Starboard WindSUPs - Any good?

d0uglass · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 2:25 pm Post subject: Starboard WindSUPs - Any good?

My local sup / kayak shop is going to start selling a new brand- Starboard.

I already have pretty much all the windsurfing and sup gear that I need. But since I'm in good with the shop owners as a member of their sup race team I might be able to get some good deals on starboard toys- or at least get to try them out for free.

I'm particularly curious about starboard's various "WindSUP" boards. Although I don't think any are full-fledged planing-capable windsurfs, some of them look like they could be serviceable beginner boards and/or wave riding boards with or without a sail.

Has anyone had good or bad experiences with starboard windsups? What models did you like / dislike?

U2U2U2 · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 4:48 pm Post subject:

Starboard Airplane

Don't take my word for it
Google the reviews and sort it for yourself

rhorton1 · Joined: 19 Aug 2010 Posts: 88

I have the 12'2" x 32" Freeride wind sup. It's a fun board to windsurf in light wind. It glides really well when under wind power, and seems like a good beginner board. I have taught two people the windsurfing basics on the board, and I enjoy sailing it when there's not enough wind to plane. Have had as small as a 4.2 on it for teaching, and as large as 7.0 when I was trying to get planing. When there is enough wind to plane, it only semi-planes..... The water sticks to the tail and you drag quite a bit of it behind you. That being said, it's easy to sail even in higher winds, though the long nose does tend to plough through any wind chop, slowing you down.

wynsurfer · Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 940

I have the Whopper, which is 10' x 34" has a removable 42 cm. daggerboard that fits in a Tuttle box. I seldom use it, but t works well, and the board is quite manuverable with it in. It has surf rocker like many of their boards so it does not plane unless there is a lot of wind. It is a very easy board to sail in the lightest of winds. I often use it to practice light wind freestyle. It catches waves very easily. No waves? Boat wakes work great! Lots of fun but not fast. I've had it for 2 years and it gets a lot of use. I paddle it often. Well made and very durable. I have the asap construction which wraps a rubber bumper like material around the nose and rails. I am rough on equipment and have dropped it a few times om slippery rocks, with no damage. No need for repairs just yet.

They make a lot of models and some have a planing hull. I'd like to get another touring type with the planing rocker.l

Don't you have the Exocet 11' 8" windsup?