Video tutorial: How to learn wingsurfing on the SUP!
Ever since DIY stores and discounters regularly launched a major water sports offensive, it feels like every second person has a SUP in their basement - stand-up paddling has long been a popular sport. The water fun lasts as long as there is no wind, as any relaxed paddle tour quickly turns into a slog when the breeze picks up.
Wingsurfing is the perfect complement to SUPing and not at all difficult to learn
So what could be more obvious than upgrading the SUP with a wing? SUPing then becomes wing surfing! The good news for all paddlers is that almost any standard all-round or touring SUP with a length of between nine and twelve feet can be used to learn wingsurfing. The wing is simply inflated and is to a certain extent self-explanatory. With the right size, it provides enough propulsion from 2-3 wind forces to cruise across the lake in a relaxed manner - a perfect addition to paddling that is not difficult to learn!
Learn to wingsurf on the SUP - with daggerboard or centre fin(s)
In order for you to use your SUP for wingsurfing, it must have the option of mounting a centre fin, which minimises lateral drift. WindSUPs have this option as standard because a second fin box has been installed in the centre of the board. However, if you have a "normal" SUP without the centre fin option, you can retrofit the drift inhibitors. There are currently several options on the market for this:
- Add on Drift Stopper from Arrows (centre fins with tensioning strap system; price: 99 euros)
- Ezywing Fin Kit from Forward-Wip (large centre fins with tensioning strap system; price 129 euros)
- SUP Winder from Slingshot (stick-on fin box; price 119 euros)
- FitOcean Wing Fin (centre fin with tensioning strap system; price CHF 79)
Also in many wingsurf schools (HERE you can find an overview of more than 200 schools in Germany and abroad) SUPs with such centre fins are used for learning to wingsurf - so the system has long since proven its worth.
In the following video tutorial, you will find out what is important when choosing equipment, how to make a successful first launch, how to steer and turn the wing and what you need to bear in mind when it comes to safety.
