Gong HiPe Pro 5'6 wing foil board 115L - first ride

The board felt pretty good, but it is a bit shorter than what I'm used to so had to adjust to that.
The board feels very rigid despite being inflatable. I found the deck a bit slippery compared to my F-One Rocket Wing V2. I did this first test without foot straps, but tried to keep my feet where they would be with straps. The stance feels super wide - even for a tall guy like me. For casual riding I will not use the back strap so I guess it will be fine.
I crashed a ton of times and I struggled to nail my jibes. This was mainly due to a very different balance than my other board. Also I didn't felt as connected to the foil as normal - maybe the added thickness of the board plays a role here.
The release was ok but not great. Also on touchdowns it's a lot harder to recover - at least riding strapless.
I was very curious to test how well I could balance the board as inflatables are known for being a bit wobbly. I had no problems, but it is definitely not for beginners!
Overall I'm satisfied with the board, especially for travel. For everyday riding I still prefer my Rocket Wing.
Setup:
Gong HiPe Pro 5'6 115L inflatable board
F-One Phantom 1480 foil and 85 alu mast
Takoon Wing V2 5.5m2
Rider: 100 kg
Camera: GoPro Max 360
Wind: super gusty between 16-30 knots
Location: Aalborg, Denmark

[@cyberfastfred]

I totaly agree. I am almost beginner with 14 sessions on a hard board 6 foot and 120 liters. With the hipe 5.5 and 145 liters It's a lot more difficult to take off.

[@bmrbca3658]

Does the board not release as easily or is it a planing speed issue?

[@huzcer]

when you say this board is definitely not for beginners - what do you mean - isn't it about the volume so for someone about 80kg this 115l board would be good?

[@wing__foil]

The challenge with inflatable boards is that the thickness is the same everywhere. Therefore the volume is not distributed the same way as a hard board making it much more unstable for the same volume

[@wing__foil]

Mainly a release issue in my opinion

[@uzanraphael490]

hello i would like to buy the hype pro 5.8 but i am 105kg riders and i am afraid that is too small for light wind. Do you use your hype pro on light wind (10khnot)?

[@wing__foil]

Hi, it depends on how good you are at pumping. I'm only a few kgs lighter and I can start the 5'6 in 12 knots with my 7m wing. I think you should be okay with the 5'8.

[@GalinBorodinov]

What is going on with your HiPe Pro 5'6 one year later? Is it still in your quiver? Asking sinse I am conisdering the same model and size for my 195 cm/96 kg, would be interested to hear such a long term opinion.

[@wing__foil]

I sold it after using it for traveling. I like my hard board better. It's just easier to ride with better foil control. That said I think the HiPe Pro is a great inflatable. I think the size sounds right for you

[@GalinBorodinov]

@@wing__foil thanks for the quick reply and advice!

[@bmrbca3658]

What size Rocket do you normally ride?

[@wing__foil]

I ride the Rocket V2 5'10 105L

[@TRADER-PRO]

Tu m'as donné envie de me mettre au Wing Foil, je suis débutant que me conseilles tu?

[@frebo8921]

hello, quel gabarit, poids, niveau de pratique dans d'autres sports nautiques ?

[@kostasvasilopoulos4468]

100kgr 114lit board not really the right one

[@wing__foil]

Why don't you think so? It works well - I could even go with the 5'3 I'm sure