The board does not rely on maximum tipping stability, but literally surfs on a very narrow tail with a total width of only 30 inches. The tail is wrapped around by a tear-off edge and there is the option of fitting three fins. The board is relatively flat in the centre section, but is then moderately curved towards the tail and bow and very high at the front. This means that no water spills over at all at the front, even on the wavy inland lake, although the first half metre is also free in the air.
Thanks to its sporty width and narrow tail, the board paddles easily and achieves decent speed even in flat water - even if it loses five per cent to the flat water specialists - and simply gives you a little bit of that ocean feeling even on a dull weekday on Lake Plön.
The workmanship with welded seams (Starboard gives a solid guarantee on this), large pads, a well-padded carrying handle and an additional shoulder strap for carrying is, as usual with Starboard's de luxe construction, of the highest standard. Only the Velcro fastener on the supplied leash, which is made from recycled plastic in an exemplary manner, is still tight even after years, so that it can only be attached to an average tester's leg with difficulty and in a precariously tight position.
As expected, the board turns well in crossbow turns or arcs because there is nothing in the water at the front or back to slow you down. If you go to the back for a tight turn, the board is nice and steep, but also challengingly wobbly, you won't find much stability with your back foot.
Conclusion on the Starboard Generation 12'6" x 30":
A sporty-looking board with sea suitability - we are eagerly awaiting the next test to verify this - which is also easy to paddle on the lake. However, it does have a look that takes some getting used to.
Sporty feel, potential for the ocean, equipment, workmanship.
Info:
- Price: 1169 Euro
- Length: 381.0 cm
- Width: 76.2 cm
- Weight: 11.0 kg
- Volume: 341 litres
Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf
