Since my elbow is out of commission for a week or so (long story – but lets just say the water quality in Dana Point might not be the cleanest) – I might as well write about SUP.
Next up on the “What Warren Thinks of a Board” list is the Starboard Surf Race 12’6″ – in the Brushed Carbon construction. (also available in the less expensive Epoxy construction.
I was fortunate enough to paddle a prototype of this board over a year ago – and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a production model in the spring.
I paddled the production version (serial #3) a great deal this summer (close to 200 km) – and it has become my absolute favorite flat water board.
It is 12’6″ long / 26″ wide and has a maximum thickness of 17.75″ Don’t think that the 17″ thickness is too weird. Designed by Brian Szymanski at North County Paddleboards in southern California – the board takes after the open ocean prone paddleboards that have a larger nose to them so they will not get buried when they run into the back of the wave in front of the one you are riding down.
The 26″ width does take a little getting used to, and it is not a beginner board by any means – but as a board for speed / distance and a great work out – it is one of the best.
I really like the FCS fin box on the top of the board – it can be used to mount almost anything. From a GPS unit, to a GoPro. Personally, I modified a bicycle water bottle cage and use it to carry extra water.
The board may not be the absolute fastest on glass calm water (the Starboard NEW holds that crown) but as a do “almost” everything – flat water board it is Awesome! I have even been able to surf it – on downwinders, on “real” waves and even in the wave pool at West Edmonton Mall.
All in all – for lake and mellow river paddling (as well as ocean racing) it is a great / fast board.
