FEEDBACK: HIPE CRUZADER 7’0

A review of the HIPE Cruzader 7’0 during foil use, which can also be read on our GONG Galaxy page.

Wing foiler: Mélissa, GONG staff, on the HIPE Cruzader with a Pulse Boom and a Curve-H.

Introductions

“Well, there it is… First time on the HIPE Cruzader 7’0. 70 kilograms for over 50 years. Nearly 30 years of windsurfing background, wave, and slalom. I started winging about 2 years ago, with roughly 80 sessions under my belt (…)”

Equipment and Conditions

“The start was relatively easy for flying, but jibes were very challenging… not before the 60th attempt did I get one. I still have lots of non-transferable windsurfing habits, and after 50 years old, clearly, you are less and less nimble😂😂 . I ride a 5’4 board, 75 liters, max wings 5.5, and most of the time on 945 (1300 with an aspet ratio of 6.9) and above 25 knots on 940 (1100 with an aspet ratio of ). So today, unpacking the HIPE Cruzader 7’0 with the 945 in 5m in approximately 8 to 14 knots (chose the HIPE because of upcoming travel).”

Getting Used to a New Shape

“Normally, I would take a 5.5m and not a 5m. I put the foil in the completely forward position (as on my usual board). Feeling locked up, very stiff, and not comfortable at all, I get up on the beast relatively easily, and that’s good news because the narrow width scared me. But then pumping is really different from our usual boards. So I go up, and bam, I fall at least 10 times right away. Eventually, it comes little by little. You have to let the board glide and have even more vertical support because any lateral push makes me fall. I have too much pressure on the front leg, so I stop, move the foil back by 3cm (at level 13). It’s much more comfortable. So, launches are much simpler, and there is less pressure on the front leg. I didn’t use the straps; I think I could move it back a bit more next time.”

Ease Despite the Narrow Width

“The sensations are quite easy; ultimately, as you’re in the center of the board, upfront it doesn’t seem long, and it looks impressive in terms of narrow width. It looks like a windsurf speed gun. I mess up all the jibes on my bad side and manage some jibes and switches on my good side. Tested some micro freefly due to the micro swell, seems to work quite easily , and it reacts very quickly due to the narrow width.”

Safe Return

“In the end, the wind completely drops, 3 to 5 knots. I am a bit far offshore. Another good news, it’s too easy to come back. I straddle without hurting my hips like on our usual boards and place the wing upside down on the front of the board. This downwind return was perfect.🙏🙏 “

“The conclusion for this first time🤘. Rather easy to get up, a different technique for pumping that needs work, it glides very fast (great potential in early launches), it flies well, turns quite quickly, but I need to work on the jibe. After all, when there’s no wind, it’s not a magical machine either, but with a bit of work, I hope to aim for 6 to 8 knots one day. In short, conquered by the machine 🙏❤️.

PS: I’m not an ambassador for anyone, and I pay for all my equipment at the regular price. See you on the water🤘🤘. Long live Rock’n’roll.”