As a passionate wing foiler who spends countless hours navigating the beautiful waters of Texas, I understand the importance of safety. However, a recent decision by a Texas Parks and Wildlife manager, ruling that the US Coast Guard (USCG) sailboard exemption does not apply to wing foilers, undermines our ability to enjoy the sport freely and safely. This decision mandates that wing foilers must wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD), rather than opting for an impact vest which in addition to floatation provides adequate impact protection. Impact protection is particularly important in foiling sports.

Wing foiling is a rapidly growing sport, attracting enthusiasts for its unique blend of surfing, sailing, and kiting. Like windsurfing on a sailboard, it requires mobility and agility, both of which are significantly hindered by the bulky nature of a conventional PFD. Impact vests are specially designed for the foil sports, offering the safety of both floatation and impact protection.

According to the USCG Title 33 CFR 175.11(b), there is an existing exemption for sailboards in regard to wearing PFDs. The exemption rightly acknowledges the unique needs of windsurfers, and by extension, these should also apply to wing foilers. Both sports share similarities in terms of gear, technique, and necessary freedom of movement for participants. In particular the shared gear definition is more than just similar.  In the case of the wing foil board the rider, being leashed to both board and sail acts exactly as the pivot noted in the sailboard definition. It stands to reason that wing foilers should be granted the same exemption as windsurfers.

Like for windsurfing, enforcing the use of conventional PFDs not only diminishes the safety practices specific to wing foiling but also deters enthusiasts from pursuing their passion. This regulation needs to be reconsidered in light of the sporting requirements and personal safety needs of the wing foiling community.

We call upon Texas Parks and Wildlife to revisit this ruling and acknowledge wing foil boards do indeed meet the USCG definition of sailboard and deserve exemption just like windsurf boards. This exemption would allow wing foilers to harness the full potential of their sport with the added benefit of safety through selecting impact vests catered to their needs.

By signing this petition, you are supporting the wing foiling community's fight for practical safety measures and advocacy for our sport's unique requirements. Let's rally together to bring about this necessary change.