Wingfoiling is everywhere. On social media, in kite shops, at every spot. And plenty of kitesurfers are asking: “Should I try it? And will it be easier for me since I already know how to kite?”
Short answer: yes, you have an advantage. But not as big as you might expect. Let’s break it down honestly.
What You Have as a Kiter That Helps
Wind Awareness
This is the biggest plus. You know where the wind is coming from. You understand the power zone. You can estimate wind strength and know when it’s too much and when it’s not enough. For someone who’s never held anything powered by wind, this is a huge barrier. For you, it’s not.
Board Skills
You know how to stand on a board in the water. You can waterstart. You know what edging means and how riding against the wind works. These skills transfer – not directly, because a wingfoil board is different, but the basic principle is the same.
Relationship with Water
You don’t have to deal with fear of water, depth, or falling. You know that falling is normal and you simply get up and go again. This mental attitude is more valuable than you think.
Safety Awareness
You know how right of way works, how to behave on the spot, what to do in a crisis. With wingfoiling, safety is simpler than with a kite (no lines, less force), but you already have the awareness.
What You Need to Relearn (and Where Kiting Doesn’t Help)
Foiling Is an Entirely Different Discipline
Here comes the cold shower. Riding a foil has almost nothing in common with kitesurfing on a twin-tip. A foil reacts to minimal changes in pressure, weight, and angle. It’s more like balancing on a tightrope than riding a board.
When you make a mistake on a twin-tip, you slow down. When you make a mistake on a foil, you either fall from height or the wing digs in and you get a “catapult.” Both are unpleasant.
Good news: In El Gouna, you fall into shallow water with a sandy bottom. No coral, no rocks. You won’t find a safer place to learn foiling.
Wing Handling Is Simpler but Different
A wing is easier to control than a kite. No lines, no launch/land problems, no power zone in the traditional sense. You simply hold it, angle it into the wind, and it pulls.
But – and this is important – a wing is controlled completely differently from a kite. No steering via a bar. You need to actively change the angle, shift weight, and most importantly coordinate the wing and foil simultaneously. It’s like learning two new things at once.
Upwind on a Foil
On a kite, upwind is about the board edge and kite position. On a wingfoil, upwind is about foil angle, speed, and working the wing. The principle is similar, but the execution is so different that your kite experience helps minimally.
Realistic Transition Plan
Experienced Kiter (IKO Level 3+, rides regularly)
- Session 1 (2–3h): Wing handling on the beach and in the water without a foil. Riding a SUP board with a wing. Getting a feel for how the wing pulls.
- Session 2 (2–3h): Adding the foil. First liftoff attempts. Lots of falls. Learning to control height.
- Sessions 3–4: Consistent foil riding. Starting upwind. Transitions.
Typically, an experienced kiter manages basic wingfoil riding in 4–6 hours. That’s significantly faster than someone with no water sports experience (who needs 8–12h).
Kiter with Basic Skills (IKO Level 2, occasional rider)
- Expect to take our wing course – 5 hours at €365 individual or €515 for two
- Progress will be slower because foiling requires board confidence you don’t yet have as automatic
- Realistically: after 5–8 hours you’ll be riding, but the foil will require more practice
Wing vs Kite – Why Not Both?
Here’s the best part: you don’t have to choose. In El Gouna, you can combine both sports during a single trip. And it actually makes sense from a conditions standpoint:
Difference by Wind
- Strong wind (18+ knots): Kite is in its element. Wing works too, but learning to foil in strong wind is trickier.
- Medium wind (12–18 knots): Ideal for both sports. You can kite in the morning and wing in the afternoon (or vice versa).
- Light wind (8–12 knots): Wing on a foil works even in light wind where a kite no longer has enough power. Wing wins here.
Difference by Season
- Summer (June–September): Lighter wind, but warm. Wing season.
- Winter (November–February): Stronger wind. Kite season.
- Spring and Autumn (March–May, October): Both. You can alternate by the day.
Our rental has complete wing equipment – wings, foils, and boards for all levels. So you don’t have to haul two sets of equipment to Egypt.
What Wingfoiling Offers Beyond Kiting
Honestly? Wingfoiling is a different sensation. Kiting is adrenaline, power, dynamics. Wingfoiling is… calm. You fly above the water, hear nothing but the wind, no lines, no bar. It’s meditative yet technically demanding.
Many kiters say wingfoiling brought back the “wow” feeling from their first kite rides. When the foil lifts for the first time and you rise above the water – that’s a moment you remember.
Practical Differences in El Gouna
| Kitesurfing | Wingfoiling | |
|---|---|---|
| Wind needed | 12–30 knots | 10–25 knots |
| Beginner course | 8h Basic I | 5h Wing |
| Rental equipment | 250+ kites | Wings + foils |
| Physical demand | Medium–high | Medium |
| Safety risk | Higher (lines, kite power) | Lower (but watch the foil) |
| Wow factor | Jumps, speed | Flying above the water |
Common Questions from Kiters About Wingfoiling
“Do I need my own equipment?” No. The wing rental has everything you need. For starters, it’s the smarter choice – you try different sizes and find out what suits you.
“Is it safer than kiting?” Generally yes – smaller forces, no lines. But the foil underwater is sharp and falls can get unpleasant. Helmet and impact vest are recommended.
“Can I wingfoil at the same spot?” In El Gouna, yes. The lagoon works for both sports. You just need to follow right-of-way rules – a wingfoiler generally has less maneuverability.
“How much does it all cost?” Wing course: €365 individual / €515 for two for 5 hours. Wing rental on top. Compared to kiting, entry into wingfoiling is somewhat cheaper and faster.
Verdict
If you’re a kiter considering wingfoiling – try it. You have an advantage, the transition is faster than for people without experience, and in El Gouna you have ideal conditions for both. You don’t have to pick one sport. Having both in your repertoire means you’ll be on the water in any conditions.
Want to try wingfoiling? Check out our wing courses or write to us via contact.