Wing foiling is young, and until recently every school taught it differently. The IWO — International Wing Organization — gives it a common curriculum and a rider card, much like IKO does for kitesurfing. Here is what the certification means and how our courses on Koh Samui fit in.
📖 3 min read · Updated September 2026 · By Sergei Sharvarok · Founder & Head Instructor
What the IWO Standard Covers
IWO certifies wing foil instructors and schools and defines the steps from the first time you hold a wing to riding upwind and turning on the foil. Your progress is recorded as you go, so another IWO school can continue from the same point.
The Learning Steps
- Wing handling on land — carrying, launching and steering the wing, understanding the wind window and safety.
- Taxiing on a big board — kneeling, then standing, riding across the wind without foiling.
- First flights — pumping the wing and board, lifting onto the foil and controlling height.
- Independent riding — staying upwind, tacks and jibes on the foil, toeside riding.
Kite Club Courses and Prices
| Course | Duration | Price | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intro Lesson | 2 h | 5,000 THB | Wing handling, board balance, safety |
| Beginner Course | 6 h (3 × 2 h) | 14,000 THB | Taxiing, first flights, the early IWO levels |
| Advanced Course | 10 h (5 × 2 h) | 20,000 THB | Upwind foiling, tacks and jibes, toeside riding |
All equipment is included. Details on the wing foil lessons page.
If you already kitesurf, you will learn wing handling fast — but foiling is its own skill. Most kiters still benefit from the beginner course rather than jumping straight to the advanced one.
Why Certification Helps
- Rental centres want proof that you can ride upwind and handle the wing in a gust before they rent you a foil.
- Your card shows the next school exactly where to continue.
- It gives your learning a clear structure, so you know what to practise between lessons.
Learning to Wing on Koh Samui
From December to April we teach at Nahai Beach: shallow, flat water and the NE then E–SE wind of 12–20 knots — excellent for the first flights. From May to October we move to Nathon Beach on the west coast, where the SW monsoon is lighter and more variable (10–18 knots), so bigger wings and boards are used.
Flat water at Nahai makes the difference in the early stage: without chop, the board stays level on take-off and your first flights last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IWO?
The International Wing Organization, which certifies wing foil instructors and schools and issues rider cards based on a common curriculum.
How much does an IWO wing foil course cost on Koh Samui?
At Kite Club: Intro Lesson 5,000 THB (2 h), Beginner Course 14,000 THB (6 h), Advanced Course 20,000 THB (10 h), equipment included.
Do I need to kitesurf before learning to wing?
No. Many of our students have never kitesurfed. Kite experience helps with wind awareness, but it is not required.
When is the best season for wing foiling on Samui?
December to April at Nahai Beach, when the wind is steadier. May to October at Nathon works too, with bigger equipment.