We sat down with some of the GWA champions for an insider’s look at what tricks were thrown down, the best pre-competition snacks and where wingfoiling is heading.
First up, Titouan Galea, the champion of the event.
Favorite Trick of the competition?
Backflip, a trick I learned two days before the competition 😁
How did you prepare for the competition?
I haven’t really prepared for it, I just arrived two days before to get used to the conditions.
Where do you see wing sports going?
I think it’s gonna be big when you see how fast it grows in only one year!
How do you recommend someone gets started with wing foiling?
It’s a pretty easy sport, much easier than kite or windsurfing, so go for it, the best is to start into a school and to use big foil and boards.
How can our readers start taking their wing foiling to the next level?
They have to reduce the size of their gear, get your foil and board as small as possible.
What’s your favorite pre-competition food or snack?
I like to eat bananas before riding, especially the ones from tropical places like Brazil!
Fernando Novaes:
Favorite Trick of the competition?
Balz’ attempt to 720 and Michel Naf’s railey to 360 back to back
How did you prepare for the competition?
Just sailing and foil surfing at home in very light wind conditions. I also watched the greatest wingfoilers videos to learn a bit about freestyling.
Where do you see wing sports going?
Wingfoiling is going to be huge. The possibilities of this sport are limitless and to be able to surf and sail at the same time is very unique. Also, everybody can wing from poor to very challenging conditions.
How do you recommend someone get started with wing foiling?
First play around with the wing on the sand, just standing and understanding how the wing feels on the wind. Then, go in the water with a high volume SUP board or a windsurf board with a dagger fin.
After that, an experienced rider could try to foil directly on a foilboard with the wing. Or if one’s not confident enough, learning to foil separately behind a boat would be a very good way.
How can our readers start taking their wing foiling to the next level?
Consistency, perseverance, passion and hard work.
What’s your favorite pre-competition food or snack?
Plenty of water and a big açai bowl with fruits
Maxime Chabloz:
Favorite Trick of the competition?
Backflip for sure!
How did you prepare for the competition?
I got my board with straps on a week before so didn’t have a lot of time to prepare but I made the best out of it and tried to get as many sessions in as possible.
Where do you see wing sports going?
To 10 foot cloudbreak! 😂 I think the sport has a big potential in wave riding.
How do you recommend someone gets started with wing foiling?
Use a big board in strong wind. At least that is how I learned. I think on a lake is the easiest because you don’t have waves that are quite hard to manage at the beginning
How can our readers start taking their wing foiling to the next level?
I think wave riding is gonna become a big thing and there are new freestyle tricks coming out every day
What’s your favorite pre-competition food or snack?
Pasta!
Michael Näf:
Favorite Trick of the competition?
My favorite move was the raley into 360 which got me through to the final round of the super session.
How did you prepare for the competition?
Physically I tried to train as much as possible on the lakes of Switzerland. We don’t really have waves which makes it difficult to train in the surf.
Where do you see wing sports going?
I think Wingfoiling combines all water sports like kiting, windsurfing, SUP, and surfing. Because of the large wind range; you can do water sports from very little wind to a lot of wind. Additionally, the easy handling and the attractiveness of this sport (riding waves, little wind for sailing) will inspire many new people.
How do you recommend someone gets started with wing foiling?
From my own experience, I can say that you can learn WIngfoiling within a few hours. My brother could fly back and forth with the Wingfoil after only two sessions. For starting I recommend a big board (+40-50l of weight) and a Big Frontwing (>1500cm2). The Wing should be more or less 4-5 m2 for lighter people and 5-6m2 for heavier people.
How can our readers start taking their wing foiling to the next level?
Start watching videos online and compare your own skills with others.
Soon there will be a Wingfoil Tricktionary. There you will find beginners to advanced rider tips and tricks to bring your wing foiling to the next level.
What’s your favorite pre-competition food or snack?
Pasta is what I like most. But sometimes I am too nervous to eat :P.
For more on the first-ever GWA Super Foil event, watch the event recap videos here!
Our next event has been announced. Learn more about and register for the Tarifa Wing Pro here.
