Wing School
Our wing school is at Queen Mary Sailing Club (QMSC) in Surrey on a clean, deep 700 acre stretch of water raised high above the landscape. We are a RYA Training Centre for all levels of wingsurf and wingfoil. We have a unit right by the water with a large astroturf rigging area and we use the very latest boards, foils and wings from Starboard and Freewing.
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No previous watersports experience is required to learn to wingsurf or wingfoil. The pathway is to learn to wingsurf first and then to wingfoil. This is because learning the wing basics whilst learning to foil at the same time is too much to take in. Some people may choose to stick with wingsurfing in order to remaining on the water rather than above it. Most people, however, are keen to progress to wingfoiling asap.
Depending on previous watersports experience and balance, wind awareness and fitness level, beginners are likely to need 1-3 lessons in wingsurfing before moving onto a large foil board. Then with another 1-3 lessons on the foil most people have enough knowledge to carry on themselves. So that’s an average of 3-4 lessons in total which is a remarkably quick transition from beginner to basic competence. Some will continue the rest of their journey independently whilst others may choose to return for occasional coaching sessions to help with, for example, gybing or progressing onto smaller kit.
Previous experience that can contribute towards a quicker progression includes:
· Sailing, windsurfing or kiting: for wind awareness
· SUP, skateboarding or snowboarding: for balance
· Windfoiling (foiling on a windsurf board)
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BOOK A LESSON NOW USING THE BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN
WIND SPEED & EQUIPMENT
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WingSURFing is best learned in approximately 7-27 knots (Beaufort low-force 3 to upper-force 6)
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WingFOILing for beginners (who are not yet able to pump the wing and foil) is best learned in approximately 14-30 knots (Beaufort mid-force 4 to mid-force 7)
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WingFOILing for those with experience (who are able to pump the wing and foil) can be in as little as 8 knots
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To achieve this we have Starboard Freewing GO wings of the following sizes: 2.5m, 3.5m, 4.5m, 5.5m, 6.5m. The boards used for wingSURF are 246 litre Starboard Starts and the boards used for beginner wingFOIL are 140 & 160 litre Starboard Wingboards. Development sessions have access to 65, 80, 95 & 115 litre Starboard Wingboards. Foils are Starboard, using 82cm masts with carbon front wings: S-Type 2400, 2000 or 1500 (low aspect) and E-Type 1400 or 1700 (medium aspect)
HOW THE LESSONS ARE ARRANGED
Lessons are 3 hours duration on a very small 1:2 ratio for maximum instructor input with powerboat support to help to save time getting back upwind during the early stages. Each session starts with a short introduction to kit and technique before heading out onto the water. Please note that tow-foiling, e-foiling and power-assisted foiling are not permitted at QMSC. Sessions booked are subject to terms and conditions (found in footer) and will be confirmed to run a day or two before the session when we are happy that the forecasted wind will be suitable.
Participants should provide their own wetsuit and suitable watersports shoes. 4/3mm wetsuits may be able to be supplied on request yet these are suitable for Spring, Summer and Autumn. 5/4mm winter wetsuits are recommended in colder weather. Helmets and impact jackets with 50N of buoyancy are compulsory for all winging lessons and are provided.
Sessions will be delivered by one of our friendly and experienced instructors who are all RYA qualified.
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BOOK A LESSON NOW USING THE BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN
LESSON AVAILABILITY
On days when we have wind and instructor availability, lessons are available all year round as follows:
· (April – September) 7 days a week, mornings and afternoons
· (October – March) Wednesday - Sunday, mornings and afternoons
· (April – August) Wednesday evenings
Weekend bookings are popular so we would be grateful if you are able to make weekday bookings.
PRICES
For winging lessons (including wing, board, foil, leash, helmet and impact jacket) are:
· 2 person lesson for 3 hours = £175 per person (inc. VAT)
Wing lessons are bookable online and individual requests can be made by contacting SWM directly. Please do not call QMSC to book or to make an enquiry. (Prices correct at 1st January 2024)
READY TO START YOUR WINGING JOURNEY?
Book now or send us a message. If you would like to join QMSC with your own kit to wingfoil all year round then click here to find out more about membership.
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BOOK A LESSON NOW USING THE BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN
