Freeride boards: Retro design, contemporary shape? The HiFly Pro in the test

HiFly was one of the best-known board brands of the 80s and 90s, and the demise of the Swabian manufacturer was a disappointment for many fans and customers. But ever since HiFly reappeared on the scene as a fashion label in 2022, there have been rumours of a windsurfing comeback for the cult brand. Many were therefore amazed when the model was unveiled at the 2025 surf festival. Pro with a retro look. The surf editors were also excited and immediately tried out the board on the water to find out whether the old-school design was just an old hat or a breath of fresh air.

On land

The design is deliberately "retro" and the board was developed in co-operation with the Austrian brand We One. In this respect, its construction fulfils modern requirements. The HiFly Pro is available in three sizes with volumes of 110, 125 and 140 litres - we were able to test ride the 125 litre version. With a length of 237 centimetres and a width of 70 centimetres, the board offers modern dimensions at first glance. On closer inspection, however, the comparatively narrow tail is striking, with the widest point of the board being at the front. The underwater hull is characterised by a double concave V, the rails are designed to be quite sharp and voluminous right up to the front, and the deck is quite flat. A 44 Powerbox fin from We One was fitted in the tail for the test. The board is delivered without a fin. The HiFly Pro 125 offers two strap set-ups: a sporty position with the straps positioned far outwards and a variant that is offset inwards. The straps themselves are comfortable, the pads are grippy but quite thin.

On the water

The HiFly model is stable and well-trimmed in the water when bobbing. The performance when planing is quite acceptable, sail pull is well converted into propulsion. As soon as you have made yourself comfortable in the straps and are powered up, the board achieves a free, sporty planing position - the "perceived" speed is high. However, this is also partly due to the fact that the shape is not completely convincing in terms of control - the free-floating board needs to be kept on course with body tension and a high level of riding ability, but then definitely offers potential for fast runs. Our tip: A fin with 40 to 42 centimetres should be ideal for the 125. Due to the sporty riding characteristics, the outside position of the foot straps also suits this board much better than the more inward position. One small drawback: in the outside position, the heel is already behind the pad. In power jibes and race jibes, the board is particularly suited to medium and wide radii, which it masters with grip on the edge. In wind conditions at the lower limit, however, you would wish for significantly more planing potential, especially in power jibes where the board noticeably loses speed.

HiFly Pro 125 - the conclusion

Anyone expecting the HiFly Pro to be a cosy freerider for cruising will be surprised - the board impresses with its fast, sporty feel. However, because the board is not at the highest level in terms of control and planing performance, less experienced freeriders will not feel completely at ease.

Sporty driving experience
Glide through
Pad a little short

HiFly Pro - technical data

• Test model: Hifly Pro 125 (2025)
• Length: 237 centimetres
• Width: 70 centimetres
• Weight (manufacturer's specification): 7.5 kilos
• Fin: Not included in the scope of delivery (surf recommendation 40-42 centimetres)
• Scope of delivery: Board, straps
• Available sizes: 110/125/140 litres
• Price: 2050 Euro
• Contact: To the website
• Special features: -