Product of the week - Starboard Tandem

Product of the week - Starboard TandemPhoto: Dimitri Lehner
Product of the week - Starboard Tandem
It breaks all boundaries: the Starboard Tandem is 16 feet (488 cm) long (14.1 kg), but resembles its smaller brother, the 14-foot Touring: slim outline, hardly any scoop, long waterline.
The Starboard Tandem on an expedition from Elba to CorsicaPhoto: Dimitri LehnerThe Starboard Tandem on an expedition from Elba to Corsica

With a volume of 475 litres and an impressive width (32 inches, 81 cm), it is stable in the water - even with heavily loaded luggage nets at the front and rear. You never lose your balance, even in choppy seas. Safety first: a second, central air chamber not only stiffens the board, but also serves as an emergency volume if the main chamber loses air.

We did not test the windsurfing optionbut we were still pleased with the two side fin boxes. The side fins act like a centreboard on a windsurfer and reduce drift - which is also very pleasant when paddling in windy conditions. It's obvious that a board with these dimensions loses all liveliness. Turning manoeuvres or fast turns with weight shifting become a feat of strength, you manoeuvre like a bus. On the other hand, the ride is impressively smooth. A blessing and a curse: The lack of scoop (bending up of the bow) is an advantage on flat water (length runs!), but not always an advantage in moving seas because the bow undercuts more quickly, especially when surfing on swell waves.

Conclusion:A smooth-running, very stable touring board with a windsurf option. Ideal for touring and expedition paddling with lots of luggage. Functions as a windsurf tandem, SUP tandem and large SUP solo board.

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