There's a lot of wave in the freeride pelt here - Starboard doesn't promise too much with the new shape and also categorises the board in the wave range. The outline, deck shape, strap positions (wide "stance") and fin equipment also reflect this. While all four fins are always included with the Starboard code in the carbon construction, the wood edition is delivered as a thruster up to and including 105 litres, while larger models are delivered with a single fin.
The small fins initially grip and lubricate in alternating cycles when the tail is roughly loaded, and it takes some familiarisation to find the right dosage of foot pressure - ideally very sensitively, like on a wave board. This is because the code has the same effect on the foot: the board requires the lowest possible pressure for almost instantaneous changes of direction. But the Starboard Kode not only masters the right-left lane change perfectly, the tail can be easily pressed into the water for jumping off, and whether with or without a ramp, the Kode can be pulled up to lofty heights with ease.
Single fin as a sensible option for freeriding
With a moderately free gliding position (similar to the JP Freestyle Wave), the Kode "surfs" very softly and smoothly through, over and against the choppy water. With the standard freeride single fin, the board can be trimmed to a higher planing position. It can then also withstand more powerful foot pressure when you really put the spurs to it when freeriding on flat water. In the triple fin set, the Starboard Kode glides together with the Quatro Power The ride is a little more wobbly and leisurely. With a large single fin, at least the acceleration phase is much sportier and the riding stability, speed feeling and objective speed increase noticeably.
The particularly thin rails - also in the front area - enable extreme turns, but hardly stabilise the board in wide carving jibes. If you ride over the edge with a lot of forward lean, the board slows down or turns tight on its own. On the other hand, slam jibes - which can be turned virtually on the spot - and medium-wide radii such as classic power jibes or duck jibes require the least foot pressure and can be initiated with ease - even by lighter surfers.
Surf summary of the Starboard Kode 95
With the thruster set, the Starboard Kode looks like a wave board: very agile, super easy to turn and more suitable for tight turns than for wide carved manoeuvres. For advanced surfers with wave ambitions or for very light people. The single fin is a useful freeride addition.
Super manoeuvrable, fin equipment
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Carving jibes
Technical data Starboard Kode 95
- Weight: 6.9 kg*
- Length: 2287 cm*
- Width: 61.9 cm*
- Price: 2815/2429 Euro **
- Info under: star-board.com
*surf measurement
Starboard Kode: Available sizes and data
** Carbon Reflex Sandwich/Wood Sandwich *** Optional single fins: 26/28/29/34/36/38/40
