Using a SUP wing involves handling the inflatable wing while balancing on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or a foil board, harnessing the wind for propulsion. It requires learning basic wing control techniques and board balance.
Basic Wing Handling and Positioning
Learning to control the wing is fundamental before you even get on the board in challenging conditions. The wing acts like a sail, but you hold it directly with your hands.
Key Wing Techniques
- Flipping the Wing: If the wing is upside down in the water, a technique is needed to flip it right side up. According to the referenced video, you can shuffle your hands to the end of the wing to assist in flipping it over.
- Using the Wind: The wind is your power source. Learn to use the wind to your advantage when handling the wing, whether on land, in the water, or when trying to get up on the board.
- Neutral Position: This position de-powers the wing, making it easier to handle while you are kneeling or getting ready on the board. The referenced video mentions getting the wing into the neutral position before moving to power. In the neutral position, the wing is often held overhead or to the side with minimal surface area exposed directly to the wind's push.
- Powered Position: Once stable on the board, you move the wing into the powered position to catch the wind and generate forward momentum. This typically involves orienting the wing perpendicular to the wind direction and sheeting it in (pulling the handles towards you) to generate pull. The referenced video states, "Now move into the powered position by..." which is the action taken after getting the wing neutral.
On the Board
Once you have basic wing control on land or in shallow water, you progress to using it on the board.
- Start on Knees: Begin by kneeling on your SUP or foil board. This provides more stability than standing.
- Get the Wing: Retrieve the wing (if it's in the water) using the techniques mentioned above (e.g., flipping by shuffling hands).
- Assume Neutral Position: Hold the wing in the neutral position while you get stable on your knees. This prevents the wing from dragging you or making you unstable.
- Transition to Powered Position: Once stable and ready to move, transition the wing to the powered position to catch the wind and start moving.
- Stand Up: As you gain momentum and stability, you can attempt to stand up on the board while maintaining control of the wing. This requires coordination between wing power and board balance.
Using a SUP wing is a progressive sport that involves learning board balance and wing control simultaneously, leveraging the wind for movement across the water.
