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