Starboard Spice 7'11" x 29" 2023 Surf SUP Review

[@agoodauthority]

I'm loving my 7' 11" .... perfect board for where I live here in San Diego, not quite as much speed as my Infinity B-line but so much more fun when I get into waves. I'm a solid intermediate, 185 pounds, 5, 9". PS I agree with your comment about it feeling a little heavier then it looks. But I'm glad to have the stability as this is the lowest volume board I've owned.

[@SUPboardermag]

So glad to hear you are enjoying the Spice! Thanks for sharing your feedback. Cheers, Beau

[@emtbhookes]

Hi there. I was considering buying the same board as you (I’m also here in San Diego) but I was going to get the 8’2”. I’m an intermediate level currently using a 8’10” 138 liter board (175lb) . I’m wondering if the 7’11” you got may be a better fit for me based on your experience. Any insight you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@agoodauthority]

@@emtbhookes hey there, tough call - I think the 8' 2" will still be awesome and a little bit less work to balance if you're out for awhile. I have an 8' 5" Infinity B-line which is now my 'high tide' board which is 114 liters compared to the 106 for the 7' 11" spice but going from 138 might take some getting used to ...

[@emtbhookes]

@@agoodauthority agreed. That is why I was leaning towards the 8’2” which will be already a step down size for me. Thanks for the quick response!

[@agoodauthority]

See you out there :-)

[@KyleSurfHawaii]

Thank you for the solid and HONEST REVIEW BROTHER. MUCH LOVE FROM HAWAII I love Ripping and I love how you threw Zanes name in their 😎🤙🏽🏄🏽‍♂️

[@SUPboardermag]

Any time!

[@joeblow1942]

I was looking at the same model yesterday and saw that Starboard FINALLY got the rails right. Instead of the big chunky thick rails they have always had (which I never understood), the rails are much thinner.

[@SUPboardermag]

The rails are really nice on the Spice. I understand your comment about the thick rails. We're glad they have been thinned out too. Thanks, Beau

[@Ozbiliz]

Beau, just for means of reference, what’s your size? (Weight and height if you don’t mind sharing)

[@SUPboardermag]

Of course! I weigh 85kg (187lbs) and stand 177cm tall. Beau

[@sengyo]

Hello Beau, hope that you are well, nice review. I got the allwave ltd carbon 2015 7'11 x 31'' x 110 which is quite similar. Starboard should me more responsive and fast anyway

[@SUPboardermag]

The Starboard will be much faster with the less width. It probably won't be as stable as your All Wave, but it will be more responsive for sure. Thanks, Beau

[@surferchick8788]

TOTALLY AGREE Starboard messed up bigly by not having a Spice in the 7-4 range! I gave my money to Sunova, yet once again, bought a Placid 7 3 x 27 . I buy a Sunova every time Starboard “messes up”, I have a lot of Sunovas…………😂

[@SUPboardermag]

Thanks for your comment. Good to hear you have found boards that suit your size from Sunova. Cheers, Beau

[@chrisgravel7157]

Great review and timing Beau - who isn't looking for more feedback on the Spice!? I've spoken to a few folks including Ollie O'Rieley about the Spice and the Pro and well was still on the fence enough to decide to order an 8'7" pro and a 8'3" spice (I'm high intermedate and 86Kg). My guess is I will end up liking the Pro more based on your feedback about the nose shape, weight and width but we'll see!? I will post my observations on both once they arrive (March/April) and a get few days on the water. BTW - folks asking or comparing to the Pro should keep in mind this yrs Pro has been signifigantly revised which could get overlooked with all the excitement over the Spice.

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi Chris. Please keep us updated on your thoughts between the Pro and Spice! I agree that the pro shape needs a mention because the sizes and shape have changed. Interesting to know Starboard have gone longer in their Pro shapes relative to the volumes and sizes of the previous model. Look forward to hearing more about your comparison in a few months! Thanks, Beau

[@chrisgravel7157]

@@SUPboardermag 100% Beau and thanks. I will be sure to report back and share my observations

[@TheNewps]

The sub 100L market is so small, be thankful they even made the 6'9".

[@aljoespino1]

Thank you for the review Beau. How would you compare the Spice to the Pocket Rocket? Happy New Year!

[@SUPboardermag]

Great question! The Spice would be the better performing board on the waves, but it would have less stability when paddling compared to the Pocket Rocket. Hope thats helps. Beau

[@jake201038]

Hey Beau. Please give me a bit of advice regarding the Spice. I'm an intermediate SUP surfer. 85kg, 183cm height and 65 years old. I've been waiting for my local surf shop to get an 8'8" Spice in stock thinking it would suit me perfectly. Recently, I spent a session on a 6 year old Naish Hokua X32. The Naish dimensions are 8'8" x 32" x 140L which are identical to the Spice 8'8". Surfing the Naish was fun but I wasn't comfortable with the Naish's stability when standing/paddling. Would I expect to have similar issues with the Spice or might I expect it to be more stable due to flatter rocker or some other reason? Local shop doesn’t have demo to try. Currently on a Jimmy Lewis Kwad 9'7" x 31 x 140L which I'm very stable on.Thanks, Jake

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi Jake. thanks for the comment. Happy to help. There are a few things that make the Naish Hokua's unstable. Firstly the bottom shape is a Vee which makes the board roll from side to side (increases performance on wave though). The Hokua's have a fairly pulled in and pointy nose which decreases the balance too. Plus they have quite a bit of rocker which can influence the stability when paddling. The Spice has width in the right places, the rocker is fairly flat for a semi-performance shape and the bottom shape also enhances stability so I would safely say that you would have more balance on the Spice and if you're considering it, it would be a good choice. From your comment, it sounds like dropping that extra length from your JL Kwad is what makes the board tippy. You'll get used to this with a more stable board like the Spice. Hope that helps. Beau

[@finbox1000]

Great review Beau! I currently have a 2017 7,2" Hypernut. I would say I am in between intermediate and advanced and about 76kg. My predominant surf is beach breaks, so the Hypernut is fun, BUT I also want something better in bigger, steeper waves. Would the Spice 7,11 be a good upgrade? or should i go to the 8,2 pro? or any other suggestions would be very appreciated. Thanks very much and appreciate your time. cheers Finn

[@SUPboardermag]

Hello! And great question. If you're comfortable on the 28" Hypernut at the moment, the 7'11 Spice would be the best choice for an upgrade in steeper waves. It performs really well in good waves and also mushy conditions.. I feel the 8'2 Pro - although more of a Pro shape - would feel too big on the wave for you. Hope that helps. Thanks, Beau

[@theobooth6131]

Hi Beau, how would you say this compares to an 8.2 Pro Carbon in terms of stability?

[@SUPboardermag]

Great question. The Spice has a wider nose and tail so I would say it would be quite similar to the 8'2 Pro. The Pro shapes are very performance based and we tested the 7'10 Pro (104L) against the 7'11 Spice (106L) and the Spice was super stable compared to the Pro shape. Hope this helps. Beau

[@yujitakeuchi399]

Hi Beau, let me ask which one did you like better from your test ride Wedge or Spice? From your reviews on both I had an impression that you were bit positive about Wedge, if I am not mistaken.

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi. The 8'7 Wedge is an amazing board and suits heavier or beginner riders as the 32" width helps with stability when learning or if your weight is between 95-105kg and you have some experience riding. The 7'11 Spice really suits those lighter weight riders (60-85kg) or those who want something a little more performance. I expected the Spice to have a bit more performance, but it is really good for catching waves early and turning tighter in the pocket than the Wedge. Hope that helps. Thanks, Beau

[@militaryathlete1304]

Hi Beau - I just picked up a 2023 8'2" Fanatic All Wave. The shape looks very close to the Spice. How would you compare the two? Thanks!

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi! Thanks for the comment. Stoked you have the new 20223 All Wave! I haven't seen a 23 Fanatic All Wave in the flesh yet, but here are my thoughts going from the photos and videos I've seen. The Spice seems to have slightly less width in the nose and tail which would help it have more performance on the wave. The AllWave is meant to be 'wide body' shape which makes sense why it's a bit wider. Where the Spice fits between the 'pro' and 'wide body' shapes. I would expect the All Wave to feel more stable than the Spice, because of the outline shape and wider tail. I feel the All Wave would give you good performance in a range of different conditions from clean to mushy and small to big surf. Whereas the Spice might struggle in smaller and weaker waves (like it did for me). how do you feel it rides? Would love to hear your feedback. Thanks, Beau

[@sengyo]

Hello Beau, for an intermediate rider 175cm 75kgs, do you think it would be possible to charge more than 6 feets height wave with the 8.2 x 30.75 x 121 liters ? Enough handling ? Thanks

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi! I definitely feel there is enough handling for the Spice in bigger waves. The design really helps for hold when the waves are fast and big. Have fun! Thanks, Beau

[@sengyo]

@@SUPboardermag thanks a lot :)

[@nigelwright8726]

Hi Beau. How do you feel it compares to the Pocket Rocket which is also marketed as a progressive stable shortboard?

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi Nigel. The Spice takes the win over the Pocket Rocket in my opinion as a performance SUP surfing board, especially if comparing the 8'2 x 30.75" Spice. You would get more stability on the Pocket Rocket though as a heavier rider over 90kg in that beginner-low intermediate ability range. I have ridden a pocket rocket and did not like the wide nose at all for turning ability. Of course, it has its pro of making the board more stable to paddle. Hope this helps. Thanks, Beau

[@EMPinternational]

What I miss in the review is how it surfs compared to the 8’0 x29 pro? Or even 7’7? Can you say something about that? Is the wave performance the same or better on the pro?

[@alberttseng1238]

I had a 7’7 pro and sold it because it’s too hard for me to stand well, and I got 7’11 spice, perfect board for me (175/70kg), easy to stand well but still responsive. I think 7’11 spice it’s more stable than 8’8 fanatic prowave because of the bottom shape.

[@SUPboardermag]

You will get better performance on the Pro range from Starboard. However, it does depend on your ability and weight range too. As Albert said, his ability and weight didn't suit the 7'7 Pro and the Spice is much better suited to him. I found the Spice to be too wide in the nose, but that does help with stability paddling. Thanks, Beau

[@EMPinternational]

Thanks for the reactions!! I don’t like the volume on the 8” pro (bit to much)but the shape is probably better suited for me then the spice. Thanks