The Starboard Ultra underwent a major update last season, but the shape remains unchanged for 2024. This makes it all the more exciting to see how the board can hold its own against the new competition.
On land:
The outline of the Ultra is quite round overall. The board is available in two designs and is delivered as a thruster. The side fins are in the so-called Starbox, which is compatible with US box and (slightly modified) slot box fins - so if you have accessory or weed fins, you can continue to use both systems. The pads are exceptionally well padded, the loops are fastened with very thick Torx screws and the rear loop is double-screwed. Overall, the stance width of the Starboard Ultra is slightly wider, but if you use non-matching plugs, you can also reduce the stance. The short mast track is slightly lower, which should improve the board's control. The underwater hull is slightly mono-concave at the front and turns into a V with slight double concaves in front of the fins. In the tail, the shape also has a lot of curve ("tail kick"), which should improve the turning characteristics.
On the water:
Given the round rocker line, it is still surprising how well the Starboard Ultra Carbon planes. There is no trace of a planing threshold - the board accelerates to top speed in a lively and sporty manner, the planing position on the straight is quite free and lively. This makes the board ideal for scoring high in the jumping rankings even on days with less wind. The good performance is also noticeable on the waves, the Starboard Ultra holds its speed really well in front of less powerful waves and ensures that you arrive at the cutback with plenty of speed and can also generate enough steam for wave moves such as 360s.
The turning characteristics are also outstanding: The Ultra can be pressed into tight radii with little power, remains variable to turn even at high speeds and pulls off radical turns on every wave face. However, in order to be able to savour the board's great turning potential, conditions and riding ability must play along, because when the waves get rough and the wind gets strong, the Ultra becomes increasingly challenging to control. Then you would want more guidance and smoothness both on the straights and when riding the waves.
Starboard Ultra Carbon - the conclusion:
The Starboard Ultra Carbon scores with above-average planing and turning characteristics both on the Baltic Sea and in large ocean waves. If you are looking for a board for rough conditions or an introduction to wave surfing, you should check out the alternatives.
Sliding, variability
Control in chop
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Technical data Starboard Ultra Carbon
- Weight: 6.31 kg
- Length: 224.2 cm
- Width: 58.4 cm
- Price: 2999*/2499** Euro >> available here
