How long does it take to learn Wing foiling in Boracay?

Diving into a new sport is absolutely thrilling! So, before you even think about putting a cap on your practice time or worrying about expenses, let's joyfully embrace the adventure of the learning curve and all the exciting challenges that come with it! 🌟

Likle in any other learning, background is key:

Students between 15 to 45 years old with background in sailing, kiting, board riding sports, an overall good fitness condition and practicing a regular physical activity will probably master the wing control and fins board steering within 1,5 to 2,5 hours of practice.

For other students, it might take a bit longer. Let's say 3 to 7 hours to control the wing and steer the board.

First step: Master your wing control and steer your fins board!

Student mastering wing control, fins board steering and body positioning in Boracay lagoon

Step 2: experience your first flights on a hydrofoil! 🦅

Once you have master going upwind, downwind, climbing up on your board, balancing on the board, keeping a steady ride, learned to increase your speed by pumping your wing, and landed some downwind turns, you are ready to feel the thrill of flying on the hydrofoil!

For students with a profile described in part 1, you can expect your first flights between the 3rd to 5th hours of practice.

For the second category of students, you may expect to fly from the 5th to the 9th hours of practice.

At this stage, you should quickly be riding upwind already. Students who have mastered riding upwind with the wing on the fins board, naturally do it with great ease when on the foil.

Student experiencing his first flights on the foil mastering a great wing control, in Boracay lagoon.

Step 3: Intermediate riding!

Congratulations, you now can ride up on the foil on both sides! It's time to work on depowering your wing, stalling your wing, gliding without assistance on the foil, maybe catch some swell. And learn your first turns downwind, called jibe turns. a bit challenging, but what a progression to not have to come down from your board to change your direction all the time!

What do I need to bring for my wing foil sessions in Boracay?

We will provide booties, helmet, impact vest, knee pads. And of course all the wing foil gear.

We have a water fountain at the office, where you can quench a thirst at any time. Our restaurant offers delicious fruit juices, smoothie bowls, and great food!

It is recommended to have your own sunscreen, rash guard, or sun protection for your body. A hat or a cap for the land practice. A pair of sunglasses you can use in the water, generally with a head strap. Your own water bottle.

Optional: You can always bring your personal impact vest, helmet, and booties.

Tides in Boracay

What size foil mast can I ride in Boracay?

Boracay Bulabog beach is where the Easterlies trade winds blow from November until May. The beach is on a lagoon. That means it is subject to tides. Sometimes the lagoon is empty, sometimes it is full, and obviously sometimes it's in between, and the depht change according to the tides forecast. You can have a look to the tides. You can check the tides forecast here.

For beginners, we schedule our days based on the tides and levels of the students.
Complete beginners could basically practice with any type of tides on a SUP wing board.

Then, they can practice on Mid to full high tides, starting on short masts 45cm, up to 75 or 85cm masts.

For advanced riders, you have different possibilities:
If you don't want to wait for the high tides within the lagoon, you can always walk 500m in the lagoon, with your foil upside down, and cross the channel swimming/riding upwind. And then enjoy the open ocean where you can have fun in rolling waves of wind swells.

Or you can organise a boat (fees apply) to avoid the walk and be dropped directly behind the reef. And then enjoy the open ocean where you can have fun in rolling waves of wind swells.

Expert foilers ride with 75 to 95cm mast behind the reef.

It is possible to wingfoil every day in Boracay as long as the wind blows over 10 knots, and your gear and shape are adapted.

How to access the outer reef?

Experience Wingfoiling at Bulabog Beach: A Safe and Thrilling Journey

Bulabog Beach, located on the stunning Boracay Island, offers an ideal wingfoiling experience, thanks to its lagoon and protective reef. These natural features create varying water depths depending on the tides, providing opportunities for both beginners and advanced foilers to enjoy the sport in unique ways.

Like the yin and yang of nature, these tidal changes come with both challenges and rewards—but we’ve perfected ways to adapt and ensure you make the most of every session, regardless of your skill level.

For Beginners: Perfect Learning Conditions in the Lagoon

The lagoon at Bulabog Beach is the ultimate playground for new wingfoilers. During low tides, the water is as shallow as knee-deep, allowing you to:

  • Practice on a SUP board in a safe and controlled environment.

  • Easily walk back to your board for another try after a fall.

  • Anchor your feet on the sandy bottom to prevent drifting while you regain control.

As you progress, you’ll practice in slightly deeper water (knee to waist deep), where the sea is calm and flat—ideal for mastering water starts and improving your balance. Unlike open ocean conditions with waves and swells, this environment ensures a smooth learning curve. Plus, the consistent onshore winds provide added safety, gently bringing you back to shore if needed.

Intermediate Riders: Transitioning to Waves

Once you’re comfortable with your wing and board, it’s time to explore the reef channels. These natural pathways bring small, manageable waves into the lagoon, offering a gentle introduction to wave riding. You’ll learn:

  • Riding in both directions (upwind and downwind).

  • Handling toe-side and backside maneuvers.

  • Switching hands on your wing while preparing for more dynamic downwind rides.

This stage builds the skills and confidence needed for open-ocean adventures, all while staying within a safe and supportive environment.

Advanced Riders: The Open Ocean Awaits

For seasoned wingfoilers, the reef opens up the endless possibilities of the open ocean. Ride the rolling swells and feel the thrill of gliding over beautiful wind bumps.

How to Get There:

  1. Wait for high tide: Launch from the beach, ride upwind through the lagoon, and exit via one of the reef channels. At the end of your session, return through the same channels and land at your starting point.

  2. During low tide: Take a short walk (400 meters) within the lagoon with your foil upside down. Paddle out through the reef channel, then sail upwind through the channel to the open ocean. After your session, return via the channels and walk back to the beach.

  3. Boat support: For added convenience, we can arrange a boat to pick you up in the lagoon and drop you directly in deep water behind the reef. The boat will return to bring you back after your session. This service is perfect for maximizing your time on the water. Share the ride with up to 3-4 riders. Message us for rates and booking.

Whether you’re just starting or looking for the thrill of open-ocean swells, Bulabog Beach offers an exceptional wingfoiling experience tailored to your skill level. Join us to explore the lagoon, ride the reef, and master the waves—all in one incredible location.

Ready to wingfoil? Contact us today to book your session or learn more!

Satellite image of the two channels of Bulabog lagoon, Boracay island.

Satellite image of the path to the North channel of Bulabog lagoon, Boracay island.