A Dream Realized Through Wind and Waves

Seven years ago, I watched a kite foil regatta in Silvaplana, Switzerland, and saw a man, much older than me, preparing for the race with joy and vitality. In that moment, I glimpsed my future: staying fit, embracing freedom, and discovering the thrill of kite foiling. But as I began this journey, it was far from easy.

Starting with the wrong equipment and struggling with the wind, I faced many setbacks. Yet each challenge brought me closer to a new passion: wing foiling. This sport gave me more than I could have ever imagined—speed, joy, and, ultimately, the chance to compete.

This article is a journey of persistence, adventure, and discovery on the water. If you’re looking for inspiration to follow your passion or a sport that lets you stay active and challenged, no matter your age, dive in to read more.

Here You GO!:

Seven years ago, while watching a kite foil regatta in Silvaplana, Switzerland, I saw a man with long white hair, at least fifteen years older than me, preparing for the race. He was in great shape, wearing a tight white shirt, radiating happiness and freedom as he lifted his kite. I watched him and thought, “How wonderful it must be to kite foil at his age, to compete, stay fit, and live so joyfully.”

At that time, I only practiced kitesurfing, but that day I realized kite foiling was my future. I was fascinated by the idea of perfect upwind runs and the ability to sail even with light winds, traveling across lakes and seas. From that moment on, I began to dream of participating in a kite foil regatta.

I bought my first “race” gear, even though I didn’t yet know how to handle it. Big mistake! I struggled a lot, and it was a valuable lesson! Some friends from the lake surely remember the laughs when they saw me walking back, defeated by the wind. In the end, I decided to change course and got easier equipment, finally managing my first rides about four years ago.

Then I saw the wing foil. After some thorough research, three years ago, I made my first ride. It was love at first sight. I immediately knew it was my future: less risky, safer, and with an incredible sense of freedom. Of course, I’d lose something in terms of upwind ability, but I’d gain so much in every other aspect!

Since then, wing foiling has become my passion. I enjoyed challenging the “Emperor” of Lake Como, trying to beat him upwind, although he always outpaced me on the final stretch. But it is the beauty of being able to go to different spots that made me fall in love with this sport even more.

This year, together with Simone Baietta , we signed up for our first regattas. At Giannella "Tuscany", unfortunately, the wind wasn’t enough for us beginners. In Lake Como, Italy, I had problems too, not even managing to start due to the lack of wind. But even when you can’t compete, you learn. You learn the rules, the equipment, you compare yourself with the pros, and each step brings you a little closer to improvement. That’s one of the best aspects: the constant chance to learn.

Then came this weekend. Simone organized everything for us to participate in the amateur regatta of the Termichin in Chiavari, Italy. The trip itself was already an adventure: traveling with friends like the Emperor, Leo, and Simone, laughing together, sleeping in a group like we did as kids. Big laughs and an alarm clock at 5:30 in the morning. Breakfast, and then off we went, ready for the race.

When we arrived at the racecourse, there were about 10 knots of wind, with some lows at 8 and gusts up to 12. We had to stay in motion the whole time, without ever stalling. When the race judge gave the 5-minute countdown, I positioned myself right behind the best racer, Alberto Cocchi . I knew he would nail the angle and timing. What a thrill! Finally, with working gear, right behind a champion!

Thirty seconds before the start, Alberto lined up toward the starting line, picking up speed. I was right behind him, 10 meters away, ready to launch at full speed. GO! Tight upwind, both of us with good speed. At the first mark, he tacked quickly; I, not wanting to take any risks, gybed and went full downwind. I watched his positioning carefully, with my legs bent and the sail well-trimmed, placing myself just like him, staying focused. I could feel the others behind me, but I didn’t dare turn around because just a second’s distraction would land you in the water.

At that moment, while I was fully concentrated, I experienced incredible emotions. The speed, the competition, the gratification of being able to keep up with a true racer. Then came pure fun, that adrenaline rush you get when you’re in a race, feeling like you can reach the finish line, knowing someone might overtake you, but you can’t look back, and you just push, push, and go all out... It was the first time I truly felt the thrill of competition in wing foiling, and it was the fulfilment of a dream.

I wanted to share this experience with you because Wing Foiling is a sport that can be practiced even well into adulthood, offering emotions that other sports no longer allow me to enjoy. Long live wing foiling, long live to all the people that looks for their Joy trough sports. Special thanks for all organizers for the race events for making this dream come true. Warm regards to all and have a great day!

#Joy #Perseverance #WingFoil #AdventureSports #NeverTooLate #LifelongPassion #LakeComo