In the past few years, the watersports world has witnessed the birth of wing foiling. In recognition of the sport’s subsequent growth, a consortium of watersports manufacturers has launched the Global Wingsports Association (GWA). The founding members of the GWA are Airush, Cabrinha, Duotone, Fanatic, F-One, Manera, North, Ocean Rodeo, and Slingshot.
Also known as wing surfing or wing boarding, wing foiling has attracted a huge number of fans, participants, and enthusiasts in a short time because of its accessibility, ease of use, and steep learning curve. It’s now one of the fastest-growing watersports segments in the world, according to Surfer Today.
The GWA, the world’s first international organization exclusively focused on wing sports, aims to provide one hub for all wing-related matters. The consortium will represent brands and companies, competitive and recreational athletes, and also plans to increase the sport’s visibility globally.
“The new sport of wing foiling/wing surfing sports have witnessed a sudden increase in popularity and a steep rise in numbers of people practicing it,” explains Jörgen Vogt, secretary-general of the GWA.
“The increased request for an official body pushed us to create a platform for athletes and brands to build a prosperous and sustainable future for recreational as well as professional wing sports worldwide.”
The newly-established GWA wants to ensure the sustainable growth of the sport, both in terms of industry development and access to beaches and waterways, and to enable water sports enthusiasts to practice this new sport in the safest possible way. GWA will develop guidelines, information, and infrastructure in cooperation with national federations, schools and equipment manufacturers.
Another primary goal of the GWA is to develop an international competition format for the multiple wing foiling disciplines, including freestyle, surfing, open ocean surfing, and racing/speed.
Taking advantage of the years of experience and knowledge in product development and manufacturing provided by its founder members, the GWA will deliver a solid platform for the future of wing sports, according to Surfer Today.