The first wingsail designed for sailing on ice and snow was invented by the active ice surfer Sami Turna in 1986-87, with technical assistance from Tapio Manner. The wing, originally named Skimbat by its inventor, was taken in production by Sami’s friend Carl-Magnus Fogelholm in his company Tech Center Ltd in 1988-92. Inspired by the market success, Carl-Magnus started Skywings Ltd in 1993 and at the same time made some technical improvement on the wingsail. The company later changed its name to Kitewing Sports Ltd.

Originally, the wingsail was designed mainly for sailing on ice and snow. Soon the new sport became popular also in the ski resorts, where young  snowboarders and skiers demonstrated that it was possible to even sail uphill and make huge jumps and tricks with the ultralight wing.

Wing riding started as a winter sport but now has became equally popular in the summer season, used together with a montainboard, dirtsurfer and in-line skates. The latest wing innovation created by Kitewing Sports Ltd, the Wave Warrior 75, is designed for water use.

The number of Kitewing riders has in less than 10 years been increasing rapidly and there are now dealers in more than thirty countries.

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