STARBOARD 11’2 WIDE POINT
STARBOARD 11’2 WIDE POINT TEST REVIEW
Verdict:
Starboard have found yet another niche product to squeeze into their huge range of SUPs. This 11’2 wide point gives the larger rider an option other than the standard long board feel. A responsive giant-shortboard feel without the thick rails and wide nose, it stable and comfortable. Big guys if you want to rip in the surf get one of these!
Overview:
As we’ve expected from a brand such as Starboard over the years, you’re going to get a top spec board. In the AST Electric you get a ¾ multi textured deck pad and a fine, comfortable ledge handle. In Electric you also get a windsurf insert and slots for forward side fins (this will be in the wood board for 2017 only). The bottom shape starts from single concave to double and finishes with a concave in the tail, like many ‘pro’ boards. The deck is flat and it looks great on the water.
Brand Claim:
A dynamic board giving the larger rider up to 115kg excellent stability and manoeuvrability in moderate surf. The longest board in the Wide Point range offers extra glide for cruising and easy entry on to the wave. 32” of width gives stability while retaining high reactivity in the surf.
Performance:
Starboard have done a lot of work over the last few years making their bigger / wider boards work better in the surf and this new 11’2 reaps the harvest. Designed for the UK market (we’re told), the 11’2 Wide Point has really targeted the bigger rider wanting a more shortboard feel in the waves. We found it the most manoeuvrable to chuck around out of the bunch with its curvy tail and concave bottom. It gives a secure grippy turn for such a big board, larger riders in our test loved it’s ease on the wave, it certainly felt like it would comfortably drop into just about anything with its generous nose rocker.
As an all rounder it was joint 3rd in our glide test with the Naish, which we thought was pretty good for what is ostensibly a giant shortboard. Would you buy this over the 11’2 Starboard Blend? If you want a more responsive big board this is a no brainer, it surfs like a smaller board if you push it but has enough stability and glide too. A new shape deserving it’s place in the massive Starboard range, it an ideal bigger rider’s easy wave board and more nimble than you’d believe.