2019 Mistral Designs

STAND UP PADDLE and KAYAK

Inflatals

• What motivates us to make changes?

• What are the influencers?

• Changes in materials in the inflatable market are a constant downward pressure

• Improvements never come cheap

• In truth the majority of end-users are motivated by price not the tech we offer

• For a premium brand that’s a challenge because we cannot lower our standards

• To be able to lower our buy in price and offer ever better materials creates a win /win

• Nevertheless we need to be ever cautious not to over-invest in the exotic

• Cheap ‘no-name’ models on the market are not necessarily a threat but a catalyst for growth

• Since the 1950s with Goodyears entry into the market with drop stitch (US Military backed)

• The inflatable SUP market over the past 10 years began the catalyst for change

• We began with the basic high density drop stitch relying upon multiple layers of PVC laminates

• Heavy and impractical but durable

• We saw the introduction of MSL (Monoque Structural Laminate) only 2 years ago

• Red Paddle laid claim to its creation - this was marketing ‘spin’ as it originated via a material supplier

• We adopted for the material for our 2017 range and renamed it FLT (Fusion Layer Technology)

• Today through China - they too refer to it as FLT

• FLT is commonly offered as Double Wall Layup / better durability where needed

• Single Wall Layup is lighter / better suited to basic entry boards

• Old school multiple layers (High Density Drop Stitch) good for river boards etc

• Rather than having multiple layers of PVC laminates, fibres are mixed in with the PVC when molten.

• This creates added strength and durabilty in a singular layer which is stable with high tensile strength.

• Linear running drop stitch is not as stable and requires twice as many strands to be effective

• Adds weight

• Kris Crossed drop stitch fibres offer a superior level of stability and rigidity

• This is what Heytex offered (Germany) and we used in our original lightweights.

• Identifying the two variants is easy to identify by the ‘dimble’ pattern on the PVC

• Far East factories perfected the material and made cheaper than Heytex

• We opted for this fabric in 2017 and have been very happy with the results

• Less flexible due to the polyester mesh being stronger and thicker

• Glue overlaps and the rails are increased to 8mm

• Potential for more ‘wrinkling’ is the only downside due being less flexible

• 85% improved tensile strength over knitted

• Improved adhesion between seams

• Lighter end product

Water Life and Living S ince

• Reintroduction of our yoga / fitness map

• Matching graphics

Trib bord

• New improved graphics

Logo Handle as per Specs below

Logo Handle as per Specs below

Trekker bord

• New improved graphics

• Need for speed thorough rigidity

• Narrow hull with built in side stabilisers

• Combining hollow low psi chamber with high pressure DS

• Avoiding stringers / use of carbon / more parts

• Solution is in the use of multiple chambers

• Unique construction

• No question this is the most hydrodynamically efficient isup

• Other brands are using a basic approach to complex problem

• Engineering is the key

R voutionary adi ions!

KANUyak Duo

KANUyak Uno

• Drop stich inflatable kayaks are unique to the market

• Previously always hollow chambered

• Great durability and rigidity / safety

• Multiple USP features

nflatal s eating oers increa ed comfot and ad

• Makes them feel part of a surf sport - cool image

• Also a tendency for many to like the wood show through

• Basic layup in GRP but ticks the boxes for basic paddling

• These boards are rarely used to ride waves

• However they can be ridden on smaller surging waves for fun without issue.

Water Life and Living S ince 1976

• ADVENTURIST 14’ x 28” (30” also available)

• Entry into 14’ hardboard experience

• With the day paddler / recreational paddler in mind

• Speed is not the ultimate aim

• Comfortable and utilitarian

• Maturing inflatable market makes these boards appealing

• Has a racing look

• Paddlers wanting to be Mistral owners who are not racers

Water Life and Living S ince 1976

Fr turing and adenturing

• VANQUISH 14’ x 24.25” x

• Unrealistic expectations with regards a design brief

• 14’ board and larger shore break simply do not mix

• Represents a very small number of elite races world wide

• Handling of such conditions comes down to super high skill levels and ‘luck’ when racing

• Event organisers setting events in such conditions force - design teams to consider design constraints

• Stability with still being a narrow platform

• Potential for going to 28” for super high levels of stability

• With high skill levels can be mangaged in smaller waves for leaving and returning to the beach

• Mixed feedback but as a reflection of expectations as much as anything

• Improvements will be made with the 2nd generation model (in progress) - but a solid start point

• Proving to be a good ocean all rounder board where stability is the primary performance issue

• EQUINOX 14’ x 24.6” x 290.2L

• 2nd generation board has seen an increase in volume

• Longer upper for deck cowling

• Improved side scuppers

• Lowered rear decking - made flatter

• Slighter harder rear rails

Water Life and Living S ince 1976

• VORTEX SD1 14’ x 21.25” x 277L

• VORTEX SD1 14’ x 23.5” x 301L

• Created out of demand for a narrow version

• Lowered decking

• Hardened rails

• Raised side walls

• Incresed nose volume

No restrictions

• Unlimited boards

• Peak performance

• Moving parts

• Appeals to the elite athlete

• Appeals to the technically minded

• Appeals to those want to stand out from the crowd

• Supports the idea of advancement and no limits

• Apeals to the canoeing and kayaking paddler

• A entirely different form of sup experience

• Supports true endurance paddling

• Rudders system permits ease of use in adverse conditions

• Benefits of glide and

• Shows off what’s possible

watr sliding

STEALTH 17’6 x 24 x 293L Fat

INTERCEPTOR 17’6 x 24.3 x 357.9L Mi xing