Wingfoil Lessons in Chicago and West Michigan (Levels 1 & 2)

Learn to wing: Discover the joy of wingfoiling and wingsurfing along the shores of Lake Michigan. Stoke Riders’ Levels 1 & 2 lessons are designed for beginners eager to master the fundamentals of winging.

Multiple Locations: Whether you're in Chicago, Grand Rapids, or nearby cities, we offer personalized wingsurf lessons tailored to get you riding and immersed in this amazing new sport. 

Join a Community: Our lessons not only set you up for success but also introduce you to the vibrant community of riders along our coast. Joining us means more than just learning—it’s about networking into a new community with trips, local events, and exciting adventures on our freshwater coast.

We offer lessons all year round including snow wing lessons in the winter! Learn more about snow wing lessons here. 

Overview of Levels 1 & 2

At Stoke Riders, we provide professional, personalized instruction in 2-3 hour sessions spread across multiple windy days. Our certified instructors help you progress at your own pace, whether you're just starting out or building confidence with water starts.

Level 1 - Ground School

What You’ll Learn:

Level 1 begins with an introduction to the basics of wingfoiling:

• Proper setup of the wing and board.
• Understanding stance and hand placement.
• Using the wind to propel yourself forward.

When conditions aren’t ideal for water, we use alternative tools like longboards, mountain boards, or rollerblades to simulate the experience and build confidence. This stage is all about wing fundamentals and control. 

Where Ground School Takes Place

We can teach on most beaches along the coast of Lake Michigan. The wind can be fickle but it's usually blowing somewhere.  We can coordinate the best best for you and work with the wind. 

• Beaches along Lake Michigan, offering prime open spaces for beginner practice.
• Southwest Michigan locations, including beaches outside of Grand Rapids and nearby towns, like Muskegon, Grand Haven or St Joe, known for steady winds and easy accessibility.

Level 2 - Water Starts

From Knees to Standing

Learning to pop up on the board is a fundamental step and we've developed a process to get you dialed in quickly. 

What to expect from this step: 

• You'll start by kneeling on a paddleboard or inflatable wingfoil board and focus on wing control. 
• Next you'll progress to standing while maintaining balance and using the wing to hold your course while sailing. You won't be on foil yet but this is part of the process. 

Why Lake Michigan Is Ideal

Lake Michigan’s calm conditions near cities like Grand Rapids and Chicago provide the perfect environment for learning water starts. The Great Lakes are one of the best places world wide for wing sports and we're truly lucky to have so many amazing beaches with world class wingfoil conditions. 

Yes we teach wing lessons in the snow!

How Our Lessons Are Structured

Lessons run for 2-3 hours a day, scheduled over multiple windy days. The 3-hour package is ideal for beginners starting their wing journey, helping you cover Levels 1 and 2 with plenty of hands-on practice.

Ready to Start?

The key to learning is consistent practice with guidance from experienced instructors. Join us for Levels 1 & 2 lessons and start your winging adventure today. Whether you’re in Chicago, Grand Rapids, or any Lake Michigan community, we’re here to help you master the basics of wingfoil and wingsurf.

Book your 3-hour beginner package now to:

• Gain foundational winging skills.
• Connect with the vibrant winging community along Lake Michigan.
• Kickstart your journey with confidence and fun!

Looking for more advanced training? Explore our Levels 1-5 courses for a comprehensive wingfoil experience that will fast-track your skills and open the door to exciting new adventures.

Spots are limited so book now to reserve your place. 

Wind Updates

Please see the lesson information below, and sign up for our periodic wind updates via my newsletter. As an IKO-certified kiteboarding instructor, I can assure you of the most professional winging training, paired with local knowledge and top-of-the-line equipment to get you up and riding.

Gear Rental Fee/Credit

There is a $50 daily gear rental fee during the lesson if you don't own your own gear. This fee is credited back to you upon purchasing a new wing or board from our school.

Wing Gear Sale

Please email us if you are interested in purchasing winging gear. We have discounted 2021 through 2024 wings and boards ready for new homes!

Pre-Lesson Preparation

Wetsuits

If you need wetsuit gear, let us know your height, weight, waist, shoe, and glove size ahead of time. We are stocked on cold-water wetsuits, boots, gloves, hoods, and other winging accessories. Even in summer, Lake Michigan water temperatures can be cold, so it’s best to gear up with watersport-specific wetsuits.

What do I bring to the wing lesson? 

Please bring the following:

• Warm windbreakers
• Water
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• A hat
• A rashguard (if you have one)

Even in cooler temps, these items will help keep you comfortable during beach sessions before heading into the water.

Email us at info@stokeriders.com with any questions!