For the last 10 years I have been blessed and fortunate enough to live on Maui. My eldest daughter had a classmate whose father was an integral part of the Naish operation and one day at Naish Beach introduced me to their first run of wings in 2020. I knew that this new sport had potential and jumped into it buying the first foils and wings they had in their line up. I took my first lessons from Alan Cadiz in Kahului Harbor and have been earning every bit of progression I have gained since then. Every year from September through May I continue to push my foil surfing and winging progression at renowned spots all over the island.
I have self admittedly made all the mistakes that anyone can make on their foiling journey. I tried to skip integral parts of my progression, I bought new gear thinking that it would solve my issues or make me progress faster. I bought boards that were to small and foils that were too small as well. I felt pressure from people around me about what I should be riding and it for sure cost me time and money.
I share all of this because I want to spare you the big mistakes I have made. I want to make sure you have great quality gear and start your foiling journey on a rock solid foundation. There are no shortcuts or cheats on your journey. You need to maximize your Time on Foil to build muscle memory, awareness and intuition so that you can be tuned in into the mediums of wind and water and the equipment you are riding on. The equipment you choose on a given day will determine whether you ride and improve or not. We have an assortment of boards, handheld wings, front foils, mast size and stabilizers to make sure you have the best set up for the given time of the session.
Why Lake Dillon- Foil Higher
Foiling on Lake Dillon is a badge. Lake Dillon has everything you need in a Mountain Lake foiling experience. It has the drama of the setting with the Gore Range and Ten Mile Range mountains around it. It has the size being approximately 27 miles around. You are over 9000ft above sea level. The air is thin, the water is cold, the conditions are moody, unpredictable and at times unforgiving.
It is my goal to help you maximize the most of your time on foil and cater to your foiling desires. I am here to be your coach, guide, champion, safety/support, photographer/videographer, caddie and hype man.
Planning Your First Wingfoiling Lesson in Colorado
If you’re ready to experience the fastest-growing wind-and-water sport in the Rocky Mountains, planning your first wingfoiling lesson is the ultimate way to start. Our specialty program is designed to take the guesswork, frustration, and risk out of your learning journey, allowing you to maximize your time on foil and build muscle memory under professional guidance.
Who Is Wingfoiling Instruction For?
Wingfoiling is accessible and incredibly rewarding for adventurers of all backgrounds, from ages 10 to 100! You do not need any prior windsurfing, kiteboarding, or foiling experience. Whether you are an absolute beginner looking for an exciting summer activity or an experienced waterman seeking to transition your board skills to the air, our lessons are fully tailored to your pace and comfort level.
What the Learning Experience Involves
To ensure a safe, structured, and high-progression environment, every single lesson includes premium support and expert-grade equipment:
- 1-to-1 Personalized Coaching: Direct, focused instruction from dedicated coaches who understand the nuances of mountain wind and water.
- Dedicated Boat Support: A Zodiac RIB (rigid inflatable boat) or 22-foot support pontoon accompanies you, serving as your “caddie” to transport you directly to optimal wind zones and eliminate long swims back.
- Premium Quiver & Safety Gear: Full setups tailored to your weight and wind conditions, including an assortment of handheld wings, high-stability boards, foils, stabilizers, wetsuits, helmets, leashes, and impact vests.
- Video Documentation: Footage captured during your session for in-depth analysis and sharing.
Choosing Your Best Learning Path
We offer flexible structures to match your personal adventure goals and availability at our Lake Dillon flagship location:
- Private 2-Hour Lesson ($600): A highly focused introductory session to build wing handling and initial board skills on a rock-solid foundation. Ideal for getting a taste of the sport.
- Private 4-Hour Lesson ($1,200): A comprehensive deep-dive session allowing for extensive water time, gear tuning, and transition to riding the foil.
- 3-Day Wingfoiling Intensive ($1,495 – $1,795): The gold standard for rapid, self-sufficient progression. Running Tuesday–Thursday ($1,495) or Friday–Sunday ($1,795) from 12 PM to 4 PM, this multi-day immersion covers wing mechanics, foil flight, and safety protocol with dedicated 1:1 coaching.
Not sure which program fits your skill level or schedule? Contact our team for personalized guidance, or check our 3-Day Intensive option for rapid, supported progression.
High-Altitude Training & Conditions FAQ
How does 9,000+ ft elevation affect wingfoiling?
At over 9,000 feet above sea level, Lake Dillon’s thin air means less oxygen and less dense air for your wing to catch. This changes how your wing feels compared to sea-level sessions. You will likely need slightly more aggressive input to power up, and your endurance may take a hit as your body adjusts to the altitude. Most students acclimate within one to two sessions — and our instructors account for elevation in every coaching cue.
Does the thin air make learning harder?
Not in a way that should discourage you. The learning curve on Lake Dillon is more about variable mountain wind patterns than altitude itself. Our 1:1 coaching and boat support mean you spend more time actually on the foil and less time swimming or pumping. Many students find that learning at altitude builds stronger instincts because the conditions demand attention and adaptability.
Will the cold water temperature affect my lesson?
Lake Dillon’s water temperature stays in the 50s–60s°F throughout the summer. We provide full wetsuits, booties, and impact vests as part of your lesson package. Proper thermal protection means the cold is a non-issue during active sessions. We recommend bringing an extra layer for after your session when the boat ride back can feel chilly.
What happens if the wind conditions change during my session?
This is where our boat support becomes invaluable. Your coach monitors conditions continuously and can reposition you to a better wind zone on the lake within minutes. If the wind spikes, we find a sheltered area or bring you in. If it dies, we tow you to where the breeze is working. You never fight conditions alone — your coach and boat are your mobile wind-readers.
Complete Gear & What to Bring Guide
What We Provide
- Wetsuits — Full-length thermal protection sized for all body types
- Helmets & Impact Vests — Required safety gear for every session
- Complete Foil Setup — Board, wing, mast, and stabilizer tuned to your weight and conditions
- Leashes — Board and wing leashes to prevent gear loss
- Boat Support — Zodiac RIB or 22-foot pontoon with safety equipment and coaching station
What to Bring
- Swimsuit or board shorts — To wear under your wetsuit
- Towel — For after your session
- Sun protection — Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended), sunglasses with strap, sun hat
- Water shoes or neoprene booties — Essential for rocky launch areas
- Non-cotton layers — Rash guard or quick-dry shirt for warmth and sun protection
- Snacks and water — High-altitude sessions burn energy fast; stay hydrated
- GoPro or camera — Optional, but your coach can capture action footage during the session
Recommended Attire by Conditions
- Cold water (below 60°F) / overcast: Full wetsuit + booties + rash guard layers
- Warm day / calm winds: Boardshorts under wetsuit (unzip for ventilation) + light rash guard
- Variable mountain conditions: Layer system — wetsuit with optional neoprene jacket and booties ready
Safety Protocols
Go/No-Go Weather Assessment System
Every session starts with a structured 71-point NOAA-based weather assessment. We evaluate wind speed and direction, gust spread, lightning risk, precipitation, and visibility before any gear hits the water. If conditions fall outside safe parameters, we reschedule — no exceptions.
Boat Support Safety
Every lesson is accompanied by a support vessel — either a Zodiac RIB or a 22-foot pontoon boat. Your coach operates the boat as a mobile safety platform, keeping visual contact at all times and positioning within seconds of your location. The boat carries emergency equipment, communication devices, and extra thermal protection.
Instructor-to-Student Ratio
All wingfoiling lessons are capped at a 1:1 instructor-to-student ratio. This ensures your coach’s full attention is on your positioning, equipment, and safety at all times. No split-attention coaching.
Required Safety Gear
Every student wears a PFD-rated impact vest, a helmet, and both board and wing leashes. This equipment is inspected before every session and replaced at the first sign of wear.
Lightning Safety Protocol
Lake Dillon is prone to afternoon thunderstorm development. Our protocol requires a 30-minute clearance — no gear in the water and no students on the lake for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or sound of thunder. Your coach monitors radar continuously throughout your session.
Age and Skill Requirements
Wingfoiling lessons are open to ages 10 and up. No prior foiling or wind sports experience is required. All students must be comfortable in the water and able to follow safety instructions in English. Students under 18 require a parent or guardian waiver signature.
Wingfoiling Lessons FAQ
Do I need prior foiling or windsurfing experience?
No. Our private wingfoiling lessons are designed for absolute beginners. If you can swim and are comfortable on the water, you have everything you need to start. Many of our best students had never touched a foil before their first lesson.
What is the minimum age for wingfoiling lessons?
The minimum age is 10 years old. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can sign the liability waiver and safety briefing acknowledgment.
How long does it take to learn wingfoiling?
Most students achieve their first sustained foil flight within a 2-hour private lesson. Full confidence — tacking, gybing, and riding in variable conditions — typically develops over 2 to 4 sessions. The 3-Day Intensive is designed to compress this timeline significantly.
What happens if there is no wind on the day of my lesson?
We monitor conditions closely. If the forecast shows no viable wind window, we will contact you ahead of your session to reschedule at no charge. If marginal conditions develop during your session, your coach will use the support boat to find the best available wind and adjust the lesson plan accordingly.
Can I bring my own wingfoiling gear?
Yes. If you have your own equipment, we can incorporate it into your lesson. We recommend a quick gear check with your coach before launch to ensure your setup is appropriate for the day’s conditions. We also stock a full quiver of demo gear if you want to experiment with different sizes.
How do I book a private lesson vs. the 3-day intensive?
Choose a private lesson if you want a single high-quality session to test the sport or refine specific skills. Choose the 3-Day Intensive if you are committed to becoming a self-sufficient wingfoiler in the shortest possible time. Both options are available through our booking portal below.
Is there a weight or fitness requirement?
There is no strict weight requirement, but reasonable fitness and comfort in the water are essential. Wingfoiling at 9,000 feet demands more from your cardiovascular system than sea-level sports. If you have medical concerns, consult your physician before booking. We are happy to discuss your specific situation during booking.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
We understand mountain weather and travel plans change. Contact us as early as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. Our standard cancellation policy applies — please reference your booking confirmation or contact our team for full terms.
We offer top tier foiling equipment, personalized instruction and boat support. We are aficionados, instructors and also guides. We have 2 different water crafts we use to support our patrons. The first is the zodiac. This is your coach and caddie. We will bring you out to where the wind is and can adjust if and when the conditions change. We also have options for you with wing sizes that we can inflate and deploy immediately to deal with changing conditions. If the wind gets too powerful, we can find another spot or bring you in. If the wind dies we can just as easily find another part of the lake or help you avoid the possibility of a long swim back. The second water craft is a 22 ft Pontoon that we can deploy depending on conditions and circumstances. The chief goals of our experience is to minimize the risk, exposure and consequence so we can maximize your FUN and Time On Foil! Remember that every place, every spot/body of water has its own unique conditions, variables and consequences. Lake Dillon is cold, deep and the winds are extremely variable and at times, which can be very dangerous and unpredictable. When experienced surfers check out a new spot, it is not uncommon to get support from guides, boats etc. Experienced golfers will hire caddies at new courses that know the course intimately. We want to be a resource for all winging and foiling enthusiasts in the Colorado High Country. We will provide safety, support and intimate knowledge based on years of winging on Maui and the Rocky Mountains. Inclusions: Wetsuits, helmet, leash, impact vest/or flotation, video, boat support, complete foiling set up.
