GEAR: EMBRACE VERSATILITY WITH THE HIPE DIAMOND!
Introducing the inflatable mid-length of the range with its spectacular range of use!
Smooth glide, versatile performance, and easy transport—the HIPE Diamond has rapidly earned its place as a standout in the lineup and a quiver essential!
- Why? Its shape delivers unmatched versatility for seasoned riders. Light wind, freeride, wave riding, or freestyle—you name it, the HIPE Diamond excels at it all with top-tier performance.
- How? By striking the perfect balance between downwind shapes and compact board designs. It delivers the snappy feel of a compact board with just enough glide to unlock endless possibilities.
Wingfoiler: Diane, GONG staff, with a HIPE Cruzader and Plus wing.
A pure mid-length built for effortless glide
The mid-length shape of the HIPE Diamond is designed with a refined outline for better glide, takeoff, and relaunches.
The wide tail provides plenty of lift before takeoff, ensuring excellent stability for an easy start.
A generously rounded nose keeps things smooth and balanced—offering great glide while providing solid footing for takeoff without the risk of nosediving.
The flat tail rocker enhances takeoff in light wind. In stronger conditions, it allows for quick recovery, helping the board lift out of the water effortlessly, unaffected by chop and waves.
Wingfoiler: Clément, GONG team rider, with a HIPE Cruzader, Neutra Boom and Fluid front wing with a Ypra Surf-Freestyle stab.
Which size to choose?
A mid-length board lifts off sooner than a wider, more compact board at the same volume. But that doesn’t mean you should go for less volume. Here’s why:
- First, because volume plays a key role in early takeoff. It keeps you riding high on the water, letting you accelerate even in light wind without excessive drag. If you go too low in volume, you’ll sacrifice your low-end.
- Second, because volume adds comfort on these narrower boards, which have less lateral stability. It’s no big deal on flat water, but in choppy conditions, that extra stability helps you pump more efficiently for takeoff and stay balanced during off the foil phases.
- Third, on a mid-length board, volume is less of a factor in flight. A more centered stance and narrow outline make touchdowns much more forgiving. Simply put, you can go for more volume without compromising agility or turning precision.
In simple terms, stick to the usual volume recommendations: at least +30L over your weight if you’re an intermediate wing foiler, +5 to 10L if you’re advanced, and -5 to 10L if you’re an expert.
- For instance, the HIPE Cruzader 6’3 (115L) is ideal for 85kg riders at an intermediate level—those who can handle most of their jibes and take off easily in decent conditions.
- The HIPE Cruzader 5’6 (95L) is ideal for 85kg riders with an advanced skill level (comfortable with all basic maneuvers and underpowered takeoffs). But if you often deal with tricky light wind conditions, stepping up to the HIPE Cruzader 5’10 (105L) will make ultra-light takeoffs much easier.
If you’re hesitating between two sizes, size up—you’ll rarely regret the extra comfort, especially on mid-length boards where volume stays discreet. And if maximizing low-end performance is your goal or you need a dedicated light-wind board, the HIPE Cruzader is the ultimate inflatable choice.