FEEDBACK: CRUZADER DIAMOND FSP PRO

As a pioneer of mid-length and downwind boards with the Cruzader Point and Cruzader Diamond, Stéphane's feedback once again validates the development path we have followed. This means offering shapes that can both take off very early with small foils and be particularly efficient in waves and downwind conditions.

Wing Foiler: Bastien, Team Rider for GONG, on Cruzader Diamond FSP Pro, Droid UPE Aramid, HM85 Mast, Ypra Surf-Freestyle and Freestyle Stabilizer

Conditions of the sesh

"Testing at La Ciotat, choppy with waves of 70 to 90 cm breaking at the shore, wind of 15-20 knots weakening.

I was equipped with a Curve MH 900cm² + Droid UPE Aramid 5.5 m² wing for my 83 kg."

Prospects for more sessions

"Thrilled to have eventually gone for this new light wing board. This opens up the possibility for much more sessions, lowering the wind requirement and especially promising much better sessions in light wind. I can now sail with smaller, more playful, and faster foils... even in light wind!!"

Board Dimensions

"The 100L volume is perfect for my build, and in choppy conditions, it works well when balanced. On a smoother spot like the Atlantic with long period swells or a lake, I think I could have gone with a bit less volume.

Regarding length and width: I like being able to carve and the 6'0 length doesn't hinder surfing at all. The width of 21 11/16" is clearly good and not too wide for quick take-offs.

When getting out through the waves, one can get unbalanced if not well-supported and aligned. Wider boards recover from these small errors more easily.

The length is slightly noticeable while pumping with the wing, as it can catch the nose of the Cruz, so a bit of caution is needed.

I had considered the Cruz Point 6’0 XL or 5’8 XL with different shapes and similar volume. But the Cruzader is more suited to my winging and foiling priorities, with a wider rear more for wing and SUP foiling, less thick, and with tapered nose and tail.

SUP foiling would be challenging for me because... I lack both the experience… and the paddle!!"

The glide in wing foiling

"The glide in wing foil was the promise to the customer and... the customer is delighted!! Top-notch, it allows me to consider using much smaller foils when the wind is only 15 knots.

Previously, I used the Veloce XL-H 1150cm² with a 6m² wing. Now, it starts with almost nothing using the Curve M-H 900cm², which I love, certainly with the Droid 5'5.

Thanks to FantoSlate (note: GONG ambassador) for insisting I make the leap to buy this front wing, I have no regrets!!

At 15 knots, I don't tire myself out pumping; I do my two small pumps and off I go. It's nice not to burn out when you're no longer 20!"

In downwind mode

"The Holy Grail. Incredible... it glides. If it touches, it glides back up.
I'll need to improve a lot in reading the waves to know where to go. It's much easier than if I were paddling and burning out in pure DW without the wing, so I appreciate this potential transition step to another unknown grail.

Pay attention to priorities in DW, carefully watching others downwind. We're perpendicular to others, kiters, and windsurfers.

Yohann Roussel's video on this board was top-notch and very enticing. I'll repost it in the comments.

Watch it... And if you were a bit stressed: his calm and composed voice will carry you away... almost like a meditation exercise.”