Proposer: Pearse Geaney

Seconded by: Rob Bateman, Tomasz Lotocki

Summary of members discussion

(held teams online, 25th February 2026 @19:30)

1. Executive Overview

Initially proposed at EGM 2021, this summarises the follow up meeting with members.

Wingfoiling has been active within IWA events in recent years, and presents a clear opportunity for membership growth, increased event participation, and stronger long-term sustainability.

Should this proposal be passed, formally integrating and managing is to be done in a way that strengthens both windsurfing and wingfoiling.

2. Current Position

• Wingfoil racing has been running at IWA events for the past 2–3 years.

• A 2025 IWA wingfoil result has been published.

• IWA Insurance has covered both windsurfing and wingfoiling since 2025.

• No other Irish organisation has formally incorporated wingfoiling.

3. Growth Opportunity

• Potential to increase IWA membership count.

• Wingfoil incorporation improves sustainability and overall benefit for IWA members.

• Wingfoil progression is often faster for beginners. More beginners are expected to consider joining the IWA.

• Wingfoiling is accessible to heavier riders, for less amounts of equipment than windsurfing, and could filter to more event attendees.

• Opens participation in lighter or gustier conditions.

• Can open new locations (gusty rivers, lakes, inland venues).

• Foiling in general (wing, windfoil, tow, wake, surf, SUP-foil) has brought multiple disciplines together in recent years.

4. Events & Racing Structure

Shared Events

• Running shared events does not detract from either sport.

• Expected to increase attendance at events.

• Makes better use of marginal conditions for most competitors.

• Both sports can use the same race and “race start” line.

• Adds variety and excitement to racing.

Course & Fleet Management

• Wingfoils generally get upwind easier, broadening event ease to less experienced.

• One course is simpler for Event Organisers (EOs), which can be maintained to run both sports at the same time.

• If deemed required by the EO, fin fleet can race separate to foil.

• Noted, is it important not to disinterest the fin-only racers.

• Possible considerations:

  • Wing may take a slightly different arc around gybe marks.

  • Wing may choose different lines on reaches/straights.

• Risk increases primarily with very large start lines.

• Noted that split fleets are appropriate when:

  • Youth/kids are racing.

  • Entry numbers are very large (e.g., 60–80+ competitors).

Rankings

• Windfoil and fin remain within the same class.

• Wingfoil maintains its own results category.

5. Safety & Risk Considerations

• No significant additional beach risk (e.g., equipment blowing away).

• Many wingfoilers already wear helmets and PFDs.

  • Encouraging this supports safety culture.

  • May assist from an insurance perspective.

  • Requirement to wear a helmet may deter some, but are safer and more responsible.

6. Governance & Representation

• A wingfoil representative on the IWA committee is logical and practical.

• Wingfoil representative on the IWA committee Encourages cooperation and shared ownership.

• This can be an opportunity for the IWA and IS to relink positively…shared modules.

• Mutual respect between groups should be encouraged (positive examples exist, e.g., shared events working well).

• Encourage participation across both sports — they complement each other.

7. Strategic Positioning

• Wing and windfoil provide stepping stones toward high-performance foiling classes.

• Top sailing classes now use foils — pathway potential.

Scope Considerations

• Question raised: Is wing inclusion a “slippery slope” toward kite or parawing?

• Acknowledged that some purist concerns exist about maintaining a clear identity for the IWA.

• Suggestion: keep structure simple initially, IWA incorporates wingfoil first, then may look at others.

• Focus on wind and wing, both which share clear alignment.

8. Market Trends

• Kiting participation has reduced in some areas (partly insurance-related).

• Foiling disciplines (all) are growing collectively amongst more experienced riders.

• Wing is also visually engaging and attracts public interest.

• Wingfoil performs better than traditional fin windsurfing in marginal conditions.

• Windfoil speed can attract wingfoilers into windsurfing.

• Wing is another opportunity to attract casual SUP users into wind sports, simply by using a wing on a SUP board.

9. Key tasks for IWA committee (should this proposal be adopted)

1. Formalise IWA as the home for wingfoil in Ireland.

2. Clarify any queries on race structure approach (shared course, when if necessary to split fleets ).

3. Add wing representation at committee level.

4. Establish clear safety guidance (helmet/PFD recommendation).

5. Define boundaries regarding other disciplines (kite/parawing).

10. Recommendation (Initial Phase)

• Formally recognise wingfoil within IWA structure at the 2026 AGM.

• Maintain simple integration model.

• Run shared events wherever practical.

• Preserve windsurf fin racing participation, interest and inclusivity.

• Promote safety culture (helmets/PFDs encouraged).

• Encourage crossover participation between disciplines.