Board Review: Starboard 8'2 x 32" Astro Wide Point Inflatable

Inflatables have improved greatly over the past couple of seasons.  It is easy to disregard inflatables as an inferior option, or an option only for those who have no storage but some of the newer inflatables with better materials, designs and pumps perform admirably in dynamic conditions.

I spent a couple of days surfing the Starboard 8'2 x 32" Astro Wide Point Inflatable and was impressed with the performance.  I have surfed inflatables before and not been too impressed.  I found the older inflatables too soft to surf.  They tended to bend and flex when I wanted to turn and would flop down the wave instead of carving on the rail.  The new Astro Wide Point solves those issues with some simple and effective design changes.

The Astro Wide Point inflates to 18 psi which makes it very rigid. Most inflatables are only suggested to reach 12-15 psi which will still flex when you hit the waves.  The Astro Wide Point also has a much more surf specific shape which allows it to perform much better in the surf. A narrow nose and tail with added rocker give it more maneuverability and performance turning.

I was critical going into the session and expected some give when I paddled out into the surf.  The pointed nose pierced through oncoming waves and the board was stiff enough to punch through and over the foam.  When I dropped into waves I expected some 'flopping' but I was able to step back on the tail and drive a good bottom turn on the rail.

I haven't got it into bigger surf but based on its performance over the past couple of days I expect it will do just fine.  Make no mistake, a fiberglass board will perform better in most conditions but for a board that folds into a small backpack that you can stuff into your trunk its pretty darn good.

I would recommend this board to anyone looking to get out into the surf who doesn't have the extra storage to pick up a second board.  It's a great board to bring on a surf trip because it doesn't take up extra space on the roof and can be used as a backup board if your board isn't right for the conditions.  The inflatables are also great boards for kids as they can jump on them, bash them into the sand or drag them across the street without damaging them.

Starboard makes a few inflatable surf shapes in different constructions.  They make all of the inflatables in a 'fun' construction which is a little bit thinner and less expensive.  The 'deluxe' construction is thicker, stiffer and inflates to a higher psi for better performance.  Check out Starboard's website for a full list of their inflatable products.

http://star-board-sup.com/2013/products/boards/#astro

Tofino Coastal Surf Weekend

This March we will again be offering our Coastal Paddle Surf course in Tofino, B.C. Over the three days our course teaches you how to catch your first wave on your sup, improve your existing paddle surf skill set and provide a framework to make good decisions in a dynamic ocean environment. At the same time, you will enjoy the stunning west coast and the beauty of Tofino from our beach side accommodations. As certified instructors with years of surfing and coastal experience we are committed to your success on the waves and safety in the ocean. Nothing makes us happier than seeing people catch their first wave on their paddleboard. Enjoy, relax, have fun, and learn to paddle surf.

DATES: MARCH 15-17th, 2013
LOCATION: TOFINO, B.C.
PRICE: $525+hst
INCLUDES: Paddle Canada SUP Coastal Surf certification, Beach side accommodations, Video Analysis, Coastal Surf Swag Bag sponsored by Quiksilver, FCS, Tofino Brewing and more.
*Board and wetsuit rental packages available.
** Contact norm@mountainsurfadventures.com to confirm your spot and receive a detailed itinerary.

Tofino, British Columbia: Reigns as the jewel of Canada’s west coast. The stunning beauty and ecological diversity of Tofino’s location in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the source of all activities. Imagine, all in one place, fishing, kayaking, whale watching, bear-watching, bird watching, camping, hiking, storm-watching and First Nations cultural touring. Surfing is big here, and Tofino was named the best surf town in North America in Outside Magazine’s 2010 Editors’ Choice awards.

COASTAL PADDLE SURF INSTRUCTORS:
Norm Hann: Norm is a sponsored Canadian paddleboard athlete and racer with Boardworks Surf Canada, a Quiksilver Waterman Ambassador and Paddle Canada SUP Instructor Trainer. Based in Squamish, B.C. Norm runs Mountain Surf Adventures which focuses on coastal expeditions and standup paddleboard instruction. Norm has also been active in the conservation and protection of the Great Bear Rainforest and the British Columbia coastline through his Standup4Greatbear Organization.

Photo Credit: Dan Shugar

Mike Darbyshire: Mike has been outside and on the water for most of his life. Surfing and kayaking led him into the Stand Up Paddleboard world and he hasn’t looked back. In a few short years SUP has given Mike opportunities to travel around North America, explore new places in his own backyard and help develop the Paddle Canada SUP Instructional Program. Mike is an excellent instructor, talented paddler and is stoked on all disciplines of SUP including surf, touring, racing and river; and is excited to share it with whoever he can! He run’s the SUP program at Deep Cove Kayak and is sponsored by Starboard, Kokatat and Werner Paddles.

Photo Credit: Chris Emerick

Catherine Bruhwiler: Catherine is a life long local Tofino surfer who loves to spend most of her time in the ocean. She is a talented surfer with a beautiful style and is an incredible ambassador for her hometown of Tofino, B.C. As a Paddle Canada SUP Instructor she teaches paddleboarding full time through her business Tofino Paddle Surf. When she is not teaching surfing for her brother’s Sepp and Raph or paddleboarding she will be found traveling and surfing with her kids. With her vast experience growing up on the ocean and surfing, Catherine brings a wealth of local knowledge to the course. Catherine is sponsored by Roxy, Level Sixand Aftanas Surfboards.