Our new ambassador Gabriel gives us a full feedback of the HIPE 5’1 with which he rides today after challenging beginnings on his home spot of rough nature.
“Small build of 68kg, I made the mistake of taking an 85L HIPE to start in rough seas. I quickly changed it to a Flint 5’8, more comfy in 110L. After a few months of progress between lockdowns and freezing weeks, I have just returned to this HIPE 5.1 in 85L and what a pleasure! Of course, a small board brings incredible liveliness, but it was above all its awesome qualities that won me over.
Performance
Inflated to 20psi, it feels perfectly rigid, it reacts instantly to the feet thanks to the rigid carbon plate. Lightweight, easy to steer, it can be tamed easily.
Accessibility
The change from 110L to 85L was very easy. The volume of this HIPE is very well distributed so its buoyancy is excellent. It remains very safe and easy.
Simplicity
What a joy to ride this inflatable board, it’s indestructible. With my Flint, I took infinite precautions not to damage it: when I put it down on the beach, when I mounted my foil, when I put it in the car … With the HIPE, no apprehension. I don’t have to always think about protecting my board anymore. In addition, when I switch to the harness, I’ll have no fear for this board.
Safety
It’s inflatable, it really hurts less when you fall on it or when you get kicked in the shore break. Being less afraid of hurting myself, I get even braver in the maneuvers.
Transport
In the bag, it’s possible to put the board, the foil and a wing all together. It goes in planes, the train or in a Twingo. I even managed to take it on a pro trip. It changes your life.
In short, it’s just awesome : hip hip hipe hooray… 😉 ”
