Front wings - Big Air

General overview:

This new V3 range, designed by our team of engineers and hydrodynamicists led by Patrice Guénolé, offers major improvements both in glide performance and assembly mechanics. We pursued performance down to the finest details while retaining what made the GONG V2 foils the best-selling foils in the world.

Advantages of the V3 foils:

• Enhanced Glide: The redesigned shape reduces water resistance, making it easier to reach and maintain speed for an astonishing glide sensation.
• Increased Lift: The profiles of the V3 front wings provide better lift, offering greater efficiency with less effort and drag, as well as more responsiveness and precision.
• Rigidity and Stability: The new fuselage design, with its ovoid section, enhances the rigidity of the assembly by 30%, thereby improving stability even at high speeds.
• Ease of Assembly: Thanks to a self-locking interlocking system, assembling the wings and stabilizer becomes simple and fast. The fit is precise and secure, without the need for constant retightening.

What sets these foils apart:

• Effortless Glide Capability: Optimized profiles enable continuous glide with minimal energy, even in very light wind or foam.
• Optimized Performance: They offer superior efficiency in terms of lift and glide. The combination of these two parameters at their peak delivers unparalleled performance.
• Adaptability to All Practices: The V3 range is designed to adapt to a wide variety of navigation styles, from freeride to surfing, racing, downwind, surf foiling, pumping and freestyle. Each foil in the range excels in its specific domain while remaining versatile for other programs.

Why choose the GONG V3 range?

• Performance: The improvements made to the V3 foil profiles deliver measurable performance gains ranging from 12% on the Curve to 40% on the Veloce!
• Sensations: Every design detail has been crafted to optimize glide, lift, and maneuverability, offering an unparalleled navigation experience.
• Simplicity: The new assembly system allows for easy and secure adjustments, eliminating the need for retightening during a session. With fewer screws and a hassle-free assembly/disassembly process, you can focus entirely on the joy of gliding for a seamless experience.

Development Overview:

• Listening to and Learning from Riders: GONG worked closely with its team of professional riders and, most importantly, tens of thousands of GONG foil users worldwide. This collaboration helped identify areas for improvement in the V2 range, leading to a V3 that addresses real-world needs on the water.
• Testing and Continuous Improvement: Every V3 prototype was tested under varied conditions and by all types of riders to fine-tune the design of the wings, stabilizers, and fuselages.
• Design, Testing, and Digital Optimization: The V3 foils are the result of thousands of digitally tested iterations by our hydrodynamics experts and engineers. The creation of this center of excellence, made possible by our ongoing development, ensures optimization down to the finest detail.
• Inspiration from Previous Versions: The V3 retains the strengths of the world-champion V2, while introducing significant adjustments such as the transition to an ovoid fuselage, improved profiles, better fittings, and refined curves, among others.
• The World’s Largest Foil Factory: Every GONG foil is produced in our own factory. This exclusive, massive facility allows us to develop cutting-edge technologies ahead of their time.
  

Goals of the V3 Range:

• Deliver ultra-high-performance foils tailored to each discipline.
• Provide absolute tolerance and a stable, dependable feel, even in turbulence.
• Maximize lift to enable the use of smaller, more responsive, and faster surfaces.
• Simplify assembly, enhance rigidity, and reduce drag.
• Push composite rigidity and durability to the limit for superior performance.

Changes compared to V2:

• Transition from a square fuselage to an ovoid section: improved hydrodynamics, 12% drag reduction.
• Constant profile on the front wings for uniform lift.
• Streamlined design for transitions between sections (fillets), making the foil smoother. Achieved a 50% drag reduction on the lower 10 cm of the masts!

Optimization of wing profiles:

• The constant profiles from the center to the tips on the V3 allow for maximum and consistent lift, providing better control on the surface when, for instance, a tip emerges, and offering excellent low-end performance.
• The wing design has been adjusted to reduce surface turbulence, making the foil quieter and significantly more stable.
• The alignment of the planes and profiles has significantly reduced the stabilizers' surface area, consequently reducing drag.
• The new profiles rise without generating pitching at low speeds. V3 foils take off flat, making them much easier to handle, particularly during re-engagements.

Impact on performance:

• Improved stability in turns, increased rigidity for tricks and fast runs.
• Excellent low-end range and highly stable behavior in complex situations: tip-out, high-speed stalls, re-pop, turbulent water, etc.
• Reduced drag enables easier glide and sustained speed over long distances without effort. Requires 200 cm² less on the front wing.

Lightness:

• The weight of the foils has been significantly reduced (e.g., 40g less on the fuselage, 700g less on a Sirus), making transport easier and also improving responsiveness on the water.

Rigidity and durability:

• The new ovoid section of the fuselage improves rigidity by 30% compared to square versions. This ensures greater stability, especially at high speeds or during rapid transitions.
• The rounded design of the connections between flat surfaces reduces stress points, significantly increasing break resistance by 30%.
• Materials such as reinforced aluminum for the fuselage and carbon for the wings offer an excellent weight-to-rigidity ratio.

Glide and lift performance:

• Thanks to a constant profile on the front wings, lift is enhanced, allowing for a 200 cm² reduction in wing size while maintaining the same lift as a larger wing from the V2 version.
• The V3 wings are designed to minimize drag and maximize glide, a major focus of their development.
• V3 wings offer much greater tolerance, making flight easier even at low speeds. They no longer stall abruptly when approaching the surface or when a tip emerges.

For Beginners:

• X-Over V3 (small sizes only, <1000 cm²):
  Perfect for discovering kitefoiling, the small X-Over V3 offers generous lift and reassuring stability, making first flights easier. Ideal for building a strong foundation with an intuitive and forgiving wing.
• Ascent V3 (small sizes only, <1000 cm²):
  With smooth and balanced lift, the small Ascent V3 allows for rapid progression while offering enough maneuverability to develop technical skills.
• Curve V3 (small sizes):
  Its accessible and forgiving profile, combined with moderate lift, makes it an ideal wing for beginners looking to experience the first sensations of carving.

For Progression:

• Curve V3 (small sizes):
  With a good balance between maneuverability and forgiveness, the Curve V3 is ideal for exploring more technical trajectories and developing skills.
• Fluid V3 (small sizes):
  Smooth glide and increased responsiveness make it perfect for intermediate riders looking to boost their speed and precision.
• Veloce V3 (small sizes):
  With a high aspect ratio, it combines performance and control, ideal for refining technique and pushing speed limits.

For Light Wind:

• Curve V3 (small sizes):
  An excellent option for light wind, with sufficient lift and great maneuverability to enjoy leisurely sessions in gentle breezes.
• Fluid V3 (small sizes):
  With smooth glide and high tolerance, the Fluid V3 excels in low-wind conditions while allowing stylish navigation.
• Veloce V3 (small sizes):
  Designed for fast and steady gliding, this high-performing front wing is particularly effective in light wind. Alternatively, the Veloce HDW V3 (small sizes only) offers impressive glide and a high aspect ratio, making it suitable for marginal conditions to maximize apparent wind speed.

For Freeride:

• Fluid V3 (small sizes):
  With natural glide and carving ability, it provides a smooth and dynamic freeride experience.
• Curve V3 (small sizes):
  Its stability and forgiveness make it easy to handle, perfect for relaxed freeride sessions.
• Veloce V3 (small sizes):
  Its fast glide and controlled maneuverability make it ideal for experienced riders looking to maximize their enjoyment in fast freeride.

For Freestyle:

• Ypra Surf Freestyle V3 (450-680 cm²):
  Optimized for radical tricks and aerial moves, this front wing combines pop, responsiveness, and low-end tolerance. Perfect for quick transitions and technical moves.
• Fluid V3 (small sizes):
  Responsive and maneuverable, it allows smooth transitions and aerial tricks with ease.

For Big Air:

• Ypra Surf Freestyle V3 (450-550 cm²):
  Designed for extreme jumps, it offers maximum control and exceptional pop, perfect for reaching dizzying heights.
• Fluid V3 (small sizes, <550 cm²):
  A fast and responsive alternative for riders seeking a stable and maneuverable wing for big air.

For Wave Riding:

• Ypra Surf V3 (small sizes):
  The benchmark for waves, it combines speed and control for safe, precise, and fluid trajectories.
• Fluid V3 (small sizes):
  Perfect for carving and snapping in waves, it offers an excellent compromise between glide and maneuverability.
• Curve V3 (small sizes):
  Forgiving at low speeds and easy to handle, it is ideal for exploring waves and developing your style without stress.

For Racing:

• Ypra Race V3:
  The ultimate foil for competition, this ultra-fast and precise wing is perfect for maximizing performance in both upwind and downwind racing.
• Ypra Slalom V3:
  More forgiving than the Ypra Race, it combines maneuverability and speed to excel in freerace and slalom. Ideal for versatile competitors.
• Veloce V3 (small sizes):
  A more accessible option for getting started in racing while offering a good balance between speed and control.

• X-Over V3: "I learned foiling in just a few sessions, it's stable, easy, perfect."
• Curve H Carbon HM V3: "In freeride, I glide at 10 knots effortlessly, smooth carvings, pure bliss."
• Ypra Surf-Freestyle Carbon HM V3: "I land tricks on the foil like it's nothing! Everything is easier."
• Veloce H Carbon HM V3: "In big air, it accelerates for insane height."

Q: What is the difference between the V2 and V3 fuselages?
A: The main difference lies in the shape of the fuselage (square for V2, ovoid for V3), which reduces fuselage drag by 12% and improves rigidity by 30%. V3 fuselages are also lighter, and the wings provide similar lift with a surface area reduction of about 200 cm².

Q: How do I choose the size of my front wing?
A: The size of the front wing depends on your skill level, weight, and desired activity, but you should opt for a wing that is 200 cm² smaller than the V2 equivalent.

Q: What is the self-tightening interlocking system?
A: This system uses a triangular shape for the connections of the front wing and stabilizer. Once in place, the foil naturally tightens during use, eliminating the need for frequent screw adjustments. It remains easy to disassemble.

Q: Are V2 and V3 parts compatible?
A: Yes, thanks to adapter fuselages, users can upgrade their equipment without replacing everything. The price of an aluminum fuselage is €59, making the adaptation cost reasonable.

Q: Is the new ovoid fuselage more fragile than the previous square one?
A: No, on the contrary. The V3 ovoid fuselage is 30% stronger than the old square model due to better force distribution and a more robust shape.

Q: What is the difference between the V2 and V3 front wings?
A: The wings provide similar lift with about 200 cm² less surface area. The key innovation is in the glide performance. The foil glides much better and requires a smaller stabilizer, making it more playful and faster. The entire system is significantly more rigid.

Q: What are the benefits of a constant profile on a front wing?
A: A constant profile ensures consistent efficiency across the entire span of the wing. This makes flight more predictable and allows for a smaller front wing without losing lift, enhancing maneuverability and speed. The constant profile also enables a tip to exit the water without causing the foil to stall. Its overall behavior is much more stable.

• The GONG V3 foils combine performance, ease of use, and durability, making them a benchmark choice for all types of foiling activities.

• Reduced drag, improved rigidity, and lighter weight allow riders to focus on their sensations and fully enjoy every session.

• Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the V3 adapts to all aspirations, from chasing speed in downwind runs to enjoying smooth carves while surfing. Their advanced design ensures unmatched glide.

What type of foil is best for beginners?
The X-Over V3 is designed for beginners with its high lift and tolerance, making it perfect for learning safely.

What size of front wing should I choose based on my weight and skill level?
For the V3, reduce the surface area by about 200 cm² compared to the V2. Choose a larger surface for light wind and stability, and a smaller one for maneuverability and speed.

What is the impact of the aspect ratio on the foil's behavior?
A high aspect ratio promotes glide and speed (ideal for freefly and racing), while a moderate ratio offers more tolerance and a good balance between maneuverability and stability (e.g. Curve V3).

How can I optimize the foil's placement on the board?
Moving the foil slightly forward in the box increases lift, ideal for light wind. Moving it back improves stability and control at high speed.

How do I choose the stabilizer for my front wing?
Ideally, use stabilizers and front wings from the same range, but you can mix them to adjust the character of your foil (e.g. Fluid stab with Curve front wing for more glide).

What are the advantages of an elliptical vs. rectangular outline?
The elliptical outline is more maneuverable, perfect for surfing (e.g. Fluid V3), while the rectangular outline favors stability, ideal for beginners.

What size stabilizer should I use with my front wing?
Typically, match the same size (e.g. L with L), but for a more technical effect, reduce or increase the stabilizer to adjust the foil's self-stability and lift.

How do I maintain my foil to prolong its lifespan?
Rinse with fresh water after each session, regularly check the condition of screws and connections, use Tikal, and store in a dry place away from sunlight.

Which foil is best for light wind?
The Sirus V3 is optimized for light wind with exceptional lift, followed by the Veloce HDW for speed in light winds.

How do the dihedral and curvature of the wings influence the foil's behavior?
A positive dihedral (tips up) improves maneuverability; a negative dihedral (tips down) favors stability and grip in turns.

What is the stall speed and why is it important?
The stall speed is the minimum speed to maintain flight, which varies from one foil to another and depends on the rider's ability to control the foil. A low stall speed (e.g. Sirus V3) is crucial for light wind and pumping.

How do I choose a foil for surfing vs. freestyle?
The Fluid V3 is perfect for surfing with its maneuverability, while the Ypra Surf Freestyle is ideal for freestyle moves with great pop and repop.

Can I mix different front wings and stabilizers in a quiver?
Yes, you can/should mix ranges to adjust performance, but respect the program of the front wing. Pair stabilizers to modulate maneuverability, glide, or lift based on your goal.

What is the difference between standard and high aspect ratio models for freefly and racing?
A high aspect ratio provides better glide (e.g. Ypra Race V3), while a moderate ratio offers optimal tolerance (e.g. Curve V3).

What mistakes should I avoid when buying a foil?
Don't choose a foil that's too technical or sized incorrectly for your level. Opt for wings with a program suited to your goals and a stabilizer that complements the front wing.

Is it possible to repair a foil if it gets damaged or cracked?
Yes, composite foils can be repaired. Professional service is often needed for optimal repair. Our GONG Factory workshop ensures perfect maintenance.

How do I choose a foil for downwind?
Opt for a front wing with a high aspect ratio and an appropriate surface, such as the Veloce HDW or Sirus V3 for downwind with good performance in low energy.

What are the differences between the manufacturing technologies of foils?
GONG V3 foils use prepreg composites made of carbon or fiberglass, baked under very high pressure for great strength and dynamism, optimizing rigidity and weight for each range.

What foil quiver should I have for a wide range of use?
A good quiver includes a Sirus V3 front wing for light wind, a Curve V3 for freeride and waves.

What tips can help me take off more easily in light wind?
Use a front wing with a larger surface for lift (e.g. Sirus V3), move the foil forward a bit (1-2 cm) in the box, and choose a 5m² or larger wing for more traction. Most importantly: go for a Cruzader, which will change your approach to light wind.