Meet Gregorio Pugliese! In 2020, Greg's journey into wingfoiling began against the stunning backdrop of Italy's shores. As a seasoned windsurf instructor, his passion for the sport naturally flowed into his newfound love for wingfoiling. Now a vital member of the Ozone team, Greg blends his competitive spirit with a commitment to sustainability, driving forward the evolution of wingfoiling. Find out more in this exclusive interview!

It's a pleasure to meet you, Greg! We have a lot of questions for you, but let's start at the beginning. When and how did you first get into wingfoiling?

Hello! I'm happy to be here and answer your questions. In 2020, I got into wingfoiling. At the time, I was working as a windsurf instructor in my hometown, where I first started windsurfing when I was 12 years old. My goal was to switch from Slalom to Freestyle windsurfing. However, it was tough to train in my hometown because the wind was unpredictable, and high-quality wind was rare. One day, the school owner asked me if I could learn how to wingfoil so that I could teach it. I decided to try it, and I loved it from the start.

Did you get to spend a lot of time on the water growing up in Italy?

Since my first windsurfing lesson, I have fallen in love with sailing. It's something that has always felt familiar to me. Exploring the sea in such a free, silent and natural way is mind-blowing for me. I have become one of the most consistent riders at my home spot since the beginning. I love everything about windsurfing and winging, and I'm used to spending many hours out on the water to keep my skills sharp.

How does your background in windsurfing influence your approach to wingfoiling?

Everything I learned in windsurfing is crucial for my progression in wing foiling.

How do you balance the competitive aspect of wingfoiling with your personal enjoyment of the sport?

I enjoy competitions because they are a great way to learn new things and go hand in hand.

How have the past few months on the Ozone team been?

The past few months have been great. I met some of the members of the Ozone team, and we've established the foundation of our work together. The atmosphere within the company is amazing, and things are “flowing”.

What sets Ozone apart from other brands within the industry, particularly regarding product innovation?

Ozone quality is exceptional, as the materials are carefully selected and treated with sustainability in mind.

How do you envision the future of wingfoiling, and what role do you see yourself playing in its development?

The wingfoil gear market is constantly evolving, and I have some exciting ideas that I would like to introduce soon. As a rider, I aim to have fun and enjoy my passion for the sport. Additionally, I am also an innovation addict who loves to brainstorm ideas, conduct tests, and assist both current and future riders in having the best possible experience out on the water.

How does the FLOW wing perform for wave foiling versus flat water conditions?

FLOW wing is designed as a versatile freeride model that performs well in both conditions.

The FLOW is a lower-aspect design; what advantages does that bring to the table?

Lower-aspect wings have several advantages, including improved pumping comfort, increased manoeuvrability, and the ability to flip and roll during wave riding easily.

The Fusion is aimed at riders looking to go fast. How does the Flux fit into the lineup now that the Flow is here? What sort of rider should choose which wing?

The Fusion's design makes it a top-tier racing machine, boasting the best combination of angles, stability, and speed currently available on the market. The Flux, on the other hand, is an ideal wing for free riding and racing, while the Flow serves as the new go-to for freeriding, wave riding, and freestyle.

The longer front handle is a neat idea. How easy is it to ride one-handed and what other benefits does it bring?

Riding with one hand is a useful and accessible skill for wing riding. It allows the rider to make adjustments with their free hand. Additionally, having a longer front handle makes it easier to enter and exit the water using the power of the wing when needed. It also allows the rider to slide with their hand and grab the front handle more easily.

You have an Aluula kite in the Vortex. Are there any plans to use that material in the wing range?

Ozone products have already gained an exceptional stiffness/weight ratio; the ozone Dacron wings are incredibly rigid and comparable with Aluula wings due to the high-quality materials and knowledge in building.

The Flow uses Ozone’s latest Triple Ripstop Dacron and Triple Ripstop Canopy material. How tough are these, and how well can the wing withstand abuse?

The Triple Ripstop is a technologically advanced material that improves the wings. It is more durable and guarantees the rider's safety in the water, as it significantly reduces the chances of ripping and fixing costs without negatively influencing the weight and cost of the final product.

Amazing, thanks again for your time, Greg. Hopefully, we’ll catch up soon!

Thanks, Jen, see you soon!

 

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Ozone Flow | Do-it-all freeride wing
By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.

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