Wingfoiling or wingsurfing is the newest kid on the block of wind and water sports. It’s really taken off on the east coast of Florida too. Boasting some incredibly good riders and a new way to enjoy the ocean. Miami is a special place as we don’t exactly get the best waves on the east coast. We do however have some of the best wingsurf waves and warm steady winds all winter.
We’re truly lucky to live somewhere with such amazing conditions and to have this new sport to get out and play. With wings and eFoils, we can get on the water every single day regardless of the season here. While I still compete internationally as a Professional kiter I love to give back.
I got my start teaching kitesurfing lessons here and then we found eFoils as a great way to pass the time when conditions didn’t line up. Now with wingfoil lessons we’re making more connections and new wind addicts than ever before. This guide will offer practical tips for our students to learn before and after their wingfoiling course with us. If you have any questions, call or text me any time!
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right gear to mastering the basics with our 6 P’s approach—Points of Contact, Position, Patience, Persistence, Practice, and Place. Let’s dive into the essentials and help you take the first steps toward becoming a confident wingfoiler.
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The 6 P’s for Water Starts: Points of Contact, Position, Patience, Persistence, Practice, and Place
One of the biggest challenges for beginners is mastering the water start, and it can make all the difference to have a clear, structured approach. I learned this method from my good friend and fellow waterman, Ryan “Rygo” Goloversic. Known for his depth of experience, Rygo developed the 6 P’s to help riders break down and master the fundamentals, making the learning process smoother and more manageable. With his guidance, these six elements provide a strong foundation for any wingfoiler, helping you find balance, confidence, and control on the water.
- Points of Contact
The more points of contact you maintain, the more stable your start will be. Points of contact refer to the parts of your body that stay connected to the board or wing, giving you control and balance as you prepare to lift off.
- Hands and Board: Always have one hand on the board’s nose when switching hands on the wing. As soon as you release the board, get a hand on the wing to keep that connection stable.
- Body for Balance: Use parts of your body to stabilize—dip a wing tip into the water for balance, or rest part of your arm on the wing’s leading edge when the wing is above you.
- Whole-Body Engagement: Tuck your knees into your chest while crouched low for stability. The more contact points you have, the easier it is to control your movements and prevent tipping as you stand.
These contact points create a stable foundation, helping you manage the wing’s pull while staying balanced on the board.
- Position
Positioning on the board is essential for balance, especially in the initial stages.
- Stance: Keep your feet or knees wide, creating two contact points on the board’s edges and one in the center.
- Balanced Weight Distribution: Avoid leaning too far forward, which can submerge the board’s nose, or too far back, which creates drag. Find a balanced position where the board floats steadily, so you can focus on handling the wing.
When practicing in areas like Miami Shores or Sunny Isles Beach, where the water may be calm but can still have subtle chop, position becomes even more critical to staying balanced and in control.
- Patience
Patience is essential as you learn to wingfoil, especially in the variable winds around South Beach or Key Biscayne. Wind can be unpredictable, so you’ll need to wait for the right gusts to get the momentum to lift. Our winter winds are consistent but north winds are always gustier than the warm south winds we get in the spring.
- Wait for Ideal Conditions: Instead of struggling to stand in light wind, wait for a strong, consistent breeze to give you a lift. Don’t rush it—use the time to feel how the wing’s pull shifts with the wind.
- Using the Wing for Balance: As you rise, allow the wing to help you maintain balance. Feel the energy flow from the wing through your arms and down into your legs.
- Persistence
Wingfoiling introduces new techniques and movement patterns, so persistence is key. Each session helps you build muscle memory and adapt to various wind and water conditions.
- Consistent Practice: The more often you practice, the faster you’ll learn to manage the wing, control the board, and adapt to changes in wind and water. In places like Biscayne Bay and Virginia Key, where conditions can change quickly, persistence will help you handle any variable.
- Overcoming Variables: Each session is unique, with different wind and water conditions. Stick with it—even when it feels challenging, you’re building resilience and learning the nuances of the sport.
- Practice
Regular practice is essential to building proficiency. The more frequently you get on the water, the faster you’ll progress.
- Frequent Practice Sessions: Aim to practice as often as possible to develop confidence. The longer the gaps between sessions, the harder it will be to retain what you’ve learned.
- Take Lessons: Our Miami wing school offers a three-tier lesson program with ample water time and hands-on instruction to accelerate your learning. Guided practice helps reinforce proper form, making each session more effective.
- Choosing Ideal Conditions: Starting in smooth, flat waters makes a difference, especially in Miami’s light wind conditions. We recommend using a larger wing (5m or 6m) for early sessions, as this will help you get more power and lift in lighter winds.
- Place
Choosing the right place to practice is crucial, especially as you learn to navigate changing conditions. We choose to teach here because we get some the smoothest wind and water conditions in the USA during the windy winter season.
- Finding Flat Water: Calm, flat water is ideal for beginners. Areas like Miami Beach and Key Biscayne often offer lighter winds and smoother waters, making them perfect for early sessions. Look for spots protected by jetties or bays, as these can stop waves from creating choppy conditions.
- Smoother Winds: Avoid areas with obstructed wind, which can create turbulence. Open water areas like Haulover Beach and sections of Biscayne Bay are popular among local riders for their consistent wind flow.
- Considering Local Conditions: In South Florida, different spots offer unique advantages. Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach have some great locations for riders seeking wave conditions while Homestead and Key Largo offer quieter areas with minimal boat traffic, perfect for undisturbed learning.
Join Us in Miami and Beyond for Wingfoiling and Wingsurfing Lessons
Our Miami wing school welcomes students from across South Florida, including Coral Springs, Doral, Aventura, Pembroke Pines, and Weston. Whether you’re local to South Miami or visiting from Hollywood or Miramar, our lessons offer hands-on guidance in some of the best wingfoiling spots in the area.
Biscayne Bay and Virginia Key provide ideal conditions for beginners, with smooth waters and consistent winds perfect for building confidence and skill. For intermediate riders, we recommend trying new areas like Haulover Beach or Key Biscayne for variety and a touch of challenge.
Our lessons cover everything from the basics to advanced maneuvers, helping you progress at your own pace. You’ll have plenty of time on the water to practice the 6 P’s, and our three-tier program ensures that you’ll get the most out of each session. We’ll help you choose the right equipment, understand local wind patterns, and provide real-time feedback to improve your technique.
By keeping the 6 P’s in mind—Points of Contact, Position, Patience, Persistence, Practice, and Place—you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and successful start. You’ll be well-equipped to tackle the learning curve and make progress in each session. Consistency is key, so get out there, practice, and let the wind take you to new heights!
Call, text or email me with any questions about wingfoiling or even eFoil and kitesurfing in South Florida. Book your lesson here! Or shop for wingfoil gear locally.