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SUP foil & Downwind SUP foiling

endless surfing above the water

SUP foiling and DownWind foiling, a relatively new way to experience the water. With the right equipment, technique, and knowledge of sea or lake, a completely new world of hovering, balance, and freedom opens up.

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What is DW SUP foil
SUP foiling
Flat water foil start

What is downwind sup foil (dw)

Downwind foiling is the ultimate form of efficiency on sea or large lakes. The concept is simple: you start upwind and then foil with the wind and wave direction – sometimes for dozens of kilometers. Instead of using the power of a sail or wing, you use the energy of wind waves (swell) to move forward.

Reading the swell is crucial. You’re constantly looking for “runners” – small wave patterns where you can build speed to catch the next wave. Once you’re up on the foil, you can often hover above the water for minutes without needing to paddle or pump again.

Downwind foiling requires specific equipment:

  • A long and narrow board with sufficient glide capability to gain speed.

  • A large, efficient foil that provides lift at low speeds.

  • Often a paddle or, for advanced riders, a parawing to get going.

It’s physically demanding but also meditative. Once you find the right flow between wind, swell, and balance, it feels like you’re endlessly gliding over the ocean.

View DW foilboards

The sensation of SUP Foiling

SUP foiling in the ocean surf is an incredible experience! Where you might make 20-meter rides on a regular SUP wave, with a foil these easily become 100 meters or more — and the feeling is much more intense. On the North Sea, we’ve even managed rides lasting several minutes! Once you learn to pump with the foil, you can connect one wave or swell after another and hover above the water for minutes.

It is more challenging than regular SUP: you’re literally flying over the water and need to control an extra dimension. Initially, this requires some perseverance, but once you master it… wow, a whole new world opens up! Many surfers find they barely use their regular SUP afterward — especially not in the Netherlands.

The foil is the fin construction under your board that lifts it out of the water. For beginners, it’s smart to start with a high-volume board — preferably wide, thick, and with volume directly under your feet. The more compact the board, the easier it lifts from the water. For the North Sea, we recommend boards with footstraps; they provide extra control in choppy conditions.

Regarding volume: calculate approximately 40 liters above your body weight. If you weigh 85 kilos, then a board around 125 liters is ideal. Smaller is possible, but then you really need calm seas — which is rare on the North Sea. A slightly larger board makes SUP foiling here much easier and more fun!

View SUP foilboards

Flatwater Foil Start

A flatwater foil start is the newest challenge in foiling: trying to get up on the foil on completely flat water, without the help of waves or wind, just by paddling — and staying up as long as possible. It’s all about technique, balance, and efficiency.

For this discipline, long, narrow downwind foil-SUP boards are typically used. These boards glide easily through the water and build enough speed to make the foil lift, even without waves. It’s a technical but extremely satisfying way to improve your foiling skills.

View DW foilboards

Frequently Asked Questions about Downwind SUP Foiling

General questions

Downwind SUP foiling is SUPing with a hydrofoil under your board, riding with the wind and waves. The foil lifts the board out of the water, allowing you to glide smoothly with the swell.

Regular SUP foiling mainly involves surfing short waves in the surf zone; downwind foiling involves making long trips with the wind.

The foil under the board generates lift at sufficient speed. You paddle with the wind and use waves or swell to stay high on the foil.

Because it gives a unique feeling of freedom and speed — you’re literally flying over water without an engine, kite, or sail.

The foil’s lift allows you to glide much more efficiently, with less resistance and more speed.

Wind & Waves

Average 12-20 knots of wind, depending on your experience and foil size.

Sideshore wind (wind blowing parallel to the shore) works best.

With a large foil and enough swell it’s possible, but usually some wind is needed to gain speed.

Swell refers to the wave patterns on the sea or large bodies of water. You use them to glide while foiling.

Both are possible. On the sea you use natural swell; on inland waters often wind waves or short chop.

Equipment & Gear

A long, narrow board with high volume and foil mount — designed for efficient paddling and early lift.

Average 6’6″ to 8’0″ long and 17-22 inches wide, depending on weight and level.

A large front wing (1300-1800 cm²) with high aspect ratio provides sufficient lift and stability. But experienced foilers often go much smaller.

Downwind SUP boards are longer and narrower for efficient gliding; wingfoilboards are shorter and more maneuverable.

A light carbon paddle with a blade that transfers power well at high cadence.

Use a sturdy ankle or hip leash, preferably with swivel to prevent twisting.

Rinse with fresh water, dry thoroughly and check screws and connections for corrosion.

Technique & Learning

Begin on flat water to practice your balance and pumping technique, then short runs with the wind.

By paddling until you have speed, then creating lift with a pumping motion.

The rhythmic movement of board and body to generate extra lift and stay on the foil.

Focus on soft, flowing movements and use your legs to distribute pressure.

Between 5 and 20 kilometers, depending on the route and conditions. Experienced DW foilers even cover greater distances.

It requires patience and technique. Experience with SUP or foiling helps tremendously.

Yes, it’s strongly recommended to be stable on the foil in flat water first.

Safety & Preparation

Not if you’re well prepared. Always wear a leash, impact vest, and possibly a helmet.

Leash, impact vest/life jacket, helmet, possibly GPS tracker or phone in waterproof case.

Stay with your board — it’s your flotation device and most visible for rescue.

Yes, especially in open water. Foiling together is safer and more fun.

Check wind forecasts and currents, and plan your route with a safety margin.

Advanced & Practical

Choose a safe location with stable wind, no strong currents, and easy entry and exit points.

Arrange transport or a “shuttle” with other foilers in advance.

Yes, the parawing can help you get up on the foil.

Popular spots include IJsselmeer, Markermeer, Haringvliet, Grevelingenmeer, and the North Sea coast.

Start with short runs of 2-5 km before attempting longer routes.

Focus on core stability, balance, and endurance — for example through SUPing or cycling. Practicing another foil discipline like dock starting also helps a lot.

Yes, this discipline is growing rapidly worldwide with increasingly more organized downwind races and community trips.

Have a question? Feel free to contact us!

Email info@wingsurfer.nl or app or call 06 – 83368915

We are happy to help you!

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