Wingfoiling is very tiring on your arms/You need a lot of arm strength to do it.
FALSE! Well, ok there is some truth in this statement as well. It is tiring in the very start but once you master the wing control you will see that the wing keeps itself up and your arms kind of just hang there. Especially when you start riding up on the foil, the power you need in the wing to keep moving is very little so there is not a tremendous amount of pull as many people may think.
The foil will kill you.
FALSE! Foils rarely have murderous intentions towards the rider. But all jokes aside the most likely way of hurting yourself on the foil is while being in the water and kicking it. Most times that you will crash or just fall off, you will see that the foils goes away from you, leaving you safe and sound. (Even Egle with her amusing dismount method doesnt get hurt!)
Its harder to learn than other water sports.
FALSE! I would say it is the same or easier in many cases. I personally believe that as a process in whole, it incorporates the best of both windsurfing and kitesurfing. What I mean is that from the first lesson already you are able to jump in the water and give it a go, just like windsurfing. But the overall progress is pretty fast, just like kitesurfing. So, the best of both worlds really! (See Kostas getting up on his first hour!)
You need to know how to foil to try winging.
FALSE! Again, a little truth is hidden in there, in the case that it would obviously be a lot easier to get up on the foil when learning wingfoiling if you have already done it in another sport. But it is most definitely NOT a requirement. If anything, wingfoil foils are extra stable and easy to ride so it’s a good way to get into foiling to begin with. If you do however, insist on getting some foil experience, the easiest is probably tow in foiling.
It is similar to kitesurfing.
FALSE! Due to the construction of the wing a lot of people tend to familiarize wingfoiling with kiteboarding. Actually, it is much more similar to windsurfing in technique and feeling. So, if you happen to be a windsurfer, count it as a big advantage in learning wingfoiling.
(Even from a simple photo you can already spot similarities)
Its better in more conditions than the other two wind sports.
TRUE! After all, you are on a foil. This make it easier to overcome certain conditions that tend to be annoying. Such as choppy waters, gusty winds or both! The only time I would think wingfoiling is at a disadvantage is when trying to get through big shore break. Otherwise, I consider it the sport that makes the best our of subpar conditions but can still send it in the strong days! (Notice the empty sea at an otherwise busy windsurf spot. Light wind beast!)
You always start on your knees.
TRUE! But not completely… In most cases you do start on your knees but for those that are feeling the pain of that process in the beginning, don’t worry it will soon become much easier and faster to get from your knees to the standing position. The reason I said “not completely” however, is because in the case of very advanced riders that use super small boards, they tend to sink the board and get into a sort of squatting position and stand straight up once the wing is in their hands!
You need to be strong to wingfoil.
FALSE! Like any of the other windsports and sports in general, its mostly about technique. Without the right technique and understanding of the basics of the sports it doesn't matter if you are the strongest person on earth, you will not go far in the sport. Of course, having a certain physical fitness and pre-existing strength helps but don't be discouraged from trying wingfoiling simply because you think you or possibly your children and not physically strong enough! (Check out 10 year old Benji in the photo)