Wing center
The history of wingfoil
Imagine: you're standing on a board, a light wing in your hands, the wind hits you in the face, and... you soar over the wave. Not a fairy tale, but wingfoyle - a sport that has combined surfing, wind and technology. But how did it come to be? Let's take a walk through history, where there have been forgotten inventions, accidental discoveries, and even viral videos!
Origins: hydrofoils and first experiments
(1960-1980-е)
(1960-1980-е)
It all started in the 1960s, when American Walter Woodward patented hydrofoil - a hydrofoil that lifts boats above water. But the technology was complicated, and it didn't become a mass sport.
In the 1980s, windsurfing enthusiasts began experimenting with foyle boards. That's when the first prototypes of hand-powered fenders appeared:
Jim Drake and Uli Stanciu developed a rigid, fan-like wing. In 1982, their friend, windsurfer Pete Cabrina, tested it at a competition in Kailua. A photo of the yellow wing made it into magazines, but the idea was considered strange: “Why hold the sail in your hands?”.
Roland Le Baye from France tried to create a “sail without a mast”, but the technology of the 1980s did not allow it to be light.
Sami Turonen from Finland came up with the Skimbat (Kitewing), a compact wing for snow and ice, the “brother” of the wing.
The Surfer Who Didn't Want to Paddle (2016)
It's been years. There was a guy named Alex Aguera, a windsurfing fanatic, living in Hawaii. One day his friend, Kai Lenny (party boy and surf pro), said: “Listen, can you make a board that flies by itself? No sail, just by the waves?”. Alex was fired up. He screwed an underwater wing to the board and tried to “catch” the energy of the ocean. It was crooked, but cool!
But he still had to paddle. And that's when Flash Austin came on the scene.
But he still had to paddle. And that's when Flash Austin came on the scene.
A madman with a “beta wing” and a board (2018)
Flash is a champion kitesurfer and part time “mad professor”. In 2018, he took a weird wing, SUP-foil board and declared, “What if we combined it?”. Friends twisted at his temples, but Flash persevered, dragging his “constructor” to the beaches of Maui.
And one day... it took off. The fact was clear: wing in hand + foil under the board = magic!
The social networks were buzzing: “It's a new sport!”.
And one day... it took off. The fact was clear: wing in hand + foil under the board = magic!
The social networks were buzzing: “It's a new sport!”.
Inflatable Wings and Viral Explosion (2019)
The story was picked up by Ken Winner (yes, the last name obliges). He figured out how to make the wing inflatable - lightweight and comfortable. Duotone, Naish and other brands rushed to produce kits. And then Kai Lenny's “wing breakthrough” happened.
In April 2019, Kai posted a video of himself soaring over the waves with a wing in his hands and captioned it, “This is Wing Surfing.” The video blew up YouTube. Everyone rushed to buy wings and manufacturers rushed to compete to see who was cooler. By the end of the year, wingfoil was everywhere from California to Australia.
In April 2019, Kai posted a video of himself soaring over the waves with a wing in his hands and captioned it, “This is Wing Surfing.” The video blew up YouTube. Everyone rushed to buy wings and manufacturers rushed to compete to see who was cooler. By the end of the year, wingfoil was everywhere from California to Australia.
Wing Center Dahab
In 2022, Dahab has a place where dreams of flying over water become a reality - Wingcenter Dahab.
We are not just a school, but a real launching pad for those who want to learn wingflying quickly, safely and with fun.
Why choose us?
Modern RRD equipment: We have a large selection of wings and boards. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the equipment gradually. There is enough gear for everyone from beginners to wind addicts!
Proven methodology: In two years we have helped hundreds of people take off. Our instructors know how to explain complicated things in simple words: you can experience your first flight on your first Foil + Boat lesson.
Warm and windy: Dahab is always sunny, water +25°C even in winter and a steady breeze. The perfect mix for learning.
We are not just a school, but a real launching pad for those who want to learn wingflying quickly, safely and with fun.
Why choose us?
Modern RRD equipment: We have a large selection of wings and boards. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the equipment gradually. There is enough gear for everyone from beginners to wind addicts!
Proven methodology: In two years we have helped hundreds of people take off. Our instructors know how to explain complicated things in simple words: you can experience your first flight on your first Foil + Boat lesson.
Warm and windy: Dahab is always sunny, water +25°C even in winter and a steady breeze. The perfect mix for learning.
Want to know more details? Check out the sections:
“Our Water Area” - there is a map of Dahab's water area.
“Learning Stages” - here you can familiarize yourself with the learning process
“Our Water Area” - there is a map of Dahab's water area.
“Learning Stages” - here you can familiarize yourself with the learning process
