Starboard Gen R Review

[@gregoryaugust4543]

I bought this board without testing it and I regret it. I bought the 14x23 model. I'm just under 140lbs and I've been racing for a ten years. I do not like this board. Here are the CONS. You fight for every mph you try to get out of it. I would not call this board "fast". I think it might be fast for someone who is very strong. The board will burn you out on long paddles. I feel like the nose has way more volume than it needs. It does not catch bumps easily (I compared this to my old Riviera race board). The board reacts very quickly to adverse conditions such as wind or current, meaning the board will slow down very quickly when hitting a wind wall or going against the current. Also, it does not like to turn unless you are on the right spot. If you have an injury, this board will aggravate every one of them. PROS: It is built well, very durable. The stability is okay for basic waves and chop like in the Gulf of Mexico. Sorry for the negative comments, but I do so much better on a 14x25 Riviera when compared to this board and I was shock after seeing the comparison.

[@urbansurfnw]

Hey no worries, we appreciate all comments. I do feel that the board has a lot of stability which will allow you to size down to gain more speed. If you are comparing to other flat water boards no, it is not the fastest when you are going in a straight line. When you bring this into a wave or course racing scenario you will notice much more speed out of turns. I will also note that under 140lbs you should be riding the 21.5 if this board.

[@gregoryaugust4543]

@@urbansurfnw Concerning width, I think it depends on the maker. I rode the Starboard sprint...maybe it was 20 or 21 wide and found the board to be completely useless after 10 miles. Any wave, at any size was a problem. The shape is very important and the Gen R doesn't have it. Also, it doesn't seem like any big names are riding it for a reason. I wouldn't call this a flat water board because it was billed at the tech race board, like Battle of the Paddle conditions and I don't see why. The board doesn't respond well to bumps or waves. The shape is wrong and I think the nose has way too much volume. I paddle in the Gulf and it does get really weird in inlets. Any resistance, wind, current and it's like a parachute is deployed. I should mention that I'm certainly not a top racer. I got my ass handed to me this past weekend, but I know this board is not for me.I have to fight for every inch I get and it burns me out quickly. I did like the Flying Fish Freedom model. I want to take it for a few miles before I buy it though

[@urbansurfnw]

@@gregoryaugust4543 This is great feedback. Thank you for your response.