LOWKITE > Lowkites - Beginner

Introduction to the Lowkite range: why choose a GONG Lowkite?

GONG lowkites are revolutionizing the way of using wind and foils. Inspired by kitesurfing and paragliding, they stem from the DNA of flying crafts: it glides, suspended in the air, carried by its profile and animated by the wind. Unlike wing foiling, which comes from the DNA of windsurfing and sailing, and which is handled like a rigid sail. A lowkite is a flying wing, flexible, controlled by short bridles connected to a micro-boom at 90° to the wing.

Originally, lowkites were designed as a modern downwind solution, an alternative to paddling up onto the foil to surf swell bumps.

With the release of the V2 Plus and Neutra, the dimension has totally changed: these two models are now true navigation lowkites, capable of covering all the programs of winging or kiting: freeride, freestyle, freefly, waves, cruising, downwind.

Today, choosing a GONG lowkite means accessing:

All foil riding programs, from beginner to pro.
An ultra-compact tool, that packs away in a second and requires no inflation.
Performances comparable to a wing, and even superior in some areas.

Light, simple, manageable, accessible, and economical, the lowkite opens a new field of possibilities for all foilers, with a unique sensation: that of flight.

One of the great specificities of the lowkite is the almost direct control by a bar that you sheet in by tilting and turn by rotating. Almost the opposite of kite ;-) So a new, awesome mode of handling to learn.

The genesis of the GONG Lowkite range

The lowkite was born from a simple idea: replace the engine of the foil. Where a wing acts like an inflated, rigid sail inspired by windsurfing, the lowkite follows the lineage of free flight: kitesurfing, paragliding, kite flying.

The first parawings and pocket wings had shown that small, light, and compact wings could be used to launch into downwind. But their instability limited their interest. At GONG, we reinvented the concept: a wing without lines, but controlled by a micro-boom, with unprecedented precision and maneuverability.

The real key lies in the progress of foils and downwind boards.

Today’s foils lift earlier, glide faster, are more stable and more maneuverable.
Downwind and mid-length boards have made it possible to take off with very little energy.
We no longer need huge sails: a thin, light, stable wing is enough.

The lowkite is therefore the child of two revolutions: that of the foil, which made its use possible at a high level, and that of flying wings, which bring lightness, precision, and aerial sensations.

Key features of the GONG Lowkite range

Lightness and compactness: 4 to 5 times lighter than an equivalent wing, lowkites fit in a tiny bag.
Ease of use: no inflation, no pump, no bladder. Immediate setup.
Stability and control (V2): reinforced leading edge, redesigned bridles, locked-in profile. The Plus V2 and Neutra V2 handle from light wind to strong wind with stunning stability.
Lift and upwind angle: lowkites offer the lift and upwind ability of a kite, with the maneuverability of a wing.
Versatility: from downwind to freeride, freestyle to waves, all the way to freerace.
Robustness: marine-treated materials, reinforced seams, drainage systems on ram-air models (Droid and Pulse). Able to take crashes in waves.
Extended wind ranges (V2): a 4 m² takes off at 12 knots and holds up to 30 knots.
Universal accessibility: from the beginner rider seeking a stable wing to the pro throwing 720 frontflips, there is a suitable lowkite.

Detailed comparisons & recommendations for each program

Focus on GONG Lowkite Technology

V2 reinforcement: reinforced leading edge, redesigned bridles, perfect profile hold.
Micro-boom control: direct and ultra-precise connection.
Marine-proof structure: designed to withstand ocean stresses, shorebreak, and waves.
Quick drainage: on ram-air models (Droid and Pulse).
Ultra-lightweight: up to 5 times lighter than an equivalent wing.
Huge wind ranges (V2): for example, a 4 m² holds from 12 to 30 knots.

Rider feedbacks

Plus V2: “Stable and easy, but not limited: I landed my first backflips with it.”
Neutra V2: “Responsive and precise, perfect for committed freestyle and technical maneuvers.”
Droid: “Powerful and enjoyable, with great lift for surfing and throwing tricks.”
Pulse: “A true freerace machine. Infinite glide, but requires finesse.”

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about GONG Lowkites

Is it harder than wing foiling?

With the V2, no. If you already know how to wing foil, you’re off from the very first reach. The foil remains the technical element, not the lowkite.

Can you go upwind?

Plus V2 and Neutra V2: yes, with efficiency comparable to a wing.
Droid and Pulse: yes, with upwind ability worthy of a kite.

Which one to choose to start?

The Plus V2: stable, safe, and able to evolve with you.

Can a lowkite replace a wing?

Yes, in almost all programs. The only limit: very light wind where a wing still has the advantage for takeoff.

Q&A: Common questions about the GONG Lowkite range

What’s the difference between a single-skin and a double-skin?

Single-skin V2 (Plus and Neutra): ultra-light, simple, maneuverable, now capable of covering almost all programs.
Double-skin (Droid and Pulse): more powerful and rigid, designed for powerful riding, with upwind and traction comparable to a kite.

Discover a new world of glide

The GONG Lowkite V2 are no longer just downwind wings: they are complete flying machines, able to rival wings and even surpass them in some areas.

The wing is the child of windsurfing and sail/navigation DNA. The lowkite is the child of kiting and paragliding, of flight DNA. Two different worlds, two different sensations.

Like paragliding, hang gliding, or gliders: you can perform the same tricks, but the feeling is unique.

It’s up to you to choose:

The rigid, direct pull of a wing.
Or the suspended, aerial flight of a lowkite.

In both cases: power, freedom, and absolute pleasure. 🚀

FAQ - Choosing the equipment

Q1: What’s the difference between the Plus, Neutra, Droid, and Pulse?

Plus V2: stable, reassuring, perfect to learn and progress. Accessible but not limited: it also allows freeride and first tricks.
Neutra V2: livelier and more precise, ideal for freestyle, surf, and committed riding.
Droid: double-skin ram-air wing, efficient in low end and surf freestyle, with impressive upwind angle.
Pulse: double-skin freerace and fast freeride wing, very technical, designed for speed and extreme upwind.

Q2: Which size should I choose?
It depends on rider weight and wind. Example for a 4 m²:

Start around ~12 knots, holds up to ~20 easily and ~30 knots with a harness.

S (-65 kg): 4 m² in 12–25 kts.
M–L (65–85 kg): 4 m² in 12–28 kts.
XL (+85 kg): 4 m² in 14–30 kts.

👉 Simple rule: the heavier you are, the larger the size. The stronger the wind, the smaller the size.

Q3: Do I need a bigger lowkite than a wing?

No. The use range is different, but lowkite sizes are chosen roughly like a wing. The difference: a lowkite is not overpowered in the same way, and the wind range is often wider with V2.

Q4: Which foil to pair with a lowkite?

Plus V2 & Neutra V2: large foils (1000–1200 cm²) for starting or downwind, more compact foils (700–900 cm²) for freestyle and speed.
Droid & Pulse: fast, thin lifting foils to optimize upwind and glide (600–800 cm²).

Q5: Which board to choose?

Voluminous downwind boards: ideal for learning and easy starts.
Mid-length or small surf foil/freestyle boards: perfect once comfortable, more maneuverable and fun.

Q6: Can you use the lowkite with an inflatable HIPE?

Yes, it’s an ideal combo for travel: ultra-compact lowkite + inflatable HIPE = complete setup transportable everywhere.

Q7: Can I use a harness?

Yes, and it’s even recommended to extend the range. With a harness, you can hold more power and ride longer.

FAQ - Techniques and learning

Q8: Is it harder than a wing?

No, with V2 the lowkite is even simpler: no inflation, no pump, no touch-down issues. If you already foil with a wing, you’ll do your first reaches in your first lowkite session.

Q9: How long does it take to learn?

If you already foil: 1 session to get going and come back.
If you’re new to foil: count 8–10 sessions, same as with a wing.

Q10: Can I do the same tricks as with a wing?

Yes. With the Plus V2 and Neutra V2, riders are already doing frontflips, backflips, 720s, multiple rotations. The entire wing repertoire is being duplicated in lowkite.

Q11: Does it pump like a wing?

Not exactly. The lowkite has no inflated rigidity, but thanks to the V2 bridles and its bar, you can “load” the wing and get efficient pumping, especially in the low end.

Q12: Can you surf in freefly?

Yes. Like with a wing, the lowkite can be parked at zenith in neutral for free surfing. It remains auto-stable, which is perfect in waves.

Q13: Does it hold well in lulls?

Yes, almost as well as a wing. The V2s pass through wind holes with impressive stability.

Q14: Can you downwind only with a lowkite?

Yes, but it’s no longer its only use. The V2s now cover the entire spectrum of riding, not just downwind.

FAQ - Safety and conditions

Q15: What is the recommended wind range?

It obviously depends on your skill level, weight, board size, and foil. Broadly speaking, the wind ranges are very similar to those of wings for someone experienced.

5 m²: 10 to 25 knots.
4 m²: 12 to 30 knots.
3 m²: 15 to 35 knots.

👉 Lowkites tolerate a huge wind range thanks to its V2 stability.

Q16: Is it dangerous to use in waves?

Just like for wing foiling, the main risk is hitting your board or foil when falling into the waves. We recommend wearing a helmet and an impact vest.

Q17: What if your lowkite falls in the water?

Single-skin (Plus, Neutra): it will float. Sit on your board, lift it by the leading edge and relaunch.
Double-skin (Droid, Pulse): automatic drainage, possible relaunch in seconds.

Q18: Can you use a lowkite on spots forbidden to kites?

Yes. Since there are no lines, just a bridle, regulations are different. A lowkite can be packed and relaunched further offshore, bypassing some issues tied to classic kites.

Q19: Should you wear a helmet and impact vest?

Yes, strongly recommended. As in wing foiling, you can crash hard.

Q20: Can lowkites be taught like wings?

Yes, the Plus V2 are ideal for teaching, more intuitive to manage on the beach and in the water than a wing.

FAQ - Care and durability

Q21: How long does a lowkite last?

Same as a wing or kite: several seasons of intensive use, thanks to marine-treated and reinforced materials.

Q22: How to maintain a lowkite properly?

Rinse quickly with fresh water (not excessively, salt sometimes protects better than chlorine).
Dry in the shade, never in direct sun.
Store dry, without folding too tight.

Q23: Is it repairable?

Yes, exactly like a wing or kite. Our sail loft in France handles repairs.

Q24: Does the fabric wear out quickly?

No. The triple ripstop canopy and reinforcements are identical to those on our high-end wings.

Q25: What about traveling?

A lowkite + an inflatable HIPE = the ultimate combo. Ultra-light and compact, it’s easy to take planes with it, in most cases as a standard baggage.

FAQ - Advanced rider questions

Q26: Does a V2 Lowkite go upwind better than a wing?

Yes, often. The refined profile and direct bridle allow upwind angles very close to a foil kite.

Q27: Can a lowkite jump high?

Yes. Team riders have already sent jumps comparable to wing freestyle, with effective lift and relaunch.

Q28: Can you compete with a lowkite?

No official format yet, but performances (especially freerace with the Pulse) open the way to specific competitions.

Q29: Why choose a lowkite rather than a wing?

For the difference in sensation.

Wing = sailing/navigation DNA, rigid and direct traction.
Lowkite = flight DNA, aerial and floating sensation, like being suspended.
👉 The tricks may be the same, but the feeling is completely different.

Q30: What are the differences in riding between a Lowkite V1 and V2?

V1 lowkites are interesting wings because they are hyper light, very easy to fold/unfold/store, ideal on glide-oriented downwind boards for which they were specifically designed.
V2 lowkites represent a huge leap forward. A V2 lowkite is a complete wing, rigid, stable, opening the full riding spectrum (freeride, freestyle, waves, downwind), with qualities close to a wing but in flight mode. The V2 generation aims to match the potential of the wing in all areas. Of course, freefly downwind remains a major program as with wings, but the potential for high-energy riding is radically boosted. To learn more, see this article.