How to set up your Starboard All Star SUP with Airline Technology

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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