GEAR: WHICH INFLATABLE BOARD TO START WING FOILING?

Because everyone's project is different, we offer you four inflatable shapes to get into winging!

So you have chosen an inflatable board to make your dream of flying over water come true? We give you the keys to choose the one shape that will fit your project perfectly.

Four choices are available to you:

The HIPE Learn: Discover navigation and your first flights.
The HIPE First: The most accessible strapless board for learning.
The HIPE Like: The easy board for light-wind conditions.
The HIPE Perf: Learn, progress and evolve without limits.

Good to know:

By choosing a HIPE Learn or HIPE Perf in Woven Fusion Light, you save up to 2 kg compared to previous generations of these models, without compromising rigidity.

On the HIPE First, built with single-layer Woven Light, the weight saving is around 800 g, keeping it the lightest board on the market.

Wing foiler : Malo, GONG team rider, with the HIPE First, wing Plus, Alu V3 mast and X-Over V3 foil.

Why choose HIPE Learn?

Its role is to make your life as easy as possible during the learning phase. If you are new to sailing, it will allow you to learn the basics at your own pace. By getting to know all the basics of sailing with a wing on this ultra stable board, because it can be equipped with a centerboard instead of the foil, you will be in the best conditions to then take off by equipping it with a foil.

The possibility of mounting the board with a centerboard rather than a foil also makes it an interesting board for a SUP use, for the whole family and especially for the kids. Or simply to cruise around with a wing in lighter winds or introduce friends to winging.

The HIPE Learn is available in two sizes with different shapes. One promotes glide before flight, the other responsiveness once on the foil:

The 6’5 will be more responsive, with less inertia — making it sportier and more modern in its approach, as it’s a small board in an XXL version.
The 8’0 is the one that lets you skip the pumping — it glides on its own. More stable in the air, very smooth, and relatively fast on the water, it’s the board that will give you pleasure before taking off. It’s also the least physically demanding.

Its advantages:

For off the foil sailing, the board comes with a specific fin setup: 1 Race fin and an ADS (Anti-Drift System) fin. Using a centerboard allows you to calmly learn how to handle your wing, without having to deal with unwanted or uncontrolled takeoffs of your foil. In addition, the ADS system will greatly limit drift on the first reaches and optimize heading afterwards.

For winging with the foil, the volume of the board, its stability and glide allow easy access to speeds that free your board naturally from the water for a controlled takeoff on your foil.
With its 4 strategically positioned handles you will always have your board at hand, whatever the situation in which you find yourself.
It’s equipped with a V-shaped front and a central rear footstrap to place your feet without hesitation. The footstraps are fully removable for strapless sessions.
Delivered in a super practical wheeled transport bag for traveling.

Its limits:

Its large volume, which is an asset in the learning phase, gradually becomes more cumbersome when you wish to engage in increasingly more technical maneuvers and conditions.

Wing foiler: Liam, GONG team rider, with the HIPE Learn 2026, wing Plus and X-Over V3 foil.

Why choose the HIPE First?

Look no further for the most accessible board to get into wing foiling. The HIPE First brings together all the assets to make your first takeoffs, your first maneuvers and surf your first waves in freefly. This is the inflatable board that will offer you all your first times and much more thanks to the stability and lightness of its compact shape. On its perfectly flat strapless deck, you are completely comfortable when kneeling on the board, without the risk of bumping into straps when standing up.

Its advantages:

A shape designed for beginners in wing foiling with length to optimize the take-off phase and navigation performance. Its width, especially at the tail, allows you to be very stable before flying.
Ideal board for beginners because it is easy, safe and very practical.
4 sizes to perfectly suit each rider according to their size, experience and sailing conditions.
The lightest board for beginners while being very rigid (approx. 600g less than a HIPE, approx. 400/500g less than an FSP PRO at equivalent volume). The best for transporting the board and when sailing.
Unbeatable value for money, thanks to a composite plate specific to the HIPE First, a simple Woven Drop Stitch structure and reduced equipment.

Its limits:

Really not much to mention for strapless or family use. Once a certain level is reached, its generous volume could become cumbersome, it will then be time to move on to a more compact model to continue your progress. The absence of straps does not allow jumps, for example.

Wing foiler: Ava, GONG team rider, with the HIPE First 2026, wing Plus and X-Over V3 foil.

Why choose the HIPE Like?

The HIPE Like was designed to make wing foiling easy when the wind is light or inconsistent. Its shape prioritizes glide before take-off, allowing you to build speed naturally and making take-off easier with less effort.

Unlike the HIPE First, which focuses on maximum lateral stability and a compact shape, the HIPE Like offers a more longitudinal balance and better acceleration. This makes take-offs easier, especially in light wind, with much less pumping.

It’s a board particularly well suited for inland waters and variable winds. Its glide helps maintain speed through lulls and makes it easier to link take-offs, turning average conditions into productive sessions.

With its 5’’ thickness, it remains a true learning board: it’s easy to climb onto, the kneeling position is comfortable, and the wide strapless pad allows easy repositioning. Once flying, it stays smooth and forgiving, making progression relaxed and enjoyable.

Available in three sizes from 6’4 (120L) to 7’4 (150L), the HIPE Like adapts to different rider sizes and conditions while always prioritizing glide and easy take-off.

Key strengths:

Excellent glide before take-off, making take-offs much easier.
Very efficient in light wind and inconsistent conditions.
Requires much less pumping to get flying.
A very easy board that still offers performance for progression.
Excellent Lowkite / Wing versatility thanks to its glide.

Limitations:

Slightly less laterally stable than a HIPE First with the same volume, which remains the reference for riders seeking maximum stability when starting. However, since the HIPE Like is mainly designed for calm waters with lighter winds, its stability remains more than sufficient, even for beginners.

Wing foiler : Ava, staff GONG, en HIPE Like 2026, wing Neutra Boom et foil X-Over V3.

Why choose the HIPE Perf?

Scalable, efficient and easy to transport, the HIPE Perf is THE best seller of wingfoil boards, all constructions and models combined. Like all HIPEs in the GONG range, it is the ultimate combination of the performance of rigid boards with the advantages of inflatables. This innovative system of hybrid Drop Stitch boards with a rigid molded composite plate, 100% from our GONG design offices, is an absolute revolution in the world of inflatable foil boards

Its advantages:

The versatility of its shape, easy and scalable for a beginner by choosing a suitable size, and perfect for an intermediate wing foiler who is simply looking for the practicality of inflatable with the performance of a rigid board. You can start and progress without limits when choosing a HIPE Perf.
In its new less compact, less thick and less wide shape, it maximizes glide and facilitates takeoff. Priority given to a fast planing hull for lightning takeoffs.
To further improve takeoff, our designers developed a rigid rail at the tail of the board. This allows for a clean release of water streams at the end of the hull, resulting in better glide before flying and boosting acceleration. You pump less and fly earlier.
It is equipped with V-shaped front and central rear footstraps to place your feet without hesitation and send tricks like on a rigid board. The footstraps are fully removable for strapless sessions.
Delivered in a super practical wheeled transport bag for traveling.

Its limits:

It only has the shortcomings of its qualities. Its ultra-versatile shape, which allows both learning and very high-level practice, will not be as impactful as a HIPE Lethal in the waves or a HIPE Stunt in Freestyle, even if it will defend itself extremely well.

Wing foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, with the HIPE Perf 2026 and wing Neutra Boom 2026.

How to make a choice?

Choosing between a model essentially depends on your development prospects.

If you are new to board sports, or you only rarely have the opportunity to get into the water, the HIPE Learn will offer you the best chance to progress because each session will be a sure step forward towards autonomy.

Also note that this is the only model that allows you to sail with a centerboard instead of the foil, ideal for learning how to use the wing or simply for letting the kids wander around on the water for example.

If you are looking for a simple, easy and lightweight solution to get started, the HIPE First is the guarantee of stress-free learning. Its ultra stable but relatively compact shape allows riders of all backgrounds to learn and have fun. Beyond learning, it is a very good option for occasional, family or purely strapless practice.
If you often ride in light or inconsistent wind, or if you want a board that makes take-offs easier without heavy pumping, the HIPE Like is an excellent option. Its natural glide helps you build speed and take off more easily, especially on inland waters or in light-wind conditions. It’s also worth noting that it offers excellent lowkite / wing versatility for beginner to intermediate riders.

If you already have experience in board sports, or want to fully access the sensations and maneuvers that wing foiling allows, the HIPE Perf is the essential option. A beginner will choose a comfortable volume and an intermediate rider a size adjusted to their level to send tricks like with a rigid board.

Follow our buying guides at the bottom of each page to identify the size that's right for you.