Comparing kitefoiling and wingfoiling

markamcclure · Since 20 May 2011 169 Posts Portland, OR Stoked

I am interested in hearing peoples opinions comparing kitefoiling to wingfoiling. This summer, I am learning both. This is probably increasing my learning curve for both, but I like trying different things. Kitefoiling seems much more relaxed, wingfoiling seems more of a physical challenge.

Both are fun for turns on swell, although I am not skilled enough on wingfoil to really take advantage yet.

Wingfoiling seems safer and better access. Kitefoil seems easier to get on a foil.

What are your thoughts? Have you given up kitefoiling for wingfoiling or do you do both?

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2589 Posts The 503 METAL

I appreciate kite foiling for the light wind efficiency. But these skinny wing boards may catch up on that front. For me the big win with wings is the ability to flag them out, dump the power and just surf.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2026 Posts Windward

My knees are shot
foiling is better for my knees
but my pec are sore from flapping
so I don't know Embarassed

The is nothing like seeing a lot spray from sending the kite for top turns and bottom turns.That take some specials conditions.

Verses riding the foil down the gravity line, which will take almost any wave.(difficult)

But fun to do and challenging.
I ordered another kite today Very Happy

and now days that's a big deal$$$

wylieflyote · Thu Aug 31, 23 9:03 am

John Bryja · Since 22 Apr 2010 5 Posts Kook

I sustained a slap tear and a labrum tear in my left shoulder. Surprisingly, over the past couple years, winging has been beneficial for it, even more so than the physical therapy I was doing. Kiting doesn't bother it at all, but swimming in if I need to is the challenge.

Singlemalt · Since 21 Jun 2015 474 Posts White Salmon Obsessed

I’m sticking with kites.

Since all the cool winger kids can’t dump their kite gear fast enough, there’s a ton of primo kite gear going cheap.

The wing stuff is still expensive, and I can wait through a few more seasons for the R&D to settle down.

I’m not sure my knees can take the learning phase of winging. The prayer position doesn’t look like much fun.

flipper · Since 17 Oct 2011 320 Posts Obsessed

Pros of wingfoiling
1. Seems safer
2. Love riding swell for a mile up river with zero wing power.
3. As easy to get on foil, now
4. Easy to get to shore when the wind shuts down
5. Smaller footprint on the water

Pros of Kiting
1. Love the power stroke of a kite when I'm underpowered.
2. Easier to travel with the gear (for me)
3. I like the smaller snappier board and foil

Haven't kitefoiled in 2 years. I kinda miss it and I kinda don't.

moondog · Fri Sep 01, 23 8:33 am

The number one reason I took up winging is a solo launch almost anywhere!
2) no more pesky lines that can cause injury
3) riding the swell down the swell instead of your kite pulling you down the swell
4) incredible workout both muscle and cardio
5) I never have to cross the bridge or go to the event site again
The one negative of winging is kiting gives you an unobstructed view of the playing field