GEAR: THE BOOM IN WAVE RIDING

The key assets of the GONG boom make it the preferred option for our team riders in the waves!

While the boom was long considered too heavy for freeflying and too physical for a laid-back navigation, the GONG boom completely overturns these misconceptions caused by ineffective designs. The trend is shifting with the GONG boom to the extent that it now systematically equips the wings of our team riders, namely the Team Series wings. They are also offered as an option on our Perf Series wings in Dacron thanks to their interchangeable handle system.

Why this choice for our wings?

Lightweight, comfort, wing rigidity, no play, reshaping of the central strut, the pistol grip, one-handed tricks, quick handling between two sets to take off… Each session reveals more of the strengths and comfort in riding provided by the GONG boom.

Wing foiler: Malo, GONG Team Rider, with a Neutra UPE Aramid and a Lethal FSP Pro.

In the waves?

Firstly, we appreciate the lightweight construction of its prepreg carbon. Having half the number of connection elements to the wing compared to rigid handles saves 200 grams on this system. In freefly, we experience the lightweight feeling of soft handles, with the additional benefits of the boom.

Team riders: Clément and Malo, GONG team riders, on Lethal FSP Pro, Droid UPE Aramid, and Neutra UPE Aramid.

Freeflying and riding comfort

The wing becomes unnoticeable as soon as it’s held by the downwind handle. You can attack your wave without worrying, only your speed and foil glide matter. Whenever you need to relaunch, the boom is blindly grabbed, and one hand is enough to get the wing back into position. This riding comfort is also valuable when getting back on your board between sets. You grab the boom effortlessly to quickly get back into action during that short time between waves. It often comes down to a few seconds, and one second too much can sometimes have unpleasant consequences.

Wing foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, on Lethal FSP Pro and Droid Perf Series equipped with a GONG Boom.

One-handed grip at the center of the wing

The boom is also a delight in downwinds where occasionally having a bit more power to move from one bump to another by grabbing it with one hand at its center is appreciated. This allows for a lot of freedom of movement with the rest of the body to surf the bumps. Similarly, in wave riding, this grip provides lift for aerial turns in the wave and unlocks a wide range of tricks. It feels like all positions become possible, and you can handle any situation because the solution is always within reach. It’s striking. In freefly mode, the boom disappears behind your back just like textile or rigid handles. You win on all fronts.

Air maneuvers with a boom

You’re surfing, and you see a section for an air? Take hold of the boom to send yourself even higher and with total control over your maneuver. This ease of finding the boom in the heat of action is a real asset for this type of intention in the waves. Everything moves quickly and is done instinctively to be executed well. In a second, you have your hands on the boom to send it!

If we did not see such a maneuver during the Ponta Preta competition that just ended, it’s because the regulations prohibit taking hold of the wing for aerials (but allow it for a bottom turn for example). There are pros and cons, but the good news is that no regulation prohibits YOU from doing it, so don’t hesitate, grab your boom and go big! 😉