Kiteboarding, wing foiling and eFoiling offer adventurous families a completely different way to experience Michigan’s water. Here’s what beginners should know before giving them a try.
BY KATIE VANDYKE
Looking for a new adventure for your family on the beautiful waters of the Great Lakes? Go beyond swimming and boating and experience what it’s like to ride the open water with kiteboarding, wing foiling and eFoiling.
Water sports like these were once seen as extreme, niche activities, but they’re becoming an increasingly accessible option for families who want to spend more time together on the water.
What Are Kiteboarding, Wing Foiling and eFoiling?
Wind powers both kiteboarding and wing foiling. Riders use either a kite or a handheld wing to harness the wind and ride across the water on a board.
eFoiling works differently. Riders use an electric-powered board with a hydrofoil, which lifts the board above the surface as it cruises across the water.
Each offers a different experience, which means families can choose a sport based on their ages, interests and how much time they want to devote to learning.
Which Wind Sport Is Best for My Family?
Families with teenagers who put in the time and practice required to learn kiteboarding will be rewarded with an amazing family activity that can be enjoyed for years.
Kiteboarding can be a great choice for families with access to the Great Lakes, the flexibility to get out on windy days and the desire to take on a challenging but rewarding lifelong sport.
Want a sport that’s easier for a wider range of ages? Winging and wing foiling are great options! Kids may be able to begin learning some of the fundamentals around ages 8 to 10, depending on the child, conditions, equipment and instructor. Winging requires less setup, and it works on inland lakes.
For families who want the freedom to ride without depending on the wind, eFoiling offers another option. It can be particularly appealing to someone who isn’t interested in learning to control a kite or wing but still wants to experience the sensation of flying over the water.
Do You Have to Be Athletic?
One of the best parts about these water sports is that you and your kids don’t need to be expert athletes to begin learning.
A common misconception is that people who participate in wind sports are exceptionally athletic and that regular people won’t be able to learn. In reality, these sports rely heavily on technique and a willingness to practice.
For families who want a taste of the sports before committing, using a SUP, or stand-up paddleboard, or practicing with a trainer kite can be good ways to begin. These are options we often encourage our students to practice first.
These sports are something you can grow into as you progress. Each one is a journey, and it’s important to enjoy the learning process as much as the destination.
How Can Families Learn Safely?
Learning from a qualified instructor is especially important with these sports.
Instructors can help students choose equipment appropriate for their size and skill level, understand safe and unsafe weather and water conditions, and learn essential safety techniques before heading out independently.
For families, a lesson also provides an opportunity to try a sport before investing in all the equipment needed to pursue it on their own.
Where Can Families Take Lessons in Michigan?
Here in Michigan, MACkite offers instruction in kiteboarding, foiling and eFoiling, giving families an opportunity to try different sports and figure out what fits them best.
Our instructors focus on teaching students the fundamentals they need to become more confident riders and safely enjoy their time on the water.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to spend time together as a family or simply want another way to enjoy Michigan’s incredible lakes, wind sports are worth exploring.
You don’t have to be an expert to get started. You just need to be willing to learn.
Ready to Try It?
Interested in seeing what it feels like to fly across Michigan water?
EXPLORE MICHIGAN WIND-SPORT LESSONS →
About the Author
Katie VanDyke has been teaching eFoil lessons for several years and loves helping students experience the feeling of flying over the water. She is also passionate about kiteboarding, a sport she says is unlike anything else she has tried. As a mom of two, she looks forward to introducing her own kids to these sports as they get older.
Contributor disclosure: Katie VanDyke is affiliated with MACkite, which offers the lessons referenced in this article.
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