The pumping technique is a crucial skill in wingfoiling that allows you to generate enough speed and lift to take off and get on the foil. Mastering this technique will help you efficiently ride the foil and stay airborne for longer periods. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the pumping technique in wingfoiling. Remember that once pass the stage in Wingfoil learning how to pump, you are crossing the big boundary to fly and to learn how to maintain flight. Also see how to avoid wingfoil beginner mistakes. For learning the pumping technique, please notice that the right water and wind conditions are key.
Step by step: pumping yourself to flight
Get into a stable stance
Stand on your wingfoil board with your feet shoulder-width apart and your body centered over the board. Hold the wing with both hands, keeping it at a comfortable height above the water’s surface.
Engage your legs and core
Bend your knees slightly and engage your leg muscles and core. This provides stability and allows you to use your body’s strength efficiently during the pumping motion.
Wait for a gust of wind and only then start pumping.
Start pumping
Pumping is ideally a circular motion where you pull the wing towards you and downwards, and then up and away from you. Here you see the downward motion towards your body.
As you gain momentum, increase the intensity of your pumping motion. This will create more lift and speed, allowing the foil to engage and lift you out of the water.
Pump in a circular motion for more power
Pull the wing downwards and towards your body, then upwards and away from your body. This is key for wingfoil learning how to pump.
By making a circular motion, the power generated by the pumping movement is maximised.
Let the board come up while pumping
As you let the wing away and upwards, the board will come out of the water. The next time you pull it in, you will go further up. If you have enough speed, the board will start climbing.
Attention: this movement should be repeated again and again, even though you only see two photos of the rider doing it.
As the board starts flying, keep pumping
Keep the pumping motion going while your board speed increases. As soon as you are out of the water, the board will go a lot faster due to the loss of drag.
Once you feel the board lifting, maintain your balance and control by adjusting the wing’s angle and your body position. Keep the wing stable and slightly above your head to maintain steady lift and stability.
Stabilise the flight by pushing down on the front
Push the nose down so the climbing stops and the boards starts flying horizontally on the foil. You can do so by moving your weight more to your front leg.
Once you’re on the foil, use your body weight and wing control to maintain balance and control your direction. Shift your weight between your front and back foot to control the foil’s pitch and keep a stable flight.
You are now flying! Now it’s time to keep flight over a longer distance and time.
Wingfoil learning how to pump: video
See a video below of the full motion from beginning to end. Note that in this video, the water is reasonably flat and there was a strong enough wind for the rider to get out of the water with just a couple of pumping movements.
If you have more waves, or less wind, you may need to intensify the pumping motion with your legs as well. Practice, practice, practice. In the end you will see you are going to be capable to get on the foil while it seems there is not enough wind.
See also this video for a great tutorial by Kitesurf College, where you can see more in detail.
Some notes about pumping and wingfoiling
Once you’re on the foil, use your body weight and wing control to maintain balance and control your direction. Shift your weight between your front and back foot to control the foil’s pitch and keep a stable flight. Remember that in Wingfoil learning how to pump is key.
To maintain flight and speed on the foil, continue using the pumping motion to generate lift and propel yourself forward. Regularly adjust the wing’s angle to harness the wind’s power efficiently.
When you’re ready to land, gradually reduce the intensity of your pumping motion and bring the wing closer to the water’s surface. Gradually bend your knees to soften the landing and maintain control.
Remember, mastering the pumping technique in wingfoiling takes practice and patience. Pay attention to the wind conditions, body positioning, and timing of your pumps to optimize your performance and enjoy the thrill of wingfoiling on the foil. Happy riding!
