If you’ve been hanging around the beach, scrolling your feed or just dreaming about getting out onto the water powered by nothing but wind (and stoke), you’ve probably seen both wing foiling and kitesurfing popping up. They both look epic. They both are epic.
But what’s the difference, and which one is for you?
Kitesurfing and wing foiling are somewhat similar, but also totally different. While they can scratch the same itch, they don’t do it in the same way.
Whether you’re craving your first taste of wind-powered freedom or just curious about the difference between wing foil and kite surfing, we’ve got you covered in this article.
At Riah Kite Academy, we teach and love both, but as lifelong kite addicts, we’re especially passionate about helping you fall in love with kitesurfing. Let’s get into it.
The first major difference that needs explaining is that they’re very different in variety. Wing foiling is fairly standard; the wings and boards and riding styles are all relatively similar. Kitesurfing, however, is hugely varied in both equipment and riding styles. This is largely because kitesurfing is much older; not quite the original wind sport (that would be windsurfing/sailboarding), but still much older than wing foiling.
Kiting has had time to evolve and diversify, whereas winging is still finding its place as a unique sport.
The other major difference is in the name; foiling. Foiling refers to riding a hydrofoil, a wing suspended beneath your board, under the water, connected to the base of the board by a ‘mast’. This wing produces lift when water moves over it (or, when it is moved through the water) just like the wing of a plane. This lift is used by riders to elevate their board out of the water, massively decreasing their drag, and increasing their speed and efficiency as a result.
While kitesurfing includes kite-foiling as a sub-discipline, wing foiling is exclusively a foiling sport. We learn to fly the wing without a foil for the first session or two, but the true sport is done entirely above the water!
Kitesurfing, instead, is only sometimes done with a foil, and not until riders are experienced and capable riding a regular board.
Before we dive deeper into foiling, let’s break down each sport individually.
Kite surfing is one of the OG wind sports. You use a large inflatable kite, controlled with lines and a bar, to harness the wind and pull yourself across the water on a twin-tip or surfboard. It’s powerful, fast, and seriously addictive.
Wing foiling, on the other hand, is a bit newer on the scene. You hold a small hand-held wing (like a mini inflatable sail) and ride a board with a hydrofoil underneath. The foil lifts the board above the water, giving that dreamy “floating” sensation.
Both sports are wind-driven, offer an insane rush, and will get you hooked, but they feel pretty different once you’re on the water.
At Riah, we’ve got all the latest gear ready for you! From beginner-friendly kites to high-performance foils, you’ll find everything you need right here. All lessons include equipment, and our instructors help you get set up safely and confidently from day one. Check out our Kitesurfing Lessons and Wing Foil Lessons pages for more on what’s included.
Kitesurfing has a steeper learning curve in the beginning. You’ll need to master kite control before getting on the board—both in and out of the water. But once you’ve nailed that, progression is fast, and the possibilities are endless (jumps, tricks, wave-riding and more); stick with freeriding or specialise into one of the many exciting sub-disciplines. There’s always something new to try on the kite; from jumping, to riding waves, to tricks and fancy transitions.
Wing foiling tends to be easier to pick up initially. You’re not managing lines or a harness, and you can learn in lower wind conditions. However, balancing on the foil takes time and patience. The progression also isn’t as linear. Once you’re up and riding on a kite, you can start pushing small gains in all areas; transitions, jumps, pops and more. Mastering transitions on the foil is a much more complex affair, but absolutely achievable in a few good sessions.
The good news? At Riah, our calm lagoon and expert guidance make both options beginner-friendly.
| Want this? | Try this: |
| Fast, high-powered fun | Kite surfing |
| Laid-back cruising & carving | Wing foiling*
*kitesurfing can absolutely still be laid back carving fun. |
| Adrenaline and airtime | Kite surfing |
| Compact gear and solo setup | Wing foiling |
| An addictive new lifestyle | Either! Or both! |
Still not sure? Chat with our team or book a taster session. We’ll help you figure out the best fit based on your goals, fitness, and vibe.
Set in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, our eco-conscious base at The Lagoon, El Gouna offers unbeatable conditions for both sports. Here you’ll find flat-water lagoons, open sea access, and gentle learning areas. Whether you want to fly your first kite, glide on your first foil, or level up your riding, we’ve got you.
Whether you go for the raw power of kite surfing or the futuristic glide of wing foiling, you’re in for a life-changing experience. Both sports connect you to nature, build confidence, and bring a big, healthy dose of absolute stoke.
At Riah, we make it easy to dip your toes (and feet, and full body) into each, with expert guidance and a community that’s got your back.
Ready to ride? Book your first lesson today or come say hi at The Lagoon!
Want more wind sport insights? Check out our blog on how long it really takes to learn kitesurfing or what to expect from your first wing foil lesson or browse our lessons to plan your next adventure.
