Just realised that putting this in board reviews might miss most people, so apologies for doubling up in the general section.
I'm keen to know if anyone has ridden the 2011 Starboard 10'3"x29.
I had a paddle today on a few Starboards in Torquay with Ian on the demo tour (many thanks Ian) in small waves. I couldn't believe how well the 9'8"x29" surfed in such small waves - it was looser than my 9'8" fish - with it's narrow tail. Even though it was only about an 8-10kt offshore, it was still pretty tippy, and I was thinking that 10'3" must be a bit more stable.
I need a board that handles the prospect of a roundhouse at 4-6ft, but thinking the 10'3" might be a bit stiff/cumbersome and I'll spend too much time in the H20 when the wind's up on the 9'8"x29. I need a 9'10" x 29.5"!!! The 9'8"x30" element could be OK but has the wider nose that affects its curves and seems to make it stiffer than the gunnier 9'8"x29" (it also has a bit more foam in it).
Anyone ridden the 10'3" and how did you find it?
cheers
Tang
Funny you ask the question, exactly the same dilemma I had. Asked Scottie McKercher and he just replied "the 9'8 x 29" is a sweetie". Haven't paddled the 10'3 though but my gut feel is that it would be more stable.
So I know that doesn't help much, I'm light and the 9'8 is absolutely fine tippiness wise for me and I'm lovin mine in both tiny waves and up to the just overhead faces I've been in so far. Don't know how it goes in 4 - 6' but I think it will be awesome.
10'3" x 29" is a great board and am very happy with it. Have been catching a few waves down south is medium sized waves and handles it easily.
Took a bit of getting used to and still end up in the drink when I lose my balance - especially if I haven't been on it for a while, but I suspect that is more to do with excess food and drink consumption during the holidays.
Thanks gents
Jonathon - how heavy are you? I'm about 86kg and over 6'4", so I find the tippiness and issue.
I'll have to have another go on the 9'8" tomorrow at the Torquay paddle demo. But I want the 10'3" too.....
G'day Tang, I'm 5'8 and 67kg so no surprise that it's a bit easier for me to balance on! Also got the 8'5 x 29 Pro and even that is really very stable for me, in clean conditions I could easily go smaller than the 8'5. Hope that helps a little, you aren't that heavy, I reckon you would get used to it, I just love mine, the new rocker and V extending further forward has just made them so much looser.
Thanks for the vote of confidence Jonathon. Not that heavy, but I have a damn high centre of gravity and a crook back. I'm going to go with the element 9"8" and work my way down to the shorter boards - trying to be level-headed and protect my back a bit. I paddled the 9'1"x29" on the weekend and it was more stable than the 9'8"x29, but I'd love to paddle them both the 29s once it gets over 4ft.
Thanks again
