Beginner Boards Wing Foil
Find below all our shapes of beginner board for the wing, followed by our advice on how to equip yourself.
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-20%
GONG WING FOIL BOARD INFLATABLE HIPE FIRST
The inflatable foil board that’s perfect for learning!Sale! -
BEST SELLER-20%
GONG FOIL BOARD INFLATABLE HIPE PERF
High performance inflatable foil board!Sale! -
NEW
GONG WING FOIL BOARD ZUMA WOOD 2X
Simplicity in SUP and wing foiling.Available on: -
NEW
GONG WING FOIL BOARD LANCE WOOD 2X
The coolest board to progress in wing foiling.Available on: -
NEW
GONG WING FOIL BOARD ZUMA FSP 2X
Simplicity in SUP and wing foiling.Available on: -
NEW
GONG WING FOIL BOARD LANCE FSP 2X
The coolest board to progress in wing foiling.Available on: -
END-OF-LINEUp to -55% OFF
GONG FOIL BOARD MOB 2TASTE COOL FSP 2X 2023
The Mob 2Taste is crazy for SUP, SUP foiling and wing foiling.Sale!Available on: -
END-OF-LINEUp to -33% OFF
GONG WING FOIL BOARD ZUMA WOOD 2X 2023
Simplicity and total versatility in wing and SUP foiling.Sale! -
END-OF-LINEUP TO 33% OFF
GONG WING FOIL BOARD LANCE WOOD 2X 2023
The coolest board to progress in wing foiling.Sale! -
END-OF-LINEup to 50% off
GONG WING FOIL BOARD ZUMA FSP 2X 2023
Simplicity and total versatility in wing and SUP foiling.Sale! -
END-OF-LINEUP TO 47% OFF
GONG WING FOIL BOARD LANCE FSP 2X 2023
The coolest board to progress in wing foiling.Sale!
Showing all 11 results
For Whom?
- Beginners without experience: Inflatable HIPE First, or ZUMA in large size.
- Sporty beginner: LANCE or ZUMA in your size.
- Beginner in wing but already foiler: LANCE, or small ZUMA and MOB 2TASTE / FLINT for versatility.
- Travellers: Inflatable HIPE Perf.
For What?
We can sum up very simply the concepts of each board in our range:
- HIPE FIRST: the perfect inflatable board to learn wing foiling!
- HIPE PERF: the inflatable foil board with 95% of the performance of a rigid board, in an easy and scalable shape.
- MOB 2TASTE: three sports in one board: SUP, SUP foil and wing.
- ZUMA: the easy rigid board in SUP foil and wing, and with good performances.
- LANCE: the compact Zuma, very stable sideways, ideal for wing.
Which board per program?
All boards have a versatility that opens up to several programs, but here’s a little guide to choose from according to your level and the conditions of the day, with the optimum being placed first:
- Multisports: MOB 2taste, Zuma, Flint.
- Allround: HIPE Perf, Lance, Zuma.
- Light wind: HIPE First, and of course Lance and Zuma.
- Freeride / Freerace: Lance.
Which wing board size?
Beginners in wing absolutely must have a positive volume balance.
Your weight plus that of the board must be less than the volume of the board.
Do not hesitate to take a bit more volume and width if you are not comfortable with your stance or not athletic.
To be comfortable, we recommend that you take a volume of around your weight + 30 = volume.
Regarding the HIPE Perf and Zuma, the length will help beginners take off more easily, and when riding flat.
Examples for a 7kg board and different sizes:
- If I weigh 70kg, the minimum to float is: 70kg + 7kg = 77L. But with my 70kg + 30 = 100L, I would be very comfortable but without excess.
- If I weigh 85kg, the minimum to float is: 85kg + 7kg = 92L. But with 85kg + 30 = 115L, I would be very comfortable but without excess.
- If I weigh 100kg, the minimum to float is: 100kg + 7kg = 107L. But with 100kg + 30 = 130L, I would be comfortable but without excess.
In wing, we identify three main types of relationship to volume:
Comfort
You can go for a volume sufficient to float : about your weight + 10 = volume.
Example: I weigh 80kg + 10 = 90L to float. Which means that with 90L and more I will be easy, provided I have a good level in wing.
Sport
You can also sub liter it because the board is wide enough to be stable. So if you have a great level and want maximum responsiveness, you can switch to negative volumes. Up to your weight – 10 = volume you can go on your knees by leaning on the wing on the water.
Example: I weigh 80kg + 10 = 90L to float. Which means that with 70L my board will sink a little and I should be precise and sporty every time I start.
Sinker
Below your weight – 10 = volume, at – 30 for example, you will have to do waterstarts by sinking the board: it’s technical, very physical,and you lose part of the low wind range. The performance gain is debatable depending on your level, but the sensation and responsiveness gain is considerable.
Example: I weigh 80kg + 10 = 90L to float. Which means that with 50L and less, my board will totally sink and I should do a real wakeboard type waterstart. In this case, less volume often makes things easier because we sink the board without worry to put it under our feet and climb on it. A small board will float less, therefore easier to get on but less quick to take off. Its surface stability qualities remain the same underwater.
Choosing the board that suits you perfectly can turn out to be a real challenge given the many parameters that define its qualities. In order to better understand all these parameters of length, width, volume, hull, technology and shape of a board, we explain all of their purposes in this How To : Choose your wing board.
Rigid or inflatable?
THE ADVANTAGES OF AN INFLATABLE BOARD
- Fits in a backpack
An inflatable board is foldable and fits in a transport bag that can be carried on your back! On the Freefly, Perf and Pro models of the HIPE, this transport bag is even geared-up with wheels which allow you to travel long distances with all your equipment. Our transport bags are designed to contain all the elements necessary for your practice (pump, wing, full foil, leashes and wetsuit). Inflatable boards are the perfect technology for traveling serenely and more economically, whether by plane, train, Fiat 500, well, pretty much anyhow, anywhere!
- Space-saving
If you do not have a garage or storage space for your gear, the reduced size is again a big advantage of this techno. If you are in an apartment, there is only one bag to transport and store. It’s clean and easy.
- Performances
Our inflatable boards make no compromise on performance. Only the precision of the shape separates an inflatable board from a rigid one. The inflatable board will have rounder rails than a rigid board. This is inherent to this type of construction. This impacts the lateral stability of the board which will need a bit more volume to match the stability of a rigid board. We therefore do not lose in pure performance on an inflatable board but slightly in inertia with a slightly bigger board. We recommend at least +15L compared to a rigid board for a wing foiler of an advanced level, plus 25-30l for an intermediate level and at least 40L for a beginner.
An inflatable board is appropriate for foilers of all levels. Shapes vary from one program to the other with for example more width for beginners (stability +++) or a narrow tail on the HIPE Pro for example (Take off +++ and harmless touchdowns in wave riding). The HIPE Perf and Pro offer the same equipment as our rigid boards with a V strap at the front and a single strap on the back.
- Comfort in navigation
The inflatable boards are very reassuring because the contacts with its surface are rather soft. So there’s less risk of hurting yourself when wiping out. Especially because the rails are a little more rounded. Sailing on this type of board inspires a very safe feeling and rightly so.
- Solidity
It’s very unlikely to damage the board because of bad manipulations on the beach or in the parking lot. But no drama if you manage to do so. For example, if you manage to pierce the layer of your inflatable board with a sharp object, you can easily repair it with the supplied repair kit (glue not included because they store poorly). Unlike the repair of a rigid board which requires the help of a professional fixer or to have a good experience in composite materials, you are independent for repair which is not very complicated.
- The price
An inflatable board is cheaper to produce than a rigid board because the working time is much shorter. In addition, our sales model allows us to offer bargain prices on all the HIPE’s in the range, with a particular effort on the HIPE First which makes the practice of Wing Foiling accessible to small budgets.
THE ADVANTAGES OF A RIGID BOARD
- High-end shapes
A rigid shape allows you to have a more specialized board for a specific program.
- Less inertia
For the same volume, a rigid board will be more stable at standstill than an inflatable board. It can therefore be chosen in a smaller size to enjoy a reduced inertia in flight.
- Volume distribution
A rigid shape allows a more precise volume distribution as for example on the 2024 Lance and Zuma which have a bulb on the nose to stabilize the board at standstill.
- 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.
Lance ou Zuma :
These two boards are offered in full sandwich constructions with, on one hand, a shape of absolute stability in pre-flight, and on the other, a glide that brings a lot of versatility.
The stability of the Lance
The shape of the Lance stands out with its compactness. It is rather short for a board intended for beginners but relatively wide which brings a considerable gain in comfort. This is a huge asset for learning pre-flight sailing. Finding your bearings on the board is way easier, especially on rough bodies of water. For someone who’s a complete beginner in board sports, acquiring a perfect mastery of pre-flight sailing is the key. Once you’re at that level, speed will make you take off naturally.
In the flight phases, its compactness limits inertia which helps you in learning your first jibes, tacks and jumps. This is the core concept of the Lance: An easy pre-flight board whose compactness brings you very close to the sensations of a more technical board like the Mint or the Lemon as soon as you take off.
The glide of the Zuma
The Zuma is a board with a more stretched out shape. Its slightly narrower lines offer a great glide on the water, much like a longboard that can take off on waves with very little energy. It accelerates with the slightest gust, which gets you off the ground in no time. You lose a bit of pre-flight stability compared to a Lance, but its speed quickly puts you on a steady line.
In addition, the shape of the Zuma, with fast accelerations, allows SUP fans to do their first take offs on a foil. By completing your foil quiver with a suitable mast (a 65 Alu mast or an HM 70 mast), the Zuma can expand your practice to SUP foiling. In particular with the help of the ADS fin placed under the front third of the board. This hand-removable FCS II fin, also present on the Lance, limits drift during pre-flight sailing in wing foiling, and limits the row effect when SUP foiling. An effect that is all the more important on a board that’s way shorter than your everyday SUP board.
Choose according to your profile
The Lance and the Zuma each offer the essential qualities for beginners thanks to shapes designed to combine stability, glide and comfort. If, in the light of the elements listed above, no obvious choice emerges for you, it is probably because they could both be a good match 😉 Your choice can be refined according to the conditions of your spot, your preferences or your experience. Here are some scenarios:
- Your home spot usually develops rough conditions with a lot of waves or chop, go for the stability of the Lance.
- You have previous sailing experience, for example in windsurfing or kitesurfing, you will quickly find your bearings with the glide of the Zuma.
- Save yourself physically thanks to the comfort of the Lance. Less falls means less physical constraints, less drift and ultimately more progress because you spend more time on the board.
- In the light wind or irregular conditions of an inland body of water, the accelerations of the Zuma will allow you to take off more quickly and with less energy-consuming pumping of the wing.
- To reassure yourself on a predictable and stable board when you don’t have great physical condition or relevant experience in water sports, the Lance is the best option. It is also very reassuring to reach the edge when the wind lets you go because it is the easiest board to navigate flat on the water.
- If you like to surf and/or have a little experience in stand-up paddleboarding, the Zuma offers you the best shape to make a take off in SUP foiling. It is a window of opportunity that opens on windless flights and your first wave connections.
- You know your limits, and balance has never been your strong point, then the Lance will be your best ally. It will allow you to quickly understand how to use the wing to your advantage and soon find your balance effortlessly.
Two solutions for one choice
There is no wrong choice because getting to know how to use your gear properly is always part of the learning process. Whatever board you go for. Beginners feel comforted in their choice as they progress and that’s normal. The choice can be summarized as follows:
- Ease, stability and an increased sense of security are your priorities? The Lance with its larger width will bring you what you are looking for. With a very playful character in flight thanks to its relative compactness.
- If you want to take off as soon as possible, the Zuma with its length and glide is for you. As a bonus, it has all the qualities to get into SUP foiling.
Which technology?
On the techno side, 4 rooms, 4 atmospheres!
It is essential to understand the constructions offered when you buy a board.
Aesthetics and programs are important, but construction is key! And very often, it is the obstacle course to find this information in between the marketing twists and turns …
At GONG, we are committed to presenting to you in all transparency what lies beneath the final paint layer, without blah blah.
Inflatable techno
The simple, solid and very close to rigid inflatable thanks to our revolutionary HIPE.
The carbon plate is firmly glued under the inflatable structure. This piece, composed of 1.9 kg of pure prepreg carbon and two foam stringers, is a jewel of composite know-how. By its design, it mechanically provides precisely what it takes to be as rigid as a classic board, without increasing the total weight.
In wing foiling, this is the perfect board to get started and progress. The volume is super generous, allowing you to use short lengths. And we’ve created two large sizes in 6’5 and 7’5 with an “ADS” fin box cleverly placed in front of the front foot to allow you to ride on the water without going downwind. This fin combined with your foil gives you a real grip to go upwind without flying. You can start off gently, without the stress of having to fly imperatively. The small sizes offer the highest level of performance in inflatable boards. It’s incredibly efficient, to the point that it’s hard to tell the difference in performance compared to a rigid board, except a few hundred grams more.
WOOD 2X techno
Economical, but less light.
Our entry-level construction is without blushing, comparable (if not better) than most of the high-end boards on the market sold at high prices …
The board is fully reinforced with a fiberglass lamination with a vacuum bonded wood sandwich and a super strong laminated biaxial fiberglass. Fully, that is to say the deck, the bottom but also the rails, unlike many “prestige” brands.
And the deck benefits from an additional reinforcement in a 3mm high density PVC (Airex) sandwich which limits all impacts, a guarantee of durability.
It is the perfect techno for first-time wing buyers, who are looking for an unbeatable price / solidity combo.
FSP 2X techno
Both light and very strong. This is the best-selling technology because it mixes the most advantages in a very reasonable price.
The FSP (Full Sandwich PVC): the techno that positions GONG boards in another world.
An exclusivity on the wing boards market, which comes directly to us from high-end construction techniques.
Unlike other wing board constructions on the market, our FSP boards are fully vacuum “shelled” with an extremely strong PVC (Airex) foam sandwich with a density of 80kg / m2. This density is 3 times greater than that of our competitors’ EPS foam blanks! Here again, we cover the top, the bottom but also the rails with a super strong 3mm shell! It’s 5 to 10 times thicker than the competition !!! Knees, paddles, harness hooks, the heart of your board is fully protected by a resistant and waterproof sandwich.
In FSP 2X, this sandwich is covered with a layer of biaxial fiberglass, much stronger than conventional fibers with its large fibers with a “reinforced concrete” effect.
The whole is of unparalleled durability and dynamism. It is the ultra solid techno that allows you to progress serenely on our Lance, Zuma and MOB 2taste.
Yet our FSP 2X boards remain at record weights.
First, because they are handmade using our French high-end manufacturing methods for custom boards.
Then because this super strong “shell” allows us to lighten the core of our boards to give them all the liveliness you need.
New equipment and design
Since 2023, the range of our wing boards features a new sleek design, taken over from the finishes used in the shape rooms for our custom boards, just like the full sandwich construction which have also been transposed years ago from our custom boards to our production boards.
The equipment is completely renewed on the 2023 boards:
- New reinforced GONG boxes to send big and new double entry rails that allows you to use our SCS system and save precious time during assembly!
- New more ergonomic GONG handle that offers a better grip.
- New stratification of the leash plug with a polished finish and absolute solidity.
- New sets of GONG footstraps, more ergonomic and more comfortable. In single version at the back and in V shape at the front for an ultra-balanced stance.
- New hard brush pad that allows for more thickness on the entire board for absolute comfort.
We invite you to analyze in detail your future board on the new 3D module of our product sheets.
Buy as an informed consumer!
How to place and adjust your straps?
What types of leash ?
There are 3 possible attachment systems for your leash. A surf style attachment, directly on the ankle, a second, less cumbersome one on the waist and the last one, with a “quick release” system for use with a harness. You will choose one model or another depending on your priorities.
Why use an ankle leash ?
The ankle leash is historically the leash which was the most used at the beginning of wingfoiling, because there was nothing better. This is a choice which remains interessant if you like to ride toeside and never switch feet. Because although the ankle leash fulfills its function very well by connecting you to your board, there are several disadvantages:
- It is more cumbersome on the deck when starting and during certain maneuvers ;
- It gets caught more easily in the foil when you’re in the water ;
- It generates drag during flight ;
- It’s less accessible if you have to release it quickly.
Why use a belt leash?
The days when the leash drags in the water and gets caught in the foil are over. Gain in comfort and sensations with our belt leashes.
A classic ankle leash tends to get caught in the legs or even the toes, and you lose the quality of your support when you step on it. This is the advantage of our leash belts: you’re connected behind your back, and as long as the leash is correctly positioned at the beginning, it will not bother you while riding.
With a belt, you have your leash close at hand, making it easier to catch up with your board, especially when you need to be fast like when passing a shore break.
The belt is closed by a long Velcro strap with a large buckle. This safety feature is integrated into the Velcro for easy release, whether in a difficult situation or simply on the shore when arriving at the beach.
Why use a quick release leash ?
For those riding with a harness, this is the must-have leash that makes the session easier and allows quick release in tricky situations.
What type of leash to choose for your board?
We offer two types of rope with our leashes. The perf leashes (straight) or the coiled leashes (telephone) :
The perf leash
The perf leashes, with a straight cord, look more like traditional surf leashes.
In surfing, the main advantage is that the board will return less powerfully than with a coiled leash and a spring effect, thus avoiding injury when the board gets caught in a wave.
In freestyle, you have to fall to progress, and sometimes even eject from the board to avoid falling back onto it. So you need a leash that’s solid but leaves a minimum of freedom.
This is the model we recommend for beginners because if you fall, this is the model that will put the most distance between you and your board.
The coiled leash
The rope of coiled leashes has the shape of a spiral like a telephone cord, to gain comfort. It is a must have for all your sessions.
We offer these leashes so that they stay in the air and don’t drag in the water. It also means you don’t get your feet tangled up and stuck when you should not be.
This is the leash you need in freeride.
Using this type of leash is not recommended in waves because the rope quickly tangles on itself when subjected to repeated strong pulls.
Fixed or adjustable leash belt ?
The advantage of a fixed leash is that it adjusts perfectly to your size. It’s tailor-made.The fixed leash is the best choice for smaller people.
The advantage of an adjustable leash is that thanks to the Velcro attachment system, it adapts to all morphologies. This type of system is also perfect for switching and sharing equipment if you have different body sizes.
Which leash length ?
Belt leashes :
- The GONG LEASH BELT PERF 7MM and its adjustable version are available in two lengths. Choose the 5’0 for boards under 5’5 and 6’0 for boards over 5’5.
- The 8’ GONG LEASH BELT ADJUSTABLE COILED 7MM is suitable for all boards.
- The GONG LEASH BELT COILED 7MM and its 8′ adjustable version is suitable for all boards.
The Quick Release leashes :
- The GONG QUICK RELEASE LEASH is available in 3 sizes: 5’ for boards under 5’5, 6’ for boards from 5’5 until 6’5 and 8’ for boards over 6’5 and for all boards in strong wind conditions to keep the board away in the event of a violent fall.
- The GONG QUICK RELEASE COILED LEASH 8’ is suitable for all boards.
Which quiver?
You don’t need many wing boards, because often you’ll do everything with the one you love the most.
But as you progress, you can be tempted by two complementary volumes. Possibly by completing your board with a more radical or one for light wind days, choosing a more specific shape like a Cruzader.
You can of course complete your quiver wing with a range of Stand Up Paddle without foil. And surf boards for windless days, so you never stay out of the water.
Which foil to use winging?
Beginners will experience the fastest progression thanks to the X-Over foil. It excels in every crucial aspect of progression.
It allows early takeoffs, enjoyable surfing, efficient pumping, beautiful turns, and impressive speed relative to its volume. It’s an accessible shape that performs well for its size and excels in all foil disciplines: winging, surf foiling, SUP foiling, dock starts…
Which foil sizes?
The XL size (regardless of their weight between 65kg and 90kg) and an X-Over 46cm stabilizer.
The front wing size determines the speed/lift ratio. The smaller the wing, the faster you’ll go but you will be uncomfortable at low speeds.
Stabilizers are playing a major role. They determine the stability of the foil and contribute to its lift. A large stabilizer will make it more forgiving but at the expense of the foil’s maximum speed.
The X-Over stabilizer greatly contributes to stability thanks to its winglets and larger span
Which mast size?
We offer a wide range of mast heights. Depending on sports, you may prefer a shorter (as in surf foiling, dock starts…) or a longer masts (for race wing or kite).
Based on constructions, you can find the one that suits you best. The Aluminum V2 masts are available in 5 sizes (55, 65, 75, 85, 95 cm) to cater to all sports and skill levels. For wing foiling, we do recommend:
- 75cm: Ideal size for getting your first rides and for spots with shallow depths.
- 85cm: Standard size for maximum versatility, maneuvers, and surfing.
- 95cm: Perfect for freeride/freerace.
You can find all the information regarding our various masts: Here
Foil positioning?
For GONG foils, you need to place the top plate in the center of the US rails.
The more forward you will place it and the more it lifts the board. On the other hand, the more backwards, the more the nose of the board dives. Ideal when getting started because it’s easy to manage.
Be careful not to move it too far forward. We often tend not to let the rear foot work, especially when we come from a kitefoil background. However, moving the foil back a little forces you to put more weight in the back foot and gives a more harmonious attitude and reduces the effort.
Strap or Strapless?
Riding strapless is sexy because it makes you feel free. But quite honestly, it’s not the best for performance…
So, it’s up to you to see if sensation prevails over performance. In wing, we’re clearly going to miss 90% of its potential without the straps.
With straps, you’ll have much more control and much less risk of getting the Foil flipping under your feet. In the waves, it’s obvious, you gain a lot with straps. You can recuperate from crazy situations just by pulling up on your feet. And in jumps, of course.
Put your straps in a central position (3rd hole) for the front, and the same goes for the back strap if you still ride with the back.
If you want to be able to get the back foot out for transitions and surfing, put the back strap on the first hole.
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