Gong HIPE 5’5 Review part 1 (Inflatable Wingfoil Board) Full Review pros and cons.

Full review on the Gong HIPE 5”5...Packing, pumping, foiling, pros and cons.

[@olivierhazan3800]

I am waiting for my 5.5 Hipe and 5 sqm wing, I am a beginner, and your video is very usefull, because it is honnest. I will have my first session with minimum 15 knots wind to have more chance to ride on the foil. Cross fingers, happy new year to you and have great sessions with your Gong Hipe. Olivier

[@Coach_Rolando]

Great Olivier...it is a lot of fun...The Hipe is a good board...but don't be disappointed if you don't get on the foil...if is the first time ever it will be hard cause as I said this board is not "shaped" like the "wing boards"...witch is designed to "skip and propel forward" as we pump. The advantage of the Hipe is its travel advantages and the volume for "Sup foil Surf"... But as I said...do not be discouraged if you don't get on the foil....it took me about 5 to 6 sessions for my first "take off" on my "Armstrong 5"11 Wing Foil Board"...that is much easier them the Hipe... As you know you will need time to figure out the best place to set your "mast"...One more thing and is the most important one...If this is your first truly day ever on the foil...I would recommend for you to do a "boat towing session first"...Trust me...it will help you to figure a lot things before you get aggravated...I was able to be on the foil with in 45 mins in my first session...On my 2nd session I started to learn my "foot placement"...the "sweet spot" on the board and tunning the "mast position"...by my 3rd to 5 sessions I was "pumping on the wake" and not using the rope anymore...finally after that is when I moved into the "board and foil"...trust me is worth you spend some time on the "rope"...good luck but...Ill be making a video soon here about my learning curb. Hva fun and don't give up

[@Alejandro388]

HUGE thanks, i've been looking all over interwebs to find how 5'5 Hipe does as a SUP board, and findally! You're the only video of just that! Thanks! Bonus: im similar weight and height as you

[@Coach_Rolando]

Hey Alek...good to know that..I never made a full video as a SUP cause to be honest is really challenging to stay on it specially on a choppy day...If you are looking for a SUP Surf foil board I think this is not the one to be honest...However you can see "Patrice" the designer and shaper for Gong in a video killing it on surfing with it...I found to be too short and super hard to control in the ocean...Im looking now for a SUP foil surf board and still doing my research...so this board for me became my traveling board. I wish you good luck on your search.

[@richardbarclay9095]

Great honest review, very useful... thanks :)

[@bennorthover]

Nice review and incredible packing tip !

[@vincentjanse]

Thank you I have been looking for ages for a video that shows what this stuff looks liked packed. This looks like something I could carry on my back.

[@Coach_Rolando]

Yes...and that is about 2 or 3 year ago...the gear they make now is even better...b before I had to buy an Armstrong foil and a Duotone wing...Now days Gong are doing an mazing job with a complete wing foil gear...I would deff put all my money on GONG cause not only they have ana mazing product now but still sometimes 50% less compared to other companies and the same quality

[@jonathangafill6866]

Thank you for posting these, I'm ordering the UNIT 6m and was considering this board. I am about the same weight as you and I aspire to be as fit lol. Anyway, Im putting together this same set to get going up here in Michigan.. I will likely have some questions, but for now just thanks for posting these, very helpful.

[@Coach_Rolando]

Fell free co call me...If this is the only board you will have I do not recommend that at all...It does not "pumps" well...you will be better off with their "solid boards"...tehy do make good products...Im making a video soon..."Foiling from zero to hero in 25 sessions"...that is what it took me...however I did tons of research before I committed to get my gear...Fell free to call me...my nam is Rolando and my number is 617-869-8852...I don't mind helping at all case it is an expensive sport so is good not to waist $$...if I don't pick up leave a message and ill call back...cheers brother

[@markjohns4826]

I loved the video, Im getting into the sport too but from a boat so an inflatable board was my choice.{ Naish Hover} i too have struggled to get foiling in 10 to 12 knots!!……..i feel so much better!! Ive been windsurfing for 35 years but this is a complete start again which was not expected!!

[@Coach_Rolando]

Hello Mark...I have a Armstrong 5'11 as my main board and I get on foil eat on that cause is made for "pumping"...trust me is a major difference from a inflatable board...the rails, the bottom and the tail are all shaped so overtime you "pump the board", the board gets more speed and proppeles forward...the "round thick rails" on the inflatables does not do that...try to get a fiber glass or carbon board made for wing foiling...the "inflatable boards" are good just for traveling due to its size...I can guarantee you that you will have a huge progression and improvement and you will be up in winds of 8 knots easy.... By the way...I also started on the foil by boat towing ...and that is a most for sure...the thing I found helpful was to narrow down my foot placement as fast as I could...once I found the "sweet spot" it made things much easier to progress into the board and the wing foil...once you get the foot placement and the right spot becomes easier to get on the going with your wing in the air...good luck bud and thank you for the feed back

[@mikesrna]

@@Coach_Rolando Hi, do you think that bigger board 6,5 Hipe will be better for low winds?(with the same hydrofoil) I suppose that with more volume of inflatable board you will be able to get more speed in water an it helps you to get on foil more quickly.

[@Coach_Rolando]

@@mikesrna Yes...the bigger volume will help...however as I said before...the inflatable boards are very bulky and slow...they are not fast when you are picking up speed on your "pumping" ...all the design on the shape that they put on those "carbon boards" do make a huge difference...I did not believe at first that the conceived shape, the scoop rails and the slanted tail was a major thing but it is..."I felt the difference"...those "solid shaped boards" are much faster and easier to get on the foil them the inflatable ones...I have a 5'11 Armstrong...look at the shape of it...also the "freedom' boards...they are specifically design to "skip forward" as you pump the board...that does not happens to a thick rounded inflatable board. As I mentioned before...if you want a board that you can Sup Surf with it and compact to travel deff go for the Hipe...but if your goal is just to wing foil I would not choose the Hipe as your main board,

[@obsurf3]

Thanks for the review and also showing the clever idea about using a large carrying case. Looks like you are ready to travel with your setup! MA probably too cold for riding at the moment. Is Lake Mead popular for wind foiling?

[@Coach_Rolando]

Hello Ed...Im not Into doing much water sports in the winter...but I have friends who go here in MA all year around...Not me...Honestly I never saw anyone in Lake Mead "winging"....Im not sure how is the wind condition there in Vegas all year around...but I guess I could find out if I do a search...but is a great place to wing foil for sure as long you have the wind. Yes using a regular traveling bag is great...I don't have to pay the $150 charge when I'm traveling with my gear.

[@simoncossettini9680]

good attempt.... it looks like you have many elements in place - I am sure that by now you are up and running. Showing the board in place as a sup - is a big help as well as seeing it in wingfoil mode. I would definitely need a bigger board.

[@Coach_Rolando]

Yes..it can be used as a SUP Wing Board...but as you said..it is too short for a SUP wing foil for sure...at least for my weight (195Lbs)...for a lighter rider around 160 Lbs would be perfect...But since I made this video Gong has a much better line up for their inflatable wing boards with in all ranges and sizes ... thank you for the comment

[@AlexanderMeinhart]

I love this video, and the Gong Hipe, have it too- AND yes, I have also struggled with gliding (I was beginner), but as some said in this blog, you have to be very forward weighted, as soon as the board is on the way out of water, AND before that you have to go really hard downwind pumping full speed on starting up. Otherwise, it does not work so early as other (Carbon boards).

[@benbhand]

I finally realized you were at Lake Mead. Have always wanted to try windsurfing (and now winging) there! I'm so old, I remember when that mountain in the background with the crane thing at the 6:15 mark used to actually be an island!!

[@Coach_Rolando]

Is never too late and we are never to old to start...Im 51 now and I started last year about 6 months ago. go for it

[@benbhand]

@@Coach_Rolando Hey Rolando. Just ordered my HIPE 5'1 to finally try winging on the water later this season (I've been practicing with a wing on a mountainboard--what a blast!). Hoping I got the right size (I figure a little extra liters is better than too few!) I used to come up to Vegas a fair amount pre-pandemic. Maybe I'll see you out on Lake Mead one of these days!!

[@Coach_Rolando]

@@benbhand yes man.. I started with a longboard...as silly as it is it will teach you how to "tack and jive" the wind...and if you like it on the "ground" you have no idea how better it is in the water...I have some videos here of me doing on parking lots...even my first ever day with my wing right when COVID started...that is why I started...I did not want to stay home...lol...good luck bud and keep us up to date on your progress

[@benbhand]

@@Coach_Rolando I already windsurf, so that is sort of helpful (mechanics are very different, though)! Yes, that's what I'm hoping! The ground and wheels have alot more resistance lol Hoping to get a couple more "ground school" sessions in on the wing this month, and also to get comfortable with kneeling and standing on the HIPE in the pool next month, so that when the time comes to take it out onto the water in May/June, it will help the learning curve some. I also later saw that you don't live in the Vegas area, sorry! Thanks, man, and keep up the good content and work. If you ever find yourself in the Phoenix area and want to ride, hit me up and we'll go :)

[@avropump6215]

Nice honest review! Love the inflatable foil concept and showing how easy it is to travel with all your gear. Maybe an AVRO Pump can help with inflation?

[@Coach_Rolando]

Im not familiar with he AVRO pump but ill take a look right now and check it out...thank you

[@carsonking3798]

Great review and fantastic travel tip. I wonder if it damages the rigidity of the board folding it that way?

[@Coach_Rolando]

Nothing at all...once you pump it to the right PSI you are back in the game

[@philipandrew4819]

Thanks for the review can I ask how much is the total weight of the kit in the bag “about “ and is the board still fault free . Gave up taking windsurf kit on planes a few years ago this could be a replacement looks fun , will fit in hire car as well .

[@Coach_Rolando]

I would say about 20 to 25 lbs all together ...is not that bad at all...I brought it to Brazil in the same way but I used a Bigger wing there...a 7.5 Gong wing and the wing bag was perfect to travel with...check this video you will appreciate it too... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpulqXhvgLiZbs0 thank you for the comment and good luck.

[@kolpakoffalex2043]

I have a gong 5.3 in a bag fits a full set. Hydrofoil board pump paddle and wing

[@Coach_Rolando]

Yes...but you still have to bring your clothes and so on...and the bag s huge...My wing is a 2400...so it does not fits in the bag and my wing is a duotone...big to pack unlike a F-one for instance that is super compact. but as I did...if you fold your 5'3 side ways it could fit is a big suit case.

[@huzcer]

Thanks for the video effort. How do you think this would work as a sup foil? Would it be able to get enough board speed for the initial takeoff?

[@Coach_Rolando]

I only had about 30 mins on the board in terms of "SUPing"... it turns a lot due to the fact that is so short (gong make a fin that you can actually put in the front of the board to give you a more straight line of paddle)...in teams of speed without a wave will be deff impossible to get up to speed even pumping to get on the foil....however with a wave I'm confident that Ill be able to get enough speed to get up on the foil...I have not tested on waves yet cause I'm in Boston MA and Im not a big fun of winter surfing...but ill know by march of 2021. So far is a mixing feelings due to the fact that the advantage I see on it right now is its ability to be compact to travel and "maybe a good SUP foil board"...but ill only be sure if is great or not in March.

[@huzcer]

@@Coach_Rolando thanks for the reply - would love to hear how you get on trying it for SUP. couldn't find a link for that fin that you mentioned - how did you find out about it? do you think that it could make it usable for SUP foil? yes - you would need a wave by the sounds of it - any will pumping be possible to get back out....?

[@Coach_Rolando]

@@huzcer I did not see a link on their site for the fin...I seeing on their videos...Actually the "shaper"/ owner is the guys with big beard ...I seeing a video on youtube of his HIPE with a front fin...so I thought they had it...But other "solid" boards that they have comes with the front fin...As I said...at least on the 5'5 HIPE I have not seeing anyone getting up on the foil in flat water by just pumping and paddling...To be honest I don't think is possible due to the combination that is too short and to sticky ...As I said...by march Ill have my HIPE in the water and Ill try SUP Surf with it...and Im almost sure ill be able to catch some waves and eventually Foil Surf with it...as long there is waves I'm sure ill be up on the foil...but deff not on flat water.

[@huzcer]

@@Coach_Rolando did you get to try any SUP foiling with the Hipe in the end? any good?

[@Coach_Rolando]

@@huzcer Not yet...Im in Boston now and waiting for the weather to get better so I can go Sup Surfing...the water still too cold for me...but if I do ill port it...hang in there

[@larryluk6910]

nice video with travelling bag, that is really well manageable for travelling. I am struggling to select which size of Macro Air. 4'7" 80L, or 5'3" 110L as newb of me in wingfoil, 62kg, 1.65. with wing5 m and foil 1700. Hipe you may provide me any comment for chosen of borad size. Thanks

[@Coach_Rolando]

When I made this video Gong did not had many traveling bags for boards… now they do at very good prices… so I would start there first sure.Gong makes great products… for your weight and height you could be ok with the 4’7 board… even as a beginner that will provide you with good flotation… here are the bags they make now. www.gong-galaxy.com/en/products/gong-wingfoil-travel-bag

[@ramonanelson6254]

Hi Rolando, Are you out at Lake Mead Boulder Beach? Visiting or your live here? Have you ever gotten a Kiteboarding Travel Bag? Looks great for traveling but tough to get up on.

[@Coach_Rolando]

Hello...No my mother lives there in Henderson ...Im actually arriving there tomorrow for a mini vacation...I don t have a kiteboard travel bag...I don't have the inflatable boar anymore...Ive go a Gong Lethal 4'10 that I'm bridging with me tomorrow and I asked a guy to custom make a bag for me that I can bring my gear and my cloths and Ill be using it tomorrow....I hope it will works...lol

[@linusliedholm9346]

Try to move back foot forward 10 cm when not on foil. Too much back foot pressure will make the tail act as a break.

[@Coach_Rolando]

thank you for the advice bud

[@matjaro]

i think your bag is called "Rockland Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel Bag, Navy, 40-Inch" correct?

[@Coach_Rolando]

yes...that is the one

[@abraxaf]

@@Coach_Rolando you are a gear-packing ninja! I need a bag like that, that is wild.

[@claudiozanoni4990]

were you able to go upwind on this inflatable board in these conditions without the board "coming out of the water"?

[@Coach_Rolando]

Yes I was...But it deff takes more effort and skills to get it up on foil...honestly that is not your everyday board...I only use it when I travel cause is easy to pack and it has to be on a higher wind day conditions...As your everyday and all around board I don't think is your best pick...but a great traveling board for sure.

[@bardinetpaulify]

Do you have the bag link ? because I want to buy it ?

[@Coach_Rolando]

Sorry bud...I don't...but just go on Amazing and top 40 inch travel bag suit case and you will see tons of them...good luck

[@jpb183]

hello, Where did you find this bag?

[@Coach_Rolando]

At Amazon...just do a search on "40 Inch traveling bag" ... it cost me $50...good luck bud

[@stimpsonjkat5925]

What do you use to strap the board together when it's deflated? I'm considering bringing mine with me on a trip in 2 weeks. Is it a ratchet strap?

[@Coach_Rolando]

You can find luggage straps or anything for that matter. But these should do the trick amzn.to/3XrfhMv

[@stimpsonjkat5925]

@@Coach_Rolando ah nice one thanks! I'm not brave enough to put it all in a hold-all bag so I'll prob stick it in a hardshell suitcase :)

[@crown2548]

Can you give me the amazon link to the bag you purchase. I don’t want to go wrong. Thanks

[@Coach_Rolando]

they have diff colors...make sure it is the 40 inch... www.amazon.com/Rockland-Luggage-Rolling-Duffle-X-Large/dp/B00ABMVWCW/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Rockland%2BDrop%2BBottom%2BRolling%2BDuffel%2BBag%2C%2BNavy%2C%2B40-Inch&qid=1627189791&sr=8-2&th=1

[@matjaro]

do you have a link on amazon to get this bag?

[@Coach_Rolando]

Try typing '

[@Coach_Rolando]

Try typing "Rockland drop bottom rolling duffel bag, navy 40 inche carry on

[@plaineduloup184]

Thanks for the video. I want to start wingfoiling, how long does it takes to get on the foil ? T

[@Coach_Rolando]

Hey bud...it really depends on you...My back ground is in SUP surfing...so I have some balance but I never did any "wind" sport...But if I have to count ... I think I was able to "wing foil"...meaning my Armstrong board and my wing with in about a total of 25 sessions...But time wise it was about 4 month cause I started in the cold here in MA...if I was in Florida and doing every day...im sure I would been up much faster. If you look at my videos here I started with a wing using a skateboard so I would understand what the wing and the winds does...them I got my Armstrong board...and here is the best piece of advice....Im making a video soon..."Foiling from zero to hero in 25 sessions"...that is what it took me...however I did tons of research before I committed to get my gear...try "towing foil first"...with in 3 to 5 sessions you will be able to get up on the foil...the main important thing you can do is find your "foot placement"...then finally you can progress to the wing and board... I did tons of research here on youtube so I suggest to do the same...Please fell free to call if you have any questions...617-869-8852...I can even send you to the guys who help me in a great deal on my gear...thank you for the feed back...Rolando

[@Frozenguy1]

If you have advanced windsurfing experience (say waveriding, freestyle) it will take you about 3 hours to have relatively steady flights for 100-200m. For advanced kiters its a little longer. With no boardsport/wind experience at all take into account at least (!) 30 hour worth of windsurf / wingsurf lessons without a foil, with your first flights somewhere after that. Until flying stably takes wildly varible time. Some people spend weeks, it took me 20 minutes to learn to hold the wind properly & fly steady and 6 hours to jibe. (As an experienced windfoiler). A student of mine who had yaght sailing experience, but no other boardsport experience was doing her first (uncontrolled) flights after 12 hours of private lessons.

[@AlexeyVidanov]

From the viewing of the video I have the feeling you needed to put the foil by installing more forward to add the more lift power.

[@Coach_Rolando]

Yes… back then I was still figuring out the perfect placement and now days the wings has evolved much more… Abs off course my technique has improved… now days the tighter wings and my pumping action has improved a lot allowing me to get in foil on the same wind conditions with smaller foils as well. But to be honest I spend most my time on my E-foil now… no wind needed lol … thank you fir the comment

[@pierrebarbeau8005]

Ça fonctionne avec ma 5.5 , par contre ça affecte le pvc ou la couleur verte cela crée des points blancs, on dirait que c’est juste la couleur qui disparaît.

[@bozmar1]

What about a hardtail and inflatable nose board ? I thing it would be a much better wing board

[@Coach_Rolando]

im not familiar with that board...send me the link

[@bozmar1]

@@Coach_Rolando take a look to Naish Hover inflatable wingfoiling boards

[@bozmar1]

@@Coach_Rolando also check Indiana inflatable wing boards

[@italianphotographer]

@@bozmar1 What about F-one Rocket Air? Are they any good?

[@bozmar1]

@@italianphotographer I don t know but in my opinion the both feet should stay on a full rigid surface to be more efficient when pumping so it s easier to come up on the foil in light wind and a little bit better speed.

[@SacrificialIrishGoat]

How much do you weight?

[@Coach_Rolando]

At that time when I made the video I was 195 lbs...but after that I have another video "Gong review #2" that I was able to take off without problems and I moved the mast to a better position...but none of the less is a great practical word to have specially if you are traveling

[@blazicgal4566]

Hi I just got Gong hipe 4'11 board and Gong rise L foil. If anyone got any questions just reply

[@Coach_Rolando]

Hey how you like the Gong Foils... are they well design and well made? I have the Armstrong and they are very pricy...maybe you should make a review on them

[@blazicgal4566]

@@Coach_Rolando Hi, My gong rise is in my opinion well designed and well made. It could have a slightly bigger curve on the wing, but overall everything is great except the screws are cheaply made and come of easily, so I bought new ones at Home Depot and paid like 15€, and now they stay in place. And I might do a review after I test it at flat water(lake) to.

[@luluconekin8130]

I was thinking about ordering the same. I'm 5'3, 115 lbs., Do you think this will be too small for me as a beginner? Thanks

[@blazicgal4566]

@@luluconekin8130 i don't think it wuld be to smal if u got good balance cuz I started on 5'2 board and it was greait.

[@luluconekin8130]

@@blazicgal4566 Thanks for your advice, I do have good balance, I sail Hobiecats.

[@methanesprings4085]

Pretty cool……I’m sure it’s lots of pumping

[@Coach_Rolando]

Yes it is on that board...but since I made that video my pump skills got a little better...so now is not as hard to get up on foil...sooon ill make an update...thank you for watching