
Wingfoil Safety Gear:
Wingfoiling is growing so fast, I thought these safety ideas might start people thinking, and talking about the best ways to be safe.

We have a fun, talented local wingfoil group. There is so much sailing/marine industry experience within the group. Everyone is a skilled waterperson. Recently I sent out an email with some thoughts on safety for wingfoiling. After having a productive conversation with the group I thought it would be nice to share the safety gear we discussed, along with some basic seamanship.
What to wear:
In Rhode Island our shoulder seasons the water is cold. This year we started in March with 42 deg, F water. At the height of our late summer water temperature can reach 80+ deg F. The air temperature can range from the 20’s to 100+ deg F during the same time.
Wetsuits:
Those temperatures means we have a wide range of gear. I wear the gear for being in the water for a long time. We all know why, it is just smart seamanship.
Each person in the group has a different tolerance for cold and warm water. So you will find a variety of gear through out the group. But everyone is prepared to be in the water a long time if necessary.
As you can read in this post (Cold Water Lessons Wingfoiling) I don’t do as well in cold water as I did years ago. Hopefully there are some tips/mistakes in this linked/post that help you dress for cold water.
Sun Protection:
I consider sun protection as an important safety consideration. I use Blue Lizard Sport and Waxhead lip products. For sun clothing I use bright yellow long sleeve wicking shirts in the hot times, with Zhik lycra padded pants. Rest of the time it is wet suits of different thickness with layers. Also booties, gloves, and warm head gear as needed.
Eye Protection:
I wear OSHA/ANSI approved safety polarized sunglasses. So much less eye fatigue, easier to read the breeze, and waves. There are a lot of good brands on the market. I use Bomber Eyewear REGGIE Safety – Polarized Brown Tortoise. These seem to last a season. I will try other options when they get to scratched/foggy. At times I have to take them off due to fogging, but that is rare.
Impact/buoyancy:

I wear an impact jacket with enough flotation so if I am separated from the board and wing (broken leashes, or worse) you can survive. Rhode Island has a regulation that you must wear a flotation device while doing all board sports, except prone surfing. The Zhik above is a good choice. I would not buy the WIP again, it does not have enough protection. I have bruised ribs twice using the WIP. It rides up and does not have good coverage or padding. Plus the built in harness strap is right at the bottom of your ribs, bad location. The Zhik is heavy and could also use more protection. I have the Ride Engine Defender Vest HF on the way which is suppose to have some of the best rib coverage. Will report back in my next post how that works. Well I have now used the Ride Engine Defender and it is a great fit and does have more protection. It would be nice to have a pocket for tow line, foil tool, etc. But that is something I can add or just use my camel back.
In my van safety bag I have a couple of Restube Extreme floatation tubes for longer foiling distances and downwinders. Nice device that is a small belt pack that inflates. Can use it yourself as extra flotation, or pass it off to someone in the water. Repacking is easy.
Sound Device:
With the buoyancy vest regulations you need a whistle, I use a loud one. I tie mine to the shoulder of my impact jacket.

Tow line:
Other thing in my front pocket is a 20’, 3mm dyneema line that has an eye splice at each end. This can be used as a tow line. See Carol’s post when I had to tow her due to exploded wing in strong current.
When you tow, the person being towed needs to have a fully deflated wing. Then have wing and person on the board to reduce drag. Most likely popped wing is why you are towing them, but there are other reasons that take different skills.
Also you can use the line if you had to be rescued to secure your gear.
Helmet:

Our group all wear helmets, it is just smart foiling. The group I foil with say I am easy to spot since I wear a bright orange Gath Gedi, and never think about it once I have it on. I also use the ear covers which keeps down the wind noise. If you wipe out and land on your ear it saves you from blowing out an eardrum. That is from experience, it works. The helmet has saved me a lot while learning new moves, or wild wipeouts.
Shin Pads:

I used soccer shin pads under my wetsuit when I was learning to foil and jibe. They were a hug help since I was beating up my shins on the tip of the foils and side of the board. I still use one on my right shin when I am learning new moves falling a lot, they do help.
Camel Back:
When it is warmer weather (starting June) or we are going for a long session I use my camel back. This is a great way to stay hydrated, with a bit of fuel and electrolytes mixed in. It has a pocket to carry anything extra. I know most people want to stay as light as possible and not have extra gear. But the camel back has allowed me to stay out a lot longer in warm weather and feel great.
Communication device:

I do not have an Apple Watch, but have the option to carry my phone in a waterproof case. Our basic Garmin watches only receive text and we just use them to record our sessions. But both options are not the best if you are wet trying to use them.
I have a very small Standard Horizon HX40 that is waterproof, in a small waterproof bag, purchased for foiling. This set up is easy to use when wet. The water proof bag has straps that can attach on my impact jacket. There is also an option to put it in my camel back pocket when using the camel back. I also have a PLB that can be carried which I always used shorthanded sailing. The PLB is also a good option if you are in trouble.
There is a wingfoil racing group in Bristol RI that recommends you carrying a small VHF. Also below is a link to the San Francisco group on carrying a VHF, plus an excellent document on safety.
Edit: 20 September

I have added the Spinlock essentials pack, the Vee shaped one to my harness belt. This lets me carry the tow rope, foil tool, phone in waterproof cover, and or, my HX40 vhf. Also I add a gel or some fluid. Once I put this on my Dakine Fly wingfoil harness belt I forget it is there. Water is getting colder and breeze is up so nice to have all of this at my side. Great addition if you do not have pockets on the impact jacket like my Ride Engine Defender, which I really like, except for no pocket, and it gets very heavy when wet. But excellent protection.
Float Plan:
I always have a float plan, it is basic seamanship. If there are two of you or a group keep in touch. Our group has a text thread, and always makes sure everyone gets back to the beach. Also we are always looking out for others who might be out that we don’t know.
Be seen:

I try and wear gear so I can be seen. Bright helmets, bright shirt, bright wing. I think it is strange that some manufactures do not offer bright orange or yellow wings. Most power and sailboats do not see us. And they sure can’t predict our movement and speed if they do.
Avoid everyone:
Keep the right of way between foilers to avoid collisions. Avoid any other water craft. I know we might have the right of way, but it is always better to jibe/tack, slowdown, to avoid any incident. Crossing is not a good move. Be smart and respectful on the water.
Lost Board Wing only Rescue:
Use the wing leech in the air while holding a handle with one hand, the other hand is on the leading edge which is in the water. This will tow you downwind faster than you can swim. We have tried this and it works well. You can change angle by switching hands side to sides on the leading edge.
This link has a great wing only video from San Francisco foiler.
https://sfba.org/index.php/safety-guides/wing-safety-guide
A couple of links from the San Francisco boardsailing group. First is a great document on how to be safe and beyond. Worth a read with all the links, plus the link below on VHF safety.
https://sfba.org/index.php/safety-guides/wing-safety-guide
Hope in some way this helps you stay safe and have fun wingfoiling.
See you soon, Paul
