GEAR: HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR INFLATABLE SURFBOARD?
Choosing an inflatable board for ease of use, durability, and fun on the water!
All GONG inflatable surfboards are easy, practical, and solid. You will progress quickly and really have fun on these boards. But there are different programs and styles:
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I-Surf Compact: a super reactive board, perfect for soft waves.
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I-Surf Shortboard: ideal for waves with a bit more push.
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I-Surf Longboard: lots of comfort and stability for small waves and noserides.
Surfer: Moritz, GONG team rider, on an I-Surf Shortboard.
Three shapes, three families
The I-Surf Compact is the ideal board for soft waves, but also for hollow shorebreaks requiring a small board to manage the drop smoothly. It paddles fast for its size because it’s thick. At takeoff, you simply sink the tail slightly to catch the wave in three strokes. Its surfing abilities are surprising, with a very wide rear third that naturally generates plenty of speed. Paradoxically, it turns very well thanks to its playful small size. Its performance is astonishing for an inflatable board. Because of its reduced length, it is not suitable for beginners, even light ones. It is intended for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Generous in volume, super easy, and surprisingly maneuverable and fast. This board encourages progression without hassle. It’s ideal for steeper or faster waves, but also for anyone wanting to combine paddle speed with high maneuverability. Its program is very broad and covers most surf sessions.
The ideal board for long, soft waves, but also for anyone wanting paddle speed and comfort. This is the easy, no-stress board par excellence. It has a wide range of use: mainly for small waves, but also performs well in more powerful surf for an experienced rider. It’s the ideal board for a beginner adult.
Surfer: Evelin, GONG team rider, on the I-Surf Longboard.
Which model should you choose?
I-Surf Compact
The Compact model is mainly for advanced surfers. It’s the perfect travel board, extremely space-efficient, fitting easily in a plane, car trunk, or even on the luggage rack of your moped.
Required level: intermediate to advanced
Ideal wave size: from hip-high waves
5’0 : For intermediate to advanced surfers, lightweight to medium build.
Paddling ease: +
Takeoff stability: ++
Maneuverability: +++++
5’6 : For intermediate to advanced surfers, lightweight to medium build; also suitable for heavier riders with good skills.
Paddling ease: ++
Takeoff stability: ++
Maneuverability: +++++
Surfer: Moritz, GONG team rider, on the I-Surf Compact.
I-Surf Shortboard & Longboard (beginner-friendly)
These models are best suited for beginners. The inflatable structure is extremely strong and resistant to impacts. The board is forgiving during the learning phase and greatly reduces injury risk. It’s also the most affordable construction, perfect for starting out without breaking the bank.
Remember that board length also depends on wave size. For 30 cm waves, the 8’ and 9’ are unbeatable, though they can surf much more. For smaller board sizes (6’3 and 7’3), you need at least hip-high waves.
Adults with some surf experience will quickly feel comfortable on the shortboard models, and lightweight kids can start on the 6’3 or 7’3.
Required level: beginner to intermediate
Ideal wave size: from hip-high waves
6'3: For beginners to intermediates, lightweight to medium build; also great for heavier surfers with solid experience.
Paddling ease: +++
Takeoff stability: +++
Maneuverability: ++++
7'3: For beginners to intermediates, medium to heavier build; also great for light riders seeking comfort and good maneuverability. These two models are also the most suitable for kids learning to surf.
Paddling ease: ++++
Takeoff stability: ++++
Maneuverability: +++
Surfer: Moritz, GONG team rider, on the I-Surf Shortboard inflatable surfboard.
If you’re a total beginner
Or simply if you prefer larger boards, you will enjoy the longboard models, which make learning easier thanks to very easy paddling and lots of stability at takeoff.
Required level: beginner
Ideal wave size: from knee-high waves
8’0: For beginners of all sizes seeking versatility.
Paddling ease: ++++
Takeoff stability: ++++
Maneuverability: +++
9’0: For beginners of all sizes seeking a true longboard.
Paddling ease: +++++
Takeoff stability: +++++
Maneuverability: ++
These boards have generous volume, keeping you high on the water for easy paddling. When choosing, don’t worry too much about size: once rolled up, these boards take very little space regardless of their length.
Which board for kids?
We often think of the child’s size first, sometimes mistakenly. Many children end up with boards that are too short for their level.
Kids should be considered like adults: beyond their size, you must evaluate their skill level and how often they surf. Beginners usually lack paddling power, so you must compensate with board length, an essential quality for catching waves independently.
Surfer: Malia on an I-Surf Longboard.
For beginner kids under 1m50, the 6’3 Shortboard model is sufficient. For taller kids, the 7’3 Shortboard is more appropriate.
Don’t overestimate your abilities or your children’s. Surfing is fantastic, but many people give up because they struggle to succeed, most often because they chose equipment not suited to their level. Remember that ease of use is also a guarantee of performance.
Surfer: Malia on an I-Surf Longboard.
I-Surf Compact
I-Surf Shortboard
