Paula Novotna

When and where did you start Wing Foiling? I started wingfoiling during COVID 19 quarantine back in 2020 in Union Island. Jeremie Tronet had a SUP foil with the first Duotone Echos and I felt in love. Then in autumn 2020 I got my own board from Fanatic. It was Fanatic Sky Wing 4,8 - 55 l, which was a little bit small for me to learn. But after a few hopeless sessions, I managed to get hold of it and I have never stopped. I got obsessed with this sport.

What’s your watersports history – from which side did you enter Winging? I have been a professional kitesurfer in freestyle for 10 years now. With my curiosity and so much energy I do everything. I go in waves, I jump high, and I like to kite foil too. I simply like everything. I used to do gymnastics when I was a little kid so flying in the air, rotations and flips is very natural for me.

What do you love about Wing Foiling? I love the feeling of flying above the water. The peacefulness out there. I also enjoy that wing foiling is so different from kiteboarding as we have almost no contact with the water as we are flying above it. I enjoy going to the waves and not looking for the perfect spot. You can wing in gusty spots, choppy spots and you will have a great session!  When you winging, the spots you can go to open up. I also love to see more and more wingfoilers out there. Every time I meet someone new on the water it makes me happy!

What’s your favourite conditions? I like waves, I also like a little bit of chop to get some kickers for my jumps. I don't need flat water so much as in kiteboarding.

What’s your top advice for a beginner? Keep on trying, keep on going. You will make it out there and be rocking in no time. It just needs a little bit of patience in the beginning.

Boom or handles? I personally prefer the handles. I feel more comfortable with them.