BACK TO COOL: get 5% off your next order!

Discover new Foil V3 Atmo range

GONG Fins for every board, every wave, every style.

Ride-back Guarantee: test your GONG Kite

Test your GONG Kite

Cart

Cart0

Your cart is empty!

It's flat around here...

Wingfoil Packs

SUP Packs

GEAR: WHICH TAIL SHAFT LENGTH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

News
Kite foil
Lowkite
Pumping
SUP foil
Surf foil
Wing

08 september 2026 0

Fine-tune your foil wheelbase with our S, M and L Tail Shafts.

When using a Tail Wing rather than a monobloc stab, you can configure the distance between the Front Wing and the Tail Wing: this is the foil wheelbase.

By changing this distance, you alter the leverage of the Tail Wing and therefore the way the foil reacts in pitch.

The principle is simple: the shorter the wheelbase, the more reactive the foil. The longer it is, the more stable and progressive the foil becomes. This adjustment directly affects the feel of the foil, whatever your discipline.

Tail Shaft Lower in size L.

A short wheelbase for greater responsiveness

By reducing the distance between the two wings, the foil reacts more quickly to rider input. It changes pitch with less movement and delivers more direct control.

A short wheelbase favors tight turns, quick changes of direction, as well as pop and repop. The foil feels more playful and free underfoot. In return, it requires greater precision to maintain a consistent pitch, particularly at high speed.

A long wheelbase for greater stability

By increasing the leverage of the Tail Wing, the foil's reactions become more progressive. Pitch stabilizes more naturally and the foil requires fewer corrections.

A long wheelbase favors smooth lines, longitudinal stability and control at high speed. The foil feels more locked in and predictable, but its reactions are less immediate and turns are generally wider.

SUP foiler: Valentin, GONG staff, on a Fner EPS Pro 8'3, Veloce HDW XL, HM77 mast, Hyper Trail stab, Carbon Tail L and Carbon Pro 7” paddle.

Does Tail Shaft length affect the effect of the Shim Tail?

Yes. The length of the Tail Shaft changes the leverage of the Tail Wing and therefore the way the foil reacts to its angle of incidence.

With a short wheelbase, the feel is more reactive and direct. With a long wheelbase, the Tail Wing has more leverage and reactions become more progressive. Tail Shaft length and Shim Tail angle should therefore always be considered together.

Surf foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, on a Scura FSP Pro, HM77 mast, Fluid V3 Atmo front wing (Team Series), Titanium Color V3 fuselage, Tail Shaft Upper M, 0° Titanium Tail Shim and Ypra Surf Carve V3 Atmo Tail Wing.

Finding the right balance

There is no single ideal length. The choice depends on the feel you are looking for:

shorten the wheelbase for greater responsiveness and agility;
lengthen it for greater stability and more progressive reactions;
choose an intermediate length to balance maneuverability, control and drive.

Skill level is not the only factor. An experienced rider may choose a longer wheelbase to maximize control, while a progressing rider may prefer a shorter, more playful foil.

Your choice should also take the entire setup into account: the Front Wing, Tail Wing and Shim Tail all contribute to the foil's final behavior.

V3 ATMO NEW