GEAR: CURVE OR FLUID FOR WING FOILING?

Choosing between the Curve V3 and the Fluid V3 is a key question for intermediate to advanced wing foilers looking to boost their performance in waves or improve maneuverability.

In wing foil, selecting the right foil is essential to optimize your experience on the water. GONG offers two particularly interesting options for wave riding at an intermediate to advanced level: the Curve and the Fluid. The Veloce is also a very compelling option for wave conditions, especially due to its glide, as detailed in this comparative analysis between the Fluid and the Veloce.

Each model has its own strengths, and understanding them well will help you make an informed decision based on your riding style and goals.

Wing Foilers: Charlie and Pamella, GONG team riders, on the Mint FSP 2X, Cruzader Point FSP Pro, and Plus wings from the Perf Series collection.

Curve: Carving, Lift, and Control

The Curve front wing is designed for smooth carving, with a moderately high aspect ratio and excellent control in all conditions. It’s ideal for freeride and wave riding, delivering both forgiveness and comfort.

Thanks to its low-speed lift and natural glide, it’s a favorite among wing foilers who love relaxed freefly sessions, drawing clean lines on the surface of the wave, and versatility. It lifts off very early, handles low speeds extremely well, and delivers a very surfy feel on swells, filled with acceleration, maneuverability, and glide.

In larger sizes, it’s very reassuring for beginners in waves. In smaller sizes, it becomes highly agile under the feet of more advanced wing foilers who want to retain lift and glide in all situations.

Hesitating between two sizes? Thanks to its relatively generous lift for this aspect ratio, you can confidently size down in case you can’t make up your mind.

Wing foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, riding a Point FSP Pro, Plus wing, Alu V3 mast, and Curve H front wing.

Fluid: Playful Handling

The Fluid model is particularly appealing if you prefer a very playful, responsive foil. In order words, this is your number one choice if dynamic surfing, linking turns together and pushing the limits in waves are your thing. The Fluid allows for every turn in the book. It turns on the spot, offers forgiveness on radical turns and smooth transitions from one turn to the other.

While not specifically designed for light wind conditions, it offers immediate lift for early take offs. Which means you don’t need to oversize this foil to get going.

Though its standout characteristics are quick responsiveness and excellent maneuverability, making it ideal for riders who enjoy carving smoothly and executing dynamic turns, it’s worth mentioning this is also a foil that likes high speeds. Which is great for full tilt speed runs, but also when flying down the face of a wave. It’s a foil you can push because it’s very predictable. You're always in control with the Fluid.

Wing foiler: Francesco, GONG team rider, on a Stunt FSP Pro, Neutra Boom, and Fluid V3 front wing.

Making Your Choice: Curve or Fluid?

At equal size, the Fluid is the more playful of the two. The Curve also performs well rail-to-rail, but it stands out through its glide and low-speed lift.

The Fluid is a faster front wing, ideal for a more dynamic riding style, especially when chasing the more powerful sections of swells. It's also a front wing that lets you push your turns to the extreme, making it a Pro Team favorite.

In Conclusion:

Choose the Curve if:

You're looking for the perfect balance of lift, glide, and maneuverability.
Your priorities are freefly and carving smooth lines in the waves.

Choose the Fluid if:

You're after a foil that’s fun, agile, and highly reactive.
Your priorities are speed and responsiveness for aggressive turns.

In summary, your choice between the Curve and the Fluid should match your wing foil goals, riding style, and personal preferences. Both are excellent foils suited to different rider profiles and specific on-water experiences.