Starboard Spice 6'9" x 22.5": Can it get any smaller? Interview with Connor Baxter

Hi Connor, the photo of the new board looks pretty surreal, what was going on?

We were at a photo shoot on Maui, it was a wonderful day, Lanai was in the background, so the idea came up spontaneously. I swim behind the board and capture it.

Looks damn small, what kind of board is it and what size is it?

It is the new Starboard Spice. It is 6'9'' long and 22.5'' wide.

How small are the pro boards now? What is your limit?

For wave surfing, I take the smallest possible board that I can manage, so that I have a small board with maximum performance on the wave. It has a volume of around 74 litres. I usually go down on my boards when I'm standing. They're actually big surf shortboards.

Can you explain how you can paddle on it at all?

Paddling into waves on a smaller board requires a lot of strength and timing. You should prepare before the wave is really close. I start paddling when I see the first wave of a set, but I'm actually preparing for the second wave. As soon as I have a bit of speed on the board, I get myself into position with a few light strokes. I paddle either a left or a right turn into the wave. I need a lot of board speed to catch the wave - without falling in, of course.

Some say that too little volume is a big mistake for wave beginners ...

It's about finding a board on which paddling is a bit of a challenge for you. If you want maximum turning ability on the wave, you can't take a board that you can stand on effortlessly. Instead, look for a good spot with a channel where you can paddle out easily and don't have to paddle through the breaking waves. Also go where there are already other stand-up paddlers and not just surfers. And the most important thing: never give up and always have fun!

Aloha, Connor Baxter

Also interesting:

• Buying advice: Your first wave SUP board