Flora Artzner, a long-time windsurfer, didn't really fall in love with the wingfoil at first sight: "Everyone had been telling me to test it for a while, but I didn't find it very beautiful on the water".

The "big crush", says the 29-year-old young woman, came once on the board, towed by an inflatable wing held by hand.

"You have a crazy feeling of freedom, the impression of flying above the water thanks to the foil".

This aluminum or carbon appendage, inspired by those used on America's Cup or Vendée Globe racing boats, raises the board and seems to make the riders levitate.

The French Flora Artzner under her "wing", April 29, 2022 in Leucate (Aude) Valentine CHAPUIS AFP

Several dozen of these very mobile fluorescent butterflies compete until Sunday in Leucate, at the foot of the Corbières massif, as part of the Mondial du vent, a benchmark water sports competition born a quarter of a century ago in this very windy region.

More accessible

Appearing just over three years ago, the wingfoil has already made a name for itself in the industry.

"Its growth is exponential, much faster than that of windsurfing and kitesurfing", notes Tom Hartmann, the head of the world circuit of the discipline (GWA).

Wingfoil race at the Mondial du vent, benchmark competition for water sports, on April 29, 2022 in Leucate (Aude) Valentine CHAPUIS AFP

The reasons for such success?

Partly "the simplicity of the equipment, light and compact", answers Nicolas Akgazciyan, windsurfing champion and owner of a school in La Franqui, near Leucate.

"With two wings, a board and a foil, the story is settled, it fits in the trunk of a Mini".

Less dangerous than kitesurfing without the sometimes complex lines to master;

easier to set up and maneuver than a windsurf board;

usable even in light winds... the wingfoil attracts an audience of neophytes (allow 2,000 euros for all entry-level equipment).

A foil allowing the wingfoil board to rise above the water, on April 29, 2022 in Leucate (Aude) Valentine CHAPUIS AFP

"I'm starting to have a real demand from people who are outside of it and who see it more and more on social networks or on TV," says Nicolas Akgazciyan.

"As it's + instagramable +, all young people get into it".

"It is still looking"

At almost 25 years old, Titouan Galea is almost a veteran on the circuit.

Coming from kitesurfing, the Caledonian became last year the very first world champion in the history of wingfoil.

"It's nice to mark the history of a sport. It will never be taken away from me", he testifies.

"It's been 20 years since there has been a revolution in water sports after kitesurfing. So it's obviously in fashion at the moment, but we don't know how long it will last".

Titouan Galea, first world champion in the history of wingfoil, on April 29, 2022 in Leucate (Aude) Valentine CHAPUIS AFP

The young discipline is currently contested on the world circuit in the form of speed races or freestyle, with tricks, but "nothing is 100% settled yet", notes Tom Hartmann.

“We change our rules every year”.

"It's still looking for itself, we'll see in which direction it will go", confirms Flora Artzner, who recently organized an event, the Roca Cup, where a "boardercross" format was proposed, inspired by snowboarding, with obstacles to cross.

“There is a big desire to do different, more advanced things,” she says.

"We are at a time in sport where everything is possible and where we can be super creative. It's incredible to experience this, like those who experienced the beginnings of windsurfing".

Frenchwoman Flora Artzner performs a figure in a wingfoil during the Mondial du vent, April 29, 2022 in Leucate Valentine CHAPUIS AFP

It was in the 1960s. She hadn't been born yet.

Neither does Instagram.

© 2022 AFP