How to Go Faster Wingfoiling
Simple, proven tips from the VAYU team to help everyday riders unlock the addictive feeling of going faster on a wingfoil.
Everyone wants to go faster. You do not need to be racing or chasing GPS records. Speed just feels good. It is that quiet hum when everything lines up: your wing is loaded perfectly, the foil locked in, and you are flying without fighting it.
We asked our pro riders what really makes the difference when you want to step things up. From wing trim to stance tweaks, here are the small details that separate a 20 knot cruise from a 28 knot grin.
1. Start with your wing
Most riders overlook this part, but the wing is the engine.
You want something light, stable, and stiff enough to hold its shape when fully powered. A wing that deforms under load will always feel unstable at speed.
Our team riders spend a lot of time tuning their wings for balance and control. A wing like the Aura X V3, with its single skin full ALUULA airframe, feels crisp and efficient when powered. It stays quiet and steady while accelerating.
For riders chasing even higher performance, the dual skin X-Race has become the go to. The twin surface design creates a cleaner airfoil and noticeably better VMG (velocity made good). That means you can point higher upwind and run deeper downwind without losing control.
You do not need to be racing to feel the difference. A few solid speed runs and you will get it.
2. Smaller foil, less drag
If you are serious about going faster, you will eventually size down. Most speed riders use front wings under 1000 cm², typically between 700 and 900 cm² (pro racers will go for 500 cm²). Smaller wings create less lift and drag but are also less forgiving, so step down gradually.
Pick a clean and efficient foil profile rather than one made for early lift. You will gain glide and top end stability.
3. Long mast, steady fuse
At 25 knots and above, stability is everything. A 95 cm mast keeps the foil locked in, while a longer fuselage between 65 and 75 cm helps smooth out pitch changes.
Short setups feel lively and fun in light wind but get sketchy fast when things get serious.
4. Mast position
Move the foil slightly back in the tracks as you get faster. The extra lift you love at 15 knots turns into too much at 25. Flatten the trim. Think glide, not climb.
5. Shims actually matter
Tiny adjustments make big differences.
Equal pressure on both legs means stability.
Too much lift? Reduce the tail angle.
Nose diving? Add a bit of positive shim.
It is a small job, but once the balance is right, everything else gets easier.
6. Stance and grip
Go wide. Bend your knees. Keep the wing low.
The fastest riders almost sit into their speed runs, loading the foil evenly and keeping the wing just above the surface.
It is not about strength. It is about staying compact and balanced while the foil does the work.
7. Trim the power
Slide your hands a few centimetres back on the boom or handles to drive power forward.
Avoid pulling hard on the back hand. Build pressure slowly, then ease it downwind.
You will accelerate smoother and keep the foil settled instead of twitchy.
8. Read the water
Flat water is free speed.
If you see small chop coming, push the board down early. The bump gives lift.
When it flattens, ease off and let it run.
At 25 knots and above, those micro adjustments are the difference between flow and wipeout.
9. Keep it clean
A slightly sanded foil surface (800 to 2000 grit, always in the direction of water flow) helps reduce drag and makes the ride calmer at speed.
Clean everything after. Even small smudges affect water flow once you are above 25 knots.
10. Harness (maybe)
Most riders hook in upwind and unhook for speed runs.
Crashing at 30 knots with a harness is not ideal.
Do what feels comfortable. The goal is control, not courage.
Final thoughts
Going faster is not about chasing numbers. It is about finding rhythm.
When your foil, wing, and stance click together, speed feels effortless. Build it slowly, stay loose, and trust the gear.
That smooth, weightless hum you hear? That is the sound of progress.