Episode #142: Henry Vare on Wingfoiling Beyond Your Years

This week’s host, Moe Roddy, is joined by Henry Vare to chat all things wingfoiling, aka winging. Henry is a 15-year-old wingfoiler who first picked up the sport four years ago.

Hear the history of wingfoiling, how it compares to sailing, how winging works, a typical day for Henry, and the races he’s most proud of.

This episode covers everything from wingfoiling to homework. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear:

• What’s Henry’s favorite school subject?
• How did he get into wingfoiling or winging?
• Do you have to blow up the wings?
• How do you attach to wingfoils?
• What’s Henry’s typical day like?
• Does he get scared wingfoiling?
• Are older wingfoilers scared of him?
• Short Tacks: Who’s his favorite winger?

Learn more about Henry on Instagram @HNVare.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots — follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

• Henry Vare on Wingfoiling Beyond Your Years
  • [0:26] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [0:28] Moe Roddy
  • [0:47] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [1:12] Learn more about Henry on Instagram @HNVare
  • [2:04] Where was he born?
  • [2:42] What’s his favorite school subject?
  • [3:08] Was he part of a junior sailing program?
  • [3:40] COVID-19
  • [4:18] How did he get into wingfoiling or winging?
  • [6:08] What’s the history of wingfoiling?
  • [7:48] How does wingfoiling compare to kiteboarding?
  • [8:42] Do you have to blow up the wings?
  • [10:28] How big are the wings?
  • [11:22] Is there a learning curve to wingfoiling upwind?
  • [11:55] What is a start sequence?
  • [13:12] How do you attach to wingfoils?
  • [15:42] Paint your boat like a pro with Interlux! Learn more at Interlux.com
  • Wingfoil Racing
  • [17:01] Was it hard for Henry to wingfoil upwind?
  • [17:19] How old was he the first time he wingfoiled?
  • [20:43] When and where did he start surfing?
  • [21:28] What’s his typical day like?
  • [23:05] Does he get scared wingfoiling?
  • [23:40] What is the F-ONE Grom Squad?
  • [31:47] What races is Henry most proud about?
  • [33:12] How does wingfoiling in San Francisco compare to Puerto Rico?
  • [34:48] Was the wind different in Puerto Rico?
  • [35:32] How many wings and boards does Henry own?
  • [36:05] Cabrinha
  • [36:42] How many wings and boards does Henry use each time?
  • [38:54] What’s on his bucket list?
  • [39:42] Where does he see himself in five years?
  • [40:38] Is he the youngest grom out there?
  • [41:14] Are older wingfoilers scared of him?
  • [42:38] What does his schedule look like?
  • [43:35] SailGP
  • [44:21] Who are Henry’s biggest inspirations?
  • [45:26] Paint your boat like a pro with Interlux! Learn more at Interlux.com
  • Short Tacks
  • [46:24] 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
  • [46:35] Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
  • [46:48] What is Henry’s favorite food?
  • [46:58] What’s his favorite trip he’s been on?
  • [47:02] Who does he look up to the most?
  • [47:26] Who’s his favorite winger?
  • [47:54] What’s the most important sailing lesson he’s learned?
  • [48:10] Where’s his favorite place he’s ever sailed?
  • [48:25] What’s the fastest he’s wingfoiled?
  • [48:42] What does he wish Moe asked?
  • [51:24] What final thoughts does he have?
  • [52:05] Learn more about Henry on Instagram @HNVare
  • [52:32] Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • [52:41] Got a great sailing story to tell? Do so at [email protected]
  • [52:43] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [52:46] Email [email protected] to advertise on this podcast or in Latitude 38 sailing magazine
  • [52:51] Check out the May 2024 issue of Latitude 38
  • Theme Song: “Pineapple Dream” by Solxis