My review of sailing the Starboard 12'6" SUP

[pierrec45]

Hey guys, I had the opportunity of testing the sailing a SUP, flatwater style. Did some freestyle to test the capabilities of them's boards. Here is the result :



(Unfortunately had only 2 outings, woulda liked to try in stronger winds.)

Interesting board. Great for back & fro, quite OK for some longboard freestyle, sails quite well (late planing though) in stronger winds, up to about 20 knots.
I'd use, perhaps advocate, for teaching, family sailing, as a sole board in inland areas with flaky winds - as in here.

Fun sailing can definitely be had with this equipment over a wide range of (lesser) winds.

Equipment notes: I was using a 2008 Australian Windsurfer One-Design sail for those tests. I couldn't use the Severn light sail that came with it. Reason is that the Severn is nice in light winds, but it sorta folds in 10+ knot wind range. Need at least 12+ knots for the railride.

I have neat pics too, but they're in Facebook...   

[jdmotes]

 Nice board AND sail work, Dude! Love the retro Windsurfer sail you are using, too. Those WERE fun times (back in the early 80's) when windsurfing was so easy and simple...              Later,          JD

[pierrec45]

Actually, the sail is a nice 2008 Windsurfer one-design, taken after the old model. In Australia, we still make and sail these things. Not that expensive either.

Anyways, yes indeed boards like the SUP and some modern longboards do capture the spirit of those times, when windsurfing was not such a Tupperware party...   

[Spunner]

Looks like fun....I've been using my 12'6" for a few weeks now in everything from 5kt's-20kt's and having a blast!

[Tetlom]

We did a review and made a little video on this board also. My wife, Amara was the 1980 World Freestyle Champion. She started racing back when you had to carry the Centreboard over your shoulder.
We rent out a couple of the Starboard SUPer 12'6"s, they are a favourite for light wind days.

The board is not made for Planing - but in under 7knots it is one of the fastest boards on the water and, (as the author above says) great fun for practising those old freestyle moves.

It is a essentially a big surfboard and those soft rails, nose and tail rockers make it very forgiving and easy to turn.

Check out our review if you are interested - http://www.isup.asia/index.php/reviews/test126.html

[pierrec45]

wow, centerboard really weighs 3kg? Since I don't use it, I'll just remove then.

[Scottiver]

Wow that takes me back to about 1983 and trying all those cool freestyle tricks. Looks like you have them all mastered. Way to go! I do miss those carefree light air days on a big boardl