I have just come in from a session with Sam from Wind Surf 'n' Snow testing the Mistral Pacifico Wave.

Conditions, Waist high with the occasional head high wave. Quite choppy, back wash, closing out a bit, but some wave were quite nice. Very hollow on the inside.

Board, Mistral Pacifico Wave. 11'1" x 29"

A nice cleanly finished board. Paddled really smoothly, the board has excellent glide, and seems to cut through the water with ease. Probably due to the amount of "V" in the bottom shaping. For a day that was quite hard to get out through the closing out waves, the Pacifico wave made easy work of it. Catching waves was very easy, it is fast to get to full speed, and is ultra smooth on the wave face.

The board felt a little stiff in the turning, and I felt I had to get right back to loosen it up, but I think the fin may be a bit responseable for this. I would like to try it again with a much more swept back fin. But we did manage to get some nice turns in, and the board held speed and remained stable. I would say that it likes fuller waves over hollow waves.

Deck grip was a lot more comfortable than I thought it was going to be, and suprisingly grippy. The intergrated handle in the mast track works well, and is well centered. And with the deck cover inserted, you can't even notice where it is.

I can imagine this board being very nice with a sail on it.

All up a very nice ride, smooth, easy and flowing. A great cruising board for mellow waves. This board is totally suitable for flat water paddling, and most surfing conditions.

Here are some pics of Sam making good use of some pretty poor conditions.