David Hoppensack

Questions & Answers

What other water sports do you do and how long?

Windsurfing for 32 years, Wakeboarding 24 years, Surfing for 20 years, and Kitesurfing for 15 years.

What do you like about wing foiling?

It is just a merge of everything. It is so intuitive, smooth and accessible for so many people. And you can have fun in conditions you wouldn't go out kitesurfing or windsurfing.

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

I tried it the first time in Tarifa. It took me 10 minutes to get going. Wobbly, but I was flying right away. But I believe it was only this quick because of my windsurf background and my foil experience with kitesurfing, windsurf, and wake surf.

What is your favorite gear combination and why?

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'4 (95l), Foil: Fanatic Aero High Aspect 1750, and Wing: Duotone Echo 6m (light wind), 4m (strong wind)

What was your favorite wing surfing session?

Above 50 knots with my Echo 3.3 crusing the waves of Lake Urner between the Swiss alps.

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

In Switzerland in the end everything increases the low end for wing foiling. Boards: new materials for weight reduction. Wings: aerodynamic optimisation of wing surface in relation to wingspan. Foils: development in material and aerodynamics as well to have hybrid solutions: foils which are planning early, turn easily, and can handle higher speeds all at the same time.

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

Just go for it. If you have no kite or windsurf background and the situation in the water overwhelms you - pick up a skateboard and get a feel for handling the wing first. As soon as you have that figured out you are good to go. And don't try sailing kneeling down, stand upright away - much easier!

What is your biggest water sport achievement?

I don't compete - so just personal achievements like kitesurfing 7-8m swell and SUP Surfing 3-4m swell.