GEAR: CHOOSING YOUR LIGHT WIND WING FOIL GEAR

News
Wing

16 january 2026 1

Light wind conditions are by far the most common, so let’s consider the best gear choices!

Since the emergence of wing foiling just a few seasons back, performance levels have consistently surpassed the limits many had envisioned for this sport. Performance leaps driven by significant equipment developments.

We’re now achieving incredible speeds, jumping over ten meters has become "accessible", and the range of conditions in which we can ride seems to be expanding endlessly. These advancements make our sport even more appealing, especially in light wind conditions where it’s particularly effective and fun. It’s not just about being able to ride; it’s about having a proper and fun session as if you were blessed with a 20-knot seabreeze. A session made of jumps, surfs and tricks, with instant takeoffs or repops.

Riding in winds below 10 knots is no longer the challenge it used to be, far from it. You don’t need to be extremely skilled, have years of practice, or be lightweight to have a blast in this wind range. Today, there are plenty of gear options available to spend more time on the water, flying, and ending your session with a big smile.

Here are our tips for the best board, wing, and foil.

Wing foiler: Mathieu, GONG team rider, riding a Cruzader Point LW FSP Pro, Droid SP Aramid CZ, HM85 mast, Fluid V3 front wing and stabilizer.

Expanding your low-end wind range can be done element by element (foil, wing, or board). Each upgrade in the equipment discussed below will bring a significant improvement. If light wind conditions are what's usually to expect on your spot, it’s obviously advisable to combine several solutions.

How to choose your light wind board?

Just like with foils and wings, there isn’t a single answer to this question. That would be too easy ;) Regardless of the conditions, you should choose your board based on your skill level, body type, and the type of riding you enjoy most. The answer also varies if you're looking for a do-it-all board or an extra board for ultra-light conditions only, in which case your choice might be more extreme.

But strictly from the perspective of takeoff and sailing comfort in light winds, here are a few guidelines:

Choose a streamlined outline. The narrower your board is, with the volume distributed along its length, the more efficiently it will glide on the water. This quality is essential to quickly reach the speed at which takeoff becomes effortless. The difference in glide between a Cruzader and a board with a more compact outline is truly astonishing. You no longer feel held back by the water. The board accelerates and moves forward with the slightest breeze. If you're concerned about losing stability at a standstill on these narrow boards, opt for a wider Cruzader Point in XL size, a Cruzader Diamond, or even a Mint, which offers the best glide/comfort ratio in the range. In the inflatable tech category, the HIPE Diamond also provides an excellent glide/comfort ratio. If you're a beginner, prioritize stability with more traditional boards like the Zuma or the HIPE Perf, whose shape has been modernized over the seasons to improve glide.

Opt for more volume. Being higher on the water will give you a clear advantage when it comes to getting on foil. Moreover, on a streamlined outline like that of a Cruzader, the extra volume in flight is barely noticeable because it is perfectly distributed. In the end, there is very little length in front of you. It feels very similar to a traditional board, to the point where many choose a Cruzader or HIPE Cruzader as their only board.

A planing hull with minimal rocker at the tail. This is an easy choice in our range, which offers very flat hulls with sharp rails at the tail that free you from the water. With this type of board, you avoid the feeling of being held back by the water despite your speed. The board gets going very fast and takes off in a clear and automatic motion.

Which Cruzader should you choose? We tell you everything in this article.

Wing foiler: Francesco, GONG team rider, riding a Cruzader Point LW FSP Pro and a Droid Aramid X.

How to choose your light wind wing?

In light wind, what you want is a wing with real power that you can activate with just a few impulses, without having to go all-in on leg and arm pumping.

In this game, the Droid, well known for its deep power, is the most efficient wing.

For even higher efficiency, thanks to precise and complete energy return, Aramid wings with Code X or Code Zero canopy fabrics are a must:

The Droid SP Aramid CZ is a powerful, drive-oriented wing that accelerates effortlessly. The slightest puff of wind is instantly transformed into raw, immediate power. A must on inland waters with gusty conditions. You glide through lulls without pumping and it goes upwind with ease. For lightning-fast takeoffs in light wind and rock-steady flights, the Droid SP Aramid CZ is the benchmark.
The Droid Aramid X, which allows you to relaunch instantly in freestyle, is a real asset in light wind. In addition, its compact shape makes life easier in these conditions, where precision in maneuvers is essential.

While the Droid is the reference in light wind, the entire 2026 range brings strong advantages for these conditions:

The versatile Plus Perf Series offers an excellent balance of lightness, comfort, and power. It’s the easiest to pump, making it the most accessible for taking off. In a larger size, it will allow you to take off in incredibly light wind conditions.
The Neutra 2026 gains in responsiveness for lightning-fast takeoffs and efficient re-accelerations between waves. This pumping efficiency, especially in Aramid and Aramid X constructions, makes it an excellent option for technical riders looking for a light wing on the water.
The Pulse Race is the wing that lets you ride flat out regardless of your point of sail. Its shape is designed like a true race sail, with a very locked-in profile and dynamic tip twist, making it extremely comfortable at high speed and in gusty winds. A wing dedicated to speed that proves ultra-efficient in light wind in the hands of technical riders capable of unlocking its full potential. A magical wing for getting through lulls and maintaining flight in apparent wind.

Wing foiler: Francesco, GONG team rider, with the Racer FSP Pro, Pulse Race and Ypra Race foil.

How to choose your light wind foil?

Between the magic foil for taking off in breathless winds and the all-round foil, here are our recommendations:

Do you want to take off on autopilot, effortlessly, in less than 10 knots?

In that case, go big with generous sizes that will not only help you take off but also keep you comfortably flying. A Curve 3XL, a Fluid 3XL, or a Sirus XL are all mind-blowing at takeoff, each with its own strengths: the forgiving and playful Curve, the glide and maneuverability of the Fluid, or the record-breaking glide of the Sirus.

These front wings are must-have options for ultra-light conditions, typically on inland waters.

Do you want to take off early without feeling limited by your foil once in flight?

Choose foils in sizes that allow more speed and maneuverability. For example, a Curve XL delivers incredibly early takeoff while offering surprising agility and tons of glide. At the cost of a just slightly more technical takeoff, more experienced wing foilers will prefer a Fluid XL for its glide and rail-to-rail performance.

Do you want a foil capable of getting through lulls with ease?

Choose a fast foil whose flying qualities you can activate with subtle, efficient pumping. For example, a Veloce or Veloce HDW, or even a Ypra Slalom for the most technical riders. This choice requires a certain level of experience to take off, but it guarantees enough speed to stay well clear of stalling. Like a Cruzader Point LW, which accelerates at the slightest puff, a Veloce HDW, which pushes very little water, will quickly reach its lift-off speed. The trade-off is a much faster setup in flight, delivering huge sensations.

Are you starting out in light-wind conditions?

If you’re a beginner, stick with a forgiving and docile foil like the X-Over, which has an excellent low-end range. It takes off early with an extremely low stall speed. Glide will be more limited compared to a Curve H or a Sirus, but you’ll gain in control, meaning fewer falls and less effort to get going again in light wind.

Stabilizer choice

We always recommend pairing the front wing with a stabilizer of the same size. For example, a Fluid XL stabilizer with a Fluid XL front wing. Of course, you can slightly deviate from this rule if you want to fine-tune the rear-foot feel with a more or less lifting, more or less neutral stabilizer.

Wing foilers: Bastien and Francesco, GONG team riders, with their Cruzader Diamond and Point LW FSP Pro, Droid Aramid and Aramid X, HM85 masts, Veloce and Fluid XL foils.

Good to know: fly with an average of 200 cm² less thanks to V3 foils

The continuous evolution of our equipment means you can ride with increasingly smaller gear. The development of our V3 foils, for example, allows you to fly with an average of 200 cm² less. A phenomenal gain in comfort in wing foiling, as it lets you enjoy faster and more agile foils.

Conclusion

The performance boost observed with our V3 foils extends to all the equipment we offer. Whether these are marginal or major performance improvements, they all make a difference when you just need one more pump to take off or a few more knots to come on foil. Of course, combining all these advancements results in an astonishing level of comfort in light wind conditions. However, each individual component on its own provides a clear improvement in low-end performance, and thus, more enjoyment on the water. And that's what matters most. It's up to you to prioritize the element of your gear that could help you the most. Our technical advisors are, of course, available if you need specific advice.

2026