Wing foil stabs - Freestyle

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.

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.

Stabs Perf GONG V3 range

All the stabilisers you need to progress quickly and easily to a very high level in all foil sports. These prepreg fibreglass tailswings are strong, durable and economical. Their design benefits from the latest innovations to help you progress and have fun. For example, they take off without pitching up: these foils go up ‘flat’ in absolute comfort.

• X-Over V3 stab: Ideal for beginners and progression, offering great stability and increased forgiveness, perfect for the first few months of foiling with an absolutely intuitive front/rear foot balance. Shaft Size: Extra Long.
• Ascent V3 Stab: Designed for progressing riders, very versatile, providing comfortable stability with good manoeuvrability, for confident progression to a very good level. Shaft Size: Long.
• Curve H FG V3 Stab: The perfect balance between curves, moves and freeride, this stabiliser combines lift and manoeuvrability, perfect for tightening up curves and maintaining optimum take-off. Shaft Size: Short.
• Fluid H FG V3 Stab: Offering a dynamic and fluid glide, it offers power at low speed with a strong acceleration capacity to reach a high rhythm, perfect for committed surfing and freeriding. Shaft Size: Medium.
• Trail V3 Stab: Designed for pumping progression, it provides a big lift, excellent performance and really reassuring stability: perfect for pumping beginners who want a stab that lasts. Shaft Size: Medium.

Team GONG V3 Stab Range

Easy stabs that take you to the highest level. A combination of very high performance and comfort, this range is used by the pros and is completely accessible to experienced riders. These prepreg carbon fibre tail wings are lightweight, durable and extremely stiff.

• Curve H V3 Stab: The perfect balance between curves, moves and freeride, this stabiliser combines lift and manoeuvrability, perfect for tightening up curves and maintaining optimum take-off. Shaft Size: Short.
• Fluid H V3 Stab: Offering a dynamic and fluid glide, it offers power at low speed with a strong acceleration capacity to reach a high rhythm, perfect for committed surfing and freeriding. Shaft Size: Medium.
• Veloce H V3 Stab: Designed for gliding at speed, it's ideal for freeflying. This stab makes the foil discreet, offering smoothness, consistency and stability, with long, effortless actions. Shaft Size: Long.
• Shafts V3 to tail wings: These three fuselage extensions allow you to mount virtually all types of screw-in tail wings available at retail on a V3 fuselage, including the GONG range coming in 2025. Test all your desires on our V3 foils. Shaft Sizes: Long / Medium / Short.

GONG V3 Team Pro Stabs Range

These stabs are designed for record-breaking performance, without compromise. It's not about simplicity, it's about absolute efficiency. Enter a world of exception with the Team Pro range. These prepreg carbon fibre stabilisers are lightweight, durable and extremely rigid.

• Ypra Surf V3 Stab: Designed for powerful, committed surfing, it ensures stable control at high speed with maximum manoeuvrability, perfect for fast or hollow waves. Shaft Size: Short.
• Ypra Surf Freestyle V3 Stab: Ideal for the freestyle surf mix, it combines exceptional pop and maximum responsiveness, while maintaining glide. Perfect for mixing radical moves with aerial surfing. Shaft Size: Extra Short.
• Ypra Freestyle V3 Stab: Designed for radical freestyle performance, this stabilizer combines manoeuvrability and mind-blowing pop for committed tricks and phenomenal repop. Shaft Size: Extra Extra Short.
• Ypra Slalom V3 Stab: Slalom version of the Race model, compatible with the V3 system, ideal for World Cup slalom and freerace with the ultimate combination of speed, forgiveness and manoeuvrability. Shaft Size: Short.
• Ypra Race V3 Stab: Optimised for racing, with reduced drag and maximum efficiency in competition, ideal for top performance in races with strong upwinds and downwinds. Specific small-diameter fuselage, stabs and mast. Shaft Size: Short.
• Ultra Trail V3 Stab: Designed for very high performance pumping, offering ultimate glide and maximum efficiency for experienced foilers looking for absolute pumping efficiency.

Le choix d’un quiver de foils dépend de plusieurs facteurs, notamment votre niveau, votre style de pratique, les conditions de vent et les spécificités de votre région de navigation. Voici des exemples de recommandations adaptées à différentes zones géographiques :

1. Méditerranée (France, Espagne, Italie) :

La Méditerranée est caractérisée par des vents légers, entrecoupés de périodes de vents forts comme le Mistral ou la Tramontane.

• Lightwind : Optez pour une aile avant de grande surface, telle que la Sirus V3 (1300 cm² et plus), offrant une portance exceptionnelle pour décoller tôt dans des conditions marginales.
• Vents forts : Pour les jours de Mistral ou de Tramontane, une aile plus petite comme la Fluid V3 (600 à 700 cm²) sera idéale pour le surf et le carving dans les vagues.

2. Côte Atlantique (France, Portugal) :

• Cette région bénéficie de vents réguliers et de vagues consistantes, idéales pour le surf et le freeride.
• Freeride : Une aile polyvalente comme la Curve V3 (800 à 1000 cm²) offre un excellent compromis entre maniabilité et facilité, adaptée aux conditions variées de l’Atlantique.
• Surf : Pour les amateurs de vagues, la Fluid V3 (600 à 700 cm²) permet des manœuvres précises et une réactivité optimale dans le surf.

3. Mer du Nord et Baltique (Allemagne, Danemark, Pays-Bas) :

Les conditions y sont souvent changeantes, avec des vents modérés à forts et une mer parfois agitée.

• Polyvalence : La Ascent V3 (900 à 1100 cm²) est idéale pour les riders recherchant une progression rapide, offrant stabilité et performance dans des conditions variées.
• Vents forts : Lors de conditions musclées, une aile plus petite comme la Veloce V3 (700 à 900 cm²) permettra de maintenir le contrôle et d’atteindre des vitesses élevées en freefly par exemple.

4. Lacs et plans d’eau intérieurs (Suisse, Autriche, Allemagne) :

Les vents y sont souvent légers et irréguliers, nécessitant des équipements adaptés pour maximiser le temps sur l’eau.

• Lightwind : La Sirus V3 (1300 cm² et plus) est recommandée pour sa portance à basse vitesse, facilitant le décollage dans des conditions marginales.
• Progression : Pour ceux souhaitant évoluer, la X-Over V3 (1000 à 1200 cm²) offre une grande tolérance et stabilité, idéale pour l’apprentissage et la progression.

5. Régions tropicales (Caraïbes, Brésil) :

Ces zones offrent des conditions de vent modéré à fort, avec des eaux chaudes et souvent des vagues.

• Freestyle : La Ypra Surf Freestyle V3 (600 à 700 cm²) est parfaite pour les riders expérimentés recherchant maniabilité et réactivité pour des figures aériennes.
• Downwind : Pour les longues descentes sous le vent, la Veloce HDW V3 (650 à 950 cm²) offre un glide exceptionnel et une efficacité énergétique optimale.

Conseils supplémentaires :

• Appairage aile avant/stabilisateur : Il est courant d’associer une aile avant avec un stabilisateur de la même gamme pour une cohérence de performance. Cependant, mixer les appairages peut permettre d’ajuster le comportement du foil selon vos préférences. Par exemple, associer une aile Curve V3 avec un stabilisateur Fluid V3 peut augmenter la vitesse maximale et la réactivité.
• Taille du stabilisateur : Adapter la taille du stabilisateur peut influencer la maniabilité et la stabilité. Un stabilisateur plus petit augmentera la maniabilité mais nécessitera plus de contrôle, tandis qu’un stabilisateur plus grand offrira plus de stabilité et de portance, facilitant le décollage et le maintien en vol.
  

Exemples de Quivers :

Front Wings :

• Sirus XL : Pour les conditions d’ultra light wind. Cette aile assure une portance maximale dès les basses vitesses, idéale pour maintenir le vol quand le vent est à peine suffisant.
• Veloce L : Parfaite pour le light wind, offrant un excellent glide et une capacité à générer du vent apparent pour une glisse rapide.
• Fluid XS : Idéale pour le surf, permettant un surf fluide et engageant. Cette aile combine réactivité et fluidité pour les manœuvres en courbes.
• Ypra SF M (Ypra Surf Freestyle) : Conçue pour le freestyle, cette aile est un choix de référence pour les riders cherchant des figures aériennes dynamiques et un contrôle précis.

Stabilisateurs :

• Curve XL : Apporte un équilibre parfait entre portance et maniabilité, offrant une stabilité rassurante tout en permettant des manœuvres et un bon pumping.
• Fluid L : Spécialement adapté au light wind, ce stab favorise une glisse fluide et dynamique, parfait pour des sessions où la maniabilité et la vitesse sont requises.
• Surf Freestyle S : Optimisé pour le surf, il permet des changements de direction rapides et précis, idéal pour un surf réactif dans les vagues.
• Freestyle S : Conçu pour envoyer du lourd en freestyle, offrant un excellent pop et une grande réactivité pour les tricks aériens et les manœuvres radicales.

Ce quiver est pensé pour couvrir un large éventail total de conditions et de pratiques, vous permettant d’exploiter chaque session de manière optimale.

Choosing the ideal stabilizer follows the same principles as for the front wing, but with some nuances. Although its role is often perceived as secondary, the stabilizer strongly influences stability, turning control, and the overall balance of the foil. The following characteristics help in choosing a stabilizer based on the glide program.

Surface of the Stabilizer

The surface of the stabilizer influences the stability, maneuverability, and control of the foil. The larger the surface, the more stable and forgiving the foil will be, while a smaller surface improves responsiveness and maneuverability.

• Large surface: Ideal for light wind and for riders looking for precise control. It enhances stability and helps maintain lift at low speeds.
• Small surface: Suitable for experienced riders who want more maneuverability and responsiveness for quick maneuvers, such as in freestyle and waveriding.

Aspect Ratio

The stabilizer's ratio (the ratio between span and surface area) influences its behavior in terms of stability and maneuverability. A higher ratio improves glide and high-speed handling but reduces tolerance and lift, while a moderate ratio ensures a good compromise for various practices.

Ratios are generally limited by flex. A high ratio (greater than 10) limits thickness, making manufacturing rigidly impossible and paradoxically reducing performance. This is a technical limit to hydrodynamic performance.

• Low ratio (less than 6): Stable and forgiving, perfect for beginners or riders in progression.
• Moderate ratio (6 to 9): A good balance between stability and responsiveness, ideal for freeride and surf.
• High ratio (9 and above): Designed for glide, racing, downwind, and light wind, maximizing glide and speed.

Types of Stabilizer Outlines

Rectangular Outline

• Characteristics: Even distribution of surface area.
• Advantages: Ensures great stability and predictable control in a straight line. Ideal for beginners or those seeking a stable foil.
• Disadvantages: Limits maneuverability and responsiveness, making the foil less agile in sharp turns.

Tapered Outline

• Characteristics: Wider surface in the center and tapering toward the tips.
• Advantages: Increases maneuverability and facilitates rail-to-rail transitions. Reduces drag, improving glide.
• Disadvantages: Less stable, with on/off maneuverability requiring more technical control.

Elliptical Outline

• Characteristics: Rounded surface in the center, tapering smoothly towards the tips.
• Advantages: Ensures smooth and progressive maneuverability in turns. Reduces drag with tapered tips, enhancing glide.
• Disadvantages: Less stable in a straight line, requiring more advanced technique but remains very easy to control.

Crescent Outline

• Characteristics: Curvature toward the rear distributes lift over a larger span.
• Advantages: Greatly improves stability and smoothness in turns, reducing up-and-down movement. Ideal for progressive turn control.
• Disadvantages: Less responsive than other shapes, limiting quick direction changes.

Football Outline

• Characteristics: Wide surface at the tips, narrowed center.
• Advantages: Provides excellent lateral stability.
• Disadvantages: Less maneuverable and prone to cavitation in tight turns. Very soft.

Stabilizer Camber: Dihedral

The camber seen from the front (or dihedral) of the stabilizer plays a key role in its lift, stability, and control. Stabilizers can have positive, negative, or neutral camber, altering their behavior depending on the conditions.

• Flat Dihedral: Provides predictable control and consistent lift. Good glide and maneuverability in turns.
• Lowered Dihedral (negative): Enhances stability and grip in turns by channeling more water and keeping the tips in the water, reducing the risk of ventilation. Ideal for choppy conditions.
• Raised Dihedral (positive): Increases maneuverability by releasing water under load for quick direction changes. Ideal for experienced riders seeking a reactive foil.

Stabilizer Tips

The tips of the stabilizer can be flat, lowered, raised, with or without winglets, altering the foil's maneuverability and behavior.

Flat Tips

• Advantages: Stable and consistent lift, predictable. Better glide and endless maneuverability.
• Disadvantages: Less tolerance during inclines, slight risk of loss of control in tight turns.

Lowered Tips (Negative Dihedral at the Tips)

• Advantages: Excellent grip in turns, reducing the risk of ventilation.
• Disadvantages: More drag, reducing glide at high speeds. More fragile due to being closer to the bottom.

Raised Tips (Positive Dihedral at the Tips)

• Advantages: Increased maneuverability for direction changes and rail-to-rail movement. Very stable and easy to anticipate.
• Disadvantages: Less stability in a straight line, increasing the technical demands of piloting. A bit more dangerous but sturdier due to being farther from the bottom.

Vertical Raised Tips (Winglets near 90°)

• Advantages: Keeps the foil on a rail, very easy at high speeds. Reduces drag, ideal for racing. Reduces the risk of mast ventilation because these tips perfectly align the foil in the flow.
• Disadvantages: Less maneuverable, increasing the risk of injury. Often thin and fragile.

Stabilizer Profiles

The profile of the stabilizer, just like that of the front wing, determines lift, stability, and glide of the foil. However, being an inverted profile, it counters the pitch torque of the front wing, playing a crucial role in overall balance and control. The key factor is whether the foil needs to be self-stable (for beginners), totally unstable (for freestyle), moderately stable (for surfing), or stable yet reactive (for racing).

Here are the main types of profiles and their characteristics:

Thick Profile

• Advantages: Generates good stability and control in a straight line, offering a consistent and predictable attitude. Ideal for beginners or light wind conditions where stability is crucial.
• Disadvantages: More drag, limiting glide and top speed, making it less suitable for reactive/accelerating disciplines like freestyle or downwind.

Thin Profile

• Advantages: Promotes glide and speed, with less drag, which allows better control at high speed and faster transitions. Suitable for racing and waveriding, where responsiveness is key.
• Disadvantages: Less forgiving and more sensitive to disturbances, making the foil harder to stabilize for less experienced riders.

Voluminous Extrado (bottom part of the profile)

• Advantages: Provides strong lift control, ensuring reassuring stability, ideal for pumping and light wind.
• Disadvantages: Limits speed and glide due to higher drag, making it less suitable for fast disciplines.

Voluminous Intrado (top part of the profile)

• Advantages: Reduces drag and improves glide, allowing better gliding and higher speeds.
• Disadvantages: Reduces control, lift, and stability, requiring good technical skills from riders, especially in choppy conditions.

Round Leading Edge

• Advantages: Great tolerance in transitions and stability at all angles, making it very suitable for beginners, freeride, surfing, and freestyle.
• Disadvantages: Lower top speed.

Pinched Leading Edge

• Advantages: Increases speed and responsiveness, ideal for racing and high-speed conditions.
• Disadvantages: Less forgiving, with reduced stability, making this profile more demanding.

Hollowed-out Rear Extrado

• Advantages: Improves speed by reducing drag at the rear, optimizing glide and smoothness at high speeds.
• Disadvantages: Less lift and can lead to unpredictable behavior at low speeds.

Hollowed-out Rear Intrado

• Advantages: Provides more lift, ensuring better stability and easier control.
• Disadvantages: Limits glide and speed, with a more challenging behavior in rapid transitions.

Type of Fuselage

The shape and size of the fuselage affect stability and responsiveness. Longer fuselages offer better stability but make the foil a bit less maneuverable. Shorter fuselages favor a more radical and agile feel.

• Long fuselage: Offers maximum stability and simple control, ideal for beginners, light wind, freeride, and glide sessions.
• Short fuselage: For a more playful and dynamic behavior, ideal for freestyle and radical surfing. Also useful for speed, allowing quick adjustments under heavy loads.

Here is a detailed guide to understanding the pairing principles between front wings and stabilizers in the GONG V3 range, aimed at optimizing the performance of each foil based on the program and user preferences. The goal is to enable effective customization of the foil according to expectations, whether it's to enhance the basic characteristics of a front wing or to attenuate certain aspects depending on specific needs.

Standard Pairings or Mixes?
Traditionally, a front wing is paired with the stabilizer from the same program: for example, a Curve V3 with a Curve stabilizer for an optimal balance of stability and maneuverability, which aligns with the base performance intended for the Curve program. However, it is entirely possible to mix different stabilizers to modulate the characteristics of the front wing:

Performance Pairing for Surfing:
Pairing a Fluid V3 with a Fluid stabilizer is ideal for achieving fast glide, dynamic responsiveness, and a turning behavior that perfectly meets the demands of committed surfing. However, by choosing a Curve stabilizer for the Fluid, you enhance maneuverability by tightening turns while sacrificing a bit of top speed. This pairing would suit those seeking more control in surfing at the cost of a slightly reduced maximum speed.

Optimization for Freeride:
Using a Curve V3 with a Fluid stabilizer will increase speed and glide, perfect for those looking to extend the freeride performance of the Curve. This setup maintains enhanced glide while keeping the Curve’s tolerance, making it ideal for those who prefer faster riding without compromising stability.

Stabilizer Size: Adjustment and Influence
The choice of stabilizer size relative to the front wing plays a crucial role in the foil's overall behavior. Here are some general principles:

Size-Matched Pairing:
By following the standard pairing (for example, a size L front wing with a size L stabilizer), you ensure optimal balance. This pairing is the most intuitive for most riders, offering a good compromise between lift, stability, and maneuverability with self-stabilizing characteristics.

Reducing Stabilizer Size:
By choosing a smaller stabilizer (e.g., an M stabilizer with an L front wing), the foil becomes more technical and less stable. This reduces the influence of the front foot, offering increased maneuverability but requiring high technical skills for precise handling. This combination suits experienced riders looking for a more reactive foil for radical maneuvers.

Increasing Stabilizer Size:
Opting for a larger stabilizer (e.g., an XL stabilizer on an L front wing) makes the foil more stable, enhances front-foot lift, and improves self-stability. It can also compensate for slight handling errors by keeping the foil better aligned with the water flow. While this increases drag, this setup allows some riders to gain more control, especially to improve cruising speed while keeping the foil perfectly aligned.

Pairing Tips by Program
The choice of pairing between front wing and stabilizer depends on the desired program, and it is essential to take this into account to optimize performance:

Lightwind and Glide:
In lightwind conditions, front wings like the Sirus V3 or Veloce HDW paired with a stabilizer from the same program provide superior lift and glide, ideal for maintaining flight in low-energy conditions. However, if the goal is to gain maneuverability while maintaining good lift, a Curve stabilizer can be chosen with the Sirus or Veloce to balance lift and responsiveness.

Freeride and Surf:
For aggressive surfing, a Fluid V3 with a Fluid stabilizer ensures dynamic glide and carving responsiveness. Adding a Curve stabilizer to a Fluid tightens the turns, which may be desired for a more engaging surfing feel. For freeride, a Curve V3 paired with a Fluid stabilizer increases top speed, energizing performance without losing stability.

Racing and Downwind:
In racing configurations, larger, more streamlined stabilizers like the Ypra Race or Veloce stabilizers allow for maximum control in downwind conditions. Pairing a downwind front wing with a slightly larger stabilizer ensures smooth axis maintenance and continuous stabilization, beneficial for those looking for linear performance in races.

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.