Surf Imperatrice EPS
Surf a legendary board, both authentic and modernized.
Program
Surf as short as possible, with style and speed, on a super comfortable board. This is the board to score fun sessions in the summertime, and much more !
Presentation
Generating a crazy amount of speed on the wave and turning as short as possible is what the Imperatrice is all about thanks to a thin and relatively wide retro fish shape. Surfing short or with comfort? No need to choose!
The Imperatrice can be surfed short because it has volume for its size, which translates to easy paddling and take offs. It’s a board that flies over water. It is the ideal summer board for intermediate to advanced surfers and it will quickly take a very important place in your quiver.
The traditional Keel Fins set-up, combined with the quality of its 100% fiber GONG fins, give the Imperatrice grip and impressive steering precision.
Ideal Waves
- Size: from knee to shoulder high.
- Power: it shines in powerless waves.
- Shape: it can handle it all but it prefers glassy waves.
Outline
From the first take off, the speed and fluidity of the maneuvers is what strikes the most. Everything is fast, simple, but above all very effective. The Imperatrice develops a familiar line with this pure retro fish outline.
A nice wide surface under the front foot that offers exceptional paddling comfort. It’s very easy to take off in weak waves thanks to a very relaxed rocker. This volume on the front of the board disappears towards the tail to make way for very thin rails, making the handling very precise and the drive magical.
Rocker: relaxed for an early take off and maximum speed in small waves.
Volume: generous but perfectly distributed for an early take off and crazy performances.
Outline: wide under the front foot with an advanced max width and a rather pinched tail.
Nose: round point nose for paddling comfort and immediate accelerations.
Deck: slightly domed to maintain thin rails, and flat in the center for control.
Hull: marked Vee at the tail, then slight double concave Vee in the center, and slight belly at the nose.
Fins: twin fins.
Thin rails
The Imperatrice offers an important surface on short lengths, while keeping thin rails. From the first take off, the speed and fluidity of the maneuvers is what strikes the most. Everything is fast, simple, but above all very effective.
Retro in front and very thin at the tail.
Fish tail
In surfing, speed is everything. Having speed or producing it in powerful waves is never a problem, but generating it in knee high waves implies to be either a very light or very technical surfer, if not both. The Imperatrice will naturally give you this speed, because it just goes fast, very fast. Its fish tail is wide but thin to have maximum lift while maintaining grip. The result is simple: you can fly over or catch up any section, one after the other. Sloppy conditions become a super fun playground where everything becomes easy. 
Wide and deep fish tail for early planing without sacrificing maneuverability and drive.
Technical sheet
Surf Imperatrice EPS 5'4
Length: 5’4 = 161.2 Width: 21 = 53.3cm Thickness: 2 9/16 = 6.5 cm Volume: 33L One foot off front: 20 ⅛ = 45.7 cm One foot off back: 18 5/8 = 42.8 cm Total rocker: 14.5 cm Deck: slightly domed to maintain thin rails, and flat in the center for control. Hull: marked Vee at the tail, then slight double concave Vee in the center, and slight belly at the nose. Tail: wide and deep fish tail for early planing without sacrificing maneuverability and drive. Nose: round point nose for paddling comfort and immediate accelerations. Fins: twin fins EPS weight: 3,0 kg (indicative weight at + or – 5%).
Buying guide
For whom?
You have a good level in surfing. You like surfing culture, its history, beautiful boards, fluid lines, glide and style.
What for?
Put the pedal to the metal in average waves and reel off beautiful turns.
Which size?
Ideal waves?
- Size: from knee to shoulder high.
- Power: it shines in powerless waves.
- Shape: it can handle it all but it prefers glassy waves.
Which shape?
Imperatrice or Matata?
They will shine in the same conditions, the Matata is unbeatable in acceleration, subtil pumping movements are enough to get it going, it is perfect for flying over flat sections and surfing on a very fast horizontal line. The Imperatrice will have more drive, more hold in strong carves. These are two boards that will offer a lot of glide, one with very strong acceleration (Matata), and the other (Imperatrice) with significant control and a strong ability to wrap off your turns.
Imperatrice or Pie?
For the same volume, the Pie will have more length, it will be more slender. This will have a positive impact on paddling speed, but especially on the size of the waves you can surf with it. The Pie will have a higher top end, so you can surf a bit more wave size with the Pie. It is also more comfortable in hollow conditions with an early drop. The Pie is very round and easy to drive. The lines of its tail and its nose are more pinched for easy handling. The Imperatrice will show more character in the low end, in small and sloppy waves, by having more drive, and by being even easier for generating speed. The Imperatrice will be the board for a good surfer who seeks uncompromising excellence in a retro fish shape.
Imperatrice or Fork?
The Fork will be closer to riding a classic shortboard, but with a huge speed boost and incredible pop. This fish isn’t retro, it’s very modern ? The low end and the compactness of the Imperatrice are much better but its twin set-up versus quad of theFork, will offer a very progressive glide in carves while the Fork will be much more explosive.
Equipments
These boards are equipped with a leash plug and 6 FCS I plugs aligned 3 by 3 to mount 3-cone Keel fins.
- 6 FCS I plugs aligned 3 by 3 to mount 3-cone Keel fins
- 2 GONG Keel Fins, full fiber, 125mm / 5’’.
- Concrete Fixed Plug at the tail to never lose your board.
Delivery
Delivery
Orders are prepared and shipped quickly: most are dispatched within 24 to 48 business hours.
The delivery time, meaning the transit of the parcel to your address, then depends on the delivery location and the carrier.
Shipping costs are transparent and calculated based on weight, volume, and delivery address.
Exchanges & Returns
You have a 14-day right of withdrawal to return or exchange a new product that does not suit you.
Eco-Responsible Packaging
We prioritize sustainable, recyclable, and reusable packaging solutions, minimizing single-use plastic as much as possible while ensuring optimal protection for products, including large items.
More infos
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Know everything about the GONG SURF IMPERATRICE EPS
How to properly glue your pads?
The question of the pad often comes down to an aesthetic choice for the look of your board. But what seems like luxury to non-pros is actually a huge help.
If surfing is the art of placement then you need to put your feet properly on the board. And what better than a touch marker to know, ok, I’m at the sweet spot for this turn.?
Sticking good pads is therefore essential. They will signal to your feet whether they are in the perfect position or not.
You still have to stick them properly, and some get very creative…
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