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New code 'windfoiling' could return New Zealand to top of windsurfing

March 15, 2019

There is a push for wind foiling to be included in the 2024 Olympics as the new class explodes in New Zealand, bringing young athletes back to windsurfing.

With all of New Zealand's recent sailing success, the sport of windsurfing could be worried about being left in the shadows, however, a whole new discipline could be about to turn the whole scene on it's head.

As you might be able to work out, 'windfoil' sees a foil added to a traditional windsurfer, although experts assure that it's much easier than it looks, according to windsurfing legend Aaron McIntosh.

"They're teaching people to windsurf and foil within 10 hours that's phenomenal," McIntosh told 1 NEWS.

"It takes longer to teach them how to windsurf because planing and jibing is quite difficult."

Antonio Cozzolino is one of the pioneers of windfoiling in New Zealand, caught off by the rapid growth on our waters.

"For some reason, windfoiling in New Zealand has really exploded," he told 1 NEWS.

"It seems to be more than any other place in the world.

"This is fun, and it means people are doing it more. And it means people are more likely to pursue it to a high level."

Those after a glimpse of windfoiling are in luck too, with more than 30 locals taking to the water at this weekend's New Zealand windfoil championships at Manly Beach north of Auckland, 

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