Free Weekly Wing Foil Orientation

What is Wing Foiling?

Wing Foiling is a brand new water sport that has exploded in popularity in the last few years! Wing Foiling is a fun and thrilling way to experience wind sports regardless of your age. The sailor stands on a board that has a hydro foil attached to the bottom of the board. The sailor holds a wing in their hands that looks like a sail. As the wing catches the wind, you start to accelerate, and with that acceleration, you lift off the water and fly on the foil.

(Professional Wing Foiler and founder of Wylde Wind & Water, Fiona Wylde, recently coached a Wing Foil Youth Progression camp in France. Check it out here! This is a little more advanced than we will be doing during our Orientation, but it shows you the possibilities of the sport!)

Ok, so wing foiling sounds cool! What is the Free Wing Foil Orientation?

The Wing Foil Orientation is a weekly community event presented by Wylde Wind & Water and CGW2 to introduce community members to Wing Foiling, learn the safety basics, and get the opportunity to get out on the water free of charge.

During the Orientation, you will learn:

• Wing Foil Safety

• Wind direction

• How to carry your equipment

• An opportunity to get out in the water and give it a try

• Stay upwind

• Introduction to gybes and tacks (turning around)

• Meet new people

• Have some fun!

When and where does Wing Foil Orientation happen?

Wing Foil Orientation takes place weekly, every Thursday afternoon in July and August 2023 at the west end of The Hook from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

We will start promptly at 5:30pm, so please arrive a few minutes early to get your wetsuit, lifejacket, helmet, and sign the waiver.

What age do you have to be to participate?

Wing Foil Orientation is a family-friendly event. There are no age limits, (yes, you heard that right, Grandma should come too!) but youth are required to come with an adult.

I am in! How do I register?

There is no registration! Just show up!

Wait, I don’t have any equipment. Can I still come?

You do NOT have to have your own equipment. We provide all of the Wings, Boards, Foils, Lifejackets, wetsuits, and helmets. If you have your own equipment, especially lifejacket, wetsuit and helmet, bring it to make room for more people!

What is the CGW2?

CGW2 is The Columbia Gorge Wind & Water Association (CGW2), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) membership organization serving the Wind & Water Enthusiasts community in the Columbia River Gorge since 1987.

CGW2 has ushered in a generation of enthusiasts, making The Gorge a global destination for wind-driven water-sports lovers, and establishing The Gorge as a magnet for wind-sport industry innovation.

Their job is to promote Columbia Gorge Wind & Water Sports and to improve and protect abundant & safe access to the river gorge we all love.

We at Wylde Wind & Water are very excited to partner with the CGW2! Thank you for all your hard work!

Find out more on their website: Columbia Gorge Wind and Water Association

This is such a cool program, and the fact that you provide it for free is awesome! How do you afford it?

Thank you. Wylde Wind & Water is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and we have two sides to our organization. One side is the Performance Program side where we host the SUP DEVO Team, SUP JET Team, and Wing Foil Youth Camps. All of our Performance Programs have an entrance fee and this entrance fee helps cover the cost of equipment, staff, and our free community programs which include, Wing Foil Orientation, Saturday Community Pop-Up Paddles, Fiona Friday Funday, Water Safety Presentations at the local schools and more.

Beyond that, we apply for grants and graciously accept donations. If you would like to contribute you can donate to Wylde Wind & Water by clicking here.

Thank you!

See you this summer on the water!

Please note: Parking is limited at The Hook. If it is busy, park outside of The Hook and walk in. Thank you!