GEAR : LOWKITES: INNOVATION AND EVOLUTION OF WINGS FOR MUCH MORE THAN JUST DOWNWIND

Patrice Guénolé presents the concept of lowkites and the range dedicated to it.

Patrice Guénolé, boss and shaper GONG, with a Pulse Lowkite and Mint FSP 2X.

The downwind scene has seen the emergence of innovative small wings designed to replace paddles for downwind runs. These small wings provide the power needed to pump and get onto the foil without having to require paddling skills. 

However, while practical for launching and easy to fold for downwind use, they have limitations when it comes to navigating: their lightweight structure makes them somewhat unstable. Though ideal for catching bumps in windy conditions, they can become harder to control and manage when the goal is to ride without drifting downwind, particularly in lighter winds where their traction capacity is limited, or conversely, when overpowered, as these single-skin kites lack stability.

Given this observation, and inspired by my experiences with the early days of kiteboarding when I was surfing on a longboard with a line-free foil kite, I wanted to take things further by creating “Lowkites” to give this downwind concept a new dimension.

My goal: to design wings capable of navigating in all directions, with the performance range we know from other boardsports.

What for? Freeride, jumps, tricks, cruising, racing, downwind, and surfing.

What’s the appeal? This new sport lies at the intersection of kiteboarding and wingfoiling, offering endless possibilities. Its primary advantages are lightness, compact size, no need for inflation, unique handling, and the ability to launch from challenging locations.

The zenith: A Unique Lowkite Experience. One of the great joys of wingfoiling is being able to set the wing to neutral, completely depowering it, which remains challenging with kites. With a lowkite, you can not only fully flap out the wing but also keep it at the zenith. In this position, it is self-stabilizing, allowing for free surfing, much like free-flying with a wing.

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Une publication partagée par Patrice Guénolé (@patrice_guenole) 

The Design of Lowkites

Lowkites sit at the crossroads between wings and kites: they are unique kites without lines, with an innovative bridling system attached to a boom positioned at 90 degrees to a traditional kite bar. This system allows for wingfoil-like control while retaining the qualities of a lightweight kite. The result is a unique hybrid wing, delivering fluid and intuitive handling, with the power and control of a kite.

Lowkite Models and Their Uses

1. Neutra

The Neutra is the lowkite closest to the small wings already available on the market. It’s a lightweight and ultra-compact wing, easy to stow and designed for downwind and surfing. It’s particularly well-suited for launching with a high-volume foil board.

• Low ratio, allowing for easy downwind launching without the need for overpowering.

• Maneuverability, short bridle, and lightness, making it easy to stow in a small bag or under a rash guard.

• Minimalistic structure, which doesn’t take on water, allowing for seamless wave handling.

• Although not optimized for upwind, it can still slightly point upwind with a suitable foil.

The Neutra is perfect for those looking for a compact and lightweight solution to launch into downwind runs without the bulk.

2. Droid

With a moderate ratio and double skin, the Droid lowkite offers the perfect balance between stability and power while being designed for enhanced performance. As a foil kite, it maintains stability through air pressure, ensuring a well-supported structure and optimal control.

• Enhanced stability due to air pressure in the chambers, providing increased maneuverability and easier upwind performance.

• Suitable for tricks and freeride, it can edge upwind like a classic wing.

• Its short bridle allows for easy stowing if you decide to downwind.

The Droid is a versatile choice, perfect for freeriding, freestyle, and wave riding, with the ability to explore tricks and maneuvers.

3. Pulse

With the Pulse, the focus is on speed and performance in freeride. Its high ratio and slightly longer pre-lines allow for upwind navigation with wingfoil-like efficiency while preventing the wing from touching the water.

• Optimal upwind capability, ideal for cruising and long-distance rides.

• Extended wind range to suit varied wind conditions, offering great control at the zenith to surf bumps and waves along the way.

• Designed for continuous use with a slightly longer bridle, it is not meant to be stowed mid-session.

The Pulse is geared towards riders seeking a high-performance lowkite for full-speed freeriding, with excellent maneuverability and upwind capability close to that of a freerace wingfoil.

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Conclusion

Lowkites mark a significant evolution in downwind and freeride practices, allowing for more versatile and uncompromising navigation. They represent the rise of a new sport! From the Neutra for compact downwind use to the Pulse for fast and high-performance freeriding, each model offers unique features that meet the needs of a wide range of riders. This innovation merges the advantages of kites and wingfoils, bringing a new, flexible, and accessible experience for water sports enthusiasts.

A new chapter in water sports has begun. It’s up to all of us to write it.

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