Winging 101

General Guidelines:

  • Do not leave your foil sitting up on the beach unattended, kites can land on them.ย  Pull them out of kite launching / landing zone
  • Always properly weight down or secure your wing when leaving it unattended.
  • Know right of way rules for winging, especially if you go out into the waves!
  • No Wing Foiling before 11 AM at Kanaha,ย  Go to Kahului Harbor
  • Check the Cruise ship and Canoe schedule via Maui Wingfoiling and Wingsurfing FB Group for updates
  • Keep 300 feet from Humpback Whales and divers
  • Ask the locals before attempting to ride at a new location for the first time, make friends, learn hazards.
  • Carefullyย check the weather and wind
  • Donโ€™t wing in offshore winds unless you have done a proper risk assessment
  • Check all equipment before going further than your willing to paddle back
  • Make sure valve screws are properly tightened on wing and it is properly inflated.
  • Check your leash and verify there is no weak points.
  • Donโ€™t rideย  into surf lineups. Donโ€™t foil near other water users or sea life.
  • Keep downwind of other ocean users (eg. surfers, kiters, windsurfers, stand up paddle boarders, spear fisherman, etc.)
  • Assist fellow riders when possible
  • Always kite with a buddy, but if you have to go alone, tell someone where you are kiting and what your plan and backup plan are
  • Never wing surf further from shore than you can swim
  • Help out other wingers in need if possible
  • Wing with respect for others and you will get respect

Rules of Riding (Right of Way):

Responsible wingers know the right of way rules, and always ride with courtesy and respect. Wingdinging rules help to avoid collisions with other water users and other kiters.

  • Always use a wing leash
  • Never ride near a non-winger unless you know them and are safe
  • Incoming Winger gives way to the Winger who is exiting
  • The winger with the right hand forward (starboard tack) has right of way
  • The upwind winger gives way to the downwind winger
  • The overtaking winger gives way to the slower winger
  • Look before you turn or jump!
  • The outgoing winger gives way to the winger on the wave
  • Avoid collisions at all costs
  • Stay clear of beginners of all ocean sports
  • Do not jump close to others or shore orย dangerous areas (reef, bunker, rocks, etc)
  • Stay away from swimmers, surfers, fisherman, canoes, etc at all times!

Remember: Your conduct is representative of all wing foilers, Please always ride with respect and tolerance. Wing Surfing on the north shore is a privilege, do not take it for granted. Always follow the directives of the lifeguards, and do not push the limits.

Want some more local knowledge or someone to back you up and show you the ropes? ย No worries, thats what we do, book a lesson / tour