The Mistral Skywave Air model is available in a larger version measuring 6'6 x 170 litres in addition to the 5'4 size (130 litres) that we tested. In view of the low price of 849 euros, it will be interesting to see whether the board can keep up in terms of features and performance.
On land:
At a measured 6.7 kilos, the test board is comparatively light. The straps supplied are also optimised for weight; they are completely double-bolted and weigh around 200 grams less as a set than conventional foot straps. Standing in the straps is comfortable, but the size can only be adjusted by screwing them on. The scope of delivery also includes a matching leash, a pump and a bag, the pack size of which is absolutely acceptable at 85 x 85 x 10 centimetres and still offers space for accessories. A hard tear-off edge has been glued to the stern of the underwater hull to prevent the board from getting stuck when starting off. The carbon plate integrated at the bottom is equipped with a small handle and the foil box is rather short. Overall, the Mistral Skywave Air 5'4 stands out with its boxy outline and wider-than-average tail, which is also found on the hardboard, the Mistral Skywave ( HERE there's a test) was to be seen.
On the water:
With its wide, flat deck, the Skywave Air is well balanced in the water. Like all inflatables, however, the Mistral model is somewhat more tippy than hardboards with a comparable volume. In terms of tipping stability, the Skywave Air 5'4 is roughly in the range of typical 100-litre hardboards. The stance position on the board is determined by the straps and is quite far forward, but the board can still be trimmed out well with most foils so that the foil and strap position can be well matched ( HERE for tips on finding the right foil position). The planing behaviour is good, with its flat underwater hull and hard trailing edge, the Mistral Skywave Air 5'4 gets up to speed very well for an inflatable. In the air and during manoeuvres, the flat deck offers plenty of space for changing feet, but we found the somewhat slippery deck pad not ideal for barefoot surfing. The light straps are supple and offer a pleasing amount of comfort, but they are also not as firm and pre-shaped, which sometimes makes them a little harder to hit when stepping quickly into the straps.
The behaviour on touchdowns is impeccable and overall this inflatable, filled with 18 psi pressure, is nice and stiff and direct. In combination with its light weight, it can even be used for jumps and tricks.
Mistral Skywave Air 5'4 - the conclusion:
The Mistral Skywave Air 5'4 impresses as a lightweight, very stable inflatable wingboard. The planing performance is very acceptable and the low weight also makes the board interesting for ambitious surfers. Given the favourable price, the features and performance are on a good level. If you are looking for maximum tipping stability and the best planing performance, you will automatically end up with a hardboard and will probably be better served with the firm Mistral Skywave, for example.
Weight, tipping stability, equipment
Pad somewhat slippery; loops less dimensionally stable
