GEAR: WHAT MAKES A WING GREAT FOR FREEFLYING?

Not all wings are equally efficient when held by the downwind handle!

One might think that when flapping the wing behind while surfing a swell, the qualities of its shape, construction, or equipment are of lesser importance. Yet, the reason why a wing like the Neutra is now a benchmark for such an use is because all these elements are finely tuned to provide you with the ultimate freefly experience. Let’s explore them together.

|action Wingfoilers: Malo, Clément and Bastien, GONG team riders, with Neutra and Neutra Boom wings.

A good wing for freeflying is defined by several factors: stability, neutrality, low drag, and lightness when held by the downwind handle. It should also have excellent relaunch capabilities and, most importantly, the ability to fly upwind when taking control of the boom or handles, as freefly usually leads to a considerable loss of ground windward.

1. Stability and neutrality

In order for your wing to be so discreet in freefly that you forget about it, it must be as neutral as possible, offering great glide, minimal drag, and a lot of stability. With a slightly higher aspect ratio, the Neutra provides a more controlled feel. In contrast to a very compact wing that tends to be relatively fickle, the Neutra follows gentle movements that you can easily control from the downwind handle. Furthermore, its moderate dihedral ensures it doesn’t flip over during freefly. The Neutra stays calm in the wind and remains perfectly docile.

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Wingfoiler: Francesco, GONG team rider, with a Stunt FSP Pro and Neutra Boom.

The Neutra’s stability and lightness make you forget it's there. This is because of the increased twist of the tips, which reduces drag in freefly. This twist helps the wing quickly find a balanced position. See the difference in tip twist between the Neutra and the Droid:

2. A wing that glides and goes upwind

Like a high aspect foil, the Neutra wing, with a bit more wingspan than the Droid and finer, smaller tips, provides superior glide. This is especially noticeable when you set course and head upwind. You feel capable of going sharply upwind with a shape that generates less drag than a more compact wing. This is a key advantage when you want to get back upwind as quickly as possible to catch another wave.

3. A shape with minimal drag

The specific construction of the Neutra gives it a perfectly taut canopy, preventing any intense flapping that would pull you backward. Additionally, it has less draft than a Droid, making it more neutral when held from the downwind handle. Ultimately, the diameter of its leading edge is smaller than that of the Droid, enhancing glide and reducing drag.

4. A wing that’s forgiving

Whether you’re in a more intense freefly mode or wave riding with the wing held by the handles, there may be moments when the wing is almost touching the water. It’s crucial to have a wing that won’t snag on the water. This is also why the Neutra's tips are specifically slimmed down, making touches with the tips nearly imperceptible.

Additionally, its leading edge is perfectly rounded with multiple sections, enabling it to "roll" smoothly on the water if it touches it, whether when laying the wing down in a bottom turn holding the boom/handles or when landing a rotation.

|action Wingfoiler: Malo, GONG team rider, with a Stunt FSP Pro and a Neutra (Boom model).

5. A downwind handle that enhances control

Depending on the maneuvers you execute on the wave or the wind orientation, you’ll need to adjust the wing position. Whether it’s by turning your shoulders towards the wave or even switching hands, the handle must enable precise control. This is achieved with a semi-rigid handle on our wings, offering precise handling, as long as the wing, like the Neutra, provides excellent glide and minimal drag.

|action Wingfoiler: Francesco, GONG team rider, with a Stunt FSP Pro and Neutra Boom.

Further increase lightness while minimizing drag

The Neutra is a lightweight wing that further enhances performance in its Team Series and Pro Team Series versions due to the use of lighter materials and the increased durability of materials like Aramid, which allows for a thinner leading edge and strut (resulting in superior stiffness)! As a result, a wing made from Aramid offers improved glide with even less drag. The Neutra Aramid and Aramid X also become more responsive in pumping and more durable, thanks to the use of materials with higher durability and rigidity.

Check out the Neutra Perf Series, Team Series, and Pro Team Series in our shop, along with the discounts and great deals you won’t want to miss.