Forums > Stand Up Paddle Foiling

Gong inflatable foil board, with a carbon hull plate

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Created by colas > 9 months ago, 5 Jun 2020
colas
4986 posts
17 Jun 2020 8:54PM
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mikesids said..
Go to the NZ Sailing website, look under the Manta Wing Board, there's a copy of a review I did on the Manta 110



Thanks, I stand corrected! I am always glad to get actual information.
And again, I did not say anything on the qualities of this model.

Here is the link which does not seems well indexed by Google: at the end of the page:
www.nzsailing.com/manta-inflatable-supfoil-wingfoil-board-1441576

Piros, this is the Windsurfing board, not the foilboard model. Same error as Flatfoot73.

clayisland
20 posts
18 Jun 2020 3:59AM
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Hi, any info on the lateral or side to side stiffness or flex?

I didn't see or hear any mention of this.

colas
4986 posts
18 Jun 2020 5:39PM
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clayisland said..
Hi, any info on the lateral or side to side stiffness or flex?


No independent 3rd party review yet.

Patrice told me it is really as stiff as a hard board wrt flex of the mast relative to the board, as it was the goal of all the effort in designing the carbon plate: you do not add an expensive 2.5kg hard to make(*) to a board without pondering the pros and cons. And I trust him on this as it matches what we see on the video and I have known him for years, but it is just my subjective opinion here.

On the "soft" (trampoline) feeling of inflatables underfoot, or for people not using straps and having their feet far from the median line (maybe this was the kind of flex you were speaking of), I guess you will have to wait for a wide range of customers to have tried them to get their opinions (end of August), as it is either subjective, or depending on the way you ride it. I would guess that, like others have said above, for these short sizes inflatables are quite stiff, nothing like 8'+ inflatables. But we will see.

The Gong team rides either in footstraps (the front foot at least) or on narrow surf foil boards, so I do not think you will get feedback from them for riding with feet far from the center line, but who knows? you may try to email them your questions.

(*) Molded under 120 metric tons of pressure. I do not have the figure for the plate mold, but the mold for the Gong carbon mast+fuz cost is USD 25,000... You cannot afford to have this quality of manufacturing in reasonable prices for small production numbers.

FoilColorado
132 posts
19 Jun 2020 9:14AM
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Only a handful left on the pre-order for the mid-sizes, pull the trigger now to ride on air!

knatti
26 posts
25 Jun 2020 5:22AM
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clayisland said..
Hi, any info on the lateral or side to side stiffness or flex?

I didn't see or hear any mention of this.


Hello
I haven't tried the gong but own the Indiana 6.0 inflatable board. I am a beginner but managed today to cross the whole lake on the foil (a minute or so) with my Duotone Wing. So on my 4th Session with best wind of all sessions (14-18 kts) I got going :).

Thanks for all this good Info here.

As my last hard board was for windsurfing 15 years ago, I don't have a direct comparison with other boards. But the board did not feel flexy while flying. I took the straps of but my front foot was there where the V straps would be, so a bit off center. I read a review of somebody who tried an Fone inflatable board and he had problems that his legs started to hurt as he had to constantly react to flex. I did not have that feeling today (only a big smile). The videos of the gong and the Indiana look the same (side views when pumping) so I think the flex is not a problem here.

Another thing I like tried once yet was foil surfing on a river with a bungee, board still looks ok, foil got a couple of scratches from the rocks.

So I am pleased with mine, has room in the small car, put it away in Winter (5 Months), as I fall quite a bit the softer top great.

Leighbreeze
WA, 531 posts
25 Jun 2020 8:38PM
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Alysum said..
Colas, does Gong ship the carbon foils down under to AU ?



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Alysum said..
Colas, does Gong ship the carbon foils down under to AU ?


Hey mate
Just got my Hipe 5'5" confirmed to Woombah nsw nth coast 220 euro air freight.Big hit in freight.

ckspark
6 posts
10 Jul 2020 12:11AM
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Hi
I used to windsurf about twenty years ago at intermediate level and mainly inland waters before selling up due to lack of windy days and difficulty transporting long heavy boards and bulky expensive kit.
The foiling craze has caught my attention as it seems possible in lighter winds with less bulky kit. Having never used a foil, surf or sup board before I am wondering if I should go the windsurf foil route or hand wing foil route?
This Gong hipe foil & wing setup interests me mainly due to relatively low price and smaller transport size for taking on touring holidays and hopefully less prone to knocks and scrapes than a hard board.
I am 80kg and considering the Gong Hipe 5`5" 145Lts with XL foil and 5m3 hand wing, do you think this would be suitable for a complete foil beginner, will I grow out of it quickly or should I look at something else instead?
Thank you.

Leighbreeze
WA, 531 posts
10 Jul 2020 9:05AM
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ckspark said..
Hi
I used to windsurf about twenty years ago at intermediate level and mainly inland waters before selling up due to lack of windy days and difficulty transporting long heavy boards and bulky expensive kit.
The foiling craze has caught my attention as it seems possible in lighter winds with less bulky kit. Having never used a foil, surf or sup board before I am wondering if I should go the windsurf foil route or hand wing foil route?
This Gong hipe foil & wing setup interests me mainly due to relatively low price and smaller transport size for taking on touring holidays and hopefully less prone to knocks and scrapes than a hard board.
I am 80kg and considering the Gong Hipe 5`5" 145Lts with XL foil and 5m3 hand wing, do you think this would be suitable for a complete foil beginner, will I grow out of it quickly or should I look at something else instead?
Thank you.


Hi Ck
At 80kgs with wind surfing experience the Hipe 5'5"board size is Good.If you can afford to I would get two wings 5m-7m just to cover the lighter wind days.
Later on as you become more experienced you could drop down to a Hipe 5'1 or 5'3".

colas
4986 posts
10 Jul 2020 12:57PM
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ckspark said..
will I grow out of it quickly or should I look at something else instead?



From, what I read, in the air, it is just the length that counts for the performance (well, length + nose weight). I don't think you will outgrow a 5'5" very soon, and going to 5'3" or 5'1" will yield marginal gains.

Wing-less Surf foiling is different, in that the goal of most people is to be able to forgo paddling back up to the peak, and pump their way back. And for this, every bit of performance counts, in the board and foil. But Wing foiling is less demanding.

ckspark
6 posts
10 Jul 2020 2:07PM
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colas said..

ckspark said..
will I grow out of it quickly or should I look at something else instead?




From, what I read, in the air, it is just the length that counts for the performance (well, length + nose weight). I don't think you will outgrow a 5'5" very soon, and going to 5'3" or 5'1" will yield marginal gains.

Wing-less Surf foiling is different, in that the goal of most people is to be able to forgo paddling back up to the peak, and pump their way back. And for this, every bit of performance counts, in the board and foil. But Wing foiling is less demanding.


Thanks, I will only be using this on flat water, either inland lakes, rivers or estuaries as there are not any waves near me.
Not having any current kit I'm trying to decide if I should invest in hand wing foiling or windsurf foiling. It looks like this Gong Hipe will be the cheapest new option but I have also concidered a much more expensive crossover board for both options.
For someone new to foiling and without any current kit, how difficult would learning hand wing foiling be compared to windsurf foiling?
If I went the hand wing route would I be missing out on anything without a sail?

colas
4986 posts
10 Jul 2020 3:34PM
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Keeping in mind that I neither Wing foil nor Wind foil, from what I read, Wind foiling is easier to learn, as you have more control, but people seem to get bored quickly with it on flat water, unless they only like to try to go as fast as possible. The freedom of the Wing on the other hand seems to keep people entertained by trying lots of tricks, as they are less constrained by the wind direction. Plus the gear is simpler as the Wings have more wind range than Windsurfing sails.

Also, at first, you can foil in less wind with a Wind gear. But it seems like that with technique, you can end up being able to get out in very low winds too with Wings. On the last session of the Gong team, Diane was reported flying with 6 to 8 knots of wind, and she is more a casual winger than the rest of the team. But you will need 15+ knots to learn Wingfoiling.

I would be wary of the crossover option, as the added bulk of the board for Windfoiling use may be noticeable when Winging.

IanInca
274 posts
10 Jul 2020 3:50PM
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ckspark said..


colas said..



ckspark said..
will I grow out of it quickly or should I look at something else instead?






From, what I read, in the air, it is just the length that counts for the performance (well, length + nose weight). I don't think you will outgrow a 5'5" very soon, and going to 5'3" or 5'1" will yield marginal gains.

Wing-less Surf foiling is different, in that the goal of most people is to be able to forgo paddling back up to the peak, and pump their way back. And for this, every bit of performance counts, in the board and foil. But Wing foiling is less demanding.




Thanks, I will only be using this on flat water, either inland lakes, rivers or estuaries as there are not any waves near me.
Not having any current kit I'm trying to decide if I should invest in hand wing foiling or windsurf foiling. It looks like this Gong Hipe will be the cheapest new option but I have also concidered a much more expensive crossover board for both options.
For someone new to foiling and without any current kit, how difficult would learning hand wing foiling be compared to windsurf foiling?
If I went the hand wing route would I be missing out on anything without a sail?


People crossing over from windsurfing have found using a wing really easy. To learn to foil.. you are comfortable with windsurfing so you will nail it quicker than winging.

I think it probably boils down to if you want lightweight, 5min setup kit and launch pretty much anywhere as opposed to windsurfing.

For reference I'm learning with no wind surf background and no foil experience. The learning is fun and I progress every session. Getting a big foil is key and get behind a boat. I've been behind the boat 3 times and I reckon I've saved 10 sessions of winging to improve my foil. The wing is very easy to learn. If you order the kit from Gong (as I did) get an XXL and XL front wing. I just got the L (I'm 75kgs) and realised my friend was getting up alot easier than me on an XL. I bought a used one and it's been a whole lot easier, up earlier and more stable, I will keep it for light wind days. I also got a 65 and 80cm mast. The Hipe looks great but as a first board 5'5 is short. I wing in the sea and I would have struggled with that short board. I have 6'6 Zuma which is great and will move down to either 5'1 or 5'3 or similar board. The Gong gear is great and is very easy to sell on..

colas
4986 posts
10 Jul 2020 10:13PM
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IanInca said..
The Hipe looks great but as a first board 5'5 is short. I wing in the sea and I would have struggled with that short board.


Yes, but chop and waves is what makes it hard for you on the sea to keep balance before flying. You are right to advise a longer board in this case. But it is easier on a lake or any place without chop.

IanInca
274 posts
11 Jul 2020 12:39AM
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colas said..

IanInca said..
The Hipe looks great but as a first board 5'5 is short. I wing in the sea and I would have struggled with that short board.



Yes, but chop and waves is what makes it hard for you on the sea to keep balance before flying. You are right to advise a longer board in this case. But it is easier on a lake or any place without chop.


True, I am jealous.. I'd love to learn in calm water.. Lol..

Mikedubs
171 posts
11 Jul 2020 1:06AM
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As the actress said to the Bishop its not the length but the width that's important. In chop width more important than length in my experience. Mike

ckspark
6 posts
14 Aug 2020 6:36AM
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The Gong Hype 6'5" has 170lt and a removable front center fin for easier upwind sailing off the foil and is 0.6kg more over the Hype 5'5". Would these features really make a big difference to the beginner foiler/winger verses the extra weight?

SurfinJim
1 posts
17 Sep 2020 3:31PM
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ckspark said..
The Gong Hype 6'5" has 170lt and a removable front center fin for easier upwind sailing off the foil and is 0.6kg more over the Hype 5'5". Would these features really make a big difference to the beginner foiler/winger verses the extra weight?


Hi! I'm new to this forum. Windsurfer for > 30 years and rookie winger. I'm very interested by this question, too. I also wonder if I could use the 6'5 for paddling without the foil (just for cruising or playing in the small shore break).. I'm divided between purchasing a 7'11 Rocket Air and waiting for the Gong. I can't try any of them...

colas
4986 posts
17 Sep 2020 8:31PM
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SurfinJim said..
I also wonder if I could use the 6'5 for paddling without the foil (just for cruising or playing in the small shore break).. I'm divided between purchasing a 7'11 Rocket Air and waiting for the Gong. I can't try any of them...



First, from the experience I read, Winging without a foil is just like slogging on a wave windsurfer with not enough wind: It was more torture than fun for me, but some people seem to like it.

But the front fin, and the 1' added length will help a lot non-windsurfers to avoid both the board bearing away while trying to start, or the "walk of shame" because you will not have the experience to gain to the wind while slogging a daggerboard-less board. It wont help once you can fly consistently.

Second, the HIPE foil boxes are not standard US Boxes: the slot are narrower and shallower to more perfectly fit foil nuts & bolts, and gain strength and weight. So you cannot put standard fins in them. And the extra fin box is in front, you cannot use it alone for paddling and especially surfing.

So, you can put fins on the HIPE foil slots to paddle it, but you will have to sand them, or put a fin on a plate that you will fix to the box as you would with a foil plate.

colas
4986 posts
17 Sep 2020 8:34PM
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Some unboxing videos, while we are at it. Done by a team rider, so you can expect the praises, but the different views of the board is still useful info. French with English subtitles.



ZeroVix
318 posts
2 Oct 2020 4:35AM
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Can you please clarify this issue. The 6.5 box is not an actual US box? Will the plate adapter (track) from Slingshot Hoverglide work on this box? Looking to use the SS 84 with the 6.5. Thanks.

broVan
109 posts
2 Oct 2020 5:01AM
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ZeroVix said..
Can you please clarify this issue. The 6.5 box is not an actual US box? Will the plate adapter (track) from Slingshot Hoverglide work on this box? Looking to use the SS 84 with the 6.5. Thanks.


The Slingshot nuts and bolts will work with the track. Just make sure your bolts are not too long as they can puncture the board. Gong nuts have a bottom so you cant go through but they are a weird skinny type. I am using the Axis nuts and bolts in my HIPE. I had to trim them to fit.

colas
4986 posts
2 Oct 2020 12:28PM
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ZeroVix said..
Can you please clarify this issue. The 6.5 box is not an actual US box? Will the plate adapter (track) from Slingshot Hoverglide work on this box? Looking to use the SS 84 with the 6.5. Thanks.


The Gong carbon plate has just the dimensions needed for the nuts & bolts used on foil plates of all brands. This saves both weight (at least 500g) and money (the carbon used is not cheap).

Note that it is very easy to cut stainless steel bolts, as it is quite a soft metal. Or you can use washers.



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"Gong inflatable foil board, with a carbon hull plate" started by colas