The Resurgence of the 3-Strut Wing Design

Back to the Future?

The 3-strut wing design, reminiscent of early kiteboarding equipment, is gaining market share. While the industry spent years moving toward lighter, single-strut designs, the demand for stability in high winds and power in low winds has brought the 3-strut layout back.

Canopy Tensioning Profiles

A single-strut wing relies heavily on the leading edge diameter to maintain tension. When a gust hits, the large unsupported panels on either side of the strut can "breathe" or distort, dumping power.

In contrast, a 3-strut layout creates a segmented frame. This allows for a tighter, pre-tensioned canopy that reacts instantly to pumping input. The result is a "crisp" feel where every ounce of rider effort translates to forward drive, rather than being absorbed by canopy stretch.

Performance vs. Weight

The stability comes at a cost as a 3-strut wing is typically heavier than a single-strut equivalent. However, new modular boom systems help offset the sensation of weight by allowing the rider to use leverage for freestyle moves.

This design is particularly relevant for intermediate riders who want high-wind control without paying the premium for exotic materials. GONG’s performance series has utilized strut layouts to create wings that are easier to pump than floppy single-strut wings. Observation of industry demos suggests that multi-strut wings maintain better uptime in variable lulls.

Flagging Out: The Drift Debate

Historically, 3-strut wings were criticized for being tail-heavy when flagged out (held by the leading edge handle while surfing). The extra weight of the bladders and struts could cause the wing to oscillate or drop.

However, modern iterations have solved this by tapering the side struts and shifting the center of effort forward. While a dedicated single-strut surf wing will always drift better in light wind, the gap has narrowed significantly. For powered wave riding, the stability of a 3-strut frame can actually be an advantage, as it sits more quietly in the air without flapping.

Pump Fatigue vs. Efficiency

There is a common misconception that a lighter wing is always less tiring. While a 1-strut wing is lighter to hold overhead, it can be physically exhausting to pump because it lacks "spring." You have to work harder to generate lift.

A stiff 3-strut wing, though heavier, offers immediate feedback. One efficient pump yields a surge of power. For heavy riders (>85kg) or in marginal conditions, this efficiency reduces overall fatigue compared to flailing with a soft, light wing.