Learn to Wing Foil
Learn To Wing Foil
There are two main spots to learn wing foiling on Oahu. The Ke’ehi lagoon beside the airport offers the flattest water and reasonable wind. Its long downwind run down with good parking and an easy shuttle back to the starting point make this the go to spot for learning. Kailua is also a good location (see Kailua Spot Guide) with a nice deep bay full of sparkling blue Oahu Ocean, with a nice beach start and good downwind run to beach. However, the bay is quite choppy, and the wind can be on the lite side, and parking for any kind of downwinder is a nightmare. After a few walks back up the beach carrying your gear, you’ll understand!
Ke’ehi Lagoon Learning Area
The Ke’ehi Lagoon offers nice flat-water conditions, but somewhat gusty wind for learning to wing foil. Its key advantage is the long flatwater downwind run and easy shuttle back to your starting spot. This reduces the time spent walking up the beach carrying your heavy learner gear. The launch from Ke’ehi Lagoon Beach Park, where you enter the water there are sharp shells and stones off the beach – use booties. The wind starts off a little gusty, but as you progress down lagoon drive, it gets stronger and more stable. Identifying the exit spot can be a little tricky, so make sure you do a reconnaissance trip first so you can see the rocks and other hazards at the exit spot before starting your downwinder. Ideally, you’ll go with a friend, and one of you will have a pickup, which you can use for the shuttle vehicle.
You can also launch from the Ke’ehi Lagoon Boat Launch Ramp Facility on sand island (bottom right corner of the picture) The water is cleaner here, the wind is better, and it’s a nice sandy entry into the water, the downside is a much longer shuttle back to your car. Once you’re up and foiling, you’ll find staying upwind in this butter smooth water at the Ke’ehi Lagoon Boat Ramp facility quite easy, and you can progress your wing foiling here without needing to do the downwind