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The Hibiscus Coast is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier wing foiling destination, according to local foilers.
Keen foiler Nick Humphreys, owner of Underground Surf, says the region has been attracting wing foilers from around the world because it offers everything from exhilarating down-wind runs to a growing race scene.
Down-wind runs can see foilers ride their craft all the way from Ōrewa or Hatfields Beach to Army Bay, from Shakespear to Takapuna or Arkles to Shakespear.
“We are seeing a big increase in people who are coming here just to wing foil,” Nick says. “Of course they are also staying, eating, shopping and being entertained locally, bringing in more tourist dollars.”
One of the major drawcards is Whangaparāoa Peninsula’s unique shape, which captures all wind angles within a short drive.
Nick says one of the most popular spots is Manly Beach which is fantastic for beginners to experts and captures the wind in most directions.
Depending on the wind direction on a particular day, foilers may head to Tindalls Bay, Shakespear Bay or Ōrewa Beach.
“One of the most exciting forms of foiling is downwind runs where the rider can surf endless waves on the foil and glide through the ocean. Army Bay to Ōrewa, Mahurangi to Manly and Arkles Bay to Shakespear are all very popular runs with a growing community of watermen and women,” Nick says.
Another of the driving forces behind the rise of the Hibiscus Coast as a wing foiling destination is the racing organised at Manly Sailing Club by Sam Thom, a renowned figure in the wing-foiling community who has been working closely with the club to promote and develop the sport in the region.
The club has hosted wing foil races, including the NZ Wing Foil Nationals that drew competitors from as far away as Australia.
