Getting upwind is the moment wing foiling stops being a series of short flights and becomes real riding. It is less about muscle than about speed, wing angle and where you point the board.
📖 3 min read · Updated September 2026 · By Sergei Sharvarok · Founder & Head Instructor
Speed Before Angle
A foil that is not flying fast enough cannot hold an upwind line. Get up on the foil on a slightly downwind heading, let the speed build, and only then start pointing higher into the wind.
Wing Angle and Position
- Keep the wing slightly forward and tilted, with the leading edge pointing a little towards where you are going.
- Front arm fairly straight, back hand controlling the power.
- Avoid holding the wing too upright — it pulls you sideways instead of forward.
Feet and Board
- More weight on the back foot and a little heel pressure to set the foil against the pull.
- Keep the board flat side-to-side on the foil — rolling it too much stalls the foil.
- Look where you want to go, a little upwind of the nose.
Find the Heading
Upwind riding is a trade-off: point too high and you slow down and drop off the foil; ride too low and you lose ground. Aim for a line you can hold at steady speed, then gain a few degrees at a time.
Common Mistakes
- Pumping on an upwind heading — take off first, then turn upwind.
- Sheeting in too hard — too much power at once rounds you downwind.
- Leaning back — the nose lifts, the foil breaches, the flight ends.
- Only practising your strong side — upwind on both tacks is what gets you home.
Choose a fixed point on the beach before each run and check your position at the end. It is the quickest honest measure of whether you are really gaining ground.
Practising on Koh Samui
Flat, shallow water and steady wind make upwind practice easier — which is why Nahai Beach is our main season spot from December to April. Upwind riding, tacks and jibes are the core of our advanced course (20,000 THB, 10 hours) in the IWO wing foil lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I not go upwind on my wing foil?
Usually too little speed, a wing held too upright, or pointing too high too early. Build speed first, then edge higher gradually.
Does the foil size affect upwind riding?
Yes. A bigger front wing lifts earlier but is slower; as you progress, a slightly smaller, faster foil often points higher.
Should I use footstraps to ride upwind?
Not necessarily. Many riders go upwind strapless; straps help later in chop and for jumps.
Which course covers upwind riding?
The advanced wing foil course at Kite Club Koh Samui — 10 hours, 20,000 THB.
Start Gaining Ground
Book the advanced course and learn upwind riding with our instructors.
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