True Wind vs. Apparent Wind

Creating Your Own Wind

Once you stand up and foil, the wind feels stronger in your face. This is apparent wind—the combination of the actual weather wind and the wind you create by moving. It's the reason wing foilers can sail faster than the true wind speed.

Understanding this concept transforms how you adjust wing angle, choose gear, and ride tactically.

The Formula

Three components define what you feel on the water:

• True wind: What you feel standing on the beach. This is the weather.
• Induced wind: The wind you create by moving forward. Like the breeze on your face when riding a bike on a calm day.
• Apparent wind: The combination of both. This is what hits your wing and body while foiling.

The Wind Triangle

The relationship between these three wind vectors creates a triangle. As you speed up, the apparent wind shifts forward and increases in strength.

Why It Matters

As you speed up, the apparent wind shifts forward in angle and increases in strength. This has immediate practical consequences:

• Wing angle adjustment: You must pull the wing in tighter (sheet in) to keep flying efficiently.
• Drag management: If you keep the wing open like a parachute, you create massive drag and slow down.
• Gear selection: A 5m wing in 15 knots true wind feels like a 3m once you're at speed.

The Accelerator Effect

This physics concept creates a positive feedback loop:

1. You speed up (by pumping or catching a wave)
2. Speed increases induced wind
3. Apparent wind increases
4. More power hits your wing
5. You accelerate further

This is why foiling is so efficient. Once you're flying, the system becomes self-sustaining. It's also why beginners struggle—they can't break into the loop.

Summary

Don't just stand there. Pump the board to generate speed. Speed creates apparent wind. Apparent wind keeps you flying. Understanding this relationship lets you choose the right wing size, adjust your angle dynamically, and ride more efficiently in any conditions.