their offerings. By adopting digital management platforms like Ridesk, wingfoil schools can handle the influx of new riders with the same efficiency and professionalism that surf schools now enjoy.