Benjamin May

I started windsurfing when I was 6. At 8 years old, my father taught kitesurfing and I just started winging At 15 years old. We're living in the south of Bavaria and so I learned quite early how to foil by low wind conditions. At first, I tried foiling with kite equipment later I changed to windsurf foil race equipment before I started with a wing. Loyaltothefoil is my message. Nowadays I'm actually winging all day at my home spot Tegernsee and try to learn new tricks if it's windy.

German

Tegernsee/Walchensee

21 years old

Wing foiling since March 2020

Gear

CabrinhaJPNeilPryde

Sports

KiteSUPWindsurfWing Foil

Questions & Answers

What other water sports do you do and how long?

I started at 6 years with windsurfing. At 8, I began to go kiting and right now I am 16 years old. And of course I'm, since day one, on a SUP. Sometimes, we go to a cable and go wakeboarding as well.

What do you like about wing foiling?

The creativity on the water and the mix out of kitesurfing and windsurfing.

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

I have learned by "learning by doing". It just took me a few tries and after a while, I managed to drive. If you have experience from windsurf foiling and kitesurf foiling the step is not too big to change to a wing board.

What is your favorite gear combination and why?

The Cabrinha Cross Wing X2 because of their wide handles with a RRD 38l board because of it's agility and the Cabrinha Carbon Fusion Foil.

What was your favorite wing surfing session?

It was a stormy session at lake Ammersee where I could use my smallest gear and jump as high as I never thought this would be possible. Unfortunately, it was around 5 °C and so I had to leave the water quite early but it was super fun.

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

I think the foils are the most important part of every foiling sport because you have so much space to improve your tricks or improve your speed in races. Also, the wings will be more and more efficient. The sport is young and the equipment will get better and better. I believe you will find more and more special products in each model of the brands to cover the different directions of the sport.

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

Start in warm water conditions with a big foil at your feet and a small wing in your hands. It's easier to handle. Also start with a big board with 100-140 liters to get more stability. Look for calm water conditions. Choppy water is a nightmare for a good start in the sport.

What is your biggest water sport achievement?

Till now I didn't had the chance to compete in any Watersport but my goal is to compete in the Wingfoil world tour and also in the windsurfing world cup/IQ class. Let's see if it is possible.