The Mistral Wave line is unchanged from last season’s line-up.

On the water:

Longer than most at 235cm and with a fairly standard (not stubby) planshape, the Wave RD is a very centrally placed all-rounder. It planes up fractionally quicker than average and with its moderate tail vee going to single concave it has enough grip to see it accelerate easily and hold in well going out through the white water, yet it remains nicely loose with just a hint of skatiness on a wave. It is smooth when blasting and dependable in difficult conditions; very forgiving to sail without being too predictable and safe. It is pleasingly fast and can keep speed up nicely through gybes. While not quite as snappy, redirectable and floaty as the best stubbie onshore riding boards it is nicely loose on a wave and allows satisfying frontside riding even in smallish onshore conditions. We found it very well placed to cope well with all the riding conditions that you are likely to find round UK shores.

Fittings:

The relatively large 24cm fin helps provide good levels of grip and aids easy sailing. A smaller foil will loosen the board further for expert waveriders. The straps, and pads are very comfortable.

Overall:

We have nothing to add from our assessment of the board from last year. “The Wave RD is a board that quietly grows on you … dependable and versatile … which is why we think it is such a relevant board for so many UK sailors. It is equally good whether you want decent waveriding, good jumping or just an easy board to sail and control in high winds. Better still, its riding style is neither noticeably biassed towards either small mushy waves or clean offshore faces – it can do it all… A versatile and modern planshape and a much looser, more UK friendly riding style.” In short, a very easy and versatile waveboard all-rounder that won’t put off inexperienced riders but still allows experts to get fully rad.