Me - 87kgs, living in perth.
Fave conditions - waist to chest high beachy with varied waves (lefts and rights) coming though.
board 30 inches wide.
ridden always as a single fin -
For me the whole point of SUP is to turn average waves (we get alot of these here in Perth) into something fun - the incredible drive and longboard style trimming of the 11'2 delivers that. You cant really longboard trim (that cool feeling of walking the board for trim - toes on the nose etc) and noseride the 9'8. But the 9'8 does carve up a treat!
AS i mentioned before the 11'2 really has some cool sweet spots that take a while to get to know - but the curves are in all the right places on that board. I',m discovering It even does floaters and reos pretty well - once you learn to go with the board.
I actually reckon in good waves the 9'8 would be a better carving surfer - but i will just grab my 6'4 when that happens! Slides , reos, 360s and aerials (attempts in my case) are areas where - so far - a stand up just cant compete with a surfboard - Plus i feel a whole lot better in a barrel without paddles and large boards all around me.
The SB 11'2 is also a good coast cruiser for basic paddling
The SB 11'2 rail delivers super confidence in a wall as its rail blades out progressively towards the tail and has some real grip in a wave face. And i have never found it to be slow - at full trim i can make virtually any section that doesnt qualify as a closeout.
So its a matter of having the right tool for the job - in this case (as a surfer with a great all round surfboard) the 11'2 delivers the biggest range of fun for me personally.
My tip - if you like long board style riding ,with some pretty good carving / wall fanging ability too, like the occasional floater or reo - and live near alot of average surf,
and you like a board with good glide too
the 11'2 is worth a good look!
Thanks for the review.
I tried the 11'2" and I felt stuck in cruise mode. Glide across the wave, step back pivot through the turn, step forward glide across the wave. It was fun, but I couldn't really carve the turns the way I can on my 11'6" Naish. I came away feeling I had missed something.
When I surfed the 9'8" straight away I could feel the difference, it carved through the bottom turn with so much more speed than my Naish it nearly left me behind.
Steve
Yep I agree as well with the 3 of you
The Starboard 11'2 and 9'8 are two boards that are well worth looking into
Just had another fun session on the Starboard 11'2.
Miller and I went to Mettams. It was southerly at first but the LAGO delivered the goods.
We paddled out with only one other surfer in the water. He wasnt getting many waves. In his last half hour before he went in I saw him get 2 waves.
Miller and I got stacks!
The 11'2 is just getting better and better. Smooth soul arching bottom turns and nice carving round house cutties.
Just like Reflex, I too have been finding all the nice sweet spots on this board. It really is capable of doing more than anyone would expect.
This board continues to blow me away. What more can I say?
After reading your reviews Greeny, you always have more to say!!. Only kidding, I've never met anyone more enthusiastic for these boards than you. Hopefully we can catch up for another paddle again soon.
