Wingfoil Nelson is the home of foiling in the ‘Top of the South’ and represents an exciting step into the future for New Zealand’s oldest yacht club!
With pristine waters on our doorstep, reliable winds and accessible at any tide, it really is your perfect place to learn and enjoy everything this exciting new sport has to offer.
We’ve moved the lessons information here, but for the shop info and lowdown on the brands that we stock, click here: https://wingfoiling.nelsonyachtclub.org.nz
Looking to gift an experience to someone for Christmas or a birthday? We can also do gift vouchers.
Contact us on wingfoiling@nelsonyachtclub.org.nz and learn to wingfoil now!
Wing Lessons - Tasters / Private Tuition
The first step on your learn to wingfoil journey is a wing-handling lesson. You’ll learn to fly the wing on the shore, and then a standup paddle board or windsurf board. It is critical to master the wing handling before using the foil. Once competent at this level we will progress you onto a smaller board, and then a board with a foil. You can also practice on the Club SUPs on Foiling Fridays.
You can expect 1 – 5hr of this lesson format, dependant on your previous experience (Eg. windsports like windsurfing, sailing, kiting, and other watersports like SUP, surfing, wakeboarding etc…). Some previous students with windsport experience have moved onto the foiling lesson within 20 minutes of touching the wing!
- Tasters
- $99 for 90 minutes of group tuition (min 2pax)
- Private Tuition
- $125/hr or $499 for 5 hrs as a non-member
- $105/hr or $420 for 5 hrs as an NYC member
- Wind Awareness
- Wing control
- First ride on a low riding board
- Controlling speed
- Controlling direction
- Basic turns
- Self rescue techniques
First Flights - private lessons only*
Your “First Flights” lessons will teach how to handle the foil safely both on the shore and on the water, with the aim of getting those all important first flights.
Using the latest in BBTalkin bluetooth headset technology, our instructors will be able to communicate with you every step of way, regardless of the wind and distance from the coach boat. There is no easier way to learn to wingfoil!
It is important that you have a good knowledge of wing handling and board riding to move onto the foiling stage. If you are unsure of where you sit, give us a call! One of our instructors will be delighted to chat you through your progression options.
- Private Tuition
- $125/hr or $499 for 5 hrs as a non-member
- $105/hr or $420 for 5 hrs as an NYC member
*If there are two of you, you can share 2hrs between you, taking turns.
- Foil familiarisation
- Take off Balance and control
- Maintaining flights
- Controlling speed
Learn to wingfoil for rangatahi 12-16yrs
As well as the private tuition options, we run a limited programme of groups lessons for youth wingfoiling. Normally we try and schedule a beginner group and a more advanced group each term. Spaces are strictly limited, so make sure you get in quick.
The beginner group will start off on SUP / windsurf boards and small wings, normally 1-between-2, until students are competently winging around and maintaining their position in the sailing area.
First flight sessions will see the group taking it in turns on one set of equipment, with the instructor very gradually adding additional sets as students progress.
Foiling Fridays & Wingfoil Racing
During the summer, we run Foiling Fridays – a many headed beast… more details here: Foiling Fridays
As a learner, it can be a great time to come and grab a windSUP and a wing and head out to practice low-riding/taxiing around and get your wing handling sorted.
As someone who is managing sustained flights and able to hold position or make ground upwind, it can be a great place to come and practice.
With the Foil Drive Wingfoil Regatta scheduled for March 2026, we’re also hoping to ramp up the racing scene to get people frothing for the event. This will be very much entry-level and open to anyone who can make consistent gybes and foil upwind and downwind.
We also open the bar at the Club and have a social afterwards -a great way to start the weekend!
