Can You Kite or Wingsurf on an iSUP?

Can you wingsurf an iSUP? This is a question that sooner or later every iSUP paddler asks himself. Especially when he looks around and realizes there are interesting things happening on the water. On a windy day, you can realize that you are powerless in high waves and stronger winds on a SUP. While kitesurfers, windsurfers and especially wingsurfers are just starting to really enjoy it.

So is it possible or not?

In theory, you can wingsurf an iSUP, but in practice it gets pretty complicated. Why? If we restrict ourselves to wingsurfers, they have special pins on their boards into which they stick their feet. If they were not somehow connected to their board, they would fly into the water. This is due to the gust of wind and the resistance caused by the board. And nothing would be felt of the expected movement. The larger the board, the greater the resistance of the board. And when we combine these facts, we come to the conclusion that with the same sail shape and no pins mounted on the iSUP, no results will be achieved.

For the iSUP, the sail must be smaller and adapted to lower winds. And consequently lower speeds. Now the disadvantage of wingsurfers and kiters, which is rarely mentioned. For this sport, the conditions of a predictable wind of consistent strength and a suitable shore for launching must be met. There are few such spots on the coast and they are known as KITE or SURF spots.

Before we can master all the skills, we have to complete a compulsory course under the guidance of an experienced instructor. After at least a week of daily training we can go outdoors. But only with an escort. If the wind carries us far out into the open and without an oar or help from a boat, rescue is out of the question. The cost of equipment for wing surfing is between $ 1500 and $ 3000. While for foiling or kiting you have to add about a grand. If we add the introductory course and a week-long stay at SPOT, we get to really high amounts and we are still just beginners.

Okay, is there an alternative?

Is there really no middle ground between kitesurfing, wingsurf, and an iSUP?

Good news for iSUP paddlers who want more than just paddling!

Innovative European company SUP Green Wing has developed a sail specifically for iSUP paddlers. The size of the sail area is just right and works great in moderate winds. Of course the speeds achieved with this sail do not reach the speed of kiters or regular wing-surfers. Nevertheless, the fun is guaranteed. The biggest advantage of this sail is that you can fold it up. And until you unfold it, you can use it as a seat that provides support for easier paddling.

About the Author

Daniel

Daniel is a travelling author with a passion for exploring new waterways and sharing his experiences with the world.