Wing Foiling: How to Gybe
Mastering the gybe on a wing foil isn’t something that happens overnight, but get it right, and it’s one of the most satisfying moves you’ll pull on the water. It’s a tricky manoeuvre, but with time, practice, and a few insider tips, you’ll be foiling through your gybes in no time.
Here’s our step-by-step guide to nailing your gybe:
Step 1: Set Yourself Up
Start from a good reach to broad reach to build up some speed, momentum is key. As you begin the turn, steer away from the wind slightly.
Step 2: Switch Your Grip
Drop your front hand from an overhand to an underhand grip (if you’re not doing this already). It’ll give you better control of the wing in the transition.
Step 3: Commit to the Turn
Turn further away from the wind and keep the speed up. Shift your weight slightly forward and lean onto your toe edge to initiate the carve.
Step 4: Wing High, Hands Light
Keep the wing high in a neutral position and release your back hand. Stay smooth and steady in the turn — don’t yank the board around too sharply. You want to come out of the turn heading slightly downwind, keeping that all-important lift on the foil.
Step 5: The Hand Swap
While keeping the wing high, swap your hands over and keep your eyes looking where you want to go. As you complete the turn, bring the wing down into the power zone, level the board, and keep heading slightly downwind to stay flying.
Step 6: Reset Your Stance
Twist your upper body to help reposition the wing, then adjust your course back across the wind, or even slightly upwind if the speed is there.
Top Tips for a Successful Gybe:
✅ Build speed before turning — momentum makes everything easier
✅ Don’t turn too aggressively, smooth and steady wins
✅ Keep the wing high and controlled with that underhand front grip
✅ Practice wing handling and ‘wing walking’ on dry land to build muscle memory
If you’re not quite at gybing level yet but want to get there, why not join us for a Wing Foiling lesson? Our experienced instructors will guide you from the basics through to more advanced techniques like gybing: Find all details HERE