Discover the Thrill of Winging and Foiling at Newtownards Sailing Club
Nestled on the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough, Newtownards Sailing Club offers the perfect environment for embracing the exhilarating world of wingsurfing and wingfoiling. The lough’s safe, clean waters provide an idyllic setting for beginners to learn and for seasoned riders to hone their skills. Surrounded by picturesque islands and calm bays, Strangford Lough ensures a secure and supportive space for every wind and water adventure.
At NSC, you’ll find more than just top-notch instruction and equipment—you’ll join a vibrant and welcoming community passionate about water sports. Our active winging and foiling group is always eager to share tips, celebrate successes, and cheer on new members. Whether you’re here to glide across tranquil waters or master the art of foiling flight, our club’s excellent facilities and experienced instructors will make your journey unforgettable.
Come and experience the unique combination of serenity and excitement that winging and foiling bring to life at Newtownards Sailing Club!
Ready to Dive In?
Wingsurfing and wingfoiling are more than just sports—they're experiences that connect you with nature and the thrill of wind and water. Visit NSC and discover the joy of gliding effortlessly over the waves. We can’t wait to see you out on the water!
Nestled on the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough, Newtownards Sailing Club offers the perfect environment for embracing the exhilarating world of wingsurfing and wingfoiling. The lough’s safe, clean waters provide an idyllic setting for beginners to learn and for seasoned riders to hone their skills. Surrounded by picturesque islands and calm bays, Strangford Lough ensures a secure and supportive space for every wind and water adventure.
At NSC, you’ll find more than just top-notch instruction and equipment—you’ll join a vibrant and welcoming community passionate about water sports. Our active winging and foiling group is always eager to share tips, celebrate successes, and cheer on new members. Whether you’re here to glide across tranquil waters or master the art of foiling flight, our club’s excellent facilities and experienced instructors will make your journey unforgettable.
Come and experience the unique combination of serenity and excitement that winging and foiling bring to life at Newtownards Sailing Club!
Ready to Dive In?
Wingsurfing and wingfoiling are more than just sports—they're experiences that connect you with nature and the thrill of wind and water. Visit NSC and discover the joy of gliding effortlessly over the waves. We can’t wait to see you out on the water!
Welcome to Newtownards Sailing Club’s (NSC) guide to wingsurfing and wingfoiling!
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to enhance your skills, we’re here to help you glide effortlessly into this exciting sport.
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to enhance your skills, we’re here to help you glide effortlessly into this exciting sport.
- What is Wingsurfing and Wingfoiling?
- Wingsurfing: This is the beginner stage of the sport, where you use a handheld inflatable wing on a large stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or windsurf board. You'll learn basic upwind sailing, kneeling, standing, and turning techniques.
- Wingfoiling: This is the advanced stage where you use a smaller board equipped with a hydrofoil. You'll progress from "first flights"; (lifting the board out of the water) to sustained flights, gybing, and tacking on the foil.
- Why Try Wingfoiling?
- Ease of Learning: Wingfoiling is relatively easy to pick up compared to other wind sports.
- Portability: The equipment is compact and fits in the boot of most cars.
- Pure Fun: There's nothing quite like the serenity of gliding over the water with just the wind and the foil beneath you.
- What Makes NSC the Perfect Place to Learn?
- Recognized Training Centre: NSC became an RYA-accredited training centre in August 2024, ensuring high-quality instruction.
- Fantastic Location: Our club is surrounded by safe beaches and bays, providing a secure learning environment in most wind conditions.
- Convenient Setup: We offer a slipway for easy water access, a spacious grass rigging area, and a supportive community of windsurfing and foiling enthusiasts ready to share tips and encouragement.
- Do I Need My Own Equipment?
- No! NSC provides all the equipment you need, including wings, boards, and foils. However, if you'd like to practice independently, a basic setup—a SUP board with fins and a wing—can be purchased at a reasonable cost. We recommend starting with a beginner lesson to build a solid foundation.
- What Are Some Tips for Beginners?
- Start on calm days with consistent wind.
- Focus on learning to control the wing on land before heading onto the water.
- Use a large, stable board when beginning wingsurfing for extra confidence.
- Don’t rush into foiling—master wingsurfing first to build essential skills.
- What Are the Benefits of Wingfoiling Over Other Water Sports?
- It’s less physically demanding than windsurfing or kitesurfing.
- The compact gear makes travel and storage easier.
- Wingfoiling requires less wind to have fun, making it more versatile.
- You can launch from beaches, slipways, or even rocky areas—no need for a large rigging area.
- How Do I Know When I’m Ready for Wingfoiling?
- When you can confidently:
- Control the wing and maintain balance on a board.
- Sail upwind and downwind with ease.
- Perform basic turns while wingsurfing.
- When you can confidently:
- What Are Some Common Challenges?
- Balancing: It can take time to get used to the movement of the board, especially when transitioning to a foil board.
- Foiling: Achieving and sustaining flight requires practice and a good understanding of weight distribution.
- Wind Gusts: Handling sudden changes in wind speed or direction is a skill that comes with experience.
- How Do I Progress in the Sport?
- 1. Start with wingsurfing on a SUP or windsurf board.
- 2. Transition to a larger foil board to practice first flights.
- 3. Gradually move to smaller boards for better maneuverability and advanced techniques like foiling gybes and tacks.
- What Advanced Techniques Can I Learn?
- Foiling Gybing and Tacking: Smoothly transitioning between directions while staying on the foil.
- Downwind Riding: Utilizing waves and wind to glide effortlessly without pumping the wing.
- Freestyle Tricks: Once experienced, you can learn spins, jumps, and other impressive moves.
- What Are Some Technical Terms I Should Know?
- Upwind/Downwind: Sailing into or away from the wind direction.
- First Flight: The moment the board lifts out of the water using the hydrofoil.
- Gybing: Turning downwind while switching sides of the wing.
- Tacking: Turning upwind while transitioning sides of the wing.
- Pump: A technique used to generate speed by moving the wing or foil.
- How Can I Maintain My Equipment?
- Rinse your gear with fresh water after each use to remove salt and sand.
- Check for any damage or leaks in the inflatable wing.
- Store the gear in a cool, dry place to prevent sun or heat damage.
Additional Questions You Might Have
- What Are the Age or Fitness Requirements?
- Wingsurfing and wingfoiling are accessible to most people with moderate fitness levels.
- Adults and teens alike can enjoy the sport. If you’re unsure, contact us for advice tailored to your situation.
- How Long Does It Take to Learn?
- This depends on your prior experience with water sports, but most beginners are comfortable wingsurfing after a couple of lessons.
- Progressing to wingfoiling typically takes a bit more practice but is achievable within a few weeks with consistent effort.
- What Should I Wear?
- We recommend a wetsuit, water shoes, and a buoyancy aid (provided by the club if needed).
- In colder weather, additional gear like gloves and a hood can keep you comfortable.
- Can I Progress Beyond Lessons at NSC?
- Absolutely! Once you’ve mastered the basics, our location is perfect for practicing and advancing your skills. Plus, our vibrant windsurfing and foiling community is always around for support and advice.
- Is Wingsurfing Safe?
- Yes! With the right instruction and safety measures, wingsurfing is a safe and enjoyable sport. At NSC, we prioritize safety and provide training in a controlled, secure environment.
- How Can I Get Started?
- Drop by the club to check out the equipment, chat with our instructors, and book a lesson.
- Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to level up, we’re here to help you fall in love with this incredible sport.
- What Wind Conditions Are Best for Learning?
- For beginners, moderate wind speeds of 10–20 knots (12–23 mph) are ideal. Lighter winds make it easier to control the wing, while stronger winds may be challenging to handle as you build confidence.
- What Is a Hydrofoil, and How Does It Work?
- A hydrofoil is a fin-like structure mounted underneath the board. It uses underwater wings to lift the board out of the water as you gain speed, reducing drag and creating a smooth, "floating" sensation. This lift happens because the foil generates upward force from the water, similar to how an airplane wing works in air.
- What Types of Boards Are Used?
- For Wingsurfing: Large, stable boards like stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) or windsurf boards are used. They provide a steady platform for learning.
- For Wingfoiling: Smaller, lighter boards designed for use with a hydrofoil are necessary. These boards allow better maneuverability and are essential for achieve in flight.
- What Are the Components of the Equipment?
- Wing: An inflatable handheld sail with handles or a boom to control the wind's power.
- Board: Either a large SUP or a foil board, depending on your skill level.
- Hydrofoil (for wingfoiling): A specialized fin system attached to the bottom of the board.
- Leash: To keep the wing or board attached to you in case of a fall.
- Safety Gear: Includes a buoyancy aid, helmet, and wetsuit.
- What Skills Will I Learn in Lessons?
- Wingsurfing:
- Handling and controlling the wing.
- Moving upwind and downwind.
- Basic turns (tacking and gybing).
- Wingfoiling:
- Balancing and launching on a foil board.
- Achieving "first flights" by lifting out of the water.
- Sustaining flights and transitioning turns while foiling.
- Wingsurfing:
