"Another raceboard?", you might ask. There's already the Allstar and the Sprint. On closer inspection, however, the Starboard Gen R closes a gap that has actually been created by the further development of the other two models in recent years. The Allstar - and the Sprint even more extreme - rely on a deck shape with a strongly lowered standing surface, which is not particularly suitable for use in beach races. As a result, the Sprint with its pointed displacement nose has developed into an increasingly radical flat water long distance specialist. As a board with a flatter underwater hull under the bow, the Allstar is designed as a semi-glider and is pushed to incredible speeds by top athletes in sprint races. But even on the Allstar, you are now standing very low "in the board" with high sidewalls, the path to the narrow stern is clearly uphill towards the back. This makes buoy turns in difficult conditions a balancing act - not to mention beach starts and surfing waves. So the way is clear for a new all-rounder that can do this? For the new Starboard Gen R?
2024 Starboard Gen R 14' x 25'' short test
We were able to test the Gen R 14' x 25'' in wind forces two to four on Lake Tegernsee and were also able to compare the Starboard Gen R 14' x 27'' with the Starboard Touring 14' x 28'' in detail (link below) - with very interesting results. But first, let's get out on the water with the 25'': with a width of 25 inches, the board offers good stability in the race class, but for touring you are already on more demanding terrain. The stop point, which can be felt after maybe ten or 15 degrees of sideways tipping, is pleasant. This is when the "secondary stability" comes into play. When the foot reaches about the same height as the water surface, the board stops the sideways rolling movement with noticeable resistance.
Tipping stability in the good range
If you want to categorise the "primary stability" - the perceived stability when you first get on the Gen R - and the "secondary stability", both are in a good range for a 25er width. This is thanks to the slightly lowered deck and the flat underside with not overly rounded edges. The grippy surface keeps you dry throughout, no water comes over the sides and cable waves on the lake don't find their way into the cockpit via the bulky bow. However, if water does come over, it drains downwards immediately through the drain valve. The full-length decking all the way to the stern makes it safe to go aft, and nothing stands in the way of tight turns at the buoy - or just for fun.
The equipment is impressive with a high-quality carbon fin, and the handles supplied can be screwed onto the side of the edge or in the centre.
Starboard Gen R: One board for all conditions?
The board - 25 inches wide in this case - proved to be challenging in sideways waves, but very easy to control on courses against the wind and downwind. The fact that hardly any water came over the board even when paddling against the wave had a very positive effect: half the bow split the waves, half it glided over them. The board also takes small waves gratefully as a pushing aid and glides well over waves that need to be overtaken and also holds its course well when the waves roll slightly diagonally from behind, so that you can really pick up speed here with paddle pressure. This is also a result of the direct comparison test (see link below), the strength of the board: paddling with pressure, well above the typical leisurely touring speed. And, of course, when waves come into play - whether small chop on the lake, as in our test, or real waves at sea. This is where touring shapes with a deep bow and less planing potential quickly reach their limits, and the Gen R has the right genes for this.
SUP conclusion: The 25 mm width of the Gen R appeals to experienced, sporty paddlers who like to paddle with pressure and are perhaps toying with the idea of taking part in a race - maybe even at sea. The shape is generally suitable for flat water and rougher conditions. For experienced, lightweight paddlers (under 70 kilos), the board is also conceivable as a very sporty touring board (with limited storage space).
You can find a very detailed comparison test between the wider Starboard Gen R 14' x 27'' and the Starboard Touring 14' x 28'' here.
