Considering the 2023 Starboard Generation - Opinions sought

[odfx]

Good day,

Hoping for some opinions on the 2023 Starboard Generation SUP. There is one post from back in 2020 that sort of addresses part of my post but I'd imagine the board construction has changed a bit from then?

I'm an experienced paddler in the surf and flatwater, non-competitive. I live close to a bay that is accessible from the ocean. About 185lbs.

I was looking at a race sup, specifically the Starboard Allstar, but it seems very specialized for someone who isn't competitive. I stumbled across the Starboard generation, which looks interesting to me.

The intent would be to use it to improve my fitness/crosstrain, with some longer-ish ocean paddles on the weekend (12-14 miles) periodically, but mostly launch from an beach in smaller surf and then paddle down to a bay (flat water) for a work out. Potentially use it to fish off of occasionally but this is not a requirement at all, probably wouldn't happen to be honest. This would not be my surf SUP I use but it would be nice to have the ability to catch a wave in once done paddling, or pick a few small waves up along the way of a longer paddle.

Storage is not a problem, nor is transport to and from the water.

I'm coming from an older 404 that was higher profile, 14', more for flatwater, but it was a bit unstable. It was impossible for me to ride a wave to the beach regardless of how far back I was on the tail.

My questions are:

1: Is the blue carbon construction worth it from a price and performance perspective v. the Lite Tech construction (which is quite a bit cheaper).
2: 12'6" or 14'?
3: 26" or 28"

Thanks for any opinions.

[sflinux]

How tall are you?
How wide is your 404?

[odfx]

Hi,

I'm 5'10".

The 404 was the Zeedonk and I think it was 27 (sold it a while back), but it had a weird stability issue that even a very seasoned friend of mine noticed.

I was able to rent the 12'6", 28", Lite tech Generation today on flat water with some wind and boat wakes. No issue's whatsoever with stability after about the first minute. Not the lightest board but not that bad either. It felt relatively responsive in the water for the first time. I haven't been all that active for a few months which is probably more of the reason. Seemed relatively fast and tracked nice.

The width continues to be the question. I think 14' could be the length I'm looking for. I'd like a fast board. I'm not sure it's the best thought process but ~generally~ I try to buy boards that will be a bit of challenge at first and then I figure them out and reap the benefits, if any.

They didn't have a 14' or narrower model to rent otherwise I would have tried those as well.

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.

[sflinux]

I don't have any experience on that board.  Boards that I have used for this application are a 12' x 24" (windsurfer) and 12'6" x 30" Paddle Surf Hawaii Hull Ripper.  The 24" board would wobble if there was any wrinkle in the water.  The PSH had bottom contours that did not offer good stability which is why I went with the 30" width. 
But the Starboard Generation has bottom contours similar to the Hyper Gun giving it great stability at a narrow width.
https://www.hyprnalu.com/hypr-hawaii-gun

The 12'6".x 28" Starboard Generation is reviewed here (their reviews are usually spot on:

The 14' x 26" is reviewed here:


12'6" x 26"  (<90kg) lite tech 12.8kg
12'6" x 28" (<100kg) carbon 12.5 kg, lite tech 13.2kg
-------------------------------------------------------------
14' x 26 (< 100 kg) lite tech 14.5kg
14' x 28" <110 kg) carbon 14.1 kg, lite tech 15 kg

If you went 12'6", I would save your money with the lite tech.
If you went 14' x 28", I would definitely go with the carbon.  [I had a 8'10" Wide Point in carbon which was awesome to carry and bombproof.  I have a HyperNut which I wish was in carbon.]
For the distances you want to cover, you may want to check out the 14' x 26".
If you went 12'6", I am heavier and taller than you and would lean towards the 28" unless I could demo a 26".
I am sure you will be happy with whatever you pick, just listen to your gut.

[Dusk Patrol]

I have a predeceesor of the Generation, what was called in 2015 the Starboard Freeride.   



It is a sentimental favorite that I will probably never sell, but I don't use it because I much prefer 14' boards, especially for open water and distance like you're looking at. 

And I have paddled a 14' x 28 Generation. 

My two cents: The Generation lives up to Starboard's marketing around it being a great one board quiver.  I generally consider 14 foot boards to be the standard go to for open water. (I'm 5'8  180). Width-wise I'm very happy with my 26" SIC RS, but other 26 boards I tested varied greatly in stability. It would be ideal if you could test a 14x26 Generation.  Otherise a 28" wouldn't be the worst choice. I looked up the published weights of Lite tech and Blue Carbon (33 and 31 lbs in 14 x28). Lighter is always better but Blue Carbon was a downgrade from Starboard's previous full carbon sandwich construction, and doesn't provide a significant weight benefit, so Lite Tech makes a good a value proposition.         

[odfx]

Thanks so much for the input, I do appreciate it.

I'll have to see if I can test a 14'x26" Generation. My gut feeling based on the 12.5'x28" one I tested yesterday, and how stable it is, I think it would be doable even right out of the gate but there's risk obviously.

I have just stumbled upon the 2024 Gen-R based on a recommendation from another forum. That also looks like an interesting board.

I'm trying to not overthink the selection process too much but I do want to make an informed decision knowing that even with test rides there'd still be alot of new performance discovery down the line for better or worse.

Any experience with the Gen R?

Thanks again

[Dusk Patrol]

I personally don't have any experience with the Gen-R. I had to look it up. My take is that the way Starboard repeatedly refers to it as for 'technical racing', I think it's more purpose built for 'paddle out and surf in' racing (which I'm not aware is happening much anymore). It's also described as slotting in between the Ace and the AllStar.  I would prefer to have the AllStar shape and nose out in open ocean conditions. I just don't think you'll reap the benefits of the Gen R's flat water hull elements out in open water.  Whereas the Allstar has proven itself over time fast enough to not feel like a dog.  (Apologies to dogs.) 

Maybe you could find a used full carbon sandwich AllStar for a decent price. 

[sflinux]

Casper Steinfath rode a 14' x 26" like this for 90 mile in 18h 26 min (avg 4.88 mile/h) for his Denmark to Norway Skegerrak winter crossing:
https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,38001.msg435707.html#msg435707
He probably uses that board when he won the SF Ocean Beach Heavy Water in gnarly conditions.
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/casper-steinfath-wins-red-bull-heavy-water-2017
If you haven't watched the Skegerrak film, it is motivating:
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/films/skagerrak-film
I mention it to exemplify the utility of those dimensions.