Wing foiling is an amazing sport that can be enjoyed safely if certain guidelines are followed.
This is especially important if you are new to the sport, new to water sports and new to sea sports.
We cannot guarantee you will not get injured but the risk can easily be greatly reduced.
A lot of wing foilers now wear a crash helmet and a padded jacket every time they foil. This is especially relevant for beginners as un coordinated falls happen much more often.
As you gain experience you will have a better idea of where the equipment will go when you fall and where to put your body to avoid collision. You need to be aware of where the hydro foil is and where it will go. The hydro foil can easily damage you and the sail so some awareness here can really help.
Wing Foiling in the sea can expose you to risks not only to do with colliding with your equipment but also waves, currents and rocks need to be considered and understood.
As a rule of thumb if you are inexperienced and unfamiliar with a new foiling location do not enter the water if you are the only one there and it seems dangerous. Be aware of where the waves break, any strong currents or rips. Take a while to assess the location. See the routes others are taking and try to understand why. There can also be hidden dangers like shallow rocks that need to be understood and assessed. If possible talk to a local and get some advice, most people are happy to assist.
See the places to enter and leave the water and the places where leaving the water may be difficult.
It only takes a few minutes to stop, watch and talk about a new spot. Time assesing can be very well spent and save you a lot of problems.
This is a similar scenario to foiling in the sea without concerns over waves.
First assess a new location. See where water entry and exit is possible. Observe what other riders are doing, the routes they are taking, where they set up, enter and exit the water and routes they are navigating.
Have an action prepared as to what to do in worst case scenarios. What to do if you kit fails. All exit points from the water. How to get help. The better prepared you are the more you will relax and enjoy yourself.