For the 2026 season, the Allround-Wing Cross from manufacturer GA Sales has been modified. The most striking change is the now almost straight centre strut, to which a continuous boom is attached. Like many other brands, the wing with an interchangeable handle system has become a “boom only” wing.
On land
The new boom can be split into sections, which significantly reduces the pack size when travelling by air. However, the Cross does not feature a tool-free system, meaning the boom must be secured to or removed from the strut using two screws. For everyday use, however, the boom can remain attached to the wing, as the supplied bag can be extended to the required length. The model is available in nine sizes ranging from 2.2 to 6.2 square metres and in three colour options. We were able to test the 5.2 size extensively.
The wing is inflated via two insulated SUP valves. These also allow the wing to be deflated quickly when taking it down. The package includes a matching leash and a bag that can be adjusted to fit the wing’s various sizes. Overall, the wing features a high-profile tension at the front; the material then loosens slightly towards the trailing edge. The seams on the front tube are reinforced with additional protection against abrasion, and the windows also offer a good field of vision downwind. Overall, the wing’s construction makes a flawless impression; only the handle on the front tube could have been a little stiffer.
On the water
The GA Cross’s greatest strength has always been its low-wind power, and fortunately it has retained this even after the update. The wing develops a full profile as soon as you pull it tight, generating lift that is immediately noticeable. Pump strokes translate into power exceptionally well. If you inflate the wing to a pressure slightly below the recommended level, it becomes even more efficient in light winds. The handling is also excellent once airborne: The Cross feels perfectly balanced in your hands and offers an ideal blend of flight stability and the necessary agility that you wouldn’t want to be without for manoeuvres and tricks. The wing also handles strong gusts flawlessly, which, all in all, translates to a wide wind range.
When it comes to manoeuvres, the Wing leaves nothing to be desired; the windows open up a wide corridor to leeward. Although the Wing isn’t exactly a featherweight, it handles all standard manoeuvres with ease. For jumping, the wing offers plenty of lift, and the moderate wingspan makes it perfectly suitable for rotations and freestyle tricks. The only criticism is the indirect connection between the boom and the centre strut; in strong gusts and during rotations, the contact with the wing is no longer as rigid and direct as one would wish. If you steer the wing using only the front loop, it settles nicely into the wind current – ideal conditions for venturing out on a downwinder in the swell or even a trip into the surf. Here too, a stiffer front handle would allow for even better contact with the wing.
GA Cross Wing – the verdict
The latest version of the GA Cross Wing also stands out as a great all-rounder, covering a wide range of conditions from freeriding and choppy waves right through to manoeuvres and freestyle tricks. Its light-wind performance is above average, making the wing ideal for use with high-lift foils or mid-length boards. Anyone focusing on light wind and freeride would be well advised to choose the Cross. If downwind runs and freestyle rotations are at the top of your wish list, you’d be better off opting for the Poison model within the brand’s range
Light-wind power; freeride
Connections between the boom strut and front handle are somewhat indirect
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GA Cross Wing – Technical Specifications
- Test model: GA Cross 5.2 (2026)
- Wingspan: 326 cm
- Depth: 227 cm
- Weight (measured by us, without the leash): 3.04 kg
- Weight: 583 g/m²
- Available sizes: 2.2/2.7/3.2/3.7/4.2/4.7/5.2/5.7/6.2 sq m
- Contents: Wing, rucksack, leash
- Price (test model): €1,179
- Contact: Visit the website
- Special features: -
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
