GEAR: START WING FOILING WITH NEW OR SECOND-HAND GEAR?

Choose wisely, thanks to the advice of those who were beginners before you!

Choosing the right equipment for a new sport can be a real headache. This is clearly the case in wing foiling, where countless models of boards, wings and foils are available on the market. Getting your own gear alone by browsing the offers is no easy task, and in the end you won't necessarily win financially. Here are a few basic rules based on the experience of those who started out before you.

Wingfoiler: Julien, GONG team rider, with a HIPE Perf pack.

Choosing new equipment is the most prudent choice, as it allows you to:

Get started with the right equipment

A common mistake when buying second-hand is to choose equipment based on the bargain that comes along, rather than on its suitability for your needs. For a price perceived as attractive, a beginner will easily be tempted by equipment that is poorly sized for his size or too specialized for his level, thinking “it'll be fine” or “that way I'll use it longer”. Big frustrations ahead that could easily be avoided. Accessibility of equipment when you're a beginner should be a priority, as should choosing the right size. Remember, you're winging for fun. Not to struggle harder than you have to. Winging is a very accessible sport, as long as you're properly equipped.

Ride with a coherent setup

Our complete packs should be seen as an aid to choice. A pack is a coherent gear setup. This is the safest option for getting started in wing foil. These packs are designed to ensure that all the elements (board, wing, foil) work well together, simplifying handling and improving progression. Having a suitable pack for you means you save time on the water, because it's easier to make progress, and you save money, because with a pack you benefit from an advantageous price. In a direct sales model like ours, this means you can get your equipment for a budget close to, or even lower than, those on the second-hand market.

Our GONG beginner packs are all-in-one solutions with absolutely all the accessories you need, including leashes for your wing and board.

Benefit from competitive prices

A direct sales model such as GONG's enables you to cut costs while benefiting from products of the same, or even higher, quality standards than those offered by conventional retailers. This allows you to benefit from competitive pricing without compromising performance or durability. By opting for this type of sale, you also gain access to expert advice at source, in direct contact with the product developers.

Be covered by an after-sales service and warranty

Buying second-hand equipment exposes you to the risk of equipment that has been badly maintained or worn out by its previous owner. Traces of wear and tear are not always easy to spot. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, we recommend buying new equipment that comes with a warranty and reliable after-sales service. In the event of a problem, you'll benefit from technical support to resolve any malfunctions and, if necessary, have the equipment replaced or repaired.

In short, for peace of mind about the quality of the equipment, and the certainty of taking up a new sport with equipment that will get you flying fast, all at a fair price, going for a pack is by far the safest choice.

Discover all our beginner packs in our shop.

To find out more about equipment for beginners, see our How To: