Melissa Her
Questions & Answers
What other water sports do you do and how long?
I Surf/SUP for several years, Surf foil and Wakefoil for 2-3 years, and the last one the Wingfoil for a year now. If I'm not at work I try to be in the water as often as possible.
What do you like about wing foiling?
The feeling of flight, mega smooth glide and speed. We often sail with others or just with my girlfriend and often people tell us that I look like a ballerina dancing on the water. No friction, no noise and ultra smooth curves.
How did you learn and how long did it take you to wing foil?
You have to have good gear to progress quickly. I had the chance to have good advice and to try a lot of different gears. In few sessions, you can make simple round trips. The maneuvers are a little more complicated to work. You have to go there often to progress quickly!
What is your favorite gear combination and why?
My everyday gear is a 5m2 Wing, for home winds (15-20 nds), it's perfect, and a 4'11 board of 65L. Waterstart simple and easy in the waves. Magic Combo!
What was your favorite wing surfing session?
The best is in the sun of course with transparent water. Otherwise, the sessions in the waves are really great.
What do you want or believe will significantly improve the wing foiling gear?
Wingfoil videos are starting to get crazy on the net. We always have the impression of being at the innovation summit but every year there are new things. It would be a good evolution if more girls were to Wingfoil.
What tips or recommendations do you have for anyone who wants to start?
Outside everyone thinks it's a difficult sport but with perseverance and courage everything can be learned. I think that to easily start Wingfoil, you have to cut the practice in two. - Learn to fly your Wing on sand - If possible learn the foil by towing behind a boat.
What is your biggest water sport achievement?
For having started foil, I've really become addicted to it. Although the beginnings were not easy, the learning is long but the fun is guaranteed.