You can ride the foil comfortably on both tacks. Now what? The advanced wing foil techniques — tacking, gybing, jumping, toeside riding, and downwind runs — are what take you from "rider" to "wing foiler." This guide breaks each down.
📖 10 min read · Updated May 2026 · By Sergei Sharvarok · Founder & Head Instructor
Tacking (Turning Through the Wind)
A tack in wing foil means turning the board through the wind — your nose crosses from one side of the wind to the other. During a tack, the foil briefly loses speed (crossing through the dead zone directly into the wind), drops toward the water, then accelerates on the new tack.
Technique: approach the tack at speed, move the wing to the front (pointing downwind to depower), step the front foot back through center while the board crosses through the wind, move the wing to the new side, and drive off on the new tack. The critical moment is the footwork — the front foot must cross through center before the board crosses the wind or you lose too much speed and sink.
Gybing (Turning Away from Wind)
A gybe turns the board away from the wind — the tail of the board crosses the wind direction. Speed is maintained (you stay powered throughout), making gybes smoother than tacks for most riders. The foil stays at height through the entire gybe if done correctly.
Technique: initiate by pressing the back foot to load the inside rail (turning direction), bring the wing through the air (it transitions from one hand to the other as the board turns), extend new front hand, and complete the turn on the new tack. The gybe can be broken into two parts: board turn and wing transition. Master each separately, then combine.
Most wing foilers master the gybe before the tack — the gybe is speed-maintained while the tack requires managing a speed-loss moment. If you are working on both, progress faster on gybes and use the skill to practice tacks only when your gybes are solid.
Jumping
Wing foil jumping is possible once you can ride at consistent speed on both tacks. Basic jump: sheet the wing in (maximum power), come off the back of a chop or small wave, and let the wing lift you. The foil generates the initial lift; the wing sustains it.
First jumps will be small (20–50 cm). Progress by finding larger chop or small swell to jump off. Land with the foil horizontal (not angled) and progressive pressure on the back foot to catch the landing. Helmet and impact vest are strongly recommended for jump practice.
Downwind Runs
Downwind wing foiling (running directly downwind with the wing barely used) is one of the most exciting aspects of the sport. On a downwind run, you pump the wing to generate initial speed, then pump the board/foil to maintain lift without full wing power.
This is advanced technique — requires good foil feel and the ability to pump the board rhythmically to maintain height with minimal wing pull. Learners: the downwind run is the goal of a 3–6 month progression, not a Day 10 skill.
At Koh Phangan, the flat water conditions during peak season (Jan–Apr) make it ideal for tack and gybe practice. Advanced riders use the flat water for clean, repeatable maneuver practice rather than hunting for surf. Several returning riders come specifically in March to drill transitions in consistent flat-water conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most riders who can comfortably ride both tacks achieve their first smooth gybe within 5–10 sessions of dedicated practice. A "smooth gybe" means staying on the foil throughout the turn. The first 20 attempts typically involve dropping off the foil at some point during the transition.
Not completing the footwork before the wing transition. If you try to pass the wing before the board is fully through the wind, you lose the board's momentum and sink. Footwork first — always.
More hazardous than regular riding. The foil wings are sharp, and landing poorly can cause foot or leg injury from contact. Always wear an impact vest and helmet for jump practice. Start with very small jumps in warm-up water and build gradually. Never jump near other riders or near the shore.
Minimum: comfortable riding both tacks upwind, maintaining foil height for 30+ second runs, and basic directional control. In IWO terms: reaching at least IWO Level 2 or equivalent. If you cannot stay on the foil reliably on both tacks, tacking and gybing practice is premature.
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