GEAR : OPTIMIZING LIGHT WIND RIDING: WHY EXTRA LARGE WINGS ARE BECOMIN

The Evolution of Wings and Foils for Light Wind

In the early days of wingfoiling, the solution to flying in light wind conditions was to use very large wings, often 7 m² or more. These large wings provided the raw power needed to compensate for the lack of glide in the boards and foils of the time. However, about three years ago, GONG took a significant step forward, actively working to resolve the frustrations related to taking off in light wind.

Today, the approach has radically shifted: the objective is glide. Instead of overpowering with cumbersome, hard-to-handle wings, we developed solutions that prioritize glide and performance through a complete setup: lightweight wings, glide-optimized boards, and specific foils. This new approach makes getting on the foil much more accessible, even in very light or inconsistent wind, without requiring oversized wings.

Wing foiler: Mathieu, GONG team rider, with a Droid Perf Series, HIPE Cruzader and Sirus foil setup.

The New Generation of Foils and Boards: Glide and Stability

Our V3 foils have been designed to meet the needs of new generations of boards that are more planing and high-performing. In the past, large foils would achieve lift at very low speeds with a rough take-off technique, sharply lifting the nose of the board before having to level it out—a source of the well-known porpoising.

Today, our boards are optimized to provide natural glide from the first push, and our foils are designed to allow nearly flat take-off. This is a revolution in ease of take-off, enabling the use of thinner foils without cavitating due to excessive lift. The board glides, and the foil lifts gradually, staying nice and level.

The Sirus, for example, is a high-aspect foil perfectly suited for light wind. It provides immediate lift while offering incredible glide that generates apparent wind, making flight easier without needing large, cumbersome wings.

Wing foiler : Clément, GONG team rider, on a Neutra UPE Aramid X 4,5m2 with a Cruzader Point LW FSP Pro.

Why Large Wings Are Outdated in Light Wind?

New wings like the GONG Droid and SuperPower are firm, lightweight, and powerful. They create optimized traction for glide: they pull you forward without excessive drag that would block acceleration, upwind angle, and apparent wind generation. Combined with a board like the Cruzader Point, they transform the light wind experience.

Using wings between 5 and 6 m² in very light wind (around 7-10 knots, or even less) is now much more efficient than the large wings of 7 m² and above that were used in the past. A smaller wing can generate apparent wind speed more effectively, thanks to efficient pumping and the board’s glide. A very large wing, on the other hand, makes pumping difficult and limits maneuverability. With a smaller wing and the right board and fast foil, it’s actually easier to maintain stable flight and take off sooner.

Wing foiler: Mathieu, GONG team rider, with a Droid Perf Series, HIPE Cruzader and Sirus foil setup.

The Ideal Setup for Light Wind

To take off early in light wind, we now recommend a setup that combines:

A wing between 5 and 6 m²: For example, a 5 m² if you’re an experienced rider or a 5.5 to 6 m² for easier take-off without intense effort.
A Cruzader Point board: This board is specifically designed to maximize glide in light wind, ideal for sessions where wind energy is minimal.
A Sirus foil in L or XL size: With a high-aspect yet powerful foil like the Sirus, you benefit from optimized lift from the start and exceptional glide that allows smooth flight while generating apparent wind. The difference with a “classic” foil is phenomenal.

The Benefits of Light Wind Riding: More Than Just Flying.

A unique experience of silence: Flying in light wind conditions offers an almost silent experience, where every sound and sensation becomes perceptible. It’s a feeling of complete connection with the environment.
More frequent training: With a setup optimized for light wind, you can train much more often. By increasing your flight hours in calm conditions, you progress faster and develop better overall control of your gear.
Less frustration, more enjoyment: No more waiting around frustrated for the wind to pick up. Now you can enjoy your sessions even with minimal wind or on choppy waters.
Increased sensitivity to details of glide: By flying in very light wind, you can perceive subtle details in your ride that would be masked in stronger wind conditions. This leads to significant progress, which you can then apply in higher winds.
Peace and solitude: Often, you’re the only one enjoying these light conditions, giving you the incredible feeling of doing something unique that few people know.

Wing foiler : Clément, team rider GONG, on a Neutra UPE Aramid X 4,5m2 with a Cruzader Point LW FSP Pro.

In Conclusion: Focusing on Glide Over Raw Power.

CAt GONG, we were the first to offer large wings for light wind, such as the SuperPower in 9 m². However, we were also the first to realize that the optimal solution didn’t lie in ever-larger wings but in a holistic approach to the equipment. By developing wings, boards, and foils specifically optimized for light wind, we have completely transformed the light wind experience.
Today, flying in less than 10 knots is accessible with a wing between 5 and 6 m² and a setup designed to maximize glide. This approach not only simplifies the equipment but also enhances versatility and performance in all wind ranges, offering smoother, more enjoyable, and much less frustrating sessions.

All these advancements have benefited our entire range of equipment. All of our latest boards, foils, and wings deliver this incredible glide. No need for oversizing, no need for a big foil, no need for a wide board: the gear glides like never before. And this is just as enjoyable in 6 knots as in 30 knots because riding smaller gear is always more thrilling. Fewer constraints, more pleasure.

So, instead of opting for a large wing, choose a well-thought-out setup for light wind, and you’ll notice the difference from your very first sessions!