Article: From Kite to Wing: Learning to Wing Foil in Langebaan
From Kite to Wing: Learning to Wing Foil in Langebaan
Every January, I pack up my gear and head to Langebaan for the CK Performance Clinics trip, a week that’s become a non-negotiable in my calendar. I stay at Friday Island, a place that now feels like a second home. The staff know me by name, and over the years, they’ve gone from hosts to good friends. The days are a mix of brisk Atlantic water, steady summer wind, and long sessions on the lagoon. The CK trip is all about progression, shared stoke, and a solid crew of like-minded riders. It’s where I’ve fine‑tuned my kiting, tested my limits, and laughed (a lot) through wipeouts and breakthroughs alike
This year, between kite sessions, I finally gave wing‑foiling a proper go. And what started as a side curiosity turned into one of the most humbling and rewarding learning curves I’ve had in years.
Why Langebaan?
The Langebaan Lagoon is one of the best locations in the world to learn both kiting and wing‑foiling. With wide, shallow areas, consistent summer wind, and protected flat water, it’s ideal for progression.
As a kitesurfer, though, learning to wing here came with its own mental challenge: when the wind picks up, every fibre of your body wants to reach for the kite. January is prime kiting season, and watching others boost while you wobble around on a foil takes serious discipline.
First Steps: Humble Pie on the Water
Armed with a big floaty SUP and a 6m wing, I set out into the lagoon, keen, underprepared, and full of misplaced confidence. The wind was light, maybe 10 knots at best. Not ideal. In hindsight, I should’ve waited for at least 15 knots, which makes a world of difference when you’re just starting out.
To begin with, I wasn’t even given a foil. I started on a basic SUP, super stable, no lift. The idea was simple: get used to handling the wing, figure out how to stand up, and just move across the wind. But in those light conditions, the 6m wing quickly became a burden, awkward to hold overhead and tiring on the arms, especially with so little wind to keep it flying.
What made things harder was the board choice. Even though I managed, I wouldn’t recommend such a small platform to beginners. You really need something stable, ideally 180 litres or more, for your first couple of sessions. A solid, floaty board gives you time to focus on wing handling and balance without constantly tipping in.
I also made the classic kitesurfer mistake of trying to edge the board like I would on a twin tip. But without lines or constant pull, it just stalled. The wing would collapse, the board would stop, and I’d be in the water again, dragging everything back to shore for the dreaded walk of shame upwind.
But things started to shift during my second session. I moved onto a 160-litre foil board, paired with a 2200 cm² front foil wing and a short 70 cm mast, a setup designed for slow-speed lift and early foiling. It was still a challenge, but the shorter mast gave me confidence and stability, and the large foil helped me get up with minimal speed.
Even though the wind hadn’t improved much, I could feel the gear working with me. The board tracked better. The foil began to engage. I found myself staying upright longer, and eventually, finally, I lifted onto the foil. Just briefly. But it was real. And it was enough to know I wanted more.
Watching the kite crew carving, jumping, and sending loops a few hundred metres away, I still felt like I’d traded power for patience, but I also realised I was learning something entirely different. Winging isn’t a step down. It’s a reset. And when it clicks, it’s magic
The Breakthrough
By my third may be fifth session, want to say I progressed quicker that I did, something shifted. The wind had picked up to a solid 16 knots, finally giving me enough to work with. I’d stopped fighting the wing and started to feel how it wanted to move. Instead of wrestling it, I pumped the board gently, kept my stance light, and began to find a rhythm.
And then, it happened.
I felt the foil engage under my feet, lifting me up and out of the water. The chop went silent. The board rose. The drag disappeared. And for the first time, I was actually foiling.
It only lasted for a few seconds, less than five, probably, but it felt like a lifetime. Time slowed. I was completely focused, floating, balanced, weightless. No pull, no kite lines, no roar of power, just a quiet, frictionless glide above the surface.
It was nothing like kiting, but it was just as addictive.
That tiny window of flight instantly redefined what the sport could be. Suddenly, I understood what all the fuss was about. Even though I crashed straight after and had to reset, I couldn’t wait to feel that lift again.
But the reality also hit: this sport demands time, water hours, and patience. You don’t just wing‑foil into carving turns on day three. You fall. You paddle. You walk upwind. You wrestle with light wind and learn to read the foil.
And yet, it sticks in your mind. Because one day, I will be turning. One day I’ll foil through a jibe without sinking. One day I’ll fly from tack to tack without a single splash.
But… not every day is a wing day.
When the wind cranked up later in the week, proper 20+ knot sessions, I couldn’t resist the pull of the kite. I grabbed my 9m, hit the lagoon, and chased that familiar thrill: sending boosts, looping hard, and soaking in the rush that only kiting delivers.
That’s the beauty of riding both. Some days are for quiet flow. Others are for full throttle.
Where to Go from Here
If you’re just starting your wing journey, or thinking about it, here are a few things I’ve learned the hard way that might help you progress faster:
Start with the right gear
Don’t make it harder than it has to be. Begin with a board that’s at least 160-180L at lest for the first few sessions and a large front foil (around 2000–2200 cm²) to make takeoff easier. Shorter masts (70–75 cm) help you stay in control while learning, however you'll soon grow out of the larger board, I'm 85kg and 115-120L is my go to size, the board I'll be using to learn those turns
Wait for the wind
15 knots is your sweet spot. Underpowered sessions are frustrating and physically draining. Be patient, and pick your days well.
Split your time
You don’t have to give up kiting. Keep riding both. Strong days? Kite and boost. Light days? Wing and glide. They complement each other more than they compete.
Commit to time on the water
Progress in wing‑foiling comes slowly at first, but every session builds muscle memory. If you can stick with it through the first handful of sessions, it clicks sooner than you think.
Upgrade when ready
Start with second-hand gear if you can, it’s great value and gives you room to learn. But once you’re consistently foiling, think about upgrading to something lighter, more responsive, and tuned to your style.
Winging vs Kiting in Langebaan
Having done both here now, I’ve noticed a few key differences that might help you decide how to approach it:
Wind Range
- Kiting: 15–25 knots is gold. My 9m covers most sessions.
Winging: I can get flying in 12–14 knots with a decent foil setup. Great for lighter days.
Lagoon Depth & Setup
- Kiting: At Shark Bay, the shallow water makes it ideal for freestyle and learning. It’s forgiving and easy to stand in, though beginners might find themselves walking back upwind occasionally if they struggle to stay powered.
- Winging: Most wing‑foiling happens at Main Beach, where it drops off to deep water virtually at the shoreline. It’s perfect for foiling but means you need to be confident with deep-water starts and water recovery. The plus side? No lines, no tangles, just climb back on and try again.
Launch Space
- Kiting: The beach gets busy during peak weeks.
- Winging: Easier to launch from smaller spots, less beach needed, less chaos.
The Feel
- Kiting: Fast, powerful, and explosive.
- Winging: Technical, smooth, quiet. You feel more connected to the foil and water
Gear Advice: Start Smart
Here’s my honest advice if you’re looking to learn wing‑foiling:
Buy second-hand to start. You don’t need to drop a fortune on new gear right away. There’s loads of quality used kit out there, boards, wings, foils, that’s ideal for your first six months.
If you take it seriously and put in the time, you’ll outgrow your beginner setup faster than you think. That’s when it’s worth investing in quality gear that suits your style and helps you progress
When you’re ready to step up, whether it’s a lighter, stiffer wing, a faster foil, or a more compact board, come to Kite Wing And Foil. We’ve tested and selected gear that helps you build and grow. We won’t just sell you something shiny, we’ll help you find the right fit for where you’re headed.
Final Thoughts
Now, my January trips to Friday Island aren’t just about kiting with the CK Performance Clinics crew. They’re about progression, variety, and soaking up everything Langebaan has to offer.
Some days, I chase height and speed with the kite. Other days, I unplug with the wing, gliding silently across the water with nothing but the wind in my hands.
It’s not about choosing one over the other. It’s about expanding your ride.
If you’re a kitesurfer looking to improve, whether it’s boosting higher, sharpening technique, or just riding with a great crew, I can’t recommend CK Performance Clinics enough. Their January Langebaan trip is packed with coaching, progression, and a great vibe on and off the water.
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