On the shores of the Red Sea, Egypt’s wingfoil spots are worth exploring at least once in a lifetime! With ideal weather conditions for most of the year, thanks to a steady wind and warm, pleasant temperatures, do not hesitate to come and practice your favourite sport in the land of the Pharaohs! Imagine yourself sailing over a giant natural aquarium on translucent water in various shades of blue… all good reasons to indulge in the joys of wingfoiling in Egypt!
The Best Wingfoil Spots in Egypt
Near Hurghada, on the shores of the Red Sea in central Egypt, the small town of Safaga made a name for itself with windsurfers and kitesurfers in the early 2000s, and now makes way for wingfoiling, now a fully-fledged board sport. The wing spot here is defined by a turquoise colored stretch of water along a lovely white sandy beach. Sometimes flat, sometimes choppy, beginner wingfoilers and those with a taste for speed and freeride will have a great time riding safely in this huge bay. With winds between 15 and 25 knots side-to-side offshore, generally blowing between late morning and late afternoon, all levels of wingfoilers can practice, from beginner to expert, and all without risk. The ION CLUB Safaga center and its entire team will be looking after you during your wingfoil holiday. Beware of the coral along the beach, which are marked out, but rest assured the spot is not dangerous and there is also plenty of sand underfoot. Opposite Safaga beach, take the time to wingfoil to Tobia Island, a place to discover while gliding through the air a few centimetres above the water. This spot is little frequented, and is located upwind from ION CLUB Safaga. Finally, because we want you to be comfortable during your wingfoil trip in Egypt, our local partner Shams offers you a choice of two of its hotels, the Shams Prestige and the Shams Lodge, set right on the beach, just a stone’s throw from our center.
Another Egyptian gem and very close to Safaga is the magical wingfoiling spot called Soma Bay, a real-life little paradise! Just 5 km north of Safaga, plan your trip to this swell-protected stretch of beach, where you are guaranteed a flat sea and warm, transparent, shallow water, but still enough for wingfoiling. Soma Bay is a place made up of large sandbanks with no reefs or coral reefs, blown by a very steady wind (side or even side offshore, depending on where you enter the water) which is generally a little stronger than in Safaga, on smooth water even when the wind is strong… making it an absolutely safe spot for riding. However, do not neglect the tides because when the sea recedes it is impossible to ride for 2 or 3 hours.
Heading even further north and only a few kilometers from Hurghada, the wingfoil spots inside El Gouna are ideal for a family or couples holiday. With a wide choice of accommodation and the opportunity to stroll around the town’s canals, there is something for everyone! The side-shore wind blows a little less strongly than at other Egyptian spots, making it perfect for an introduction to wingfoil in complete safety. In the morning the wind is sometimes unpredictable when the clubs open, so opt for a stand-up paddle ride along the canals, or opt for a snorkeling or scuba-diving trip – you will make up for it later in the day, as the wind always arrives in the end. El Gouna is less authentic than other Egyptian wingfoil spots, but for those who like to eat out, drink and stroll, it is a lively place.
The best time for a wingfoil trip in Egypt
The best time for a wingfoil trip in Egypt is clearly from May to October, when the wind is very often present, blowing between 15 and 30 knots depending on the spot, thanks to the thermal wind which reinforces the local wind. The icing on the cake is that temperatures are warmer, both in the air and on the water. However, the months of March, April, November and December are not to be overlooked. At this time of year, the wind may be less strong and a little less constant, but the chances of sailing almost every day are still good.
For surfing, if you are looking for nice, long waves on Egyptian territory, you have come to the wrong place. This is indeed the land of flat water and freeride, but on certain spots like Safaga, there is a nice little swell of 1 to 1.50 meters off the coast of the spots, which is very pleasant to ride free fly.
What is the right level to practice wingfoil in Egypt?
Whether you are a complete beginner, just learning to jibe, or an expert in wingfoil, Egypt’s spots are made for you! Most of them offer flat water for learning to wing or for beating speed records, choppy water to jump even higher and air jibe, donkey kick or frontside 360, and even small swells off of the coast to try your hand at free flying. Given that the wind varies between 15 and 30 knots depending on the location and weather conditions, this is a good average for safe wingfoiling. However, you will need to find out which spots you will be sailing on during your wingfoil holiday, as reefs, coral reefs and sea urchins lurk underwater on many of them, and sometimes never very deep! Most of them are marked out by wing centers and hotels, but be careful.
What equipment should I choose for wingfoiling in Egypt?
What will I pack in my wing quiver for my trip to Egypt? That is the question you ask yourself before you leave! Of course, it is useful to analyze the weather forecasts and stats for the wingfoil spots you intend to ride, but depending on the month, there are things that you should not overlook.
Of course, it all depends on your weight (and level), and the most commonly used wings are generally those with a surface area between 4 and 6m², but if your wing adventure in Egypt is planned for June or September (the windiest months), opt for wings between 3 and 5 m² (3 and 4 for those under 65 kgs and 4 and 5 for those over 65 kgs). In January-February, you will need more surface area, as the wind is less likely to exceed 20 knots.
The choice of board and foil is more subjective, depending above all on your level. However, if you are a beginner, or if you are still struggling with the take-off, you will need a board with plenty of volume under your feet (at least 35-40 liters more than your body weight), so you will be more comfortable and have better balance before the big flight to happiness! Last but not least, remember to get a foil with a front wing of at least 1700-1800 cm² and a mast of between 70 and 80 cm to be at ease.
You may find that renting equipment locally is the best thing to do, so do not hesitate to ask local clubs as they are normally well equipped regarding wings, board volumes and foil sizes. Incidentally, ION CLUB Safaga provides Duotone wingfoil equipment and 24-hour guarded lockers for riders who have their own kit.
Wingfoil in Egypt, travel tips
Cleopatra’s kingdom breathes the sweetness of life, with the aim of relaxing in a magical setting where, for those who wish, a wide range of activities are available! For thrill-seekers, of course, water sports play an important role on the Red Sea: wingfoiling, kitesurfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling… as well as snorkeling and scuba diving can all be enjoyed in magical surroundings. A cruise on the Nile for a few days or a visit to Luxor (200 km from Hurghada) can also be planned to discover Oriental and Egyptian history and architecture. Or if you have time left over during your holiday, why not organize a two-day mini safari in the desert on a quad, buggy or camel, including a night of stargazing.
To get to Egypt, many airlines now offer their services several times a week. Some flights are even direct from Paris or the provinces. Hurghada airport serves Safaga, El Gouna and Soma Bay. As for Dahab, the airport of choice is Sharm el-Sheikh.
Don’t forget your passport, which must be valid for 6 months after your return date, or your French national identity card, which must be accompanied by two identical colour passport photos. You will also need a visa (available from the Egyptian consulate, online at least 7 days before departure or on site).
Windsurfing and kitesurfing in Egypt has been an institution for over twenty years… and now it is time for wingfoil! Incredible spots are waiting to be discovered and rediscovered, the Red Sea and its stunning blue and transparent waters with mountains and desert in the background will only enrich your desire to travel, and intensify your passion for wingfoil!
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