It’s one of the most common questions from people trying wind sports in Lanzarote for the first time: should I start with wingfoil or kitesurfing? Both use the wind as their engine, but the experience, and the learning curve, are quite different.

The learning curve

Wingfoil is generally seen as more approachable at the start: there are no lines or bar to manage, you simply hold the wing in your hands, and you can let go of it at any time without risk. Kitesurfing, on the other hand, asks you to first understand how to fly the kite, with its lines and wind window, before you even step onto the board.

The gear

With wingfoil you’re working with an inflatable wing, a board fitted with a hydrofoil, and, optionally, waves to ride using the foil’s lift. Kitesurfing gear means a kite (with lines) and a twintip or directional board. It’s common for kitesurfers to pick up wingfoil as a complement, plenty of our own students do exactly that.

The feeling

There’s no real “better” here, they’re different experiences. Kitesurfing delivers more power and jumping; wingfoil gives you that sense of “flying” over the water, with more control and less physical demand per session. If you’re after something a little more relaxed but just as addictive, wingfoil usually wins.

Not sure which to pick?

You don’t need to decide before you arrive. Tell us about any previous experience (even none at all) and we’ll recommend where to start based on the day’s wind and your goals.

Learn more about our wing foil lessons in Lanzarote, or check out kitesurfing lessons too if you’d like to compare before deciding.