AXIS Frank Dart & Mini Dart: the mid-length foil boards built for parawing, Foil Drive, wing and prone
We’ve had loads of questions about the AXIS Dart boards shaped by Frank — what they’re for, why they feel so stable for their width, and (most importantly) which size actually makes sense for your riding.
If you’re looking for a board that makes take-offs easier, releases cleanly and doesn’t feel like a corky barge under your feet, this is the range that’s got everyone talking.
TL;DR
- Mini Dart is the more “all-round mid-length” option — designed with parawinging in mind but brilliant for wing and prone too.
- Dart is stubbier and more “surfy/nimble” in feel — great for tighter turns, wave pocket work and short-period bumps.
- Both use a clever bottom concept: displacement nose transitioning to a flatter mid-to-tail for glide + quick release.
- Picking the right volume is everything: too floaty can feel twitchy; too small makes starts hard work.
What’s the big idea with the Dart shapes?
Frank’s design DNA comes from the downwind world — longer, narrower outlines that feel unexpectedly stable because the board is working with the water rather than sitting on top of it.
The key trick on the Dart range is how the board behaves before you’re flying: get it gliding, get it planning early, and make the release predictable so the foil engages sooner (especially helpful for parawing and Foil Drive where early planning is the whole game).
Mini Dart vs Dart: which one are we talking about?
AXIS Frank Mini Dart
AXIS designed the Mini Dart with parawinging in mind, but they’re very clear it brings advantages to winging and prone as well. The rocker line is quick, and the bottom shape transitions from displacement in the nose to flat through the mid-to-tail, which helps acceleration, release and “rebound” off the water surface.
It also carries a wider tail for stability and planning speed, and the extra length/volume forward helps you pump the board on the water without burying the nose — a massive win for parawing starts and for prone paddling into waves.
AXIS Frank Dart
The Dart is the stubbier sibling — more nimble once you’re flying, easier to throw into tighter carves, and it fits nicely in wave pockets and tighter bumps. AXIS call out features carried over from the Mako, including vertical rails, extra tail rocker for stability, and a displacement nose to improve glide and acceleration.
It’s aimed at downwind bumps and wave riding, but also works as a light-wind wing or parawing board — and it’s a brilliant “travel board” concept because it covers so much ground.
Mini Dart size guide (dimensions + volume)
Here are the current Mini Dart sizes we stock. Simple rule: if you’re choosing between two, go up if you’re prioritising easy starts and stability; go down if you’re prioritising tighter turning and a more “locked-in” feel once you’re flying.
| Size | Width | Volume | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'6" | 18.5" | 50L | Lighter riders / advanced prone |
| 5'8" | 18.75" | 60L | Prone + compact wing setups |
| 5'10" | 19" | 70L | Wing / Foil Drive crossover |
| 6'0" | 19.5" | 80L | parawing starts made easier |
| 6'2" | 20" | 90L | Stability + early release sweet spot |
| 6'4" | 20.5" | 100L | Heavier riders / confidence build |
Dart size guide (the “bigger” Dart range)
If you want more length/volume than the Mini Dart (or you’re coming from downwind-y starts and want that extra glide), the main Dart line runs bigger:
| Size | Width | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 7'0" | 18.5" | 90L |
| 7'2" | 19" | 100L |
| 7'4" | 19.5" | 110L |
| 7'6" | 20" | 120L |
| 7'8" | 20.5" | 130L |
“Which volume should I choose?” (the practical bit)
A really useful rule of thumb we hear a lot is:
- If you’re getting into parawing / learning starts: aim roughly 5–10L above your weight in kg.
- As you improve: you can often drop to ~10L below (sometimes more), depending on balance and conditions.
One important point: going “too big” can make the board sit high and feel corky/twitchy. With these shapes, a little bit of tail engagement in the water can actually make them feel smoother and more planted.
Why the Mini Dart feels so “easy” on take-off
There are two things happening at once:
- Early planning + clean release: the flatter mid-to-tail helps the board pop onto the surface, build speed and release cleanly, so the foil engages sooner.
- Forgiving touchdowns: the displacement-style nose section helps glide and makes nose touches less “sticky”.
Add in the concave deck (that locked-in feel) and you’ve got a board that feels confident whether you’re parawing-starting in marginal wind, Foil Drive launching, or riding it as a mid-length prone board.
Internal links (recommended next clicks)
- Shop: AXIS Frank Mini Dart (all sizes)
- Browse: all Foil Boards
- Browse: all AXIS gear
- Browse: Parawings
- Also worth a look: AXIS Frank Mako Downwind
FAQ
Is the Mini Dart only for parawing?
No. AXIS designed it with parawinging in mind, but it’s built to bring advantages to winging and prone too — the glide, quick release and forward volume all translate across disciplines.
What’s the main difference between the Dart and the Mini Dart?
The Dart is stubbier and more nimble once flying (more “surfy” feel). The Mini Dart carries its length/volume in a way that really helps starts — especially pumping the board on the surface for parawing and marginal conditions.
What size should I choose if I’m heavier (90–110kg)?
Heavier riders often benefit from staying in the 90–100L Mini Dart sizes (or stepping up into the bigger Dart sizes) to keep starts efficient. If you want, message us your weight, height, foil and typical wind range and we’ll sanity-check it.
Why not just get a wider board?
Width can help stability, but it can also slow release and make the board feel sticky. The Dart concept chases stability through outline, rocker and bottom shaping so you get confidence without giving up acceleration and clean lift-off.
Will it work with Foil Drive?
Yes — these shapes are all about getting up and planning early, which pairs perfectly with the way Foil Drive helps you build speed and engage the foil sooner.
Can I try one before buying?
Yes — if you’re local, book in and we’ll do our best to get you on the right style/size. Even a quick session can save you months of “nearly right” gear.
Need help choosing? Drop us a message with your weight, current board, foil size and whether you’re mainly parawing / wing / Foil Drive / prone, and we’ll point you at the right size first time.