Wing foil Board Inflatable HIPE First









PROGRAM
The perfect inflatable strapless foil board for beginners!
PRESENTATION
The HIPE First is truly the perfect inflatable board to easily discover strapless wing foiling.
Its width and generous volume make it super stable. This is exactly what you need during the phases before takeoff to take the time to find your bearings. It carries you without any problem to make your first reaches on the water. You can learn to sail and understand how the wing and wind work on the water before you fly. This is extremely reassuring for beginners to board and wind sports.
With its moderate thickness of 5'', you can easily get on the board. On your knees you have all the volume you need to feel comfortable. The pad is soft and does not slip.
As it is inflatable, you feel safe. You do not fear shocks, neither for you nor for the equipment. Which makes you try more things, and faster.
Once you feel confident, its optimized length helps you gain speed and take off smoothly. Its comfortable length/width ratio allows you to learn to pump (“activate” the wing to gain speed) without losing your balance.
And very quickly, the magic of flying begins: an exhilarating sensation that you will never forget!
Easy to carry, be it when traveling or for everyday use. It fits in a bag, inflates in two minutes and functions like a rigid board. Constantly available in the trunk of the car, you can take advantage of every opportunity to get in the water and progress!
And for those yet familiar with SUP and foils, it can also be used to practice SUP foiling occasionally.

Outline
The shape of the HIPE First is designed to make learning easier. Great in flight, it is also designed to navigate easily on the water before you master takeoff.
The wide but not excessive tail provides a lot of stability to accept the placement errors of a beginner. It avoids rolling and tumbling in choppy water.
The maximum width is centered and generous enough to make balancing on your knees as simple as possible, but also to help maneuverability on reaches and during the first maneuvers riding flat on the water.
The nose remains thin enough not to stick to the water. The board is really pretty, and it works both on the water and in flight.
Rocker
Its rocker is moderate at the nose then flat on the rest of the hull up to the tail to boost the take-off phase.
You take off easily, at least as quickly as with a rigid. It's truly astonishing.
Rails
The rails are round, like on all inflatable boards. But we used this natural shape to help the water slide over the board. Water does not stick to the rails.
Technical sheet
Wing foil Board Inflatable HIPE First 5'5 / Blue / White
Version 5’5:
- Length: 5’5 = 165.1 cm
- Width: 27″ = 68.6 cm
- Thickness: 5″ = 12.7 cm
- Volume: 110 liters
- Weight: 6 kg (approximate weight of board only, +/- 5%)
Shape
- Rocker: flat enough to start early and glide well before flight.
- Rails: round because they are inflatable, very efficient and safe.
- Volume: generous for each size.
- Outline: semi-compact for good glide even when not flying.
- Tail: large round tail for stability when at a standstill and boost take off.
- Nose: round point nose.
Buying guide
For whom?
You are looking for a board to start in wing or SUP foiling, the HIPE First is made for you.
- For wing foiling, the HIPE First is the super accessible board to get started. The large sizes are magic for your beginnings: zero stress.
- For SUP foiling, you must know how to paddle in a straight line with a classic SUP. The rest is just a matter of method and time in the water to progress. The absence of strap inserts facilitates the placement of the feet in SUP foiling.
Each size is easy, just choose the right size in line with your level, your physical condition and your use.
What for?
The HIPE First is the perfect board to start and progress in wing and SUP foiling.
On land, it’s inflated and stored away in a few minutes and there is no risk of shocks. It’s great for traveling. And it is super light.
- In wing foiling, it’s very easy, you will progress very quickly.
- In SUP foiling, it’s great to start and progress when you’re already a good paddler.
Which size?
The HIPE First is a board dedicated to learning. Several volumes are available to meet the needs of each practitioner according to their level, physical condition and use.
In wing foiling :
Beginner
A beginner should choose a volume that’s sufficient to float comfortably, around your weight + 60 = volume.
- Example: I weigh 80kg + 60 = 140L to float. Which means that with 140L and more I would be at ease.
Comfort
You should choose a volume that’s sufficient to float, around your weight + 30 = volume.
- Example: I weigh 80kg + 30 = 110L to float. Which means that with 110L and more I would be at ease with previous experience on a wing foil board.
A small chart that sums it all up:
Which Quiver?
The HIPE First will be perfect for enjoying the wind with a wing or to SUP foil small waves.
You can of course complete it with a range of Stand Up Paddleboards without foil. And surfboards for days when the waves are unsuitable for foiling.
Understanding the GONG range?
The concept of each board of the range can be summed up very simply:
- HIPE LEARN: the inflatable wing board for learning.
- HIPE FIRST: the perfect inflatable wing board for beginners and progression.
- HIPE PERF: the inflatable board with 95% of the performance of rigid baords in an easy and scalable shape.
- HIPE FREE FLY: the best strapless inflatable foil board.
- HIPE STUNT: the inflatable board for surfing/freestyle scoring.
- HIPE LETHAL: the must-have inflatable board for wave riding.
- HIPE DIAMOND: mid-length with the glide of a downwinder and the handling of a compact board.
- HIPE CRUZADER: the inflatable “downwinder” for the highest performance in light wind winging and obviously in DW.
- MOB 2TASTE: three sports in one board: SUP, SUP foiling and wing foiling.
- ZUMA: the easy rigid board for SUP foiling and wing foiling, and with good performance.
- LANCE: the compact Zuma, with great lateral stability, ideal for beginnings in wing foiling.
- CRUZADER POINT: fantastic in SUP downwinders, pumping on the flat, but also in light wind conditions for wing foiling, freefly, surfing, etc…
- CRUZADER DIAMOND: compact and easy to paddle shape for downwind SUPing. In wing foiling it’s ideal for light wind conditions, surfing and downwinders.
- FLINT: high performance in SUP foiling, really cool for wing foiling because it is simple, stable and efficient. All in one.
- MINT: absolute efficiency and ease thanks to its glide. A first-class wing board for take offs in a versatile shape geared towards surfing and freeride.
- LEMON: top-notch responsiveness and liveliness in surfing, high performance in freestyle, great stability and lots of glide.
- STUNT: 100% surf-freestyle. Great maneuverability. Instant take offs and re-pops.
- LETHAL: Absolute surfing radicality for a magical ride in all types of waves.
Which foil wings in Wing Foiling?
For winging :
Beginners will have the fastest progression with an XL front wing (whatever their weight between 50kg and 90kg) and a 48cm X-Over stab. Above 90kg, an XXL front wing is a plus for early takeoff.
If you are shy, start with the X-Over set-up.
If you're good, start with a Curve set-up.
For beginners:
In the X-Over range: super easy and efficient wings at low speed:
- M for 50kg -> 65kg and all wind forces.
- L for 65kg -> 75kg and all wind forces.
- XL for 75kg -> 100kg and all wind forces.
- XXL for 100kg -> 120kg and wind less than 15 knots.
The size of the front wing determines the speed/lift ratio. The smaller the wing, the faster you will go but will be uncomfortable at low speeds.
The stabs have a major role. They determine the stability of the foil and help with its lift, but at the expense of the maximum speed of the foil.
So thick stabs are slower than thin stabs, but are much more supportive, and therefore effective at low speed and calm. A larger stab span avoids loss of control but reduces maneuverability.
For SUP foiling:
Beginners will have the fastest progression with an XL front wing (whatever their weight between 50kg
and 90kg) and a 48cm X-Over stab. Above 90kg, an XXL front wing is a plus for early takeoff.
If you have very small waves or a strong size, start with an X-Over wing.
If you are good, start with the faster Curve wing.
For beginners :
In the X-Over range: super easy and efficient wings at low speed:
- M for 50kg -> 65kg or powerful waves.
- L for 65kg -> 75kg.
- XL for 75kg -> 100kg or soft waves.
- XXL for 100kg -> 120kg or very soft waves.
Which foil mast?
The larger the wings of your foil are, the more rigidity you will need. Note that the pumping phase is where this need is most felt, namely in SUP foiling. The rigidity of the mast will clearly have a very significant impact on your performance. So for a front wing of a size XL or more, use an HM mast.
In SUP foiling:
The 65cm aluminum mast is perfect. If you are a pro, switch to the carbon V2 70cm: masterful.
For downwinds you may prefer the Alu 75cm option to give you a bit of headroom.
In wing foiling:
During your first sessions, you can reassure yourself with a short mast (65cm). Falls on the first flights will be less impressive. But apart from when launching, you will have everything to gain with a long mast (85cm and more).
More length = more headroom = easier = more efficient.
Unlike for kite foiling, when winging there is little opposition to the front wing because it pulls less. So we have less leaning angle windward of the mast. So mastering a large mast with a wing is no problem. And since the boards used are much bigger than for kite foiling, the inertia is greater. So your foil is less crazy. Everything is calmer. So don’t be afraid of a long mast.
In choppy water, in transitions, in sluggish waters, a large mast will be ten times more pleasant. It will save you from touchdowns and give you the necessary height margin in all your actions.
What paddle length?
For the First, you need a paddle between your height and your height +10cm. If flat starts are your objective, you will need a powerful paddle, so at least an 8 Pro paddle for SUP foilers of light/medium builds, or a 9 Pro paddle for bigger persons. A small blade will not give you the power you need to reach the right takeoff speed, unless you have a very light build and are very fit.
Positioning of the foil?
For GONG foils, place the top plate in the center of the US rails to start and move it forward a few centimeters when you get into transitions (a sign of good progress).
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.
Which leash?
Take an 8’ leash with a minimum diameter of 7mm, ideally a belt leash, with a coiled or straight rope.
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.
Good to know:
Never leave your board in the sun, especially an inflatable board, and even less a black carbon plate which will heat up very quickly. You risk seeing it come unstuck!!!
Do not screw further than the bottom of the box, otherwise you will pass through the skin of the inflatable. We deliver non-opening US nuts, but be careful.
Never let your foil board take a beating in the waves, especially close to the beach. You must protect it from major efforts. A wave that carries your board and rolls it can do serious damage.
Equipments
SCS SYSTEM
The composite plate is equipped with Smart Connection System (SCS) double entry boxes to easily install and adjust the foil. The double holes correspond to the stance of the holes in your GONG foil plate. Simply present the foil with the brass nuts already mounted on the plate, slide them into the rails without disassembling, tighten the 4 screws, and you're ready to go.
To facilitate foil assembly, our new US fixing brass nuts are connected by a carbon fiber rod and are included with the board. This saves time for foil assembly, and the adjustment is precise. No more risk of losing your brass nuts: you leave them screwed on the plate and slide them into the US rails using the 4 new insertion holes. There's nothing to disassemble: just tighten the screws and go!
Foil adjustment is also easier and more precise with the adjustment information engraved on the plate.
CARRYING HANDLE
The handle in the carbon plate, placed on the hull, is a real comfort enhancement for launching and carrying over short distances. And it has no impact on the rigidity and strength of our plate, which are flawless.
FULL DECK PAD
The high-end, 5mm thick full pad provides maximum grip and comfort when sailing.
Its Double Diamond grooving is the most effective in terms of anti-slip to provide maximum stability when learning to sail.
Very different from the dropstitch coating of the board, you immediately feel if your foot is well placed on the pad.
The absence of a tail kicker allows you to fold it tighter when deflated and get back on the board more easily.

CARRYING BAG WITH COMPARTMENTS
The HIPE First is delivered in a very practical and robust carrying bag.
Generous, it allows you to transport your HIPE, your foil and your wing.
It is designed to travel comfortably and without excess baggage on most airlines!
The backpack straps are very padded and comfortable. The handles are super strong and comfy.
Compartments integrated into the bag allow you to store the elements of your foil and your hardware in a secure and organized manner. And the compression straps reduce the volume of the bag to a minimum.
PUMP, HARDWARE, AND REPAIR KIT
The provided dual-action rapid inflation pump is super efficient to get you on the water quickly.
All the hardware for the straps and foil is included with the board.
A repair kit is also included in case of damage (please note that the kit does not include glue, which you can easily find at your hardware store, typically PVC glue). Note that we stock all the components of your board for easy repair to its new state. Everything can be repaired on an inflatable.
INCLUDED EQUIPMENT:
- ICS carbon plate.
- Double Diamond 5 mm integral deck pad: non-slip and durable deck covering.
- 2 Non-through SCS inserts joined by a carbon fiber rod.
- Hardware for foil top plate.
- Leash plug at the tail to prevent board loss.
- High-pressure inflation valve on the nose for easy deflation and rolling of the board.
- Dual-action rapid inflation pump with multiple nozzles (compatible with a wing).
- Compartmented transport bag.
- Repair kit (glue not included)
Delivery
Delivery delay
We indicate a preparation and shipping time of 3 working days. In reality, the majority of orders are shipped within 24/48 hours.
The delivery time, i.e. delivery time of the package to your home, then depends on the delivery location and the carrier.
We work with reliable and efficient carriers. 99% of shipments go perfectly and quickly. In the case of the remaining 1%, rest assured that we will do what is necessary with the carrier.
Shipping fees
Unlike other sites, shipping costs are not hidden behind the price of our products. You know exactly what shipping costs you, and you are not disadvantaged if you choose to collect your order at our GONG Space Center.
Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight and volume of each package, and your delivery address.
Tracking your package
Delivery tracking is managed directly by the carriers to whom we have entrusted your packages. They will contact you by email or SMS to allow you to choose delivery methods and follow the route of your package.
Carriers
We work with the best transport societies to deliver to you throughout Europe and the world within very short deadlines. We chose them for their quality of service and their compliance with deadlines.
For mainland France, 80% of your orders arrive at their destination in less than 48 hours of processing.
For Europe, delivery times vary from 3 to 6 working days, depending on the country of destination.
For the rest of the world, delivery times depend on transit time and customs clearance time. This delay depends on customs and can last from a few days to a few weeks depending on the destination and seasonality.
Please note, transport time is added to preparation/shipping time. Two companies collaborate on your order (GONG and the carrier). Each one masters its activity and is committed to optimizing its deadlines so that you are delivered as quickly as possible and at a reasonable price.
Eco-responsible packaging
Preserving the environment is an absolute priority. This is why we do everything possible to reduce our ecological footprint.
The most important thing is to sell quality, durable products that will be repairable and will please you for a long time.
For our shipments, we use:
Scotch craft paper.
Final packaging in high-end cardboard.
For rigid boards: Flexi-Hex, very high resistance ecological packaging.
This means:
Reusable and recyclable packaging.
An almost total reduction in single-use plastic.
Maximum protection and impact resistance for rigid boards thanks to the innovative Flexi-Hex honeycomb design (35mm thick).
Receipt of your product
Upon delivery, check the condition of your package in the presence of the carrier. A complete explanation email on the procedure to follow will be sent to you when your order is shipped.
Despite our requirements and all the care we take in the packaging and protection of your product, transport hazards may occur, and your product may suffer more or less significant transport damage.
Note that the products are protected in their carton. If you have any doubts, simply refuse delivery and contact us.