GEAR: WHAT GEAR DO YOU NEED FOR SAFE WING FOILING?

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Wing

25 february 2025 0

Stay safe on the water with GONG’s wing foil safety gear!

Wing foiling is an exciting water sport that delivers a unique sense of freedom and glide. Though serious accidents are uncommon, the marine world requires extra caution. Protecting yourself and your gear is key to getting back to shore safely. For a safe and enjoyable wing foiling experience, it’s crucial to gear up with reliable leashes—regularly replaced—and protection against bad falls. Backed by our expertise and continuous innovation, we offer a full range of safety equipment designed specifically for wing foilers.

Wing foilers: Francesco and Charlie, GONG team riders, with GONG helmets and GONG impact vests.

Essential safety gear

GONG helmet: Maximum protection for your head

Whether it’s a fall or an impact with your board or foil, a quality helmet is essential for staying safe. GONG’s helmets are lightweight, comfortable, and well-ventilated, delivering top-tier protection without limiting your movement.

GONG Impact vest: Cushioning your falls

An impact vest is a must-have for protecting your upper body from hard falls—whether you're wing foiling, foiling, or riding any towed sport. Designed to absorb and distribute shocks, our vests offer top-tier protection without restricting movement, thanks to their ergonomic panel design. Choose from several models for the best fit:

GONG Impact vest: Available in 12mm or 20mm padding.
GONG Zipless impact vest: Pull-on design with no zipper.
GONG Impact vest FZ lock: Front-zip opening.
GONG Harnessfit impact vest: Compatible with a harness.

Wing foilers: Francesco and Charlie, GONG team riders, featuring the GONG Zipless impact vest and the FZ lock impact vest.

Wing and board leashes: never lose your gear

A wing leash is a must-have, no matter your experience level. It keeps you linked to your propulsion source, which also helps with flotation. On the water, your leashes are your lifelines—never take them for granted. Always check their condition, and if you ride often, replace them at least once a year or as soon as you spot any wear.

Check out our how-to guide for tips on choosing the right wing leash.

A board leash is just as crucial, especially when you're learning. It keeps your board within reach, providing extra flotation and, more importantly, preventing it from becoming a hazard to others. Go for a 6’ leash with at least a 7mm diameter. Always check it before your session and replace it yearly—it’s as essential as a life jacket. The waist leash is the preferred choice for most riders, as we explain in this article.

Wingfoilers: Pamella and Clément, GONG team riders, with coiled belt leash.

Cut-resistant gear

To keep you safer on the water, we’ve created the Bodyguard textile range, offering extra protection against the risk of cuts from the foil. The risk is always there, but it's even higher when you're learning. We strongly advise you to gear up for maximum protection.

|action Wing foiler: Moritz, GONG team rider, with a Zuma Wood 2X ‘24 and GONG Bodyguard T-Shirt.

Last but not least: A neoprene wetsuit for your safety

Staying warm isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety. A broken gear or an injury could unexpectedly extend your session, increasing the risk of hypothermia. That’s why choosing the right wetsuit for your local water temperatures is crucial, ensuring you can stay in the water as long as needed. Explore our full range of wetsuits in our neoprene collection.

Ride with confidence and fully enjoy your passion for wing foiling with GONG’s protective gear for wing foil!