FEEDBACK: LOWKITE PLUS V1

News
Lowkite

15 july 2025 0

Stéphane had his first Lowkite sessions using the Plus V1, discovering this new practice.

Foiler: David, GONG staff, riding a Cruzader Diamond board, Lowkite Plus, HM85 mast, Fluid XL front wing, and Ypra Surf-Freestyle stabilizer.

Discovering Lowkite

“LOWKITE Vibes: I tested (and approved) winging… without a wing!

I had the chance to try the Lowkite wings from GONG Galaxy — both the Plus and Neutra models (2 to 5m²) — during the GONG Ambassador Tour. 🧡

Big thanks to Capucine and Jules for the trust!

As a regular winger and kitesurfer (and snowkiter too), I was curious:

Lowkite vs Wing: gimmick or real alternative?

👉 Verdict after 4 sessions: HUGE FUN!

As long as you have the right gear and wind conditions, you’ll discover a whole new world.

🎯 It’s not about speed or jumping anymore — it’s about fluid gliding, uninterrupted, in the heart of the swell. Like a dance between you, the foil, and the waves... with the lowkite stashed against you.

Kiters will adapt easily — but only if they already know how to foil, I think.”

Sessions in strong and light wind

“ 🌬️Used: Neutra 3m² then Plus 2m²
🌊 Foil: Fluid V3 L then XL

First try with 3m² → Overpowered, super bumpy ride, couldn’t stabilize the wing.
Switched to 2m² → Hard to launch.
💡Then upgraded to Fluid XL foil → And boom, it clicked! ✨

First downwind ride without a wing, surfing the swell like an endless wave… Amazing sensations.

🎒 Initial test of packing the lowkite on the water → It works well!
(Just be sure to keep it from spinning around before packing.😅)

📌 Takeaways:

Really pump the board with your feet. 🦶
Don’t pump the lowkite like a wing: too sharp = it collapses.
Once it falls, the cloth acts like a sea anchor → be careful not to tangle the lines as the swell pushes you toward your lowkite.
After a long drift, I had to walk back: 4 km along the road, board under my arm… a few people almost gave me a lift!

LIGHT WIND – <15 knots

Tested with 5m² on Fluid XL and Diamond 6.0 100L.

💥 Result:
Not enough wind for my weight (83 kg) → no glide, just drifting and… walking.

Notes:

A more downwind-oriented board would’ve helped.
In the Atlantic with a bit of swell? → I think it could have worked!”

“🛠️ TIPS & LEARNINGS

“Always check your lines before heading out.
Consider carrying a waterproof pouch with a smaller backup lowkite in case wind picks up.
Bring a Torx key in case you need to disassemble the foil after a return by foot or hitchhiking.
Seaweed is annoying...
Major space savings at home: 4 lowkites = 1 wing bag!
No inflation needed, less stress at the spot… handy in chaotic conditions.

🤔 SURPRISING OBSERVATIONS

🧵 V1 models have no battens (unlike my Peak for snowkiting) → V2s do, excited to see the difference! Report coming in August.
💪 GONG’s fabric is the same as on a wing — heavier and sturdier than other brands I’ve handled.

GONG seems to prioritize durability, contrary to other brands. Likely also helps maintain profile shape at higher wind ranges.
Let’s see how the durability compares over time.

🪁 Regarding double-skin models like the Droid — personally, I think it’s too similar to a wing, and that would defeat the unique appeal of lowkite vs wing. But I’ll have to test it!