Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Wing Foil Technique

Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - All in the Prep
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - All in the Prep
All in the Prep

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’re most likely aware that recently there have been a few well-off gents flying up to the edge of space, dressed as Thunderbirds, who have then returned to earth with big grins to pop corks and shower their teams in Champagne. Your Wing foiling journey will have many similarities. You aim to leave...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Duck Gybe
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Duck Gybe
Duck Gybe

The Duck Gybe is a personal favourite. Not only does it feel fabulous and look amazing, but it’s also pretty functional! Due to the movement of the wing, you’re far less likely to get backwinded by your induced wind when it’s light, and the wing’s movement gets the power back on sharpish. What’s more, if you’re happily gybing, meaning that...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - First Foiling Foot Switch, Heel to Toe
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - First Foiling Foot Switch, Heel to Toe
First Foiling Foot Switch, Heel to Toe

As the title suggests, this is intended as your very first foiling foot change. We say this as there are a myriad of methods and possibilities, both simple and more advanced. However, we rate this technique and order as one of the simplest and most useful which will stand you in good stead. We’re assuming that you have already changed...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Foiling Foot Switch, Toe to Heel
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Foiling Foot Switch, Toe to Heel
Foiling Foot Switch, Toe to Heel

If you’ve been following this Wing Foil series, you’ve likely been through the heel-to-toe foot switch. Now, ladies and Gentlemen, it’s time for the other one! The Toe to Heel. This member of the family is equally useful. You can call on it any time you’re toeside to return to heelside. Whether after a gybe or tack, you’ll have the...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Get Up on the Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Get Up on the Foil
Get Up on the Foil

If you’re reading this, we hope that you’ve already had a chance to watch our Wing Foil #1 All in the Prep video on the Tonic Mag channel. This issue we’re going to get up on the foil. We’re looking to have enough wind, so that getting up on the foil is doable without pumping the wing or the board....

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Pumping
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Pumping
Pumping

We’re going to delve into the world of pumping as a means to get up on the foil for this issue. If you’re happily flying around, you will perhaps notice that you need considerably less power in your wing once you’re up than you do to get up. Effectively, this can mean that you’re on a bigger wing than required!...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Riding Toe Side
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Riding Toe Side
Riding Toe Side

Riding Toe side is a key skill that will unlock a whole world of moves and possibilities. A good solid toe side will help you stay up on the foil, will improve your gybes, is essential for tacks and will come in handy for an absolute plethora of tricks. It’s a foundation, an essential part of your armoury. Whether you...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Tack Off The Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Tack Off The Foil
Tack Off The Foil

Today’s the day, Ladies and Gents! Your first foray into the world of tacking. If you’re unsure what a tack is, think of it as changing direction 180 by steering up into and through the wind. It’s the opposite of the gybe. The tack has a few advantages over the gybe: if you’re trying to make ground upwind, you won’t...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - The Duck Gybe, Toe to Heel
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - The Duck Gybe, Toe to Heel
The Duck Gybe, Toe to Heel

Welcome back! It’s always exciting to introduce a new move, and in this issue, we’ll be guiding you through another absolute gem, the toe-to-heel Duck Gybe. Assuming that you’ve been working on the heel-to-toe Duck Gybe, you’ve hopefully fallen head over heels for this fun and functional method of gybing. Well, rather than let you bask in the glory of...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - The Heel to Toe Tack
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - The Heel to Toe Tack
The Heel to Toe Tack

Just when you thought you could relax and possibly rest on your laurels. Content in the knowledge that you have built up quite a box of tricks, bursting with gybes, a cheeky tack, pumping and ducking. Well, we’re going to burst that rightfully smug bubble and set you yet another challenge. Not quite the Crypton Factor, but the heel-to-toe tack...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - The Toe to Heel Tack
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - The Toe to Heel Tack
The Toe to Heel Tack

If you’re ready to up your game and fancy a new wing foil challenge, tacking is the next logical step. Like a well-crafted corkscrew, the tack is practical and stylish, not to mention blissfully satisfying. Carving up through the wind and exiting on your new tack is the perfect way to change direction quickly and make up ground. Once nailed...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Wing Foil Gybe Part 1 - Heel to Toe Gybe off the Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Wing Foil Gybe Part 1 - Heel to Toe Gybe off the Foil
Wing Foil Gybe Part 1 - Heel to Toe Gybe off the Foil

We know that many of you are keen to move onto riding and pumping, but before racing off into the grand bleu in a flurry of youthful exuberance, we thought it both prudent and wise to have a look at turning around, and more specifically the heel to toe/switch off the foil. So yes, today is about woffing (winging off...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Wing Foil Gybe Part 2 - Steering on the Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Wing Foil Gybe Part 2 - Steering on the Foil
Wing Foil Gybe Part 2 - Steering on the Foil

We said it in our first Wing Foil technique, and it holds true through every stage, you’ve got to put in the preparation work. Everything needs care, love and attention and your future foiling gybe is no different. As such this issue is all about the second stage of your foiling gybe prep, nurturing it towards reality by steering on...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Wing Foil Gybe Part 3 - Foiling Heel to Toe Gybe
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Wing Foil Gybe Part 3 - Foiling Heel to Toe Gybe
Wing Foil Gybe Part 3 - Foiling Heel to Toe Gybe

It’s on ladies and gents, it’s on! If you’ve been following this Wing Foil series and the videos on the Tonic channel, your prep for the foiling gybe is done, the foundations are laid, you’ve never been more ready:) We write this with utter conviction because you’ve got a feeling for wind direction, a solid first position, a balanced dynamic...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Wing Foil Gybe Part 4 - Toe to Heel off the Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Wing Foil Gybe Part 4 - Toe to Heel off the Foil
Wing Foil Gybe Part 4 - Toe to Heel off the Foil

It is time to tackle the other gybe! Even if you haven’t mastered the foiling heel to toe gybe, getting yourself acquainted with the toe to heel winging off the foil gybe will give you a skill that you’ll call on more often than you’ll care to imagine. We all have a better side. You may be happy riding left...

Wing Foil
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Wing Foil Gybe Part 5 - Foiling Toe to Heel Gybe
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Wing Foil Gybe Part 5 - Foiling Toe to Heel Gybe
Wing Foil Gybe Part 5 - Foiling Toe to Heel Gybe

Just when you thought you could enjoy sitting on your laurels, the latest Tonic drops and you’ve been gifted yet another challenge. There is of course a carrot dangling here, as the toe to heel foiling gybe is another step towards staying up on the foil for longer, whilst also doubling as an extremely effective method of turning around. And...

Wing Foil

Featured

Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - An introduction to River SUP
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - An introduction to River SUP
An introduction to River SUP

Having covered the “mainstream” (no pun’s intended) flat water, surf and downwind paddling disciplines we feel it is certainly appropriate to ramp up the ante somewhat and introduce SUP river paddling. Consider it the “downhill” mountain biking version of stand up paddling as opposed to cross-country riding - with all the relative obstacles, challenges and body protection being duly warranted....

Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Balance Control and Efficiency
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Balance Control and Efficiency
Balance Control and Efficiency

Perfecting Stance and board position. Comfort and feeling at ease on your board is the basis for stability, control and efficient paddling. If you do not feel comfortable on your board, you'll find your body is always making minor adjustments and shifts in body position. This constant movement will not only be disrupting; you won't be able to paddle effectively...

Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Hanumanasana/ Splits pose
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Hanumanasana/ Splits pose
Hanumanasana/ Splits pose

This is well and truly an advanced Yoga posture, so don’t attempt this if you have tight hamstrings, hips or any injury to the pelvis, knees or ankles. Begin in a low lunge with the right leg forward making sure you are central over the handle/middle of the board. Pressing the palms into the board, slide the right foot forward...

Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Mandukasana - Frog Pose - Beginner
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Mandukasana - Frog Pose - Beginner
Mandukasana - Frog Pose - Beginner

This luscious hip opener is perfect for beginners as its low gravity on the board and very stable. Start by straddling the board positioning yourself over the centre of the board, generally where the handle is located. Slowly extend your arms forward walking your fingertips towards the nose of the board. Your hip flexibility will determine how deep you can...

Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Sukhasana -Easy Pose - Beginner
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Sukhasana -Easy Pose - Beginner
Sukhasana -Easy Pose - Beginner

A great pose that stretches the knees, ankles and opens the hips. It also focuses on lengthening the back muscles and spine.  Usually, this pose is done at the beginning of a SUP Yoga practice, Sukhasana helps to still the body and mind in preparation for other more challenging poses. It instils a sense of tranquillity and a feeling of...

Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Dandasana - Stick Pose - Beginner
Wing Foiling, SUP and Surf Technique - Dandasana - Stick Pose - Beginner
Dandasana - Stick Pose - Beginner

This seated pose has low gravity therefore is stable on a Stand Up Paddelboard making it accessible to all levels. To achieve this pose, ensure you are seated directly over the handle in the middle of the board. Extend the legs out straight pushing through your heals engaging the quad muscles. Sit up straight with a long spine, extending the...