2018 Starboard All Star inflatable racing SUPs
For 2018, Starboard have merged their top of the line racing models under one name, the All Star. This includes their top all round racing carbon and composite boards, and now, their top inflatable racing boards also. With this model name consolidation/streamlining they are subtly saying that the boards are equal in performance, speed, quality and durability, they just vary in construction materials. This is a big step towards inflatables becoming not just competitive but the standard race board for those who travel the world and compete on a high level. If performance is similar, the logistics of a travelling the world with a 14′ inflatable board over a 14′ carbon board, well, it is pretty obviously much, much easier!
Airline Technology
Airline Technology: Starboard’s most significant breakthrough in tuning rocker lines and deflection. This efficient, lightweight technology could change the future of inflatable performance boards.
The free-flowing aramid cable locks the board in shape when inflated, creating a solid trustworthy hull sensation.
The patented Airline Technology utilizes a pre-set free-floating cable. It is attached to the nose, goes under the bottom and ends at the fin box. The preset cable is slightly shorter than the board so when the board inflates, the cable comes under tension and stiffens the board significantly. We measured 1.8 cm less hull deflection in testing and 2016 World Champion Connor Baxter swears by it.
The Starboard models equipped with Airline Technology:
Setting up your Starboard All Star with Airline
- Set up in a non abrasive area
- Unpack the board and accessories
- The pump, nose cone, leash and the FCS Connect tool-less fin
- Unroll the board
- Check that the cable knot in the fin box is secure
- Remove the valve cap
- Ensure the valve pin is up
- Start with the pump on double action mode
- Insert the pump hose
- Pump up the board
- Stop when the board looks inflated, but the pressure is still low
- Place cone on the nose of the board, ensure the Tiki man is upright
- Guide the cable around the nose, place pressure between the cone and the hooks
- Place the loop onto preferred tension hook
- Ensure the nose cone is secure and straight
- Pump the board to full pressure
- Switch to single action for easier pumping
- Finish when the board is between 15-18 PSI
- Remove the hose and replace the valve cap
- Attach the leash
- Loop the end of the leash through the tail d-ring
- Thread the cuff through the loop
- Pull through the entire leash until tight around the d-ring
- Push the excess cable flat into the fin box
- Place the front end of the fin into the fin box
- Slide is to the front of the box and press down firmly with the cable underneath
You’re all set! See you on the water. Follow this link to adjust your Starboard Airline knot.