As I said, this is probably a dumb question, and may end up being a separate sport, but can you wing foil without the foil. Like if I jumped on my 80 litre sup and grabbed a wing in windy conditions (whatever that would be), could I cruise up and down a river/creek with small/mini waves surfing? Would you be able to turn the board? Could you do it with a board with lower volume if it was windier?

I do that all the time

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marco said..
I do that all the time

If your not taking the piss, can you please elaborate.

Yes, but staying upwind in any meaningful wind is very challenging without some sort of keel or stabilizing fins.

I've used mine on a normal SUP board with just a single 9" fin and it worked fine.. But it's a big 11' board and it was in light winds and flat water.

Upwind would likely be a bit challenging. Like wave sailing, if you have enough wind to get you on the wave it's all about the power of the wave. Definitely worth a try but you may have a better time putting a sail on the SUP if its windsurf compatible.

DC

Like this?

The related question I have is about the best options for putting fins on wing foil boards with standard track boxes, to make this work

You can definitely move around on a board without a foil but what are you aiming for? When you come from windsurfing you instantly notice the foils lift and lack of resistance in getting up and going. Windsurfing you need a harness or the massive pull in the sail will bugger your arms in no time. If you want to sail fast without a foil your wing is not going to be particularly efficient meaning you'll require even more wind in order to go fast. Don't think you can get out in 10 knots and just easily catch a couple of waves without a foil. It'll be challenging.

I frequently wavesail my Hypernut with a windsurfing rig, I'd be tempted to try it with the wing. The sail is just to get on the wave and the board is a little stiff with the sail.

I want to point out that all the pain you hear beginners talk about is from the drag of the board. When you remove the foil you remove the part where it gets easier.

The hand and wrist pain, the arm, shoulder and back strain, all that never eases. Ironically trying to make winging easier would likely make it unbearable other than in small sessions. I'm going to say other than a novelty borrowing a wing at the beach once or twice that no, the sport doesn't work well enough without a foil to justify buying a $1,000 wing. I just don't think your body could take the wear and tear long term. Hate to see someone waste time and money. The foil is the part that makes it easier eventually. A windsurfer would likely be a way better idea and more fun.