Since the 2026 season, manufacturer Starboard has had its own wings on the market. Two models kick things off - the entry-level wing Source and the declared all-rounder VivaWe tested the Viva in the 5.0 square metre size, which is said to be equally suitable for freeride, downwind and wave riding.
On land
The Starboard Viva Wing is available in two colour variants and in sizes from 2.5 to 6.0 square metres, with a special light wind variant with 7.0 square metres rounding off the range. The Viva 5.0 we tested has a medium aspect ratio (ratio of wingspan to surface area) and a colourful mix of materials, with a particularly light laminate material at the wingtips, brand-internal Ultra-X is used. The wing is equipped with a boom system that is fixed to the strut using two Torx screws. Important to know: The boom must be purchased separately and is not included in the scope of delivery! Here you have the choice between a carbon boom with a diameter of 24 millimetres (+ 175 euros) or an aluminium version with a 26 mm bar (+ 75 euros). Two different boom lengths are available from Starboard - the longer one fits all wing sizes between 4.5 and 7.0 square metres.
The carbon boom we tested is slightly further away from the strut at the front than at the back, which is why the grip is very intuitive and there is enough space to change grips. The cloth tension in the front area is high, towards the rear edge the Viva Wing has a visibly looser cut (similar to the NeilPryde Fly 4 Wing), but is stiffened with mini-battening to prevent fluttering. Thanks to four built-in windows, you have a comparatively good view to leeward. The wing is ventilated via two insulated SUP valves. As the wing has been tuned a little softer overall, we recommend using the recommended inflation pressure (front tube 8 psi) as a benchmark and not falling significantly below it. The scope of delivery includes a hip leash, alternatively Starboard also offers a Velcro strap for the wrist. With a total weight of 2.65 kilos (wing + carbon boom), the wing is attractively light and the equipment is of a high standard. Only the seams on the front tube are not additionally covered.
On the water
The Viva Wing is immediately balanced and has a positive lift in the hand when starting off. When pumping the Viva takes pull excellently, it loads up noticeably and ultimately ensures a clearly above-average performance in the light wind range. Once lifted off, it stabilises perfectly, is wonderfully light and balanced in the hands and encourages relaxed freeride flights as well as all kinds of foil manoeuvres in which the wing can be rotated and whirled around with very little effort. The thin carbon spar is particularly easy to grip, and the grip is also soft and comfortable. In a neutral flying position, for example if you simply let it fly behind you on a swell wave, the Starboard Viva Wing balances itself perfectly and does not develop any annoying life of its own. However, due to its comparatively soft characteristics, the Viva starts to work a little harder in strong gusts - the bottom line is that the top-end control is passable, but not outstanding.
The Viva Wing also has no weaknesses when it comes to basic freestyle - it offers good lift and, with its moderate wingspan of 3.15 metres, is compact enough to take part in rotations without restrictions. If you have 100 per cent freestyle in your blood, you should still try the new model Reactor in mind - this wing will serve precisely this target group in early summer 2026.
Starboard Viva Wing - the conclusion
The Starboard Viva Wing does indeed cover a wide range of uses. It has particular strengths in light and medium winds, where it scores with plenty of power and excellent handling. This makes the Wing ideal for light wind areas and freeriding, but it also cuts a really good figure when doing tricks and downwinding in the waves.
Light wind power, handling, range of use
Delivery without boom, seams on the front tube
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Starboard Viva - technical data
- Test model: Starboard Viva 5.0
- Wingspan: 315 cm
- Depth: n/a cm
- Weight (own measurement, without leash): 2.65 kg
- Weight: 530 g/m2
- Available sizes: 2,5/3,0/3,5/4,0/4,5/5,0/5,5/6,0/7,0 qm
- Scope of delivery: Wing, bag, hip leash
- Prices (test models): 1169 Euro (without boom)
- Contact: To the website
- Special features: Carbon boom +175 euros; aluminium boom +75 euros; two colour variants
The Heineken Jibe in a video tutorial - with the Starboard Viva Wing
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
