GEAR: WHICH INFLATABLE BOARD SHOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR LOWKITE?

Choosing the right inflatable board for lowkite.

Lowkite is a different way to approach foiling. First at takeoff, with less pull than a wing, requiring more finesse in kite control and one absolute priority: generating speed to lift off as early as possible. Then in freefly mode, where maneuverability and forgiveness on touchdowns are key.

In this discipline, a high-quality inflatable board—light and stiff—can perform just as well as a traditional fiberglass or carbon board.

But not all shapes serve the same purpose. Some are designed for easy learning, others to maximize early takeoff in light wind, and others for versatility or performance.

Here are our recommendations 👇

Understanding lowkite: it’s all about glide

Glide is essential: you need a shape that releases easily from the water, as arm-and-leg pumping is more technical than in wing foiling. The goal is a board that can accelerate on its own.

You also want a shape that doesn’t penalize touchdowns. Being able to keep gliding despite contact with the water is a real advantage in lowkite. Rounded, forgiving front rails smooth out imperfect lines, while the new semi-rigid tails on our HIPE boards ensure a clean and quick release from the water on contact.

But glide isn’t everything, especially when you’re starting out, where comfort and stability will make your progression much easier. So let’s start with the best inflatable boards for beginners.

Apprendre le lowkite : stabilité, tolérance et simplicité

Getting into lowkite requires some adaptation, even for experienced wing foilers. You need to handle subtler traction, find the right timing to lift off, and get used to riding with less support.

At this stage, the goal is simple: make things easy for yourself. Here are 3 recommendations:

• HIPE Learn
  The most accessible option to discover the discipline. Its generous volume, stability, and natural glide help you find your footing without stress. It provides comfort, time to understand the basics, and makes your first successes much easier.

It’s also the only board in the range that allows you to mount a centerboard instead of a foil, so you can get used to handling the lowkite before foiling. Perfect for step-by-step progression, for the whole family, in both lowkite and wing.

• HIPE First
  With its compact and ultra-stable shape, it’s another great option for learning. Very light, simple, and intuitive, it helps you achieve your first flights and transitions without constraints. Ideal for strapless, occasional, or family use.

• HIPE Like
  More glide-oriented, it greatly facilitates takeoff by reducing the need for pumping. It allows for fast progression while remaining very accessible, especially in light conditions. A great choice for stress-free strapless riding on less consistent spots.
  

Lowkite performance: glide, maneuverability, and versatility

• HIPE Cruzader: flying in the lightest wind

Once you’ve mastered the basics, some riders aim to push into ultra-light conditions.

The HIPE Cruzader is built for that. Its narrow outline generates a lot of speed before takeoff, allowing for very early lift.

It’s a weapon for lowkite in light wind. It requires a bit more precision than a Like or Learn, but it unlocks sessions where other boards stay stuck to the water.

Foiler: Mathieu, GONG team rider, on the HIPE Cruzader and Neutra V2 lowkite.

• HIPE Diamond: the queen of versatility

The HIPE Diamond offers a very natural balance of glide, accessibility, and maneuverability.

Its mid-length shape allows early takeoff while maintaining excellent versatility. It performs just as well in lowkite as in wing foil, in freeride or wave riding.

An easy, all-around board that adapts to many conditions without compromise.

• HIPE Perf: progress without changing boards

The HIPE Perf remains a benchmark for progression. Accessible for beginners in the right size, it then evolves into a true performance board. In lowkite, it offers an excellent balance of glide, stability, and maneuverability.

The logical choice if you want a board that will stay with you long-term.

• HIPE Freefly & Pro: pushing further

Some boards are designed for more specialized uses.

• HIPE Freefly focuses on strapless riding, offering a very free, surf-oriented feel with strong sensations.

• HIPE Pro, more radical, targets pure performance with increased responsiveness and control, for pushing hard, for example in freestyle with a Droid lowkite.

These boards require a good level and a clearly defined program.

Foiler : Patrice, boss and shaper GONG, en HIPE Freefly et lowkite Neutra V2.

How to choose?

The right choice depends above all on your level and your goals:

• Just getting into lowkite or want easy progression: HIPE Learn, First, or Like

• Want to maximize sessions in light wind: HIPE Cruzader

• Looking for versatility: HIPE Diamond or Perf

• Want a strapless surf-oriented board: HIPE Freefly

• Advanced level with a committed program: HIPE Pro

In lowkite, even more than elsewhere, everything starts with glide. It’s what triggers lift-off, simplifies the ride, and guarantees great sessions on the water.

Choose the right board, and it becomes a true accelerator, for both progression and pure enjoyment.