Our ultimate board for ultra light wind winging, standing starts on the flat and downwinders is available in a high performance inflatable version!
A world first and a true revolution of what is to be considered as “rideable” conditions, the HIPE Cruzader is the compact and handy solution for trips that will inflate your sesh stats without being bulky on land.
By adopting our inflatable HIPE technology, this shape with extreme dimensions manages to display the same performance as its big sister in full sandwich construction. Namely a lightning take off, an incomparable glide and an astonishing comfort for such an extreme board.
At GONG the spirit of pioneers is powerful. So developing material to break the limits is our leitmotif. Who would have imagined seeing a 100 kg bear fly in almost no wind? Who would have imagined our shaper taking off on the flat with only a paddle? Yet, all of this has become a reality that we share with you today.
The extraordinary qualities of the HIPE Cruzader are a guarantee for flying in the lightest conditions, having incredible downwinders and being able to surf bumps you wouldn’t imagine rideable!
Whether it’s to be certain to score on trips no matter how light the conditions turn out to be, without having to transport bulky gear, or to fly below 10 knots, and even well below, the HIPE Cruzader is the essential board in the quiver of a passionate foiler.
Shape
Very narrow, relatively long, and ultra flat, this board is a paddle powered rocket that takes off super early. It has no rival as its level of performance explodes the known limits.
Our solid experience in inflatable boards allows us to offer you an ultra-specialized inflatable board with a sexy and innovative shape that will revolutionize your sessions.
The new carbon plate of the HIPE Cruzader has been developed to enable this record performance and take on giant foils. Indeed, these foils developed by GONG are also a total reassessment of the way you approach your sessions. Combining the HIPE Cruz with our Sirus for example is THE magic combo. And for that, you needed a high-performance plate with a very particular shape that promotes flow and a perfect connection with the foil.
The 6” drop stitch allows for substantial volume over a narrow width. The board glides over the water like a SUP race board: ideal for popping early and restarting in the bumps.
Do not be afraid of the narrowness of the board because in wing foiling it is painless; and in SUP foiling, the use of large foils stabilize the board like an NFA 9’0.
Don’t be afraid to damage it by hitting it either: it is super solid and safe.
In wing foiling it is simply stunning. 6 knots is all you need with our giant foils, and it can be even less for the pros. It is intended for an ultra specific use, but what a treat! Surfing glassy waves, cruising full speed in 8 knots… And as soon as the wind picks up, we have an incredibly smooth board. Being able to fly on wing foil gear below 10/12 knots will fill your free time and your view of this magnificent sport. Who hasn’t dreamed of flying on wing foil gear without wind constraints? We have all experienced sessions that were lacking just a few knots… Well with the HIPE Cruzader these days are incredible: cruising, freeflying, tacks, stylish jibes, surfing etc… you’re having a blast that only this board can offer for your size in those conditions.
Downwinders are its thing, connecting bump after bump, optimizing the lines for non-stop accelerations. Its long tail and the centered boxes greatly facilitate take offs. With its voluminous nose, you have the stability you need to press firmly on the front and row like there’s no tomorrow. The board is incredibly efficient.
For standing starts on the flat it is crazy. Hyper rigid, however, it’s hard to imagine a few paddle strokes can make you fly. Well it’s mind-boggling. Just paddle to pick up speed on the water like you would on a racing SUP. Like on a good sprint, then you oscillate the board to activate the foil and wow, it flieeeeees. A fabulous machine for working on your cardio and having a good time with friends.
In surfing, it gets going earlier than any board for a ride that is as cool as it is majestic. With our giant front wings, you can even take off while paddling out at sea! A mind-blowing feat that will totally change your perception of the spot. No more useless conditions with tiny swells or waves breaking too close to the beach to take off. With the Cruzader you can take off on nothing and then our giant wings make you glide on close to invisible swell lines.
Another huge advantage of the Cruzader: you can undersize the foil if you want to. In wing foiling you can use a foil in 10 knots that you would usually use from 18/20 knots only. In five pumping strokes on the board you fly and then you have all the advantages of a mini foil. Great for racing or fast cruising. For instance you can use a medium-sized Ypra in very light winds, without having a high level. If you lose the flight after a fall, you know you’re going to get going again easily, so you can engage hard in jibes and really go for it.
But it is also valid in surfing where you can choose to maximize the maneuverability with a small foil and simply paddle quietly back to the peak when pumping in the air becomes tiring.
Note that with a small foil the balance is more uncertain, but another advantage of the HIPE Cruzader is its elongated paddling speed: phenomenal. So no stress.
And having this board in the quiver is almost essential because you can do the downwinders of your life, surf incredibly tiny bumps, sail in wing foiling with close to zero wind! And take it with you on your trips without any constraints.
New 9” paddle
To exploit the full potential of the HIPE Cruzader and the Cruzader FSP Pro, namely in standing SUP starts on the flat, a new Carbon Pro Paddle with a 9” blade enters the range! Its high power and incredible performance allow the board to accelerate with each impulse. Its entries and exits from the water are fluid and allow high speeds to be reached and the foil to take off quickly. And above all it is the lightest paddle of this surface on the market! A record !!!
