1199,00€ Price includes VAT, shipping excluded
For crazy downwinders!
The ultimate board for downwinds and ultra light wing foiling conditions.
The Cruzader is our extreme downwind board. Extreme in its performance, extreme in its uncompromising shape, and extreme in the programs it offers.
Very narrow and relatively long, this board is a real rocket that takes off earlier than any other board.
Its tail, directly inspired by the magic tail of the Lethal, produces almost no drag. Worked on two lines, it offers the best take-off potential. The outline line sees the edge rise sharply after the boxes to help lift this long tail. And in the center, the line is extended by a monumental V-shape which perfectly releases the water. Preflight acceleration is extremely effective. This makes the difference because you don’t have to exhaust yourself paddling and/or pumping.
The rails are vertical with sharp edges to favor stability on this toothpick board. It also does wonders for the glide and take-off. You quickly find your balance with a large foil. The board does not roll on the surface.
Its bulbous nose allows you to carry volume while keeping a flat deck for your feet. The assurance of starting early because you can paddle hard in the bumps while maintaining control, even at full speed. This relatively thin nose keeps a little surface so as not to struggle in balance or to have to take a board that is too long. The tail is also a little more generous for a better push on the swell bumps and to maintain a decent balance in choppy conditions.
Having this board in a quiver is almost essential as you will be able to do the downwinds of your life, surf unsurfable bumps and fly a wing in practically no air! And what about taking off on the flat with your buddies, for fun or to do some cardio!!!
No need to stress about its narrow width :
The Cruzader is a pure Pro board, and the XL version is accessible to everyone. You will even be surprised to have your legs trembling on your NFA 9′ when switching from the Cruz 7’6 as the added balance of the foil changes everything.
The worst thing to cope with is the backwash that works the mast near the beach, so in these sessions, aim for the open sea and the balance will be easy.
Thanks to a width that’s barely larger than the length of your feet, you are on the ultimate board for gliding.
Let’s first talk about its nose bulb which gives that little extra tolerance that changes everything. With this additional volume at the nose, we are obviously more stable when stationary. But we also have a real gain when sailing, especially when pearling or landing: the board pops up again immediately.
Adding volume to the nose allowed us to lower the deck plan at foot level for the same volume. This volume that has slipped at the nose allows you to be closer to the foil with a lower deck under your feet, and therefore have much more control and responsiveness. Here too the gain is considerable because control is fundamental in Downwind.
Its extremely narrow outline boosts its preflight speed and take-off. Once in the air, you enjoy a unique ability to go for almost every angle in the curves without ever touching the water.
Its veeeeeery hydrodynamic tail allows you to embark “hidden volume”. Indeed, the tail is thick but with its magical glide it’s only positive. Unlike beveled tails, our Magic Tail promotes flow. The board glides much better before the flight. We don’t have this depression at the tail that sucks the board back. With our magic tail, we therefore gain in glide, takeoff, repop, and in complicated out of balance situations where the volume at the tail becomes a real plus.
The facets on the rails allow you to fly without fearing a crushing blow at the slightest touchdown on a chop or in tight curves. Even smaller, they do their job with an 85 cm mast. The top rails are full to keep a flat deck closer to the outline and maximize lateral stability.
The very soft double concave under the nose coupled with the bulb and the very narrow outline make the touchdowns inconsequential. Instead of braking, the Cruzader will bounce off the water and immediately fly back up. It’s really unbelievable.
Finally, the rounded point nose develops the liveliness of a thin nose but brings some additional comfort, reinforced by the bulbous nose. The wide round point tail frees the board at take-off and in the curves.
The set of footstraps is offered with the board. For 2023 we have reviewed the outline of our straps to further improve comfort. Developed for wing foiling, these straps with less cover do not bend when put on.
More rigid, they offer a more precise steering but are still as comfortable. There is less surface area on the feet so there is less risk of staying stuck in the straps or banging your foot on the edge of the strap when rushing into it. It also allows better leeward control (tip of the foot) and therefore a more natural attitude in wing foiling.
We have worked on every detail to improve your experience on the water.
On the classic versions :
The footstrap inserts on the board are intended for wing foiling only. The V-shaped footstrap perfectly centers the foot on the front of the board. The position is thus more natural and allows direct and precise control in maneuvers. These boards come with a V-footstrap and a single footstrap.
On the XL versions :
The footstrap inserts are intended for SUP foiling only. Therefore, the V-footstrap is replaced by a second single footstrap. This choice is made according to the function of the board: the XL versions being mainly dedicated to downwinders in SUP foiling.
For 2023, our SCS system launched on the HIPE is integrated on all our foil boards. It’s beautiful, efficient and above all it saves time you can spend on the water. With its 4 entries, the GONG double entry box facilitates the assembly and adjustment of the foil. Performance without the hassle. We leave the nuts and the screws on the plate, just insert the foil, screw and off we go! Setting up the foil is much faster and easier. It is the plug and play solution which facilitates adjustments! (inserts not supplied with the board).
A handle developed by our R&D and our ergonomics engineer has been integrated into our boards this year. We can better close our hands in it: firmer and more comfortable grip. The depressurization screw is directly integrated into the handle.
It is placed on the hull to allow one-handed carrying. You can have the wing and the paddle in the other hand to get past the whitewater or to get out of the water. And as we always do things seriously, the handle is placed in a block of hydrophobic PVC foam and covered with fiber.
The top-of-the-range 5mm thick integral pad provides maximum grip and comfort when sailing, while protecting the board from shocks. This year we have changed the grooving to provide even more comfort and more grip. This hard brush pad sublimates the board. This flat pad provides absolute comfort and a magical grip with more precision. This is obvious on long sessions: the feet are less tired.
These boards are equipped with our innovative technology called FSP Pro. The highest quality on the market.
This full PVC Carbon sandwich offers the best dynamism while preserving strength, at an incredible weight. It’s quite simply the ultimate in vacuum technology for customs, used as standard on our production models : the same tech as the one used on our prototypes made in our shape rooms in France.
FULL sandwich means that the entire board is covered with a layer of 3mm high density hydrophobic PVC foam. This includes the rails, which allows better resistance and perfect sealing in the event of an impact. Above all, the sandwich on the rails are essential to have a rigid board as they work as a solid frame when the board takes flex. The dynamism is really superior and the durability of the board is second to none. This tech is not adopted by all competing brands. What they call sandwich construction is often a simple PVC reinforcement under the feet (and sometimes on the hull). At GONG we do things as seriously as they can be, so in full sandwich.
The carbon fiber that completely covers the board boosts its performance. It is clearly much livelier. Its response time is ultra fast, it does not twist, you are in direct contact with the foil and the elements.
All the lamination steps of the high density sandwich and then of the fiber are carried out under vacuum. The board is under strong pressure, from 2 to 4 tonnes depending on the stage, to ensure flawless bonding of the layers. With the use of drains we optimize the amount of resin on the board leaving only the optimum. Your board is light and super compact. A durable board made to handle all the stresses of a board’s life, its construction also offers a sound basis for any future repairs. So your board will stay like new for years or decades with proper maintenance. This durability will make a lot of people happy from one owner to the next, and avoids polluting with “disposable” boards.
To implement this very complex technology, we need time. A board without a full sandwich is built in 6 to 8 hours. GONG full sandwich boards take 12 to 14 hours of work. You understand that all these steps lengthen the production circuit and are therefore a monumental investment in quality.
For 2023 we have replaced the classic US Boxes, which everyone uses but which were not originally designed for foiling, with our own US Double Entry GONG Boxes designed and tested by our design office for extreme use in foiling. These new boxes are specifically reinforced in areas of high stress and are molded with a high fiber content. Durability is increased tenfold. We are clearly on the best BOX on the market which corresponds exactly to our needs in terms of resistance and functionality. What could be simpler than aligning the 4 nuts with the 4 entrances and sliding the foil into the box? 3 turns with a screw tightener and it’s ready. It’s so easy that you’ll wonder how you could do it the old way for years hahaha.
The foil boxes are placed in a large PVC 80kg/m3 reinforcement thicker than the boxes. Without any risk of water infiltration in the EPS sandwich, even with an intense impact. This reinforcement is connected to the PVC sandwich of the deck with PVC slats to ensure the cohesion of the whole and to avoid any play in the reinforcements over the years. Everything is fitted with fiberglass reinforcements for tolerance and carbon to limit bending. The handle is also set in a waterproof PVC block.
Remember that the high density PVC blocks that house the boxes and the handle are in addition to the full PVC sandwich. The anchoring is absolutely perfect. Not to compare with a reinforcement simply held by layers of fiber. Our reinforcements take hold on a high thickness of rigid material that you would not be able to bend by hand for example, which you could if it was only layers of fibers.
Our technology is truly the ultimate in board construction. Durable, efficient, repairable, we can count on one hand the number of brands able to offer a total PVC sandwich on a big scale production of wing boards. GONG is the leader!
At GONG, our boards are the highest quality. Our low prices can only be explained by our direct sales model, eliminating margins. If by misfortune you break them, they can be repaired from A to Z with the components we keep in stock for your favorite repairer.
Your benefits are clear:
1. An efficient shape created by the wing foil world champions.
2. A design at the cutting edge of R&D and ahead of its time.
3. A proven construction on thousands of boards.
4. A “Full Options” finish at a crazy price.
5. A light, solid board with one of the best technos on the market!!!
6. An incredible price that can only be explained by our direct relationship with you.
7. A simple maintenance and easy repairs because we have all components in stock.
We recommend to complete this board with our bag luxe.
These boards are equipped with our innovative technology called FSP Pro. The highest quality on the market.
This full PVC Carbon sandwich offers the best dynamism while preserving strength, at an incredible weight. It’s quite simply the ultimate in vacuum technology for customs, used as standard on our production models : the same tech as the one used on our prototypes made in our shape rooms in France.
FULL sandwich means that the entire board is covered with a layer of 3mm high density hydrophobic PVC foam. This includes the rails, which allows better resistance and perfect sealing in the event of an impact. Above all, the sandwich on the rails are essential to have a rigid board as they work as a solid frame when the board takes flex. The dynamism is really superior and the durability of the board is second to none. This tech is not adopted by all competing brands. What they call sandwich construction is often a simple PVC reinforcement under the feet (and sometimes on the hull). At GONG we do things as seriously as they can be, so in full sandwich.
The carbon fiber that completely covers the board boosts its performance. It is clearly much livelier. Its response time is ultra fast, it does not twist, you are in direct contact with the foil and the elements.
All the lamination steps of the high density sandwich and then of the fiber are carried out under vacuum. The board is under strong pressure, from 2 to 4 tonnes depending on the stage, to ensure flawless bonding of the layers. With the use of drains we optimize the amount of resin on the board leaving only the optimum. Your board is light and super compact. A durable board made to handle all the stresses of a board’s life, its construction also offers a sound basis for any future repairs. So your board will stay like new for years or decades with proper maintenance. This durability will make a lot of people happy from one owner to the next, and avoids polluting with “disposable” boards.
To implement this very complex technology, we need time. A board without a full sandwich is built in 6 to 8 hours. GONG full sandwich boards take 12 to 14 hours of work. You understand that all these steps lengthen the production circuit and are therefore a monumental investment in quality.
For 2023 we have replaced the classic US Boxes, which everyone uses but which were not originally designed for foiling, with our own US Double Entry GONG Boxes designed and tested by our design office for extreme use in foiling. These new boxes are specifically reinforced in areas of high stress and are molded with a high fiber content. Durability is increased tenfold. We are clearly on the best BOX on the market which corresponds exactly to our needs in terms of resistance and functionality. What could be simpler than aligning the 4 nuts with the 4 entrances and sliding the foil into the box? 3 turns with a screw tightener and it’s ready. It’s so easy that you’ll wonder how you could do it the old way for years hahaha.
The foil boxes are placed in a large PVC 80kg/m3 reinforcement thicker than the boxes. Without any risk of water infiltration in the EPS sandwich, even with an intense impact. This reinforcement is connected to the PVC sandwich of the deck with PVC slats to ensure the cohesion of the whole and to avoid any play in the reinforcements over the years. Everything is fitted with fiberglass reinforcements for tolerance and carbon to limit bending. The handle is also set in a waterproof PVC block.
Remember that the high density PVC blocks that house the boxes and the handle are in addition to the full PVC sandwich. The anchoring is absolutely perfect. Not to compare with a reinforcement simply held by layers of fiber. Our reinforcements take hold on a high thickness of rigid material that you would not be able to bend by hand for example, which you could if it was only layers of fibers.
Our technology is truly the ultimate in board construction. Durable, efficient, repairable, we can count on one hand the number of brands able to offer a total PVC sandwich on a big scale production of wing boards. GONG is the leader!
At GONG, our boards are the highest quality. Our low prices can only be explained by our direct sales model, eliminating margins. If by misfortune you break them, they can be repaired from A to Z with the components we keep in stock for your favorite repairer.
You must have a good level because the Cruzader is very demanding. It’s easy for wing foiling but it’s fairly technical to paddle.
With bigger volumes it is doable, but if you take a volume adapted to your weight, keeping balance on your knees in the chop will not be easy. So, you also need to be in good physical shape to be reactive.
This is clearly a board for those who want to reach their maximum potential. A board for the pros.
The Cruzader is the ultimate board for downwinders and ultra light wing foiling conditions.
As it is very narrow, it is comfortable in all performance registers, including top speed in Downwind because the control at “high speed is fantastic”.
Ideal for surfing on soft bumps, it allows you to make the most of mediocre days.
In wing foiling, it is the absolute tool to fly in super light wind conditions.
On windless flat days, it’s a fantastic toy to have fun with friends, flying with a huge foil, or to work on cardio.
The Cruzader is the ultimate SUP board but by playing on the volumes, we can adapt it to our needs.
To SUP foil, you absolutely must have a positive volume balance. Your weight plus the weight of the board should be higher than the volume of the board. Do not hesitate to go for extra volume and width if you are not sure you can handle it. You should have enough volume to float, around your weight + 10 = volume.
To wing foil, you can take it very generously. If you already have a good level you will on the contrary seek a volume closer to floating limit by following the same rule as for SUP foiling above.
Comfort
You can select a volume large enough to float, which is your weight +40 = volume
Sport
You can also sub-liter because the Lethal is large enough to be stable. If you have a great level and want maximum responsiveness, you can switch to negative volumes.
Up to your weight = volume, you can go on your knees while leaning on your wing in the water.
Finally, the most unstable volume is often the one between 10L and 20L less than your weight.
The concept of each board of the range can be summed up very simply:
Some will go for even more extreme with low volume boards like:
In general, we recommend the same assembly as for surf foiling.
In wing foiling: Beginners will have the fastest progression with a X-Over Wing Foil in size XL (whatever their size between 65kg and 100kg) If you’re good, start with a Curve Front Wing in size XL.
In SUP foiling: Beginners will have the fastest progression with a X-Over Surf Foil in size L (whatever their size between 50kg and 85kg) If you have very small waves or you are a large rider, start with a X-Over Surf Foil in size XL. If you’re good, start with a Curve Surf Foil in size XL, which is faster.
For the intermediate riders or the one’s in the process of learning manoeuvers
In the X-Over range: super easy and efficient foils at low speed:
For the experienced riders
In the Curve range: high performance and easy foils that love curves:
In the Fluid or Veloce range: very high performance and fast foils:
For the pros in wing and SUP foil
In the Fluid H, Veloce H or Ypra range: very high performance and fast wings:
At this level, everyone will be able to adapt their gear to their needs. Just remember that the wingspan is a point to take into consideration when riding high aspect ratio foils. The glide is fabulous, but be careful not to sacrifice maneuverability and rail-to-rail precision by using large sizes if you are looking for a very reactive drive.
The size of the front wing and in particular its surface and its volume condition the speed/lift ratio. The smaller the wing, the faster you will go but the more uncomfortable you will be at low speeds. The bigger the wing, the earlier you will fly but with a loss in maneuverability and top speed.
The stabs have a major role. They determine the stability of the foil and help with its lift, but to the detriment of the maximum speed of the foil and its maneuverability if they are too large. The role of the stabilizer is to stabilize the foil but also to compensate for the natural tendency of the front wing to dive. So you must have a good balance of surfaces between your stab and your front wing. A 38 cm stab with an XXL wing will give a catastrophic result at high speed: the foil will dive because the stab will no longer be able to lift enough to counteract the nosediving torque of the front wing.
Remember that the stab must be proportional to the front wing. Creating an imbalance brings no benefit except the illusion of a better glide.
For instance, the X-Over Stabs are slower than the Fluid Stabs or the Veloce Stabs, but are much more buoyant, and therefore effective at low speed or with a large front wing (for beginners for example). Conversely, the Pro Stabs are very thin and not very buoyant, therefore delicate with large thick wings which have an important nosediving torque.
In other words, everything will be played out between 85cm and 100cm. You can find all our advice on choosing between these two lengths by clicking here.
In summary, for waves and freestyle, but also for beginners and progressing, an 85 mast is ideal. Simple to put in the water, an easy rail to rail, it’s perfect. A 90 cm mast and above is great for Racing by offering more margin at high speed, namely in choppy conditions, but isn’t as maneuverable. All our masts : here.
The 65cm aluminium Allvator V2 is perfect. If you are a pro, go for the 70 HM Carbon Mast: amazing.
For GONG foils, place the plate in the rear third when you start and in the center of the US rails when you progress. The Pros can position the foil even further towards the front for more lift and maneuverability.
The more you move it forward, the more the board will pitch nose-up. The more you move it backwards, the more the board nose-dives.
Be careful not to move it too far forward. We often tend not to let their back foot work, especially when we come from kite foiling. However, moving the foil back a little, forces more weight on the back foot and gives a more harmonious attitude and reduces effort.
If you want to use the Flint in SUP foil you will need a paddle between your height -10cm and your height. The easiest and least traumatic for your back is to have a paddle at your height.
A long paddle relieves the physical exertion, especially in the lower back as you have to work yourself up at the take off. The effort is intense.
A short paddle gives more speed and less discomfort in the air. But it damages the back because we tend to row too much behind our feet, which forces on the lumbar vertebrae.
Take a 6′ of 7mm minimum diameter.
Check its condition before each session and change it every year. It is your lifejacket and the life insurance of the people in front of you.
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. On a Cruzader, you will have the choice according to your practice: strapped in wing foiling and strapless for downwinders and pumping.
Put your straps in a central position (3rd hole) for the front, and the same goes for the back strap if you always ride with the back strap (it can be used as a marker stop).
GONG FOIL BOARD CRUZADER FSP PRO: 1199€
Availability:
The dates of availability of all our products are written on each product page, in the size and colour of the product concerned.
These dates are valid at the moment you consult the site and/or place an order. It is possible that this product may be ordered a few seconds after your consultation. It then becomes unavailable. If you have placed an order, this change does not concern you: the product you order is still available on the date indicated at the time of your order.
We sell several thousand products per week. The stocks are therefore very evolutionary. But our management always shows you the real availability live.
If it’s available online: it’s available 😉
Pre-order:
Some articles are proposed in pre-order during their routing to our premises. You can buy this article which will arrive at our place in a few weeks. This method avoids the fair to grab upon receipt of the lot and the disappointed ones who would not order within the hour.
Upon receipt, we will ship it to you as a regular order.
The times indicated on the pre-orders are 95% reliable. First of all, because we only pre-sell finished products that are arriving to us after Customs, and therefore shipped right after. And also, because we add decent margins with concern to the dates announced by the shipping companies or railways.
However, a Worker Strike, a breakdown, an overbooking, can unfortunately happen. In the case of a delay, you will be notified by email (check your spam). It is generally less than a week and totally independent of our good will.
As soon as we receive the container in La Baule, we ship your order within three working days. Then the carrier takes over: delivery time and tracking numbers are under their responsibility.
It is possible that the date displayed on the online for the pre-order of the item you have ordered and paid for may change for two reasons:
We never change the delivery dates of a container without notifying customers.
Delays:
The dates that we announce are shipping deadlines, which GONG has in stock and available here physically.
We usually give a shipping time within 3 days, but in most cases, we ship within 24/48 hours. Normally morning orders leave in the afternoon for example.
Then the transport service takes over. The variables are then important between the customer being delivered to France (very fast) or Bulgaria (a good week) or to a forwarding agent or to Asia or the USA… You understand that each location has its own type of delay.
We work with serious and well-known carriers. They do their utmost to make you happy even if a snafu can happen. In any case, we are there to make things easier and to arrange our customers.
Shipping Fees:
Contrary to others, we do not hide shipping costs in the price of our products. At GONG everyone knows exactly what he pays. The transport is charged at its strictest value, and the person who comes to pick up his products does not pay hidden transport fees.
Shipping costs are calculated according to the weight and volume of each package, and your delivery address. To this is added a labour time of order preparation.
The invoicing of the shipping costs is identical in continental France and in the bordering European countries. A surcharge is automatically invoiced for deliveries to the most distant European countries and all European islands.
For a shipment in French overseas departments and territories or outside Europe, our logistics department will contact you before the payment stage to give you an estimate of the shipping costs. You will be able to accept this estimate and pay your order, or refuse it and cancel your order.
Any questions:
We answer you within 24 hours by email. But 95% of your questions are answered on the site. Try to use our contact form which will guide you to all these answers.
Don’t forget to read the Forum, where thousands of users exchange information and experiences.
In any case, don’t panic. If you don’t get an answer during the weekend, it’s normal: the team is resting 😉
We are passionate and professional in our job. Our only goal is to make you happy, as much as possible 😉
Eco-responsible packaging:
Preserving the environment is a top priority. That’s why we are doing everything possible to reduce our environmental footprint.
The first thing is to sell quality products that will last, be repairable and will please you for a long time.
The second thing is to sell for less. Most of the pollution coming from a Board is in its use (the km driven to use it) and in the countless environmental damages you have to do to pay for it. Each euro spent is a sum of damage related to your life quite simply: eating, working hard etc… By reducing the price of our products, we significantly reduce your ecological footprint on this item.
For our shipments we use:
All this for:
Tracking of your parcels :
The tracking of deliveries is directly ensured by the carriers to whom we have entrusted your parcels. They will contact you by email or SMS to allow you to choose the delivery methods and to follow the route of your package.
If you ask us for this tracking, we will have to do as you do: we will go see on the carrier’s app because they are the ones who manage and are responsible for this job.
Delivery:
We collaborate with the best transport providers to deliver you everywhere in Europe and in the world in very short delays.
We have chosen them for their quality of service and their respect of deadlines. 80% of your orders reach their destination in less than 48 hours of processing in metropolitan and continental France.
For Europe, the delays vary from 3 to 6 days depending on the country of destination.
For the rest of the world, delays can be up to 15 days.
Please note that the transport time is added to the preparation/shipping time. Two companies work on your order (GONG and the carrier). Each one controls its activity and commits itself to optimize its delays so that you are delivered as soon as possible, in good condition and at a reasonable price.
Reception of your Board:
Upon delivery, simply open and inspect the condition of your Board in the presence of the carrier. A complete email explaining the procedure to follow will be sent to you when your order is shipped.
In spite of our requirements and all the care we take in packaging and protecting your Board, transportation hazards may occur. Even if it concerns less than 2% of everything we ship around the world, a Board can suffer a more or less important transportation shock.
But in any case, don’t worry, just refuse it, and a new Board will be shipped back to you.
Returns:
You can choose to return your products if:
For each situation, contact us by our contact form to help you.
SKU : GON3WINGFCRU
To go and ask all possible questions about this product and read all user/rider feedback, click on the link below:
Know everything about the GONG FOIL BOARD CRUZADER FSP PRO
When you practice foil you expose yourself to possible serious risks. A poor mastering of a foil can expose you to cuts and/or serious bodily harm, even death for yourself and possibly others around you.
Foiling should be practiced, in all circumstances, by taking precautions and taking into consideration all that is involved and associated with surf/SUP sports. Remember that a foil is long and has an edge that could cause slicing and is capable of reaching very high speeds. Getting hit by a foil, or hitting another, can have dramatic and highly unwanted consequences.
Always foil far from others, and in waters that are secure and without obstacle.
Always wear a helmet and protective vest that assures floatability. Always wear a full body neoprene wetsuit.
When handling and manipulating a foil be careful not to cut yourself along its edges.
GONG does not accept and declines any and all responsibility in case of accident that implicates a GONG foil. The practicing of this sport and the use of our equipment makes the user fully responsable for his/her actions while being a foil user.
Warrick –
Short description of my first date with the new lady… the Cruzader 7XL 😎 more will follow…
Firstly, the pictures on the site do not show the XL sizes fairly. She is still SOOOO slim and beautiful! Really a super slim board – what an absolutely beautiful shape.
Almost no wind, first point to try her with my Curve XLT and Droid 6.5 to see about this light wind take-off. Barely enough to fill the wing with wind, but enough to pump the wing and get a return stroke. Yes, the board speeds up really fast, and as the apparent wind developes from the speed of the board, we can turn back into the wind more, and feel more power in the wing to pump against, and then yes, the board is free and we fly!
With the Curve XLT, from the session that I had today, I think there was maybe 1-2 minutes of flight time that I did not have to pump either the wing or the foil to stay flying. That gives you an idea of how little wind there was, but still it was possible to launch the flight. So yes, the Cruzader is really something special…
One thing I really noticed, which is unexpected, is that the board feels SOOO good when pumping the foil. So balanced, and it somehow just feels so free in the pump – perhaps it is the longer tail? Anyway, it’s a pumping machine for sure! It definitely felt like it was flattering my technique.
After a little while, legs and back nicely smoked from this excellent light wind workout (I must get myself an HA foil for this) I wanted to see how it is with the paddle. I was worried about the 7XL for my weight, but wanted the shorter size for storage reasons. Bear in mind that I do not have the stability of something like the Sirus underneath – only the Curve XLT.
So no, I did not take off, but this was not the goal today. Only to test, feel and train the muscle memory a little. And it’s actually fairly easy! The water was fairly flat, and it was not a problem to stand on the board even with my 100kg, and paddling was fun. First, just paddling like a regular SUP – beautiful glide! Then, into a pump stance to try the launch technique. It’s totally possible, even for a SUPer who is far from expert. The board tracks much straighter than I expected, and I feel like this technique might be possible for me with the Sirus. So, she has cracked me on the Sirus – because I know I can paddle her on the flat days.
In summary, there is ZERO “blah blah” in the marketing – everything is exactly true and correct. What a beautiful board – some other riders were taking a look and the universal response was how light it is, they love the SCS, and what an incredible shape. Of course, I was the last one on the water with a wing today… and that is what speaks for itself.
Oh and one last point, as others have said – this board feels like a 5′ – the nose is short and the length is behind you. It feels so small in flight and so nimble. I absolutely love riding it.
As always, bravo GONG
Julien –
Mon petit retour perso sur la première sortie avec la sirus 156cm avec une cruzader XL (62 kg). Testé sur un lac en dock start, wing avec très peu de vent et tentative de sup foil.
Habituellement je navigue avec un axis 1150 ou 1310. Je crois que je n’ai plus qu’à les vendre… 🙂. Mon niveau en wing est assez moyen.
En Pumping (avec une planche minimaliste, pas avec la cruzader), la sirus est bien plus efficace que les axis qui sont pourtant une reférence. Sans entrainement en ce début de saison j’ai repassé la minute sans soucis. La conduite est très proche de l’axis si bien que le tout premier départ a été directement bon en dock start. Le glide est bien meilleur on peut facilement donner 3 coups puis laisser glisser.
En wing , conditions ultra light, rafales a 5 ou 6 noeuds max, cruzader XL unit 5.5, le décollage est ultra facile. Ca décolle dans tellement rien qu’il faut continuer a pomper pour rester en l’air. C’est le signe qu’il n’y a vraiment pas beaucoup de vent. Ca promet beaucoup plus de possibilités de navigation. Ici dans les Landes on a pas souvent du vent…
En SUP… la je crois que je n’y arriverai jamais.
L’autre énorme différence par rapport a l’axis est la rigidité du mat incomparable du mat gong . On le ressent en pumping mais aussi en wing lors des manoeuvres qui deviennent beaucoup plus simple
Jules –
Super planche qui est un réel Game changer. Sans cette planche je ne pouvais pas sortir en dessous de 13/14knt.
Maintenant je navigue sans souci et en sécurité dans 7/8 noeuds.
La planche reste très maniable malgré la longueur.
C’est une parfaite planche de cruising pour les conditions légère.
L’été va être beau 🤙
Sébastien –
Aller c’est partis petit retour a chaud du Cruz 7.0 xl a la pagaie .
Rider 70 kg ,niveau en supfoil zero, niveau correct en surf foil et quelque notion de sup race .
Alors le spot 50 70 cm de vagues , un peu de vent 😔,du jus et un peu de backwash donc rien pour aider à la première session …
N ayant que la ypra s M je tente le coup avec aucun espoirs en tête .
Bon clairement les 15 30 premières minutes c étai vraiment dur a choper l’équilibre le bon placement de pieds etc.. et avec un si petit foil c est tout a fait normal ,bref on s accroche je commence a piger le truc et la premier mousse ça glisse tout seul ca décolle je vole un peu je repose .
Je me dit je vais essayer de choper un peu plus au large avant que ça ne déferle et la bim le p’tit mouvement pagaie bascule pumping fait effet et bim ça décolle dans rien , je n’aurais jamais imaginer cela possible en 785 .. mais c clair est net que la stabilitée est vraiment très hard avec ce foil dessous et que c était juste histoire d avoir un petit aperçu .
Ensuite un pote me prête ça fluid 1200 et la révélation la stabilitée a carrément changer et tout les bumps sont des nouveau tremplins pour s envoler juste incroyable cette board mais faut travailler dur pour l équilibre ce n’est pas une board accessible à tout le monde sauf dans le cas où la sirus ou autre gros foil rentre jeu et doit créé une stabilitée au top .
Hâte de pouvoir tester avec un foil adapté , mais conquis a 100 pourcent par cette Cruz une merveille 🚀
Renaud –
Retour à chaud sur la Cruzader 7’0 XL (135L)
Matos : comme la Sirius 156 et le mât HM 72 ne sont pas encore arrivés, j’ai monté la Curve XLT avec mât alu de 75, position environ au repère 4 sur le boitier de foil. Pas de footstrap. La Cruzader est belle et légère. On voit direct que sans le foil pour stabiliser ce serait mission impossible de tenir debout dessus !
Bonhomme : 70kg, 1,81m. J’ai pas mal pratiqué le longboard SUP sur des grandes planches (ma plus petite était la Never Stick 9’6) mais je suis repassé 100% surf (et wingfoil maintenant) depuis 4 ans. J’ai donc “perdu” les muscles spécifiques à la rame debout.
Conditions : très léger vent onshore, un peu de houle, pas mal de clapot, bref pas du tout l’idéal.
Transport : j’ai utilisé le chariot que je me suis bricolé pour mon eFoil, ça marche super bien, voir photos.
But de la sortie : tenir debout, ramer à peu près droit, réveiller les muscles de l’équilibre et de la rame, découvrir le placement de pieds et l’équilibre longitudinal.
Bilan : Bon, on ne va pas se mentir, dans le clapot et la petite houle, l’équilibre est chaud à tenir. Je suis content d’avoir pris la version XL pour avoir plus de largeur et le volume me convient bien, je ne me sens pas trop haut sur l’eau. Avec le Curve XLT qui fait “seulement” 102cm d’envergure, il manque les 27cm de la Sirus 156 de chaque côté pour augmenter la stabilité. Après quelques ploufs j’ai retrouvé mes marques et j’ai commencé à ramer droit.
J’ai l’inconvénient d’être régular et gaucher, donc je ne rame pas avec mon bras dominant, mais je suis habitué. En longSup je pouvais ramer switch-feet pour utiliser le bras gauche. J’ai essayé avec la Cruzader mais pour la moment c’est totalement impossible d’être switch dessus. J’ai réussi à ramer un peu à gauche en position régular, mais l’équilibre est beaucoup plus dur à tenir. Du coup ce que j’ai fait pour équilibrer un peu mon effort c’est de remonter les vagues et le vent à genoux sur la board en pagayant à genoux à gauche, ce qui se fait très bien, et de redescendre debout en pagayant à droite.
Je n’ai pas essayé de surfer, j’avais de toute façon oublié mon leash, donc impossible, et les vagues n’étaient pas adaptées.
Idem pour le pumping à la rame, avec le chantier dans lequel j’étais et le foil inadapté, c’était inenvisageable pour une première sortie.
Le pied avant est pour le moment très avant, il mord souvent sur les inserts de footstrap, ça peut probablement être corrigé en avançant le foil.
Le pied arrière est pour le moment très à l’extérieur droit, idem, pas vraiment possible pour le moment de le mettre dans le footstrap.
J’ai volontairement limité la sortie à 45 minutes car je sais que ça va réveiller des muscles qui n’ont pas bossé depuis longtemps et je veux pouvoir marcher demain !
L’impression générale est très positive : il y a du boulot mais je n’ai pas été en échec comme par exemple pour une première session de dockstart, j’ai le sentiment que la planche est adaptée à mon gabarit, reste à faire progresser le physique et les skills du bonhomme, avec le foil qui va bien. Ca va être bien cool dans les mois qui viennent.
Mikael –
I have not yet seen reviews of smallest Cruzader’s in wingfoil, so here is first. Received Cruzader 6’0 yesterday. First impressions: Wow! This thing looks narrow and fast!
I’m around 88kg’s with wintergear. I was using a 5m2 wing and Fluid XLT 1550cm2. Normally i would definately be on 6m2 in this light conditions, but i wanted to test board underpowered.
First impression when getting on a board: it’s surpisingly stable even if it is so narrow. I had no problems with balancing. It is definately NOT a beginner board. But if you can already ride a semi sinkerboards, then this thing is easy. At first i had a 6’6 in order but i’m glad that i changed it to 6’0.
When standing it is quite stable and well balanced on front-to-back. When pumping it get’s speed easily. When pumping there is this forward surge that is missing on traditional boards. I think that it’s because shape of the tail. Normally when pumping with legs on traditional boards they rise more upwards and then slow down. This feels that it goes up and forwards.
When on the foil this thing is nice! It definately feels like a lot smaller board, not a 6’0. I think it is because most of the volume is beneath you feet. The nose of the board is slender. Also rail to rail feels responsive because board is narrow. You can actually see your foil underneath which is pretty cool. Touchdowns are really smooth, there is no sticking at all, board just gently kisses the water and comes back up.
I have yet to test the board with smaller foils. Fluid XLT is absolutely biggest foil that i like to use even in ultralight winds. The board clearly works well with this size and bigger foils as the pumping is effective. But my main interest is using a small foils like Veloce MH 750cm2 in light winds due to generated apparent wind. So it is yet to be seen how well the board will get to necessary speed for those foils. But i’m pretty confident that it should work well.
FantoSlate ER –
Quel pied…oui quel pied !!!
A la cool…strapless, possibilité de mettre la Ypra S 1000 dans 12/15 nds max , mais à moins avec ce type de foil , impossible…pas assez de grip pour pomper…
J imagine même pas avec un foil adapté au Light wind…??
Bref, cette Cruzader est topissime, on va pas se mentir …les 15 premières minutes à m habituer à l inertie , longueur et poids….
Mais alors ensuite….?, Waouuuuh j ai surkiffé, vraiment !!
L été ça va être fou ..en petites tailles, elle doit être folle en wing .
La longueur n est pas dérangeante finalement, en effet , la position du boîtier et du foil font que l on est ‘devant” la planche , du coup , il y a du monde derrière et la ,7’ se transforme en 6.
Les 21 de large font que tu ne touches jamais l océan , et pour avoiner en ypra LS …aucun pb…??…au contraire.
J ai vraiment apprécié voilà tout..
Nicolas –
Premier test de la Cruzader 7.6 XL
Fraichement reçue il fallait faire un choix. N’ayant pas encore la sirus 3XL a mettre en dessous et vu qu’il y avait du vent ma première impression de cette board sera en wing.
Clairement mon choix d’achat se portait uniquement sur un challenge perso voler en partant a la rame , mais why not l’utiliser aussi en light en wing , je n’étais pas forcément ultra convaincu a priori mais ça vallait le coup d’essayer !
Donc après une bonne heure dans 18 nds avec ma lethal ça a commencé à tomber sévère avec quelques grosses molles , plutôt dans les 13nds en rafale et des bonnes molles a moins de 10 , l’occasion parfaite de voir ce que le joujou a dans le ventre …
Prise en main rapide aucun problème de stabilité, avec ses 140L et malgré son étroitesse je tiens facilement debout dessus … La suite est assez bluffante , je commence par prendre la première rafale , ça glisse tout seul , ca accelere progressivement et hop on vole , bon pas forcément une surprise dans13 nds avec la véloce XXLH en dessous …
D’habitude les sessions ou ça commence à devenir light on fait quoi ? On attend la rafale et on évite de s’épuiser qand il n’y a rien , ben moi aujourd’hui je faisais le contraire pour tester le décollage , j’attendais les molles a moins de 10 nds pour voir ce que ça donne et c’est la que la Cruzader délivre toute sa valeur , même sans rien sentir dans l’aile is suffit de la faire osciller pour qu’elle commence a glisser et se mettre en mode “pré vol” , ensuite on met la puissance dans les bras et on est en l’air alors que les autres sont encore scotchés …
Aller je vous mets une petite vidéo et des photos !
Du coup gros kiff et une board qui trouvera toute sa place dans les conditions très faiblardes.
Merci Patrice Guénolé !
PS : et le strapless de temps en temps c’est pas mauvais pour travailler la technique
Fred –
Petit report après l’essai du combo Cruzader 7’6 et Sirus 186, avec le précieux coaching de Patrice Guénolé ! La grande question c’est : « ça donne quoi en terme de stabilité ? » Franchement rien d’insurmontable, c’est par exemple plus facile que de tenir sur une petite Lethal Wing sur un plan d’eau agité ou sur un SUP de Race, et dès que l’on met la planche en mouvement, il n’y a plus aucun déséquilibre. L’aile du foil joue clairement le rôle de stabilisateur. Tout est ralenti, donc si la planche commence à basculer sur un côté, cette bascule va se faire tout doucement, donc c’est assez facile de rectifier en anticipant un peu.
A aucun moment je n’ai trouvé la 7’6 encombrante, la largeur réduite donne l’impression d’être sur une planche beaucoup plus courte, et très clairement, la longueur est un atout, car la première phase étant de faire glisser la planche sur l’eau. Pour venir ensuite appuyer et relâcher l’avant de la planche, pour entamer un début de pumping sur l’eau, tout en commençant à accélérer. Lorsque je tombais, c’était clairement dû à un mauvais placement de mon pied avant, le placement étant ultra sensible non pas pour la stabilité, mais pour conserver une assiette parfaitement horizontale lorsque l’on commence à pomper. Donc ne prenez pas trop court, la longueur n’est en tout cas pas ce qui vous freinera.
Question pagaie, j’ai l’habitude d’utiliser uniquement des pagaies Pro 7’’, coupée à -5cm et -10 cm par rapport à ma taille. Avec une Cruzader, il faut d’une part une pagaie puissante, donc 8’’ obligatoire, et une longueur plus importante, +10cm est un bon compromis. Une pagaie trop courte ne permet pas de se tenir bien droit et et de façon rectiligne sur la planche, et cela va jouer sur l’assiette de la planche, donc sur la stabilité et la réussite du pumping. Une pagaie puissante sur une planche qui pousse de l’eau peut être problématique, mais sur une planche comme la Cruzader qui va se mettre tout de suite à glisser, je n’ai pas eu l’impression d’avoir une pagaie trop grosse, bien au contraire. Donc mon conseil, ne choisissez pas trop court, ce n’est pas ce qui vous freinera.
Cette aile rend clairement cette pratique très accessible pour le commun des mortels, même si le vol n’était pas complètement acquis, je sais que cela se joue à rien. Donc une autre séance pour parfaire le placement et les bons mouvements, continuer à ramer fort même si on commence à voler, ne pas vouloir pomper trop vite comme on le ferait en surf foil. Et je sais que très rapidement derrière, il y aura de la réussite. Sachant qu’aujourd’hui, avec une température de 4°C, une 5/4 sur le dos, des chaussons, et 25 nds de vent… On peut donc facilement imaginer qu’avec des conditions plus sympas, ce sera aussi bien plus simple.
J’espère que ce post permettra de complètement démystifier cette pratique qui est vraiment totalement accessible. On peut imaginer commencer avec cette grande aile pour s’habituer gentiment, puis descendre au fur et à mesure de taille d’aile, notamment pour aller ensuite dans les vagues avec un foil plus petit plus facilement. Et très clairement le champs des possibles est assez dingue, des vagues imprenables en surf foil ou en sup foil, des downwind dans 10 nds à simplement surfer les bouts de clapot dans une houle de 4 secondes de période. Tout est à inventer !”
Patrice –
Cette board est magique : elle vient offrir des sensations dingues dans des sessions où on ne saurait pas trop quoi faire.
-> une houle qui ne deferle pas.
-> du vent trop light de pas grand chose en wing.
-> et bien entendu les DW et le flat.
Mais ce que j’aime dans cette board c’est qu’elle bouche un des rares trous de mon quiver. Sale temps pour ma pirogue car c’est vraiment son terrain de jeu
Elliott –
Sympa cette Cruzader!
Je l’ai réceptionné hier, celle en 7 pieds. Très belle formes. Bel objet.
J’ai pu la tester en wing hier et en sup ce jour.
En wing: petit temps d’adaptation pour monter dessus par le côté avec ses 19 de large il faut trouver l’équilibre. Une fois debout c’est facile. Quelle glisse pour le take off ! Et en vol bon controle malgrés le vent off capricieux dans les 20nds.
En Sup: je ne savais pas trop a quoi m’attendre. Il faut s’adapter a la largeur c’est sûr. Venant d’une 24… Mais ca vient vite et une fois debout on trouve son équilibre et les bons placements. A la rame ca va vite et ca facilite grandement le take off, un peu “sans effort”. En vol sur la vague c’est très manoeuvrant malgrés la longueur.
La planche étant étroite elle est super facile a manipuler a terre. On peut la caler sur l’epaule etc.