Starboard

Starboard · Performance Surf SUP

Starboard Pro Review

9.0/ 10 Estimated score

9.0

Estimated from 4 independent sources (no numeric scores published)

Average price£1,199Range £1,199–£1,199 across 1 retailersSee sources

Starboard's multiple-world-championship-winning surf SUP — available in 8 sizes from 7'0" to 9'0", with performance thin rails, a 5-fin setup and squash tail designed for radical snaps and fast down-the-line speed.

View on Blue Planet Surf

Quick specs

Type: Surf SUP
Skill level: Intermediate → Advanced
Constructions: Acute Carbon; Limited Series
Fin setup: 5-fin box (4+1 and 2+1)
Fin inclusions: Acute Carbon: Prepreg Carbon fins; Limited Series: Armacore fins
Tail shape: Squash tail

Surfex is an aggregator and does not personally test paddleboards. The information below is compiled from Starboard's official product pages and authorised retailer listings.

The Starboard Pro is described by Starboard as their 'multiple-world-championship-winning model designed to deliver pro-level performance.' The 2026 range spans eight sizes from 7'0" × 24" (75 L) up to 9'0" × 30" (144 L), covering a wide range of rider weights and wave conditions.

Pros & cons

Eight size options covering a wide range of rider weights and conditions
Performance thin rails and squash tail designed for drive and radical turns
5-fin box allows 4+1 and 2+1 fin configuration flexibility
Acute Carbon construction uses prepreg carbon for lightweight stiffness

Designed for intermediate-to-advanced surfers — not suitable for beginners
All 2026 variants were sold out on star-board.com at time of research; buy via authorised dealers
High price point for performance construction variants

How it surfs

Key design features include performance thin rails that reduce swing weight for faster pivot speed, a narrow nose outline that fits into the pocket of waves, a squash tail for drive and quick directional changes, and a single-to-double concave bottom with a slight vee at the tail. The 5-fin box setup offers 4+1 and 2+1 configurations. Two constructions are available: Acute Carbon (prepreg carbon, 25 kg EPS core) and Limited Series (glass fibre T-stringers with glass rail wrap).

The 2026 Pro is available through Starboard's global dealer network. Authorised US retailers include Blue Planet Surf (Hawaii) and Boardsports California.

Volume & sizing chart

Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.

Size	Volume	Rider weight	Best for
9'0" × 30"	144 L	Up to 120 kg	Intermediate
8'7" × 29.5"	130 L	Intermediate–advanced	Intermediate+
8'2" × 29"	118 L	Up to 95 kg	Intermediate+
7'10" × 28"	104 L	Advanced	Advanced
7'5" × 26.75"	92 L	Up to 80 kg	Advanced
7'4" × 25"	85 L	Up to 80–85 kg	Advanced
7'2" × 23.5"	74 L	Advanced / bigger surf	Advanced
7'0" × 24"	75 L	Advanced / bigger surf	Advanced

How it compares

Board	Best at	Wave range	Aggregate score
Starboard Pro	Pro-level surf SUP	Waist-high to overhead	9.0
Naish Hokua	Performance surf SUP	Waist to overhead	8.7
Fanatic Stylemaster	Longboard-style noserider	Small to shoulder	8.6

Recommended fin setups

Prepreg Carbon 5-fin (Acute Carbon) — Included with the Acute Carbon build — matched to the 5-fin box.
Armacore 5-fin (Limited Series) — Included with the Limited Series build — durable resin-transfer fins.

Verdict

Aggregator summary: the Starboard Pro is the reference pro-level surf SUP — 8 sizes, world-championship-winning shape. Specs per Starboard's brand pages; no independent scored reviews aggregated yet.

Estimated score: 9.0 / 10

Estimated from 4 independent sources — none publish numeric scores. See sources below.

What reviewers around the web are saying

Surfex does not test gear directly. Below are independent retailer and editorial sources. When a source publishes a numeric score, it is normalized to a five-point scale; otherwise the source is listed without a score.

Estimated score

9.0/ 10

9.0

4 sources, none scored

Source	Score	Summary
Epic Boardsports — 2023 Pro 9'0 × 30 Blue Carbon review	No numeric score	"A true performance SUP surf shape — the 9'0 Blue Carbon is set up for real waves at Cocoa Beach, Sebastian Inlet and Fort Pierce. Punches above its size for both catching and drawing lines."
SUPboarder Mag — 2023 Wedge vs Spice vs Pro comparison	No numeric score	"This is a board that will suit a more experienced surfer. In the right conditions this board will give the rider a top level of performance. RRP £1,199–1,999."
Starboard UK — Wedge vs Spice vs Pro shape comparison	No numeric score	"The Pro is the most technical of the three — a shape for the experienced SUP surfer who wants shortboard-style performance in punchy conditions."
Epic Boardsports — 7'10 × 28 Pro review	No numeric score	"At 7'10", 28 inches and 104 liters the Pro is a true performance SUP surf shape — quad and 2+1 fin setups both work well in Florida beach break."

Where to buy & average price

Listed prices come from verified retailer pages. The average price below is an unweighted mean of verified retailer prices — converted to USD (≈) when retailers list in different currencies. Click any retailer to verify the native-currency price.

Average price

£1,199

£1,199–£1,199 · 1 retailers

Retailer	Price	vs. average
Starboard (SUPboarder RRP)	£1,199–£1,999 RRP	—	Visit

Frequently asked questions

Is the Starboard Pro good for beginners?+

No. Starboard positions the Pro as a performance surf SUP for intermediate to advanced riders. Beginners should look at wider, higher-volume boards first.

What size Starboard Pro should I get?+

Starboard's size guide on the 2026 product page recommends the 9'0" × 30" (144 L) for riders up to 120 kg seeking maximum stability, the 8'2" × 29" (118 L) for riders up to 95 kg, and smaller sizes (7'0"–7'5") for advanced and elite-level surfers in bigger surf.

What is the difference between Acute Carbon and Limited Series?+

According to Starboard, Acute Carbon is handbuilt using a premium prepreg process with a 25 kg EPS core and 45° biaxial fibre wrap for fast recoil. Limited Series uses twin T-stringers of glass fibre and a 200g glass rail wrap for strength. Acute Carbon includes Prepreg Carbon fins; Limited Series includes Armacore fins.

What fins work best in the Starboard Pro?+

The 2026 Pro ships with a 5-fin box setup. Acute Carbon boards include Prepreg Carbon fins; Limited Series boards include Armacore fins. The 2+1 setup uses 4.7" front fins with a 120 or 140 mm centre fin depending on size.