Rider of the Week: Dylan Wichmann

22. March 2020 30. December 2022

Name: Dylan Wichmann
Age: 23
Nationality: South African
Sponsors: Unifoil, Zeal Surfboards
Home spot: Muizenberg, Cape Town

What made you decide to start Wing Foiling?
I saw Kai Lenny doing airs on the waves and just had to get into it after seeing that.

What is your background?
I have surfed my whole life and then worked as a surf coach out of school and since learning to foil, I have barely surfed since.

Dylan Wichmann showing his foil in Muizenberg, Cape Town

Where and when did you make your first experiences?
In St Francis. The first time I ever tried with a friend we didn’t know what we were doing and thought it was impossible. Then we got taken by another friend behind a jetski to teach us and I’ve been hooked ever since.

What are your goals in 2020 with Wing Foiling?
Take everything I have learnt on flat water and downwinding and try apply it with a wing in the surf.

Can you describe the feeling of being on a foil? What makes this sport so unique for you?
I think it feels very similar to being towed behind a ski. Due to the fact that you are leaning against the power source. There are definitely huge differences between a ski and a wing but all the time I’ve Spend tow-foiling I think helped a lot. I just love the speeds you hit wing foiling. Just knowing you are about to breach and pushing down on your front foot as much as possible.

This sport is so new and developing very fast – what are your wishes to the industry? Where is potential to develop the wing foiling gear?
I think a lot of the gen 2 wings that will be coming out over the next few months are already a huge improvement to the ones we have all been riding, so I just want to see the progression of wings to continue at the same rate until someone develops the perfect wing.

Your favorite move?
Toe side airs feel insane. I love that feeling of floating when you nail the takeoff.

Follow Dylan Wichmann on Instagram!

Thank you for the great interview with wingfoildaily Dylan! Enjoy your time wing foiling in Cape Town. It is getting towards autumn there, but we are sure you still get some time on the water. Looking forward for some crazy action! Let´s wing it!