The new Gen R has dropped: Check out what makes this all-condition race board the most advanced flat-deck yet from Starboard

The new Starboard Gen R just entered the chat (and the podium)! Starboard’s latest announcement—and newest addition to the quiver – the Gen R – is the result of a comprehensive redesign process aimed at dialling in speed, stability, control and versatility.

By incorporating rider feedback, refining the shape through multiple prototypes, and testing the board across a wide range of conditions, the new GenR emerges as a race board built for technical courses, open ocean conditions and flat water sprints – developed to set a new standard for all-conditions performance in a flat-deck design.

What’s different? The new Gen R shape breakdown:

Optimised rocker curve

Balanced between the All Star’s nose kick and the original Gen R, the new Gen R rocker keeps the board riding high in choppy conditions while maintaining strong flat-water glide. A 40 cm vee at the nose sheds water quickly improving “pop” over chop and boosts responsiveness.

Recessed Eva handle and water deflector

A 1 cm recessed Eva handle offers a comfortable grip during beach starts. The water deflector helps keep excess water out of the standing area, reducing drag and weight.

Lowered standing area

Dropping the deck by 1.5 cm creates a lower centre of gravity for better stability, especially in rough waters. The flat deck still allows freedom of movement and easy trimming.

Extended standing area

The standing zone has been moved forward, giving riders more space to adjust stance for sprints or downwind runs, adding versatility in various race scenarios.

New round tail 

Inspired by the All Star’s round tail, the new Gen R replaces the original square tail. This shape improves speed, control and manoeuvrability upwind, downwind and on flat water.

Lighter, thinner build

Reduced volume means less windage, quicker acceleration, and improved responsiveness – all optimised for sprinting, beach starts, and long-distance races.

What the Dream Team says about the new Gen R:

Michael Booth, 7 x SUP World Champion and Dream Team Rider, said: “The new Gen R feels fast and more stable. The nose release is smoother, and the tail gives great control once you step back. It’s a really well-rounded board that turns well and feels ready for anything.”

Esperanza Barreras, 9 x SUP World Champion and Dream Team Rider, said:  “It’s a super good evolution – the tail turns quickly, the rounded rails help with control in beach races, and the board just feels more predictable overall.”

Noic Garioud, 6 x SUP World Champion and Dream Team Rider, said: “The round tail makes it super easy to turn, and the rails give you that surfy feel you want in the waves. I’m excited to test this in a tech race – it’s smooth, stable, and just feels great.”

Behind the Scenes: The Gen R White Paper

Starboard has also released a detailed White Paper documenting the GenR’s entire development journey. The White Paper gives a transparent look at how Starboard builds speed into every detail. This in-depth presentation includes:

• The design evolution from first sketches to final prototypes
• Detailed shape comparisons with the Sprint and All Star
• Performance data from standardized tests across flat water, chop, and open ocean
• Insights from Dream Team rider testing
• The logic behind rocker adjustments, rail rounding, and tail refinement
• How each change was benchmarked for speed, control, and handling

Read the full Gen R White Paper here 

Find out more about Starboard 2025 range at sup.star-board.com

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