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A wingfoiler riding on the foil across the flat turquoise lagoon under a clear blue summer sky in El Gouna

Wingfoiling

Wingfoil in Summer — Why El Gouna Is Ideal

By Lukáš Vogeltanz · teaches at Kitepower El Gouna 5 min read

Summer in El Gouna is wingfoil season: works from ~10–12 knots, warm 27–29 °C water and fewer people. Courses run year-round.

Summer in El Gouna has a reputation for being a hot and quieter season. And it’s true — temperatures climb to 35–40 °C and the wind tends to be lighter than in autumn or spring. For kitesurfing, that can sometimes be limiting. But for wingfoiling? Summer in El Gouna is practically ideal.

This article is for everyone wondering whether it makes sense to visit El Gouna in summer — and what to actually do there when the wind isn’t as strong.

Why Wingfoiling Works Even in Lighter Wind

Wingfoiling needs less wind than kitesurfing. While kite is comfortable from about 14–16 knots up, wing works from as low as 10–12 knots. And that’s the key difference.

During the summer months (June–August), the wind in El Gouna isn’t as strong and consistent as in October, but light wind around 10–15 knots blows frequently — and we don’t just guess that, we measure it on our own weather station. For kitesurfing, that’s often too little (you’d need a big kite and it still wouldn’t be entirely comfortable), but for wingfoiling it’s just right.

Once you get on the foil and ride above the water, drag is minimal. You don’t need as much power from the wing because you’re not braking against the water. That’s physics, not marketing.

Water at 27–29 °C — Boardshorts and Nothing Else

In summer, the lagoon water is bathtub warm — around 27–29 °C. No wetsuit needed, no rashguard unless you want one. Just boardshorts or swimwear and you ride. (In winter it’s a different story — those months call for a full, long wetsuit, which we provide.)

For learning wingfoiling, warm water is ideal. You fall into pleasant water, you don’t have to suit up, and getting up from the water is more comfortable. The whole experience is simpler and more enjoyable.

Fewer People on the Spot — And That’s an Advantage

July is our quietest month. Fewer guests, fewer riders on the water, more space. For wingfoiling, where you need some room — especially while learning, when you move unpredictably — this is a huge advantage.

You don’t have to stress about hitting someone. You have room for mistakes. Instructors have more time. The whole atmosphere is calmer.

And a bonus: July often has the lowest accommodation prices in El Gouna. So you’re doing sport at a top spot, in the warmth, with space — and paying less than in October.

Summer Daily Routine — Adapt

Yes, it’s hot. 35 °C regularly, sometimes 40 °C. But on the beach by the sea, with the wind blowing, you don’t feel it as intensely. Plus — when there’s wind (and for wingfoil, even a light breeze is enough), it’s pleasant on the water.

Most people in summer ride in the morning and late afternoon. The middle of the day is spent in the shade, in air conditioning, over lunch. Here’s a typical summer day:

  • 8:00–12:00 — wingfoiling, when there’s wind and the heat isn’t at its worst
  • 12:00–16:00 — lunch at the beach club on the spot, rest in the shade, coworking
  • 16:00–sunset — second session on the water, temperature drops, wind often picks up

Evenings in El Gouna are pleasant — the temperature drops to 25–28 °C, you can walk around the marina, have dinner, and relax.

Wing Courses — Year-Round

We run wing courses year-round, including summer. The beginner wing course is 5 hours, with Flysurfer wings and Levitaz foils included and the IWO level actually demonstrated recorded. Course completion does not promise a preset level or automatic rental. For the full schedule and current pricing, see the wing courses page.

Standard courses run with a maximum of two students, one instructor and one complete wingfoil setup; students take turns, so the coach can focus on each attempt. New to the sport and unsure where to start? Our wingfoil discipline guide walks through the basics before you arrive.

In summer, you also have the advantage that instructors aren’t as busy as in peak season. You can more easily arrange private sessions or a flexible schedule.

Wingfoiling Equipment

We use exclusively Flysurfer wings and Levitaz hydrofoils — official Flysurfer distributor and test point since 2009, and Levitaz (German hydrofoils) since 2015. We know the gear down to every detail and know what works for which weight, wind and level.

In the wing rental you’ll find complete gear — wings of various sizes, foil boards, and foils with different mast lengths. For lighter summer wind, you ride on larger wings that catch more power.

Combining with Kitesurfing

Many of our guests come primarily for kitesurfing. But in summer, some days the wind is enough for kite and others aren’t. And instead of sitting on the beach staring at the sea, you can grab a wing.

Wingfoiling is an ideal complement to kitesurfing:

  • It works in lighter wind
  • A new challenge, new sensations
  • If you already know kitesurfing, learning wing is faster (you understand the wind, the window, the board)

You can check conditions in the morning — if it’s blowing enough, go kite; if not, wing. Maximum use of every day on the water. Still weighing the two disciplines? Here’s an honest look at kitesurfing vs wingfoiling.

What to Do When There’s Absolutely No Wind

Honestly — sometimes even for wing it’s not enough. That happens in summer too. What then?

  • Beach club on the spot — food, drinks, sun loungers, WiFi
  • Coworking — an air-conditioned glass room with a sea view
  • El Gouna — walks around the marina, pools, shops, snorkeling — see things to do in El Gouna
  • Kids’ playground at the spot for families

Summer in El Gouna isn’t just about sport. It’s about the overall experience — warmth, sea, peace, good food. And when the wind picks up, you head to the water.

Who Is Summer in El Gouna For?

  • Wingfoilers — some lighter-wind windows may suit the right rider and setup after a live wind, depth and conditions check
  • Beginners — fewer people, more space, instructors with time
  • Digital nomads — coworking, cheaper accommodation, sport after work
  • Families — the base has a playground, but it is not supervised childcare and an accompanying adult remains responsible; water depth changes with tide and conditions
  • Kiters who want to try wing — lighter wind = motivation to learn a new sport

How to Book

Take a look at the wing courses or wing rental. Book through online booking or write to us via contact.

In summer, you don’t need to book months ahead (unlike October), but we recommend getting in touch at least a week before, so we can prepare the equipment and an instructor.

Conclusion

Summer in El Gouna isn’t off-season — it’s wing season. Warm water, light wind, fewer people, lower prices. If you’re a wingfoiler or want to start, it’s one of the best times to visit.

And if you’re a kiter wondering whether it makes sense to come in summer — the answer is yes, if you’re willing to add wing to your repertoire. You’ll maximize your days on the water and broaden your sporting horizons.

Lukáš Vogeltanz

IKO Head Instructor & co-owner of Kitepower El Gouna — school history since 2004, current northern base since 2016.

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