Travis van Niekerk

Questions & Answers

What other water sports do you do and how long?

I was a bodyboarder but I started surfing in 2017 and I no longer bodyboard. I’ve been windsurfing and surf foiling for 2 years.

What do you like about wing foiling?

The feeling of flying and absolute silence because of the foils' 0 friction with the water. Also, the ability to do big jumps.

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

We were at the St. Francis bay river mouth (krom river) in South Africa were we met this Dutch couple who had these wings and we were interested in buying them but we’ve never tried but we took a SUP foil and they let us try the wings and I got it that afternoon.

What is your favorite gear combination and why?

Ullman 5 square meter wing because I get a lot of power out of it with my signature 39L surf foil board with straps and a signature foils albatross 175 with a 14-inch flat stabiliser so I can go fast get air.

What was your favorite wing surfing session?

I was in St. Francis bay, South Africa with a fellow foiler, Dylan Wichmann. Dylan is an exceptional foiler and wind winger and we were at the river mouth winging together and it was absolutely incredible to see what he was doing and that inspired me to try new tricks and go to new heights which I did that day and managed a few new moves. Definitely won’t forget that day.

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

The use of stronger but lighter materials in the wings.

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

Start by playing around on a stand up paddle board with the wing before moving onto the foil. This helps you to learn how to control the wing and get a feel for it.

What is your biggest water sport achievement?

I’ve placed 1st in u16 and u18 in a few local surf competitions. I don’t compete much.