SurfingSports Standup Paddle Surf & Standup Paddling BLOG

Starboard has done it again...pushing the outer limits of board design...

11’2” x 36” Avanti

Stand up paddle boarding for the people.

The Avanti is a ground breaking concept building on the success of the revolutionary Whopper (10’0” x 34’) and adds both glide and stability. Easy to catch waves and wide enough to bring your kids or dog.



Nicknamed the "Whopper Grande"...and/or "Uber Whopper"...this voluptuous new shape performs admirably in the waves, easy into waves, fast down the line, and with an agility that defies it’s proportions.



Testimonial:

Just came off the water having grabbed the ‘Uber Whopper’ and well, what can you say, it’s a different sport. I loved it, you could start at the nose on take off, run down to the back, give it a good stamp to the right, trim to the front and away
you go. It was surprisingly quick, and not bad on the cutback. Can’t wait to take the wife daughter and dog out, all at the same time.

-- Mike Galvin

If you are of a larger body build with perhaps heavy bones...maybe you're a bit balance challenged...and/or have a disability that has kept you out of the water...wait no more...this is THE board for you...GET UP...STAND UP...and, stay standing up...this is definitely not a "stand up fall off" board...



Dimensions:
Length: 343cm
Width: 91cm
Tail Width: 16” / 40.4 cm
Thickness: 4.8” / 12.3 cm
Volume: 206 L

Avanti, widen up your perception of SUP.
Available in Technora, TAC, Candy, Camo, Blue Touch

Here's a couple of Canadian visitors, escaping the cold, hard water of an Alberta Winter, giving the Avanti a go...











AVANTI IMAGE GALLERY...

COME BE AMONG THE 1ST NORTE AMERICANOS TO PADDLE THE AVANTI (SERIAL # 000001) AND OTHER 2010 STARBOARD SUP'S THIS COMING SUNDAY AT OUR VALENTINE'S DAY SUP DEMO & SALE...

The weather is now predicted to be awesome on Sunday...:-)

Hi's in the low to mid-70's...NICE!...:-)



B.Y.O.P. (Bring Your Own Paddle)
If you are already standup paddling and are demoing...or, are bringing a friend(s)...

Labels: 2010 Starboard Standup Paddleboards, Starboard 2010 SUP, Starboard Avanti

More new 2010 Starboards have arrived...

Here's the 6'6" x 30" "Impossible"...13.9lbs.



The 7-11...in Technora...15.2 lbs.



12'6" x 25" "The New" Syzmanski race SUP...will be available to paddle at our next demo...Valentine's Day...save some money for your honey...;-)

We'll have 2010 Starboard SUP catalogs...and, a bunch of other surprises...;-)

Labels: 2010 Starboard Race SUP, 2010 Starboard Standup Paddleboards, 2010 Starboard SUP, Starboard 2010 SUP

Heaps of folks in the shop the last couple of days checking out the new 2010 Starboard SUP's...

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2010 STARBOARD SUP CATALOG





The extremely popular black camos get a graphics update...designed by Tahitian pro surfer, Teiva Joyeux...and the new Blue StarTouch is an eye popper...comes with a clear integrated paddle guard...

The 8'5" x 29.5" Pro shown here...









The new Seven Eleven, 9' x 33" Hero, and 8'5" x 29.5" Pro shown here...
A bunch more of the new 2010 Starboard SUP's will be out on our showroom floor today...as well as the most stunning SUP's on the market...the new Terje Haakonsen Edition (TAC) SUP models...

California dreamin' on a cold Winter day...Santa Barbara looking very Norway like...



Here's a recent customer testimonial sent in from Patti Song about her new TAC...

1/19/09
Subject: I LOVE my TAC!

Hey Wardog! Happy New Year!
Been meaning to tell you how many compliments I get when I have my TAC Drive out to play!

Compliments on and off the water. Other cars coming up alongside me as I drive to sneak several peeks at this "FPG/Floating Piece of Gorgeous"!

Thank you to, you, Guy and Adam for the aloha received when purchasing both my Naish Mana & my TAC drive & the 'how to' tips for rooftop transport.

I need to remember to keep the advert materials you passed to me ,in my car, so I can hand them to everyone who asks where I got my TAC. One man said, "Now, you're leaving that with me, right?". I said, "Nooooooooooooo, but I'll tell ya where to get one!"

With Appreciation,

Patti Song
Haircolorist - Cloutier Agency - Los Angeles, Ca



The Starboard SUP fins get an upgrade this year...added value...



We introduce the new Starboard composite Hexel fins in cool tinted black finish as standard for all SUP boards other than the SUPer's. Our plan was to also have composite side fins integrated into the program. However after testing of various side fin set ups and further the stiffness's in the thruster fins , it was found that the side fins with more flex were actually better suited to our boards.

A smoother initiation into a turn and arc all the way around was very clear. The larger volumes and thicker rails of the SUP boards obviously react differently to that of traditional short boards , which most surfboard fins are designed for. Going back and forth with testing it was found that the flexi fins were simply better. Throughout the range varying sizes of center fins and thrusters are used. Differences in length width and volume obviously requiring varying fin surface area.

For the smaller sizes, (7'11/8.0/8.5) a thruster with M'5 fins up front in combination with a Drake cool Hexel 19cm centre fin is the perfect blend between drive, traction and acceleration while still being loose. The larger sized boards from 9'0 up gradually increase to counter the extra size and volume required.

The exception being with Whopper, and Hero who's immense width actually suited having smaller centre fins with larger side fins. The selected injection molded side fins are made from the stiffness derived from PA+GF30%...


Starboard SUP, stand up paddle board equipment for paddling, surfing and windsurfing. Leading innovators with the world's most comprehensive range of shapes and technology options.

Labels: 2010 Starboard Standup Paddleboards, 2010 Starboard SUP, Starboard 2010 SUP

Congrats to Team Starboard's EJ, Brandi Baksic, & Nikki Gregg for all finishing in the money (real green backs) at the Cold Stroke Classic in North Carolina on Saturday...

Men's Elite Division:

1) Byron Kurt

2) EJ Johnson

3) Colin McPhilips

Woman's Elite Division:

1) Brandi Baksic

2) Helga Goebel

3) Nikki Gregg




Photo Credit: Staff Photo Matt Born/Wilmington Star-News

Holy shmoly that looks C O L D!!!
Meanwhile, we were basking in warm sun and double overhead set waves...;-)

Look at that big ol' SUPsports.com sticker, EJ...dang dawg...a twofer...NICE!!!

EJ is on his way to Western Australia...ahhh...the life of a PRO standup paddle racer...;-)
He won't have to bring so many clothes...it's Summer down under...

The Starboard crew fired off a couple of low rez cell phone piccies from the Surf Expo on the East Coast...this is the new brushed carbon Surf Race SUP paddle racing board designed by Brian Symanski...

This puppy is weighing in at ~ 20lbs!!!

Rumor has it that Starboard has a new board construction technology that is getting their wave riding boards down under 10 lbs...;-)

Check out the posters of our main man, EJ, in the booth...too kewl...;-)


Scott and Margareta hamming it up...




The Cali SUP racing crew represented nicely...

Team Hobie's Byron Kurt, and Colin McPhilips (3X world longboard champion), finished 1st and 3rd in elite men's stock 12'6"...picking up some nice cashola...and, Tommy Lloy from Hobie won the men's recreational division...and, a SUP...

Labels: Starboard 2010 SUP, SUP racing, Surf Expo 2010

We've received lots of inquiries regarding the exciting new 2010 Starboard Race SUP's designed by Brian Syzmanski, highlighted in the last blog post, and as seen winning on the race courses around the world...





12'6" x 26.5" Surf Race

The Surf Race is designed for downwinds and going in and out through the surf, with a flatter deck for easy foot movement and pivot turns.

It has an optimum foot spread for stability and comfort and sports the NEW’s racing
rocker for speed and glide, working well in a large variety of conditions.

The shallow single concave bottom increases speed when surfing bumps and swells.
This board was used by Nikki Gregg to win the Women’s Open race at the 09 Battle of
the Paddle.

Compared to the NEW, the Surf Race is a more versatile and stable shape.
Avalible in Red stripe brushed carbon and Blue stripe full Epoxy, EPS, Glas









K-14"x24"

Simply the fastest 14' SUP board in the world.

The sleek and narrow K14 won the SUP world cup with ease with its sharp nose and
refined hull.

Jim Drake designed this board with the ultimate performance in mind. The K14 comes
with a middle fin option to make the hull more stable if needed.

The board will also be extremely competitive in smaller chop as its dug out standing
area provides extra stability.

The K14 offers efficiency at its best and a speed sensation which has not been available
to Stand Up Paddle boarders before now.





K-15"x30"

The K15 is a complete breakthrough and comes directly from one of the greatest designers of our time. Jim Drake has created a board that is extremely efficient , friendly and fast.

The slightly rounded sleek underwater hull with a sharp nose provides
a fantastic paddling sensation on flat water. The shape also travels extremely fast and smooth in choppy water on all courses. It catches surf easily and you can walk back in the cockpit to lift the nose up to fit any sort of wave configurations.

The water ventilation plugs are designed in a way where you can open and close them by the touch of your finger tips. Keep them closed for flat water paddling and open them for rough water adventures. There are insert plugs both in the front and in the back of the board to tie down bags or even a storage box if needed.

The K-15 is also a fantastic light wind windsurfing board, resembling the Serenity from Starboard’s Windsurfing range. It doesn’t require a jumbo sail. It doesn’t require pro-level skills to enjoy. Best of all, it doesn’t require real wind for an exhilarating ride.
Simply attached your rig and center fin, hop on, sheet in and go.

Labels: 2010 Starboard Race SUP, 2010 Starboard Standup Paddleboards, Starboard 2010 SUP

Starboard again totally redefines the cutting edge of SUP development.

The 2010 Starboard SUP line is the most extensive SUP offering from any company in the universe...

New for the season is the 7'4"x29.5" POD - Performance Over Drive. It quickly became the very hottest property on Bali during out test sessions with native team rider / tester Peter Cox .




The POD is an ultimate high performance board that places you into the pocket and pushes your ability as a surfer...frothing for more action and performance.



7'4"x29.5" POD

Demands for PERFORMANCE, wishes to be floating OVER sections, needing to be able to DRIVE hard off the bottom, a melting pot of bullet points. A thought to attempt what was considered impossible, a realization that it was plausible, a result providing endless sup'ing fun.

Welcome the POD (performance overdrive), at 7'4" x 29.5" this is an ultimate high performance SUP that places you in to the pocket & lets you surf out. A board designed to push your ability and has you frothing for more action in performance waves, showing you that sup'ing has no curtain call, it is continuously emerging with new ambitions & this board places you in the front line of evolution.

Mono concave nose section to flat middle with a fair amount of tail V.

More news 11'2"x36" Avanti (or ‘Uber Whopper’) is the new Stand Up Paddle board for the people.

Avanti is a groundbreaking concept building on the success of the revolutionary Whopper. It glides well, is extremely stable and easy to catch waves with, Stand up paddle boarding for everyone.



11'2" x 36" Avanti

THE ULTIMATE DOG AND TANDEM SURF SUP...

Stand up paddle boarding to the people. The Avanti is a ground breaking concept building on the success of the revolutionary Whopper (10’0” x 34’) and adds both glide and stability. Easy to catch waves and wide enough to bring your kids or dog.

This voluptuous shape performs admirably in the waves, easy into waves, fast down the line and an agility that defies it’s proportions. If you are of a larger body build with perhaps heavy bones, then this is THE board for you.

Race news.

The rumors have been spread on SUP forums for a few months about the Brian Szymanski’s THE NEW. Our California race team has over the passed 6 months developed an exclusive range of race boards suitable for the 12’6 elite races. THE NEW 12'6" x 23.5" and 12'6" x 25" are the race machines that continually wins most events in the most popular race class, 12'6".



The 12'6" x 26.5" Surf Race is also a Starboard/Szymanski collaboration which proves to be the best choice for ocean races with a start and finish line over beachbreaks.



The 12'6"x 29" and 12'6" x 31" Free Race are more comfortable/stable boards to ride and have a huge potential for riders who enjoy fast cruising and are also given the chance to participate at a higher level in local races.



K-15 x 30" designed by Jim Drake continues being amongst one our most popular boards.
The K15 has also proved to be an excellent light wind windsurf board and a favorite with our original shaper Jean Louis Colmas on New Caledonia.
It is for 2010 available in only two technologies, Blue stripe AST epoxy and the Red stripe Technora for the top-end costumers. New for 010 is the much requested
Steering option.



K-14 x 24" is an evolution from K-15. We have narrowed it down and made it shorter to fit the 14' class as the weapon of choice on a flat water day. This is the board that easily won both long distance and sprint distance race in the 09 World Cup in Hamburg.

Labels: 2010 Starboard Standup Paddleboards, Starboard 2010 SUP

*CONGRATS TO STARBOARD SUP RACE TEAM RIDERS BRANDI BAKSIC (1ST PLACE WOMEN'S STOCK) AND EJ (2ND PLACE MEN'S STOCK) FOR THEIR KILLER PERFORMANCE AT THE BECKY STUART MEMORIAL OCEANSIDE SUP RACE LAST WEEKEND...

BRANDI EXTENDED HER DOMINANCE OF THE WOMEN'S STOCK CLASS...WHILE, EJ HAD HIS HAND'S FULL WITH OUTRIGGER CHAMP AND UNLIMITED SUP CHAMP RACER, DANNY CHING, DROPPING DOWN TO THE MORE COMPETITIVE STOCK CLASS...SHOWING THAT HE HAD WHAT IT TAKES TO ALSO WIN ONE IN STOCK*

Labels: Starboard 2010 SUP

Fresh piccies of a few boards in the 2010 Starboard SUP line from the Battle of the Paddle...

This is the new 7'11" in the Terje Haakonsen (TAC) construction...





Here's the raffle winner, Terri Wargo, with the 10'5" Drive in TAC...note the StarTouch traction deck finish...the TAC version will not come with mast foot option...



The TAC will be replacing the popular Sportech (wood) version...and, will be priced at $1749 10' & below...$1799 above 10'...we already have a long waiting list...should have the first container before Christmas...



Here is the new 9' x 33" "Hero" in blue touch...the guys at Starboard executed our suggestion on the blue touch perfectly...awesome L@@K...priced at $1249 10' & below...$1299 above 10'...

There will also be a HOT L@@King orange touch version as well...







A few new 12'6" prototypes to wet your appetite...















New Starboard wahine team rider, Brandi Baksic...she won the BOP SUP distance race for the women...and took 3rd in the women's division for the Elite SUP event...completely shattering dozens and dozens of competing men's egos...;-)

Labels: 2010 Starboard Standup Paddleboards, Starboard 2010 SUP, Starboard SUP