Wingfoil Gear: Is Smaller Really Better?

0:00 Intro
0:37 Is smaller better?
1:58 Is bigger better?
2:28 Importance of body weight
3:12 Wind forecast
4:06 Switch gear
4:38 Time is money
5:09 Downwind boards
6:35 Pumping technique
7:02 Message to bigger guys
7:22 Outro
Gear used in video:
Gong Lemon 5'0 95L
Gong Cruzader 7'0 122L
Gong Fluid XL-H (1500 cm²)
Gong Neutra 6m²
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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[@benjaminbjacobsen]

Your comment about size is what's made this such a weird sport for me. I'm down to 200lbs after starting at 220 last summer. So high 90s kg. And I'm in Montana at ~4500' so fresh water and thin air... I bought an 8m wing to start and the biggest axis foil (BSC 1120). I can get on foil but I need help to lower the range. Obviously I'll get a lower range as I improve but this season I also added the gong curve-h 6xl to have a MASSIVE foil to help the low range (and also to pump foil). I have spreadsheets galore that have foil sizes (areas, spans, volumes) and I calculate that -vs- my weight but also my sons (160lbs) and a good friend who's been foiling for 4 years but weighs maybe 130lbs. I also think long term my final board will be a downwind board but I feel they're too narrow for me right now. I bought the gong hipe cruzader 7'11' but it's super tippy as my current skill level. Does it get more stable with a longer mast or wider wingspan foil? The new curve-h is waiting on a ti fuse to be in stock so I can't try it yet...

[@windaddict]

I'm the same weight as you. The Curve-H 6XL is absolutely enormous so if that can't get you up on foil, nothing can. I actually have a video on my to-do list where I want to talk about a formula to calculate foil and wing size based on body weight and wind speed. Yeah the cruzaders are tippy in one direction but you get used to it at some point. Having a massive foil underneath also makes a difference, so it will feel easier.

[@martinomovies]

It's nice to be overpowered on your wing if you need to get out of the shorebreak or if there is heavy chop. It can be quite tiring balancing, falling off, and getting back up on foil if you're underpowered in choppy conditions.

[@windaddict]

Very true!

[@lewiss66]

Hello, Thanks for your video very instructive. I'm equiped with duotone foils. Do you know if I buy a inflatable cruzader board I can still use my foils with it?

[@windaddict]

It should be possible but I am not sure how deep the tracks are on the inflatable cruzader and how "tall" the nuts for the duotone foils are. You should make sure that the screws are the right length to avoid board damage. This video might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaCWkHmlgZmYmKM Also maybe ask the Gong advisors.

[@Djangoat68]

Great video- which size cruzader are you riding and which foil did you have on ?

[@windaddict]

Thanks! Cruzader 7'0 and Fluid XL-H (not a good foil for really light wind)

[@fluiditynz]

What you say is correct but once you are foiling, smaller is less drag and this applies to wind wings as well. All that surface area creates drag in the air. So things like a board with a longer water line length may help to get you on foil with a smaller wing and give you generally better sessions.

[@windaddict]

That is true only to a certain extent I think. If you get into really light wind, jibes become a challenge. A small foil with a high stall speed will make things very hard.

[@blooskyy7]

Very interesting. I started on the standard type board (5.4 x 28"), but found the wide board made it sluggish and difficult to build foil speed. I then built a board following the Gong Crusader design (6.3 x 18.5") and it's so much easier to get on foil, it's has been a game changer. I find a narrow board also gives a much better sense of speed and control when on foil. Ref: 98kg/5m/1250cm (Gong Fluid LT)

[@windaddict]

Wow, you built your own board? Respect! I'm looking forward to trying out the Cruzader some more and see how it handles.

[@sebastiangeitner6955]

100% agree my Go to Wing mit 110kg 7.5qm driving 90% of the time. Doing 8kn-30kn by changing Bord and frontwing

[@windaddict]

Sounds like you found a good setup for your weight!

[@kiterJ]

Totally agree! I'm 95Kg naked with abs. I need the bigger gear

[@windaddict]

Bigger is better ;-)

[@roadrunnermakmak]

I (83kg) am riding a Gong HipePro 5'3 with curveXXL and 6m Wing at really low winds regularly on my lake, no problem at all as a lightwind setup. But it is sooo hard to get this Board to speed up at higher winds to lift with smaller foils (which are a lot more fun to fly). These wide and no-scoop inflatable Boards are a mess when it comes to other than lightwind conditions. But I love how robust they are. If they only manage to get some shape into it some day.

[@windaddict]

Interesting! I didn't know this was a limitation of inflatable boards. The Curve XXL generates so much lift early on that the board shape doesn't matter so much probably.

[@roadrunnermakmak]

Yes, Boards with a shape tend to get more speed when not flying ;-), of course you can get a smaller foil flying on that 'thing' ;+) but it takes (more) pumping and good (better) technique than on a Board with a decent shape. Perhaps its also a matter of volume, too. Im just above floating and therefore theres a big 'wave' in front of me that needs to be 'pushed', you know?

[@christomo]

Great video great insite into boards and rider weight im doing a similar video as we speak . Thanks for sharing 👍 😊

[@windaddict]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@AdamsHadEnough]

Great assessment of things. It's refreshing hearing the views of a real world rider at a real weight with a life and responsibilities outside of winging. Have you bothered trying your 9m with the Cruzader yet? I picked up a 7.5 early last year for lightwind on a 95L Hipe, and while it's great with that, it almost feels unnecessary with a Cruzader, I opt for a 6.0 instead. I am curious to hear your thoughts.

[@windaddict]

Thanks for your nice comment! I sold my 9m Superpower and my 6m Neutra. I got a 6m Superpower and a Sirus XXL 156cm foil instead as a light wind setup. Have yet to try it out. Will talk about it in a future video!

[@AdamsHadEnough]

​@@windaddictI am looking forward to it as I am looking to go the same route with a Sirus XL or XXL in the coming and go down to a 6.0 as my biggest wing. The boom on my Superpower 7.5 totally spoiled me, making me wish my 6.0 Cabrinha had one.

[@EASTCOASTGONGWINGFOILING-sr6kh]

Briliant - its so easy to look at others and then i scratch my head why cant i do that ? Im nearly twice the weight of some of the guys i see 🤣. So many different variables - same size wings from different brands can work totally differently same with boards and foils etc Great to see another Cruzader owner (i have the inflatable) 👏 My technique will and already is improving on this board which i can translate to my normal shorter board. Im super impressed how well they take off for a big boned rider like me 🥳 🤙

[@windaddict]

True! I haven't used the Cruzader much yet, but hopefully can get some more sessions in soon. It is wobblier, so I have to get used to that first before I can pump hard again. But seems to have great potential!

[@adrienmarchandise3084]

See, I'm on the heavier side as well, with 112kg and in summer I sail with 7 or 9sqm (first generation from gong and they are still good). Last summer I was lucky enough to be one of the first on my spot with the 7.6 XL Cruzader and it really was a game changer for me as the board accelerated on its own. It was amazing. I could go up on foil with the 7sqm when with my Hipe I would have needed the 9sqm. The spot I sail on is very choppy and tends to slow round boards down really hard, the Cruzader really was a great investment.

[@windaddict]

Thanks for your comment! Couldn't agree more! Glad the Cruzader is working out for you!

[@wildhogget69]

Totally agree, 86kg and nearly always on a bigger wing, I use a Fanatic Sky Style 85ltr but its all about the wing (The power) and the foil for me. I like being overpowered as well as I am a lazy winger

[@windaddict]

We're all addicted to power 😄

[@Lytemotiv]

great info mate!! Body weight is super important and a foil around 1800cm with a big span so it's fast and the take off is easy! made some cruzader video on my channel ;)

[@windaddict]

Thank you! Fully agreed!

[@kit3cut]

What size of the cruzader do you riding white 88kg? greetings from germany

[@windaddict]

Ich hab mich für den Cruzader 7'0 entschieden (Fokus auf Leichtwind-Performance). Viele Grüße aus Spanien ;-)

[@tate2863]

Hi. I think most people only figure out the size of the equipment when they are flying, but in my case I only go winging in light winds so I also take into account stability and glide in choppy conditions and light winds. I don't want to have problems to come back, and try without fear in very light winds. How is cruzader's stability for standing up in these conditions and you can't fly?

[@windaddict]

It is definitely harder to balance than a normal board, but maybe it's just a skill I need to learn. Also I was out in super light wind, so lack of pressure in wing made it harder.

[@postelnicudan2982]

hi, what is the size of the Cruzader, the wing, the foil ?

[@windaddict]

Cruzader 7'0, Neutra 6 m² and Fluid-H XL (1500cm²)

[@adambotica6419]

at 110kg rider who is still beginner I do need a lot of power. Sure some is weight but other is skill and Im ok to admit both of those!. I only have a 1 wing quiver of 4.8m. and considering a 7m or 8m for lighter days. As you said better to be out there doing it rather than boasting about how little gear you can float around on

[@windaddict]

Yes, especially as a beginner you need to have that extra power. 4.8 is a pretty small wing for your weight.

[@Tobeon2]

Eh?? 4.8 m2 wing at 110 kg as a beginner !?? 😳👀.. Even 2000 cm2 front foil, you will need at least 15-17 knots to foil up especially as a beginner. If you are tall enough (5'10" or taller). I strongly suggest you to get at least 7 m2 wing (preferably 8 m2)

[@adambotica6419]

@@Tobeon2 Actually riding axis BSC 1060, I found it better than the older lower aspect 1020. But yes correct I need about 15 Knots. Problem is at that windspeed the waves and chop is also worse. Thanks to further my justification case to get 7m or 8m

[@Tobeon2]

@@adambotica6419 If you are tall enough (178 cm or taller), 8 m2 will be super

[@lespriteffort1656]

When you are not sure, take big. And you Will save you're day!

[@windaddict]

True!!

[@umimikimba1194]

Hello, Thanks for your realistic Videos! We will visit spain in the summer. I have a 6m2 sic raptor and a New 2024 8m2 cabrinha vision. Ang a gon inflatable with160 liters and a 60 and 90 cm mast, the big 2200cm2 foil. Do you think this is good for the summer at the end of June. We are on the the delfin campground at the end of the river ter. Maß Pinell. And the most importent from your Videos I have over 100kg. How much Wind is there in the summer? JUNE TO JULY! GREATINGS from germany! Uli

[@windaddict]

Hi Uli! Freut mich, dass dir meine Videos gefallen! Der Bereich in dem euer Camping ist ist als "Pals" bekannt unter Windsportlern. Es ist Teil der Costa Brava die im Sommer recht zuverlässig (auch oft wenn die Vorhersage sagt, dass kein Wind kommt) thermische Winde bekommt (onshore). Typischerweise um die 15 Knoten. Dieser Effekt ist etwas weiter nördlich im Golf de Roses etwas stärker wegen der Trichterform. In Pals habe ich nicht viel Erfahrung, es kann also sein, dass es da genau so oder ähnlich gut ist. Wenn starker Tramontana Wind (aus Nord) von Frankreich bis nach Pals durchkommt, ist Pals ein bekannter Wave Spot. Da kann es dann also recht ordentlich Welle geben, ist aber eher selten. Du hast ja sehr großes Equipment, selbst für dein Gewicht. Da solltest du also keine Probleme haben. Viel Spaß!

[@BrettWae]

I ride my axis 1150/short reg. fuse/460 in everything from 8 to 30 knots. I'm 75kg on a 90L 5'2"x25" board. Picked up a 7'2"x20.25" 107L DW board for this summer light winds. I want to get a larger foil still, not smaller.

[@windaddict]

Wow that's a wide wind range you cover with your gear. Yeah I just got a huge foil for my DW board for the super light wind days. Video coming soon!

[@BrettWae]

@windaddict Thats awesome! Looking forward to it🤙🤙

[@TylerKaraszewski]

At 84kg I should probably always be in gear one size bigger than my friends who are 10kg lighter than me. It's easy to see them on 900sq cm foils and 55L boards and want to try the "high performance" stuff and then struggle with it. I should just aim for 20% bigger everything than these guys, and it's easy to forget that. If they're on a 1000sq cm foil and a 4m wing, I should probably be on a 1200sq cm foil and a 5m wing. I'm not even really sure the small gear is that much more fun, either, even in good conditions. It's a little bit faster, but I'm not racing.

[@windaddict]

Yes, you need to make these corrections in your head automatically. Regarding small gear: I am interested in smaller foils to go faster (when there is really enough wind for it), but the hype for small sinker boards I don't really understand. It's like you're handcuffing yourself.

[@franpinyol8500]

Yes, volume helps and size matters but not everywhere. Shapes are still evolving After the boom of super light wind winging ( by taking downwind boards with pin tails, 18-19 wide, 7-8' length, mega wings 8m2, etc.) the new trend, "discovered" in the last 6 months is an new category of boards that aim to be one board for all. - narrow boards: 18''-22'' , and longer to compensate instability, even for larger boards ( 80 L) but way shorter than downind boards. - an hybrid between downwind paddle and wing --> check Sunova Carve, Amos Shapes Aviator Wing, et .... all large brands are bringing those shapes to market: Gong, Cabrinha, etc In any case, riding small gear is about technique, NOT about your weight. Just look at what heavy & experienced wingers ( 80-90 Kg ) ride in 10-14 Knt: foils from 800- 1.000 cm2 , board volumes = weight minus 20 liter (and obviously all full carbon and very efficient shapes 😀)

[@windaddict]

Yes, I followed those developments as well. But for very light winds (below 10-12 knots) they still recommend the long downwind shapes (e.g. Gong Cruzader Point instead of Diamond). Maybe one day I will replace my Lemon with one of those new shapes, but don't really see a need for it right now. Regarding technique: it is a factor for sure, but weight has a big impact no matter what.

[@franpinyol8500]

Hi @@windaddict The new Gong Cruzader Point family includes 2 categories, in my opinion: - Boards for very light winds is 6-20 Knt, which require Volume = Weight +10-20 lit - Boards for all conditions. 10-30 Knt which require Volume = Weight minus 0-20 lit The Gong Cruzader Diamond simply makes things easy, by adding extra width. I guess they will need 2 Knot more to start.

[@secondlife7976]

I prefer to be overpowered with the wing❤ east to get up and more speed! I think go with smaller foil is make more sense

[@windaddict]

Same here!

[@shanestimac4340]

My 75 ltr 5’ board is so much nicer to foil on than my 95 ltr 5’4”, I am not sure if it’s a thickness thing or width thing. I haven’t tried a DW board so I can’t comment on that.

[@windaddict]

Interesting! What's your weight and how much wind do you need for your 75 litre board?

[@shanestimac4340]

Weight is around 80kg without wetsuit and we are alway in wetsuits. I am also in fresh water. With a 6.0m wing I can get it going in 12 knots. If the wind dies I sink to my waist. I usually use my 95 ltr board between 10 and 13 knots. I like it if it’s offshore wind and or there are big holes in the wind so I can stand without sinking, but otherwise I wouldn’t use it.

[@windaddict]

12 knots is pretty good!

[@henryhester1897]

1000% This translates to that initial fear of buying wrong. Always fall on the side of big. I wasted a whole kit’s worth buying wrong for my first setup. If you’re 90kg, completely disregard anything that 75Kg guy says. 😉

[@windaddict]

Very true!