Dillon Newton took command of the inaugural Alta Lake Wing Slalom, leading each lap en route to victory. Fred Keitel checked in for second, narrowly besting third-placer and Whistler Sailing Association (WSA) general manager Francois Hebert.
An honourable mention goes out to Phil Hargreaves, a 14-year-old WSA member who placed fourth.
"Watching [Phil] hold his own among seasoned riders was nothing short of amazing," said a WSA spokesperson in a press release. "As he heads to Portugal with his family, we will be watching to see where his foiling and sailing journey takes him next.
"A huge shout-out to everyone who came out to ride, cheer, and help make it happen. Whether you were racing, spectating, or supporting behind the scenes—thank you! Also, special thanks to Independent Grocer for supporting this event."
14 competitors in total showed up on Saturday to navigate light, shifting winds from the southwest with precision.
The WSA unveiled ts Learn to Wing Foil program in 2024, and it’s back this season with more offerings. Whistler is quickly becoming a standout spot for wing foiling due to the unique conditions on Alta Lake. Reliable afternoon thermal winds deliver steady breezes between 12 and 16 knots per hour, ideal for beginners.
The lake’s warm freshwater, reaching up to 20°C (70°F) in summer, offers a comfortable learning environment without the challenges of tides or ocean currents and cold water. Its relatively small size keeps the water consistently flat, making sessions approachable.
Augmenting the experience is the WSA's custom-built floating barge, which serves as an on-the-water classroom and launch pad. Students practice wing handling on the barge before heading out, no shoreline treks or long boat rides needed.
This August, WSA is running Learn to Wing Foil programs designed specifically for kids and youth. Find out more here.
