GA CROSS 2025

This past Christmas, Santa delivered a treat we couldn’t wait to unwrap: the latest Gaastra Cross 2025. Excitement got the better of us and by the same afternoon, we were headed to the beach, eager to test it. Having loved the 2024 version of the Cross, our expectations were very high. Spoiler alert: We weren’t disappointed.

Right out of the bag, the Cross 2025 exudes quality and we could immediately see that it is built with durability in mind. The leading edge and strut are built with high quality ForceTec Dacron, incorporating double layers in key stress areas. For the canopy, Gaastra chose VoltNova, a sturdy 3×3 yarn spinnaker material, while the trailing edge and other critical parts use VoltNova+, a more advanced fabric designed to withstand heavy use. These material choices result in a wing that is both very stiff and compact keeping weight under control.

The Gaastra Cross is marketed as an all-rounder wing and it lives up to that promise. Whether you’re catching waves, flying in light wind or pushing freestyle tricks, it’s designed to perform under any conditions. And we really wanted to ride it under all these conditions before writing the review! We started our testing on a day with very light wind, conditions that made us hesitant to even go out. But, remembering how good the 2024 Cross had been in similar winds, we decided to give it a shot. The result was fantastic. The 2025 Cross maintains the excellent low-end performance of its predecessor and even in marginal winds with a sinker board, it provided enough grunt to get us flying quickly. What stood out was how easy it was to access this power. It didn’t require a super technical expertise, a feature that beginners will greatly appreciate. The transitions were smooth and the wing felt stiff and controlled throughout. During the session, we had the opportunity to catch some waves. When flagged out, the wing felt light and neutral, staying out of the way so we could focus entirely on surfing. Visibility was another standout feature. The four large windows are perfectly placed, giving you a clear view of your surroundings without needing to shift your position. After this session, we confidently concluded that the Cross is a great choice in both low-end performance and surf conditions.

Our second session was a different story altogether: solid, consistent wind that called for our beloved freestyle action. One of the most exciting updates to the Cross this year is the option to switch the standard rigid handles for a boom and this was the perfect chance to try it out. The swap was simple and quick, taking just two minutes with two screws. On the water, the wing’s balance felt slightly different with the boom but we adjusted quickly. The Cross came alive in freestyle mode, feeling lively, fast and highly responsive. The lift and hangtime seemed better with the boom and despite being slightly overpowered, the wing’s forgiving nature helped us stick most of our tricks. This versatility between handles and a boom is a very welcome feature, allowing riders to tailor the wing to their style and preferences. Plus, Gaastra has thoughtfully designed the wing bag to accommodate the boom setup, adding to the overall convenience.

After multiple sessions in a variety of conditions that went from low wind to solid freestyle sessions, downwind runs and casual cruising, it’s clear that the Cross 2025 is a wing that truly does it all. It is good at both ends of the wind range, feels balanced and neutral when flagged out for surfing and delivers excellent lift and glide for freestyle. Best of all, it packages this performance in an easy-to-use design that works for riders of all levels. Whether you’re starting your wing foil journey, pushing your limits or just enjoying a casual session, the Gaastra Cross 2025 is more than up to the task.