Sam Aben

Questions & Answers

What other water sports do you do and how long?

I'm kiting for almost 10 years now. Big air, wave riding, free foiling and kitefoilracing. The key word is all-round. To stay all-round is the key to fun and success.

What do you like about wing foiling?

The pure freedom in the waves is insane. The feeling of riding an endless wave is something no other discipline has given me.

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

I was training in Palma De Mallorca and a buddy of my coach had some gear there. I was really stoked to try it because of all the insane video's on Instagram. So I picked up the gear and got out there. The waves and light wind made it a bit hard but after a couple of tries I got out back and caught my first swell. The next day we had 35 knot winds and insane swell so we got out with a RIB and when riding that swell I knew this sport is gonna explode!

What is your favorite gear combination and why?

I'm in love with my F-one Rocket surf 4,6 combined with a 85mast and any Phantom wing. The 1280 is probably my favorite because it's really loose and fast. I'm using F-one Swing for the wing.

What was your favorite wing surfing session?

A 40 knots downwinder with a couple of friends from Hoek van Holland to Scheveningen. Riding some really nice swell in the back and escaping from the big rollers. Waves got so big we got back in true the harbor.

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

I believe the most important thing is to have enough wind! Flat conditions help a lot to. But don't stay in there to long get to the swell ASAP!

What is your biggest water sport achievement?

Competing at the European Championships (kitefoil racing).