GEAR: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A RIGID WING BOARD?
Arguments to consider when switching from an inflatable to a rigid wing foil board.
The performance and convenience of inflatable boards are such that many wing foilers see little reason to switch to rigid boards. The practicality of inflatables is a strong argument, but rigid wing boards have a lot to offer!
Stability thanks to sharper rails, better volume distribution or pretty lines, here's a non-exhaustive list of arguments that all point in one direction: even more sensations.
Wingfoiler: Clément, GONG team rider, with a Mint FSP Pro, Neutra UPE Aramid X and Fluid H setup.More specialized shapes
The construction of a rigid board makes it possible to design more specific shapes for each program. Rigid boards can be sharper for racing, or be specifically shaped for surfing.
Less inertia
For the same volume, a rigid board is slightly more stable at a standstill, as an inflatable board has to deal with rounder rails. By choosing a rigid board, you can therefore opt for smaller, more compact and lighter models to reduce inertia in flight. Above all, this improves gliding sensations and responsiveness.
Precise volume distribution
Rigid construction allows for optimized volume distribution. For example, shapes with bulbs on the nose offer greater stability at a standstill and ease of repop. This type of ultra-precise shape facilitates each action and further specializes the board.
Pretty lines
It looks good! And a shape that pleases the eye usually works great on the water too. What surfer, kitesurfers or windsurfers see in a shape can also be applied to wing foiling. It is a pleasure to read a shape on land and to analyze its behavior on the water. The concave of a hull, the edge of a rail or the design of a tail are all elements that you learn to understand and use to your advantage as you get better at it.
Tailored to the conditions of your spot
The choice between a rigid board and an inflatable one also depends on the type of spot. On choppy waters, the stability of a rigid board is an advantage.
Wing foiler: Moritz, GONG team rider, with a Mint FSP 2X, wing Plus and a GONG Bodyguard anti-cut t-shirt.Full sandwich tech on all our wing boards
The full sandwich constructions used for our prototypes and our custom wing boards at the GONG Factory are faithfully transposed on our production models! A singularity in a market that strives towards cheaper constructions that are far from what we usually can see on high-end custom boards. It is the most durable rigid tech for its resistance to bending and dents, also for its hydrophobic PVC shell and for the ease of repairs.
The most dynamic construction
There's simply no better in terms of dynamism and responsiveness than full-sandwich rigid technology. Navigation, maneuvering and surfing are precise, with no latency. This is the technology for the highest performance.
Transportation and storage
Transport and storage remain the main challenges of a rigid board. For those who have the necessary space, the unique feeling of a rigid board does more than compensate for this disadvantage. It's up to you to find what suits your needs and lifestyle.
Wing Foil Board Lance Wood 2X
Wing Foil Board Zuma Wood 2X
Wing Foil Board Zuma FSP 2X
Wing Foil Board Lance FSP 2X
Wing Foil Board Mint FSP 2X
Wing Foil Board Lemon FSP 2X
Wing Foil Board Mint FSP Pro
Wing Foil Board Lemon FSP Pro
