Surf foil board

Foils need no introduction as they now equip almost everything that moves on water, from boats on open ocean races as the Vendée Globe, to kitesurfing or SUPs, and of course surfing.

Surf foiling is a fabulous sport that complements surfing and quickly becomes essential to increase the number of sessions. It is an accessible sport provided you start in the right conditions with an adapted gear. Here are our tips for choosing the right equipment.

Many of you want to get into surf foiling, and you are quite right because flying on a surf foil is magical, and allows you to multiply the number of sessions. We have calculated that on the European coasts the number of good foiling sessions is ten times that of good surf sessions! Way enough to maintain fitness and drastically reduce frustration. Many mistakenly believe that it takes a level of world champion to get started. However, experience in surfing to position yourself well, a correct paddling technique and experience on short to mid-length boards are sufficient. A beginner would first have to know how to surf on classic surfboards. Surf foiling requires a minimum of experience on a surfboard, and the rather small size of surf foiling boards will not allow a beginner to be comfortable with this format.

An experienced surfer can easily and quickly progress, provided certain points are respected, such as not entering directly on equipment that is too demanding or technical, or in conditions unsuitable for his level.

The board is a key element in surf foiling. First, to paddle efficiently and get up without shaking, because you can quickly be punished for a failed take off. Then to go back to the peak without losing your shoulders. Finally, because a good foiling board conditions your balance and how you feel in the air. Your choice will be largely guided by what you already use to surf every day. But keep in mind that this board is intended to help you take off on waves of 30 to 50 cm at first, waves with little energy, so a board with a minimum of length and volume to paddle and start the most easily possible. If you are already good at surfing, and your everyday board is a shortboard with a volume of around 30L, you can go for a model of around 5′, but with more volume (at least 10 to 15 liters more) than your everyday board.

Surf foiling beginners should absolutely prioritize the length to have a fast paddling board because as soon as you fly you go a crazy distance without realizing it. The volume is also important to facilitate the take-off in small and windy conditions. A board will never be too big or too bulky to start with. Remember that duck dives are rarely needed when you are new to foiling because the waves are tiny. When in doubt, always choose the larger size for easier learning. And in any case, choose a larger volume of at least 10L more than your usual surfboard.

Indeed, the easier a board, the more waves you will take, so the more pleasure you will have, and the faster you will progress. To be comfortable we recommend removing 25 to your weight in order to define the ideal volume. For example on the Lance:

• If I weigh 65kg, I take 25 off, I get to 40. So I’m going for the Lance 5’0.
• If I weigh 75kg, I take 25, I get to 50. I go for the Lance 5’4.
• If I weigh 85kg, I take 25, I get to 60. I go for the Lance 5’8.

If you are not used to small boards, prefer comfort, in any case an “excess” of volume will never be a problem in these type of conditions and for your first flights. You will want to change to progress more, to push in your turns or to pump more efficiently. But in any case, it will take several dozen sessions before going around the material of your beginnings. And this material is in great demand on the second-hand market: you will sell it easily. Thanks to GONG and our sales model without distributor and shop margins, you will lose almost nothing on the value of your equipment. So do not take the risk of having a hard time starting out with too complicated equipment. You need the perfect equipment for your current level. If you take material that is too complicated, you will progress less quickly and feel disgusted.

So even if you have a light build and want comfort, there’s nothing stopping you from starting out on a 5’8.

• The Lance: This is the most suitable board for beginners, but don’t be fooled — it’s not a board you’ll outgrow after 10 sessions. It’s a board that can take you a long way. A perfect board to start with — but not just for that.
• The Matata: Probably the most compact shape in the range, it’s short and wide, chosen for its compact feel. A beginner foiler who is already a skilled surfer can use it as a first board — provided they keep enough volume. For an advanced foiler, it’s a natural progression.
• The Lemon: The perfect board for intermediate to expert riders seeking smooth carving. It has length for early takeoffs, some front-end width for paddle comfort and stability, and a refined tail to allow tight turns. It’s the go-anywhere board.
• The Lethal: This is the most radical board in terms of both shape and dimensions. Reserved for experienced foilers.

Three technologies are available across our foil board range.

EPS is perfect for its light weight and affordable price.

EPS Pro offers reactivity, liveliness, and durability.

FSP Pro delivers a board that is lightweight, lively, and ultra-strong.

EPS Technology

The new trend in board construction is EPS (Expanded Polystyrene). Long used in other sports, it’s finally making its mark in the surf world. Overall, it’s like PU, but lighter and more responsive. This means it can be reinforced more than PU at equal weight, a real advantage.

The board feels lively because epoxy resin is more responsive than polyester. It’s lighter and stronger, making it a great tech that also looks cool with material effects and the foam visible through the fiber. Monolithic EPS is lightweight, responsive with great feedback, and solid. However, repairs take longer (24–48h), and the foam core absorbs water if the laminate is damaged. Its price is affordable.

EPS is the lightest construction available, with minimal inertia for optimal flight control. The EPS version is not designed for jumping, and therefore has no footstrap inserts.

EPS Pro Technology

The new EPS Pro tech is a specially developed construction for surf foil boards!

It combines everything that makes a foil surfboard great. Lightweight without compromising on strength, this construction offers reactivity, liveliness, and durability.

This modern technology is favored by the most technical foilers looking for strapless performance.

FSP Pro Technology

Built in FSP Pro, these full PVC Carbon sandwich boards are the most responsive and durable.

The FSP Pro surf foil boards have been developed exclusively for surf foiling, using the highest quality full PVC Carbon sandwich construction.

The high-density hydrophobic PVC foam shell acts as a shield against heavy impacts and dramatically increases stiffness.

The difference in responsiveness is insane during pumping phases and radical maneuvers, where the board doesn’t flex or twist at all.

Underfoot, you’ve got a board that is lightweight, lively, and ultra-strong.

If you're a beginner, this is a question you'll consider later on. If you're already at an advanced level, it mainly comes down to personal preference and feeling.

In any case, you'll be able to add footstraps on boards built with FSP PRO technology, as they're equipped with strap inserts.

Straps open up a world of possibilities — first, they give you more precise control, let you push your turns even harder, and of course, unlock aerial maneuvers. Backflips, alley-oops — the entire aerial repertoire of modern surfing becomes available to you.

The leash is important for your own safety and the safety of others. A classic straight surf leash equal in length to your board or a 5’5 ankle coiled leash are preferred. The latter will have less tendency to wrap around the foil, or to get stuck in the stab.

And like any leash, it should be inspected regularly, and replaced if it shows any signs of wear.

Even if the foil has become widely democratized, it is a support that can still scare the other practitioners in the line-up, so there is no need to add more by surfing without a leash 😉

As long as you follow the recommendations below, there's no reason to get injured more than in regular surfing.

That said, wearing a helmet during your first sessions, or later when going big — can give you peace of mind.

A impact/life vest can also protect you from the foil if you fall on it.

Always remember: anticipation is the best protection.

Never jump into foil surfing without thinking! Caution, caution, caution — it's better to do nothing than to hurt yourself or someone else.

For the board bag, it should be a bit bigger than the board. First to fit the board there, then to have room for extra accessories, protections, etc …

Day bag or Luxe bag? The name is part of the answer. The Luxe Bag is ideal when traveling but takes up a lot of space on a daily basis. The Day Bag is great for everyday sessions. At GONG both types are very strong. It’s up to you to decide.