The new Starboard Longboard SUP range have just been released. The two models the 10’0”x 29” and 9’0”x 28” which were shaped by Ollie O’Reilly were put to the test by starboard riders Zane Schweitzer, Benoit Carpentier, and Connor Baxter. Starboard man Ollie O’Reilly introduces the two boards to TotalSUP.
Our vision was simple, it was to design a high performance Longboard that is versatile, incredibly responsive and smooth to turn. So now we proudly introduce the new high performance 10’0”x 29” and 9’0”x 28” Starboard Longboard SUP models. Designed to perform in waves from 1ft small beach breaks to head high reef breaks. The boards offer fast down-the-line surfing, as well as the ability to turn the board very loosely and powerfully off the top of waves. Not only is it solid off the top, but it is also incredibly stable when walking and riding on the nose. It may be called a “performance” board, however, it is incredibly versatile, catering for every long boarder’s specific needs.
When we started planning the design of the Longboard, it was clear which direction to go in. We asked Zane Schweitzer, Benoit Carpentier, and Connor Baxter what their all time favorite board was, out of any board they could choose from. Between all 3, the answer was unanimous: the 9’1”x22” Mat Moir Starboard Surf Longboard, originally designed by Dave Stubbs. Seeing their passion and excitement, so we decided to transfer the main design concepts into a SUP Longboard.
There are multiple design features that make this board perform so well and perform unlike any other board in the Starboard range. The first step was shaping the 10’0” model. We made two boards to test different widths; the first being 27” wide, with a little thicker rails to still have enough volume to ride with ease. The second was slightly wider at 29”; with much lower volume rails.
I went to Bali and met up with Daniel and Bruno Hasulyo to test the boards in a range of conditions from head high to waist high waves. It wasn’t long into the test that they realized the wider 29” with its fine rails was the absolute winner! I really can’t express how good these boards perform and how fun they are to ride. Daniel & Bruno joined the initial test in Bali and we couldn’t stop smiling throughout the entire test. It is 100% a must have in my quiver; the performance & style of riding is unmatched to anything else in the range.
The fundamental performance factors are the low volume and the thinned out rails through the entire board. The latest allow you to easily engage the rails with minimal foot pressure, giving control down the wave face and holding through steeper sections of the wave. It really helps when the waves get bigger, as you feel safe making sections without the rails slipping or losing hold. The low fine rails are ultra responsive and sensitive to turn direction with speed and control with minimal effort, allowing you to be very nimble on your feet.
Furthermore, the lower volume makes the board sit slightly submerged in the water, which in fact increases stability, feeling less corky and bouncy compared to some thicker volume boards. Due to the thin rails, both boards have a relatively low volume for their sizes, with the 10’0” at 123 litres and the 9’0” 101 litres. This sets them apart from most larger surf models within the 9’0” – 10’0” range, which tend to have a thicker standing area and therefore thicker rails to give greater volume. It’s again the low volume created from the thin rails, that makes this board stand out in performance.
The parallel outline in the middle section provides a smooth and fast glide and it is easy to trim the board with stability. The long straight outline helps generate speed down the line to set up for drawn out turns. The tail outline narrows into a diamond tail, making it extremely reactive to drive off the bottom and allows the nose to lift, when redirecting off the top with minimal foot pressure. The fuller nose outline gives enough flotation and stability to ride hang loose like in classic longboard styling.
The rocker has a gradual nose kick for a smooth take off into waves without pearling and to help trim the board when riding the nose. In the middle it is relatively flat to generate speed, feeding into considerable tail kick making it ultra responsive when stepping back to maneuver and lifting the nose with ease. The tail rocker combined with the narrow tail outline are really critical for sharp tight turns, helping to quickly swing the nose through turns. When you turn the board over and check the bottom, the defined double concave is easy to see, feeding from the nose through the midsection until forming a distinct vee at the tail. The prominent double concave in the mid section allows the board to roll onto its rail effortlessly to turn direction from the standing area. The pronounced vee tail makes turning very crisp and reactive, essential for fast bottom turns and off the top ones.
The fin position of the board can change the board’s feel completely. As with most new boards, we added multiple fin positions, so we could switch in and out both different size fins and change the position. After testing multiple positions, we chose to place the side fins very close to the rail. This enables carving with precision & hold through turns. The center fin position gives tracking and drive. We did also test the board with a single fin like traditional Longboards. The board worked well, but benefits from the side fins for that extra drive through turns. Both the 10’0” and the 9’0” are supplied with the 170 centre fin and 4.5”, as it proved to be the preferred combination of drive and tracking. For more tracking and stability a larger center fin can be used.
The main difference between the two boards the 10’0”x29” carries more glide and speed from the longer length. The 29” width provides a wider platform with greater stability for heavier riders.
On the other hand, the 9’0”x28” is suited for lighter riders that want less swing weight and increased maneuverability. In short, these designs feature work in harmony to provide a board that is extremely responsive. So much, that it will increase your surfing level without a doubt. Both Longboards are so far two of the most talked about models in the 019 Starboard range.
