The inflatable modelAria Air of the French manufacturer Tahé we had already presented to you some time ago in a Test This time we took a closer look at the Aria 5'8 AT hardboard, which is available for as little as 999 euros.
On land:
The Aria 5'8 AT is manufactured in France using the moulded composite construction method. A milled foam core, several layers of laminate and two halves of a plastic shell are "baked" together in a mould. The mould parting edge running around the outside is the hallmark of this construction, which is considered robust, inexpensive but also somewhat heavier. However, at a measured 7.35 kilos, the weight is quite reasonable considering the size of 110 litres. The model is only available in one size; alternatively, Tahé also offers a 5'11 with 120 litres, which, however, is considerably more expensive in a laminated construction for 1449 euros.
The shape of the Aria 5'8 Wingboard is quite boxy, with the wide bow and stern sections designed to achieve good tipping stability. A grippy but comparatively thin pad is glued to the deck and the board is delivered without straps. The plug spacing is more suited to users with wide kicks; if you are travelling with narrow feet in barefoot mode, you should mount your straps narrower by using plugs that do not belong together. The carrying handle on the underside is well dimensioned.
On the water:
The Tahé Aria 5'8 AT lies in the water like a platform. The volume distribution is well-balanced and the board offers good stability around both the longitudinal and transverse axis, making it easy even for less experienced wingfoilers to stand up and take off safely on deck. When pumping, the board is admittedly not quite as lively as some lighter performance boards, but the shape still converts the pull of the wing into propulsion well. Especially with sub-optimal pumping technique, the rather stretched shape of the Aria helps to quickly convert the power of the wing into the necessary take-off speed. Once in the air, you are well trimmed on board and the flat, wide deck offers plenty of room to move your feet during manoeuvres. The only thing we found less than ideal was the behaviour in the event of unintentional touchdowns, especially if you are foiling with a stronger edge on the cross. The edges then sometimes tend to dig in. Instead, we would like to be sent gently back into the air without any braking effect.
Tahe Aria 5'8 AT - the conclusion:
The Tahé Aria 5'8 AT scores as a stable, easy-gliding wingboard at a fair price. This makes it ideal for wingfoilers who are looking for an affordable board for beginners, relaxed freeriding and first jumps. However, anyone looking for a sporty performance wingboard for racing, freestyling or waves will probably find the Tahé model too sluggish.
Planing, tilt stability, price
Touchdown behaviour
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Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
Manuel Vogel, born in 1981, lives in Kiel and learned to windsurf at the age of six at his father's surf school. In 1997, he completed his training as a windsurfing instructor and worked for over 15 years as a windsurfing instructor in various centers, at Kiel University sports and in the coaching team of the “Young Guns” freestyle camps. He has been part of the surf test team since 2003. After completing his teaching degree in 2013, he followed his heart and started as editor of surf magazine for the test and riding technique sections. Since 2021, he has also been active in wingfoiling - mainly at his home spots on the Baltic Sea or in the waves of Denmark.
