Comparing Inflatable, Fiberglass, and Carbon Fiber Wingfoil Boards: Performance Analysis
In the rapidly evolving world of wingfoiling, board construction materials significantly impact performance, durability, portability, and price. This article examines the three primary wingfoil board construction types—inflatable, fiberglass, and custom carbon fiber—analyzing their respective performance characteristics and ideal use cases to help riders make informed equipment choices. Inflatable Wingfoil Boards: Accessibility Meets Convenience Inflatable wingfoil […]
Transitioning from Kiteboarding to Wingfoiling: A Progression Guide
In the ever-evolving world of wind sports, many experienced kiteboarders are expanding their quiver to include wingfoiling, a discipline that has exploded in popularity since 2019. The transition from controlling a kite in the air to handling a wing directly in your hands presents both challenges and opportunities. This article explores the progression path for […]
History of the Transpac Race: San Francisco to Hawaii
The Pacific Ocean has long served as a proving ground for sailors seeking to test their mettle against one of nature’s most formidable expanses of water. Among the legendary ocean races that cross this vast blue wilderness, the Transpac stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious. While the classic Transpac Race traditionally runs […]
The Evolution and History of the America’s Cup: Racing for the Auld Mug
The America’s Cup stands as the oldest international sporting trophy still competed for today, predating the modern Olympic Games by 45 years. Since its inception in 1851, this prestigious sailing competition has evolved from a friendly challenge between nations into a cutting-edge technological battleground that has transformed sailing and naval architecture. Often called the “Auld […]
Wind Trends in San Francisco Bay: A Guide for Wingfoiling and Kitesurfing
San Francisco Bay is renowned worldwide as a premier destination for wind sports, offering reliable, strong winds and diverse riding conditions. For wingfoilers and kitesurfers, understanding the seasonal wind patterns can make the difference between frustrating sessions and epic rides. This article examines the historical wind trends across the Bay Area and identifies the optimal […]
The History and Significance of the Koa Triple Crown Paddle Races
The Koa Triple Crown Paddle Races represent one of the most prestigious and culturally significant competitive paddling series in Hawaii. Blending ancient Hawaiian traditions with modern competitive sport, these races have become a cornerstone of Hawaii’s water sports culture and a celebration of the islands’ rich paddling heritage. Origins and Evolution The Koa Triple Crown […]
The Molokai to Oahu Paddle Board Championships: The Ultimate Test of Ocean Athletes
When athletes speak of the Molokai to Oahu Paddle Board Championships in hushed, reverent tones, they’re acknowledging what many consider the most grueling and prestigious paddling event on the planet. Spanning 32 miles across Hawaii’s treacherous Ka’iwi Channel (aptly named the “Channel of Bones”), this race represents the pinnacle of endurance paddling and has shaped […]
Finding Your Perfect Wingfoil Board Volume: The Balance of Rider Weight and Wind Conditions
For beginner and intermediate wingfoilers, few equipment decisions impact your experience as significantly as board volume. Too little volume creates a frustrating struggle to get started; too much results in a cumbersome board that hampers progression. Understanding the relationship between your weight, local wind conditions, and board volume can dramatically accelerate your learning curve and […]
Mastering Upwind Technique in Wingfoiling: Understanding Wind Angles for Efficient Riding
For many wingfoilers, the journey from exciting first flights to true independence on the water hinges on one critical skill: the ability to ride upwind. This seemingly magical capability transforms your sessions from downwind drifts requiring beach walks or shuttle rides back to the starting point into fluid journeys where you can explore freely and […]
Learning to Wingfoil with Captain Joshua Waldman: The Ultimate Beginner’s Experience
In the ever-expanding universe of water sports, wingfoiling has emerged as one of the most exhilarating and accessible ways to harness the wind and glide above the water. But for newcomers, the learning curve can seem daunting—until you discover SF Wingfoil Academy and its founder, Captain Joshua Waldman, who has revolutionized the learning process with […]
