Kites

Despite the boom of wing foiling in recent years, the attraction for kitesurfing remains huge with more and more practitioners. The first GONG kite boards date from 1998 and the first kites from 2012, this is a long lasting passion, always part of our quiver for ever more timeless moments on the water. Be it with a twintip, a kite surfboard or a kite foil, the potential of kitesurfing is just incredible.

Below you will find all our explanations and advice allowing you to equip yourself in the best way.

Overview:

Kitesurfing can be learned very quickly even for someone who has never practiced a board or sailing sport. The “Zero to Hero” learning curve (from neophyte to independent rider) is on average around fifteen hours of lessons long. Two hours of lessons per day for a week and you will become an independent kitesurfer!

Our ultra-complete range of kites develops seven models to match the programs of passionate riders of all stripes. From beginners looking for an easy kite to progress, to kitefoilers looking for a super light kite, to kiteloop specialists looking for an ultra-maneuverable kite. Our kite range covers all programs, levels, styles and wind ranges, in a wide choice of sizes from 4m2 to 17m2.

Why choose GONG kites?

Our DNA is simple: create the best possible equipment to go on the water every day, with a huge smile, and share it with as many people as possible.

It’s called LIVE FOR IT.

Our kites are like this:

• efficient
• durable
• all conditions
• all programs
• and with a huge dose of goooood vibes

We are avid practitioners, passionate to the highest degree, creators of our kites, and it is obviously with the greatest care and the greatest investment that we design our kites.

If anything happens to you, we are there: on the other end of the line, immediately available to advise you and repair if necessary. This is the immense strength of a direct relationship: you speak with those who make your kites.

Why are GONG kites so affordably priced? 

At GONG, we handle every aspect of our business ourselves. Our commitment to overseeing the entire value chain allows us to optimize each step and reduce costs.

Instead of maximizing our profits, we chose to reduce our margins on kites to encourage more people to kite. Wing foiling has captured a lot of attention, even in manufacturing, but it would be a mistake to miss out on the joy and performance of kitesurfing, which remains fantastic. Dropping prices significantly despite rising costs is our way of encouraging the sport.

Today’s developments in kitesurfing are no longer revolutionary, yet the details sometimes matter more than grand ideas. Details are the foundation of reliability, great feel, and precise handling. Without their designs, kites may look similar, but there are significant differences between them, even within our own lineup.

Saying that R&D costs are enormous for kites is misleading. The efforts are substantial, as seeking micro-evolutions is time-consuming and requires highly specialized experts, but the major research and development for kites was done and validated over a decade ago. Today, we're focused on doing the same for wingfoil, and that, too, requires a significant investment.

Yes, Dacron prices have risen by up to 45% in certain colors. Yes, the factories are overwhelmed with work. Yes, we sold 30% more kites in 2022. And yes, we’re lowering the price of our kites so you can see that our innovations deliver real results on the water.

GONG remains true to its roots: price should not be a barrier to the growth of a sport or to the joy of its enthusiasts!

What are the advantages of kitesurfing today?

Very few water sports offer such a rapid progression. In just a few hours, you become autonomous, and within a few months, you reach a really cool level.

Kitesurfing is not physically demanding. All the power of the kite is absorbed by your harness, and the force required in the arms is minimal. It's very easy to have long, laid-back kite sessions without ending up with burning arms.

The huge advantage of kitesurfing compared to other windsports is its aerial and spectacular aspect. Who hasn't stopped on the beach to watch kiters jumping several meters high? And there's no need for a ramp to get that thrill!

Kiteboarding is highly effective in light wind conditions. Considering that the global average wind speed is 8 knots, practicing a fantastic sport in light air is recommended. Without foil, you can ride comfortably in 8-10 knots, start doing tricks in 10-12 knots, and above 12 knots, it's party time! With a foil, it's even crazier because you can halve those values without needing advanced skills.

Traveling is very easy. Two kites, a board, a bar, a harness, and off you go! It's compact and efficient. What a pleasure to have a 360° view of the spot! You feel weightless because kitesurfing provides almost total lift. Light as a feather. You ride in shallow water. A lagoon, a shallow area before the waves, and boom, it's on fire. And so much more!

Understanding the different programs:

After many years of existence and development, kitesurfing is now a mature sport. The programs are clear and defined, and practitioners have asserted themselves in more technical styles with more specificities.

Gone are the days of "one kite do it all"; time has shown that specific equipment needs predominate. GONG perfectly understands the demands of practitioners to provide a complete range of programs: from beginner to advanced levels, our range has everything to offer you exactly what you need!

FREERIDE EVOLUTION: Progress with an easy, ultra-versatile, and hassle-free kite. When you want to progress quickly, you want equipment that makes life easier. Facilitated upwind riding, constant power, balanced trim, instinctive relaunch, and great stability throughout the flight window.

FREERIDE PERFORMANCE / FREESTYLE: Jack of all trades indeed, but with style! We love versatility AND performance, speed in navigation, height with a good kick at takeoff, maneuverability to charge waves. We want it all but with power and always maintaining a certain accessibility.


HIGH PERFORMANCE BIG AIR / KITELOOPS: Here, we send it! Precise piloting, insane lift, and incredible knack for loops. There's no halfway with this type of program. We want to ride aggressively no matter what we're doing! Reaching crazy heights with the board in hand, pulling off aggressive kite loops, maximizing hang time, full tilt speed runs... We're here to send it without any compromise.

FREERIDE LIGHT WIND: Not all of us are lucky enough to live near a spot with wind stats close to perfection. Light wind or weak thermals shouldn't hinder practice. Light equipment will gain stability in challenging conditions, and that same lightness will enhance maneuverability and bar smoothness! From foil to twin tip, this type of equipment should make complicated conditions simple.

FOIL PERFORMANCE / FREERIDE: Maximum performance in minimal wind. Lightning-fast upwind riding, maximum air glide for maximum speed on the water. Lightness at all levels and always versatile, no matter the support.

FOIL PERFORMANCE / WAVE: Kitefoiling doesn't necessarily mean speed and racing! Nothing beats a strapless board for carving and freestyling on flat water or shredding waves in style with a tiny kite that's ultra-maneuverable and powerful. Sailing on a 5m kite while friends are on a 9 or a 10m is priceless!

WAVE RIDING: The essence of water sports: surfing! We seek instinctive piloting, responsiveness at any moment, and stability throughout the window. We want drift, a kite that follows us and knows how to fade into the background. Power on demand to charge when necessary or escape when we must. Instant relaunch to avoid getting caught in a whole set. In short, we want to surf!

Understanding the different types of kites:

To a beginner, all kitesurfing wings might look the same, but their exact shape, number of struts, or aspect ratio make a significant impact on their behavior and intended use. Visually, the differences might appear minimal, but in practice, they are fundamental.

Aspect Ratios:

The aspect ratio defines how stretched out your kite is, indicating whether it is more round or oval. This stretching directly influences how the kite flies and its performance level. Most of our kites feature “moderate” aspect ratios. Depending on specific needs and the intended use, we adjust the aspect ratio higher or lower.

A higher-aspect kite has a wider wingspan and a narrower chord. Viewed from above (kite laid flat), it appears more elongated, like the Ayto. These kites have less baseline power but move more quickly and, as a result, generate more power per square meter once in motion. They’re responsive to handling, sometimes tricky, with a broad wind window and strong upwind capabilities. Historically used in racing, they are now popular for big air freestyle due to their superior lift and hang time. They are best suited for advanced riders.

While high-aspect ratios offer substantial performance benefits, they require more technical handling and demand good control and anticipation. They are less maneuverable and, depending on the shape, slower to pivot due to their wingspan (as with racing kites). Their large wind window makes them less stable in gusty conditions because they can fly far in the window and risk overshooting the zenith. They are also more challenging to relaunch than low-aspect kites in light wind.

Low-aspect kites are more "stout." They have a more compact shape due to a smaller wingspan and a wider chord. Like our Display or Strutless Revo, these kites have solid baseline power, are very stable, and are easy to handle. They sit deeper in the wind window, giving excellent drift and stability. This type of kite is easier to control, making it ideal for all skill levels and great for freeride or wave riding. The drawbacks of this aspect ratio include lower speed/upwind performance and less lift and hang time.

For these reasons, most of our range revolves around variations with moderate aspect ratios, combining the benefits and minimizing the drawbacks. This factor is indicated in the product specs of each kite as the projection coefficient. The higher it is, the greater the aspect ratio.

To summarize:

• A stout kite (low aspect ratio) like the Strutless Revo is more maneuverable.
• An elongated kite (high aspect ratio) like the Ayto is faster and has excellent lift.
• A kite with a moderate-plus aspect ratio like the Vertigo balances performance and maneuverability well.
• A round kite like the Display or Elips is easy to relaunch.
• A kite with a lot of surface in the center, like the Unik, has more torque.

The number of struts:

Inflatable struts form the skeleton of your kite. Traditionally, more struts meant a "stiffer" kite. Today, with evolving practices and extensive work from designers on shape and bridle development, we've been able to modify the "classic" structures of our kites to reduce or even eliminate struts.

Five-strut kites: Kites like the Ayto generally feature a higher aspect ratio, targeting extreme performance in heavily powered or gusty conditions. That's why they require more struts to stabilize the profile. With these struts, the kite can withstand significant forces and handle aggressive riding.

Three-strut kites: A three-strut kite like the Vertigo has a stabilized profile that performs well even in challenging or overpowered conditions. It's perfect for freeride and strong winds. Three-strut kites offer the best balance between stiffness, weight, maneuverability, and versatility.

Single-strut kites: The Unik, with its single central strut, is lightweight and provides stable flight in light wind. This type of kite is versatile and easy to use for riders of all skill levels. The central strut helps maintain tension in the power zone and aids with relaunching. Ideal for light wind and all-terrain versatility!

Zero-strut kites: With the rise of kite foiling and the need to ride in the lightest wind possible, we developed zero-strut kites like the Strutless and Strutless Revo. The result is maximum weight reduction for a significant performance boost. With no inflatable struts, drag is reduced to a minimum. These kites are generally recommended for intermediate to advanced riders for kite foiling or surf kiting.

Bridles With or Without Pulleys?

To maximize the versatility of our kites, we've developed several types of bridles. Depending on the intended use and desired feel, we use anywhere from zero to three pulleys per side on the front lines.
Each setup caters to specific needs: depower, maneuverability, direct feel, etc.

If we're aiming for maximum versatility with ultra-precise, super-linear control and kite twist, like with the VERTIGO, the three-pulley system is fantastic! Your bridle maintains consistent tension regardless of the kite's position in the wind window. It delivers nearly instant, perfect control with linear power even when the kite is trimmed. Depower capability is at its peak.

For simplicity and forgiveness, a single-pulley bridle is the way to go. It offers significant depower while maintaining a decent kite response. On a kite like the DISPLAY, its simplicity provides reassurance, reduces wear, and significantly increases the sense of safety.

Extreme responsiveness? Zero pulleys! A pulley-less kite sacrifices some forgiveness and smooth handling but gains immense aggressiveness and performance. Our ELIPS and AYTO kites are unapologetically pulley-free, prioritizing responsiveness and reactivity. With fast turns and ultra-precise bar feel, this setup is a game-changer for this kind of program!

Which Freeride Kite Should You Choose?

In our comprehensive range, we offer several freeride kites. Depending on your conditions and skill level, you should lean towards one model over another.

• Display: The ultimate freeride kite, this model is the most versatile regardless of skill level or conditions! With excellent low-end performance and a stable three-strut shape for strong winds, the Display has a broad wind range and unmatched ease of use. Intuitive freeriding, no matter the wind strength.
• Vertigo: High-performance freeride mode! Like the Display and Unik, the Vertigo is great for any discipline. However, with precise handling and consistent power, this kite is best suited for experienced riders. It’s fast, extremely responsive, and delivers an impressive boost in jumps. Freeride, but turbocharged!
• Unik: A freeride kite designed primarily for ease in light or underpowered winds. Its single-strut shape makes it incredibly lightweight and stable throughout the wind window. You'll feel secure even in sub-10-knot conditions. If you frequently ride in low-wind spots and love switching from twin-tip to surfboard to foil, this model is perfect for you!
• Strutless: Light wind enthusiasts will love the Strutless in light or inconsistent wind. With its outstanding glide, you'll have the most efficient kite for marginal conditions without switching to a foil kite, which is usually more complex to handle, especially when it decides to take a dip!

Which Light Wind Kite Should You Choose?

Today, riding in light wind isn't just about going back and forth or struggling to stay upwind with a massive kite overhead. Decades of development have brought performance to a level where a “small” 11m kite can now deliver more power and speed than old 19m kites!
Combine that with the rise of foiling and its highly advanced design, and riding in just 6 knots is not only possible but also incredibly fun! Depending on your usual conditions and riding style, choose from these three models in our extensive range:

• Unik: The most versatile and accessible light wind freeride kite. Whether you're riding twin-tip in 10 knots, surfing small waves with strapless jumps, or going for long runs on a foil, the ultra-light single-strut design and quick relaunch make everything possible. The Unik makes light wind riding fun and accessible.
• Strutless: High-performance freeride/freerace kite. This no-strut model is the pinnacle of glide for an inflatable kite in light wind! Available from 11 to 17m, its moderate aspect ratio and streamlined outline offer the perfect balance of forgiveness and performance. Developed specifically for freerace fans, it goes deep into the wind window without ever stalling due to its well-gripped profile. The upwind angles are insane, and the playground is massive. Get the performance of a foil kite with all the inflatable kite advantages.
• Strutless Revo: Kitefoil carving and surf. The new, ultra-boosted version of the Strutless, the Strutless Revo, features a lower aspect ratio and a wider arc. It's powerful, maneuverable, and lightweight! It's the ideal kite for carving enthusiasts, whether you're on a surfboard or foil. Play with both the kite and board: kiteloops, downloops, rotations—it's all possible, and this kite handles it all! The ultimate light wind carving kite for endless fun on the water.

Which wave kite to choose?

In our ultra-comprehensive range, we have different "wave" kites. Depending on your conditions and level, you should lean towards one model rather than another.

• Display: The freeride kite, excellent for fast progression, is also a very pleasant kite in the waves for its highly stable flight qualities and maneuverability. A very good kite to try surfing without difficulty.
• Vertigo: This high-performance freeride kite is a jack-of-all-trades that will also perform well in the waves with its maneuverability and responsiveness. Its range of use is also an undeniable quality in surfing to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Ayto: 100% big air and kite loops, this kite is extreme. But counterintuitively, it is also excellent in surfing with its supersonic speed and formidable maneuverability. Pro pilot only!
• Unik: This light wind kite and rather underpowered navigation is fantastic in surfing. Firstly because it's so light that you forget about it. Secondly, because it stays glued to the sky, far from punishing you for the slightest piloting error.
• Strutless Revo: The ultimate kite for its maneuverability in foil, it's also delightful for purists in surfing. You kite to surf, and only to surf: that's exactly what it offers.
• Elips: The queen of waves, this kite has everything we love in a kite designed for surfing: maneuverability, stability, resourcefulness, drift, precision, tolerance, incredible low-end range, fine piloting, it's the queen of the spot.

How to choose the bar size?

The choice of your bar size will have a direct impact on the overall feel of your kite. Remember that the longer your bar, the easier it will be to turn your kite. This detail is important when using larger kites, especially in very light wind, to maintain good responsiveness. The longer leverage arm helps compensate for this natural loss of reactivity.

On the contrary, the smaller the kite, the faster it will turn! So, using a smaller bar allows you to balance behaviors and tame the kite's reactions. You should consider these parameters when choosing your bar size and adjust the piloting to the feel you prefer and the conditions encountered.

• If you prefer smooth and progressive piloting, you should "undersize" your bar.
• If you prefer fast and responsive piloting, you should choose a larger bar.

The key size is the 52cm bar. This is the most versatile bar size to choose if you want to have only one bar for a 7-9-12 quiver, or 8-11, or even 8-10-13.
When you have an extended kite quiver, it's best to also equip yourself with a bar quiver to maintain a balanced feel when switching from a small kite to a larger one. Also note that having two bars reduces wear on parts by half!

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