Standup Journal caught up with Mary Rose Kissinger of Oregon in between multiple trips to La Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico. This 16-year-old wing phenom is driving the sport’s acceleration into 4th and 5th gears as her enthusiasm inflames her peers around her and adults within her sphere. Wingfoiling is both new and here to stay. Higher and higher numbers of athletes, recreational users and pros are taking to wingfoiling (or “winging”) as a whole new way to connect with the water. Calm days, windy days, waves and island chain crossings are all becoming the norm for this enthusiastic tribe of watersports men and women being reborn on the wing.

Standup Journal: What have you seen in terms of growth in the sport of wingfoiling? Who are all the new users (people new to wind sports vs. crossover from kiting or windsurfing)?

Mary Rose Kissinger: Wing foiling is no longer the next big thing because it is the big thing! I have seen each beach where I ride become more and more covered with wings. It hasn’t been an overnight switch to winging here in Oregon, but the difference in the number of people at the start of each season versus the end of the previous is mind-blowing. Everyone wants to wing; people completely new to the wind world and people who have been in it for years. I've seen many old-time windsurfers who refused to kite start winging and now they love it! Along with that, I have also seen many people completely new to watersports learn to wing. Winging does not require the commitment it takes to learn to windsurf but is more user-friendly than kiting. If someone is afraid of kiting, then winging can be their sport. That is why I think winging is such a perfect sport for women. Already I have seen a good number of women loving the sport. We all want to wing!

SUJ: What was your background in wind sports and foiling prior to winging? Do you see the wing replacing those other wind sports, if any?

Mary Rose: In 2017 I decided I wanted to learn to kite. I was thirteen when my mom taught me. I spent time having fun with the freeride side of kiting. But then I got on a strapless surfboard and that is what hooked me. I love the feeling of the surfboard and the challenge of learning all aspects of strapless riding. In February of 2020, my friend Chris Macdonald taught me to kite foil. But when I learned to wing during the summer of 2020, it replaced it all. Winging is not only a super amazing and fun sport, but I also love learning new things. Winging gives me endless possibilities of new things to do and learn on the water. Winging has taken all my time for almost a year now, although I have started coming full circle, wanting to do all my sports again.

SUJ: What are the barriers to entry for new users?

Mary Rose: While each person may have different constraints on their physical capabilities and experience, you can always work around them. For example, people with knee issues are using knee pads. A big issue for most people is the gear. The sport of wingfoiling became popular fast and equipment is in such demand that retailers and manufacturers can’t keep up. There are ways around that as well, like taking lessons, renting gear, or buying used. Where people see barriers to winging, you just have to think about ways to work around it and eventually it will all work out. Winging has given more opportunities to experience the water to a wider range of people. I truly believe everyone can wing.

SUJ: What size wing do you typically ride and what size wings do you think will be most popular in the market?

Mary Rose: For wing size, I would probably say the 4.2-meter F-ONE wing is my most-used wing for the last few months in La Ventana, Mexico. Similar to other wind sports, there are different size wings for different conditions. I have four sizes, 2.8 through 5.0. Those wings seem to be what most people living in windy areas have in their quiver. Each wing has a large range of wind capability. There is not one wing that does it all; different locations and conditions call for different equipment. I love my F-ONE wings and use them all.

SUJ: Is this a light wind sport, high wind sport, or both?

Mary Rose: Wingfoiling can be done in all types of wind. As long as you can get up on foil, you are all set. I love winging in different conditions. High wind gives me the opportunity for jumping. Wave riding is a more intense session. Otherwise, in a light wind session I get to try new things and find it more relaxing, while still having a blast on the water. With wing foiling you can make all different kinds of winds work. There are always more ways to have fun on the water!