Hi Dom,
Well the Skate has a very different rocker, outline and rail shape to the FreeWave - Skate a very flat rocker, for super early planing/pop for jumps etc. Quite a compact outline for tricks and manoeuvres. The FreeWave has a more wave oriented outline, with thinner rails and more rocker- better for tighter turns, easier to ride in chop or waves and with more wind.
The Skat should feel better for flat water and lighter winds. The Freewave will feel better in choppier water/more wind. But depends a bit what you qualify as strong winds...?