Wingfoil History
[How the 2 elements become a perfect symbiosis]
Although this sport is relatively new, its history can be traced back to the past century, when the first wings were developed and a little later only windsurfers began experimenting with hydrofoils to improve their performance on the water. Over time, this technology evolved, and hydrofoils became more efficient and accessible. Today, wingfoiling is a popular sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
1981
Aeronautical engineer Jim Drake and Uli Stanciu, European windsurfing pioneer, together invented and patented the world’s first wing for windsurfing.
2000s
​Windsurfers began experimenting with hydrofoils to improve their performance on the water. Over time, this technology evolved, and hydrofoils became more efficient and accessible.
2010s
A group of kiteboarders and windsurfers began experimenting with different ways to ride on top of the water using an inflatable wing-shaped sail. Tony Logosz, Slingshot Kiteboarding co-founder & designer, made the first “Slingwing” prototypes in 2011, and used it on a wind foil board with a large, high-lift foil in the Columbia Gorge.
2018
The Hawaiian Flash Austin tested 3.5 m² and 4 m² handheld wings on a SUPfoil in Maui.
2020
Wingfoil was included in the list of sailing events at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
2021
The first-ever Wingfoil World Championships were held in Leucate, France, with over 100 athletes from 29 countries competing.
2022
The International Wingfoil Association (IWA) was established to promote and develop the sport of wingfoiling around the world.