Getting into downwind foiling: board, foil and how to catch your first bumps

Posted by WingFoil Admin on 2026-10-16

Downwinding is where a lot of wingers end up next. Bruno Sroka shares five practical tips for getting started.

Key takeaways from the SROKA Company article "5 tips for getting started with Downwind Foiling": • There are two ways in: with a wing first, or straight away with a paddle. A parawing is an easier alternative to paddling. • Start on a flat or slightly double-concave board about 22 in wide, then go narrower (around 20 in) as your balance improves. A 14 mm high-modulus mast with a front wing of about 1260 cm² is a reasonable first foil. • Pick a quiet spot where the swell lines up with the wind and takeoff is easy. Watch out at low tide, when swell can be weaker. • Practise paddling straight on one side on flat water first. Takeoff depends on short, explosive bursts of strokes. • Bumps often come in sets of 2–4. Pick the biggest one that is deep enough and give 2–3 seconds of all-out effort timed with it. • For longer runs, wear a helmet and impact or flotation vest, carry a phone and tow line, wear bright colours and ride in a group.

How did you get into downwinding (wing-assisted, paddle, parawing or boat tow), and what gear finally got you linking bumps?

Source: 5 tips for getting started with Downwind Foiling (SROKA Company) — link below.