Mary Rose Kissinger

Questions & Answers

What other water sports do you do and how long?

The start of my love for water sports came from SUP. I was on the hood river JET race team. I starting in 2015 with the race team. I then learned to kiteboard in 2017 and spent most of that time on a strapless surfboard. Then in 2020 I learned to kite foil and really loved it.

What do you like about wing foiling?

I really like the simplicity of winging. All you gear is in an arms reach of you gives a much safer and more free feeling while riding. I also love the feeling of riding waves with winging.

How did you learn and how long did it take you to wing foil?

My friends/riding partners the MacD’s taught me to wing the summer of 2020 in Hood River Oregon. I was able to pick up the sports pretty quick, and by the end of my first day I was able to ride and stay up wind.

What is your favorite gear combination and why?

I love the F-one 1080 phantom with a 85cm carbon mast, with a 45L Rideengine Escape Pod with straps. For wings I ride the F-one swings.

What was your favorite wing surfing session?

In La Ventana we get “El Nortes” which is strong winds and big swell. I don’t have one specific session but I love riding to find wave breaks in our bay during El Nortes.

What do you want or believe will significantly improve the wing foiling gear?

The gear is so good already, but with the sport so young I’m sure will will be seeing progress in all of different areas of the winging.

What tips or recommendations do you have for anyone who wants to start?

Just go do it! Winging is very much a trial and error sport. So get on the water and try it.

What is your biggest water sport achievement?

My biggest water sport achievement is my wins in SUP races. I mainly completed in the Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge and the La Ventana Classical.