The Wing Life Podcast

Mike Raper, brand director and Hugh Pinfold, director of design and engineering of North Foils, join us to discuss the recent release of their all-new ShiftLock system and the all-new Nova PRO wing.  We deep dive into:- The ShiftLock concept and where the idea came from- What materials and what testing protocols were followed in creating this all-new track system- Handle design, track design, performance, rigidity and weight considerations- How to mount handles, booms, camera mounts, and phones to the track system. - Storing, folding and winter winging with a track system- Idea and concept behind the Nova PRO - The use of Hybrid Materials- All new Carbon UDi Technology- The integration of the ShiftLock System and more. Visit: https://northkb.com/pages/shiftlockVisit: https://northkb.com/pages/nova-proVisit: https://northkb.com/pages/pro-series-foil This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

On this episode Tom joins us to recap the Surf Freestyle world cup in Tarifa, Spain. We talked about: Tarifa and its growing wing foil communityThe event, accommodations, the town, the ambiance and the nightlifeThe all-new innovation tricks What it takes to win an event - It's all about consistency. The Boom and Why it Is the New Standard for FreestyleWhy Shortboards with low swing weight are ideal for freestyle wing foiling.The event organizers in Tarifa did a great job, including activities focused on sustainability and community involvement.Upcoming events in La Palma and Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands are highly anticipated.And more. Visit: https://www.wingfoilworldtour.com/events/gwa-wingfoil-world-cup-tarifa-2024/ (00:00) - - Intro (00:30) - - Upcoming Events and Canary Islands Leg (01:37) - - Recap of Tarifa Event (04:39) - - Level of Freestyle Tricks and Innovation (08:38) - - Event Setup and Duration (09:20) - - Impressive Performances by Young Athletes (09:45) - - Tarifa’s Growing Wing Foiling Community (11:35) - - Where is Tarifa and what are the conditions like for wing foiling? (15:55) - - What were the accommodations like and where did everyone stay? (17:50) - - Highlights from Mens & Women’s side - Xavi Corr ripping it up (23:15) - - Experience and Smart Comp Strategies - Chris & Nia (30:15) - - What were the conditions like for this contest? (31:30) - - Gear selection - Importance of Wings with Booms in Freestyle and Board / Foil Choices (34:30) - - How the GWA names the new innovation tricks, how they are categorized and how they are scored (41:40) - - How many athletes tried to get into this event? A break down of how you can qualify - Video Wild Cards (44:40) - - Organizers in Tarifa Excel, Promote Sustainability and Engage the next Generation of Youth (50:30) - - Excitement Builds for Upcoming Events in La Palma, Fuerteventura and Helping Youth Compete This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Tour manager, Tom Hartmann joins us to recap the GWA's 2nd tour stop of the 2024 season in Leucate, France. We talked about: An overview of Leucate, France as a travel destination The Tramontana winds that peaked at 60 + knotsTop new moves and the new young guns on the ladies and men’s side The new format for the FreeFly Slalom and how it's going to change the name of the gameThe Nia and Chris show - How the winners of the event faired in the conditions And more. Visit: https://www.wingfoilworldtour.com/events/gwa-wingfoil-world-cup-france-2024/ This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

GWA tour manager Tom Hartmann joins us from his home in Mauritius to recap the first event of the 2024 GWA season at Punta Preta. We talked about: - Event highlights for both men and women- Cash's wing release in the final versus Malo- How wing foiling Punta Preta has progressed in 1 year with new gear selection- Top moves and Top wipeouts- Impressions from riders, organizers This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Tom joins us from his home in Mauritius to introduce the 2024 GWA Wing Foil World Tour season. We talk about: Some behind the scenes insights about all 10 upcoming world cup tour stops. An in depth look at Ponta Preta, Feb 16 - 25 in Cabo Verde. How to get into Wing Foil world Tour eventsVisit: https://www.wingfoilworldtour.com/Watch Episode on Youtube or visit the Episode PageLike what we do? ★ Support this podcast ★Learn more about us & follow us on Instagram This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Armie is the Founder and Director of Armstrong Foils, based in New Zealand. On this episode we talk about: - How the company got started- Who designed their logo, black and white stripes, bags and more - Their unique mast / fuse attachment system - A look behind the all new HA's- The evolution of their wings and boards- and moreVisit: https://www.armstrongfoils.com/Watch Episode on Youtube or visit the Episode PageLike what we do? ★ Support our podcast ★Learn more about us & follow us on Instagram This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Tom, tour manager of the Wingfoil World Tour joins us to recap their 2023 season and intro 2024. Visit: On this episode we talk about: - Highlights from the 2023 season- How the Big Air discipline got started and the biggest jump recorded in Pozo- How the Surf discipline got started and where they see it going- New potential event sites for 2024- and more.Visit: https://www.wingfoilworldtour.com/ Watch Episode on Youtube or visit the Episode PageLike what we do? Donate & Subscribe to Support usJoin our Facebook Community:  Wing Life - A Wing Foil Community & Canadian ClassifiedsLearn more about us & follow us on Instagram This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Murray, the owner of Foil Board Company (FBC) and partner at K4 fins, joins us to talk about:  The FBC origin story & his love for wind and waterWing Foiling Travel Tips and Tricks - How to pack your gear safely Board Bag Basics (Padding, Zippers, Handles, Breathability etc.) What goes into designing and producing high-quality bags suited for harsh environmentsThe FBC Rad SeriesAnd more! Visit: https://foilboardcompany.com/ (00:00) - - Intro (02:15) - - Introduction to FBC & Winger Winging (24:37) - - Designing a Good Foil Board Travel Bag (31:54) - - Padding and Protection for Foils and Wings (37:20) - - Choosing Functional and Durable Zippers (38:18) - - Choosing the Right Board Bag: Weight and Durability (39:18) - - Securing the Board: Straps, Tie-Downs, and Lightweight Security (41:41) - - Materials and Features: Strength, Scrapes, and Convenience (46:58) - - Future Development: Downwind Bags and Expansion (57:13) - - Supporting Local Shops and the Community This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Casey Hauser joins us on our 50th episode from his home in Maui to talk about:- The evolution of foiling on Maui- His first foiling sessions with friends- His work at KT and his insights behind the evolution of the sport- His life on Maui with family- His health and recovery from injuries and leukaemia- And much more. Visit: https://www.instagram.com/gordito_surfs/ This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Erwan Jauffroy, creator of the Watersports Zone on Youtube, joins us from his home in France to talk about:- His passion for Windsurfing, Wingfoil, Kitesurfing and more. - How he found wind and his early days of windsurfing- How he started working in the wind industry- Why he started the Watersports Zone- Cool travel destinations he's enjoyed- Where he thinks the industry is going Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@watersportszone This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Gary, brand manager of Ride Engine joins us from La Ventana to talk about:- His intro into wind- The Ride Engine Origin Story - Their current line up of products- The all new Air Box Electric Pump- What goes into making a good helmet, impact vest, accessories and more. Visit: https://rideengine.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winglifepodcast/ This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

 Mario, designer and Andreas, developer from Levitaz Hydrofoils, join us on the show to talk about:- Their personal wind passion stories- The history of Levitaz- How it all got started- The tricks behind making a fast foil- An overview of their lineup★ Support this podcast ★ This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Gunnar Biniasch joins us from his home in Fuerteventura - Canary Islands / Spain to talk about:- His intro into wind sports- His role at Indiana Paddle Surf where he works as a developer and in online marketing.- His board design- The early days in foiling and how its progressed- Kite foiling and Wing Foil racingVisit: https://www.instagram.com/kitechino/Watch Episode on Youtube or visit the Episode PageLike what we do? ★ Support this podcast ★Learn more about us & follow us on Instagram & Youtube  This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Balz joins us from Switzerland for our first ever Q&A session. He answers questions from audience members that were asked on Instagram.  Visit: https://www.instagram.com/radiculo/Watch Episode on Youtube or visit the Episode PageLike what we do? ★ Support this podcast ★Learn more about us & follow us on Instagram This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Balz Müller is a Swiss waterman that competes both on the PWA and GWA. He joins us from Switzerland to talk about:- Winter winging, Down winding and foiling - Winter Mits and why the industry isn't mass producing them- Winter suits and how much they have progressed- Sharing his stoke for water sports with his growing family (expecting soon!) - His next adventures - and more Visit: https://www.instagram.com/radiculo/Watch Episode on Youtube or visit the Episode PageLike what we do? ★ Support this podcast ★Learn more about us & follow us on Instagram This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Bowien is the 2021 Freestyle Wing World Champion, she joins us on the show from Cabo Verde to talk about:- Her intro into watersports- Her entry into GWA- Her 2021 season - What wing foiling Ponta Preta is all about- Her switch from North to Armstrongand more. Visit: https://www.instagram.com/bowienvanderlinden/Watch Episode on Youtube or visit the Episode PageLike what we do? ★ Support this podcast ★Learn more about us & follow us on Instagram This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Sarah-Quita Offringa is a PWA 22x world champion, she joins us from Cape Town to talk about:- Cape town and her training there- Her first wing foil session- Windsurfing Cloud Break - Competing on tour from a young age- How it feels to travel the world as a Pro Windsurfer- Aruba for Wing foiling & down winding- and much more. Visit: https://sarah-quita.com/Watch Episode on Youtube or visit the Episode PageLike what we do? ★ Support this podcast ★Learn more about us & follow us on Instagram This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Sam Loader is the co-owner of PPC Foiling. Kiran Verma is a GWA tour competitor and PPC pro rider. They join us from their homes in New Zealand and Australia to chat about: - The story behind PPC- Their board and wing development - Sam's intro into wind sports and business - Kiran's season competing on the GWA Wave tour - and more. Visit: https://ppcfoiling.com/Watch Episode on Youtube or visit the Episode PageLike what we do? ★ Support this podcast ★Learn more about us & follow us on Instagram This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

James Casey is the co-owner of Code Foils, the current foil world record holder and 2 x molokai 2 Oahu Champion. He joins us from his home in Australia to chat about: - His intro into water sports- How he started racing SUP’s- His Molokai 2 Oahu races - His World Record Holding Foil- The story behind Code Foils- His Coach Casey Programs - Code Foil product overview Watch Episode on Youtube or visit the Episode PageLike what we do? ★ Support this podcast ★Learn more about us & follow us on Instagram This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Clement is a professional big wave surfer, foiler, wing foiler and kiteboarder from France. He joins on the show to talk about:- His recent trip to Mavericks in December of 2023- His recent rides at Nazare in Portugal- His entry into wind sports and how he became a professional rider- His thoughts and concerns about big wave safety and current big wave foiling gear- Whats coming up in 2024 Watch Episode on Youtube or visit the Episode PageLike what we do? ★ Support this podcast ★Learn more about us & follow us on Instagram This episode is brought to you by La Saladita Kite School in La Ventana, Mexico. Book your lessons today at https://saladitalaventana.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★