If you’ve ever seen someone cruising above the water with what looks like a giant inflatable batwing in their hands and thought, “What the heck is that?” — you’re not alone.
That, friends, is wing foiling — the newest wind-powered obsession that’s taking over coastlines and bays around the world.
I sat down with Ilaria and Emily from Baja Wing, the first wing-only school in La Ventana, Mexico, to talk about the sport, what makes it so rad, how it compares to kiteboarding, and why Baja is the place to learn.
So, What Is Wing Foiling?
Wing foiling combines a hand-held inflatable wing (not attached to the board or your body) with a hydrofoil board that lifts you out of the water as you gain speed. You don’t need lines, harnesses, or a kite bar — just wind, balance, and a little grit.
You can ride waves, cruise on flat water, and explore remote coastlines… all without needing a ton of gear or space. It’s part windsurfing, part kiting, part surfing — and totally its own thing.
🎧 Want the Full Breakdown?
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: Wing Foiling in Baja with Baja Wing →
Why Wing Foiling Is Great for Beginners
One of the coolest things about wing foiling? You can start learning in just a few days.
Emily and Ilaria break it down like this:
- Kiteboarding often takes 10–15 hours of instruction before you can ride safely on your own.
- Check out to our podcast on Kiteboarding lessons in La Ventana.
- With winging, most people can start practicing solo after just 4–6 hours of lessons.
- It’s less intimidating, more forgiving, and you can let go of the wing to de-power instantly if things go sideways.
Ilaria, a longtime kite and windsurf instructor, says winging is “way more free.” You’re not tied in, and you can actually drop the wing mid-ride and surf the wave, then pick it back up to return to the lineup. Pretty rad, right?
From Wing to Foil: How the Lessons Work
Baja Wing’s teaching approach focuses on mastering the wing first, then progressing to the foil.
You’ll start on the beach or flatwater learning how to:
- Handle and control the wing
- Get up on a board
- Change direction and steer with the wind
Once you’re comfortable, they’ll introduce foil-specific training — either by using an eFoil, foil drive, or tow foiling behind a jet ski. These tools teach you how to shift your weight, control lift, and find balance before combining everything on your own.
Pro tip: If you learn to foil first (or take a few eFoil lessons at home), you’ll likely progress much faster when you get to Baja.
Why La Ventana is a Wing Foil Paradise
There’s a reason La Ventana has become a wind sport mecca. Actually, there are lots of reasons:
- Consistent winter wind (Nov–March)
- Side-shore breeze that blows you back to the beach, not out to sea
- A huge bay with flat water up north and waves down south
- No mega resorts or private beaches — it’s still a small, laid-back town with open coastline
- Welcoming, global community of kiters, wingers, and outdoor lovers
As Ilaria puts it, “It’s just safe. And it has everything.” Whether you’re learning or leveling up, you’ll find the right conditions somewhere in the bay.
📆 How Long Should You Stay to Learn?
According to the Baja Wing team, 2 weeks is the ideal amount of time to:
- Take 6–10 hours of instruction
- Get plenty of independent practice time
- Have a few no-wind rest days (they happen)
- Progress at your own pace without pressure
Lessons are typically 1.5 to 2 hours at a time, and students often rent gear or join downwinders on their off days.
🚐 Why Baja Wing is Different
Baja Wing is fully mobile — meaning they’ll meet you at the best beach for the day’s wind, wave, and your skill level. From mellow La Tuna Beach to rockier downwinder zones, they tailor every lesson to where you’ll progress fastest.
They also offer:
- Full 7-day wing camps with lodging, meals, daily sessions, yoga, ice baths & more
- 3-day local camps for Baja regulars who want focused coaching without accommodations
- A strong focus on gear handling, safety, and sustainable growth
Plus, they’re just two super rad humans building a sport they genuinely love.
Why You Should Take Lessons
Wing foiling may look easy, but there’s plenty that can go wrong if you skip instruction — from damaging expensive gear to injuring yourself on a foil. Lessons teach you:
- How to safely carry, launch, and handle your wing & foil
- What to do if you fall (or fall on your foil 😬)
- How to enter and exit the water without damaging your gear
- Reef and beach safety basics
Taking lessons early builds the foundation you’ll need to fly confidently — and saves you a ton of frustration (and $$) in the long run.
Want the Full Wing Life?
Book a Baja Wing Camp through TripOutside to fully immerse in the experience.
- Daily coaching with certified instructors
- All gear included
- Accommodations & local meals
- Yoga, ice baths, surf theory, and more
🎟️ Check availability and book your Baja Wing experience →
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