The outline has been brought in at the lifted nose and widened around the stance. This creates more outline curve making it more responsive, yet smooth through turns because of the addition of a fraction more V though the tail. The 2011 upgraded Drive retains all the classic characteristics which made it a favorite for being easy to ride, while paddling and on a wave. More than anything the Drive feels alive on a wave:
Available in
AST White
AST Silver.
CLASSIC AST
EXTRA TRACTION, DURABLE, STRONG AND TOUGH
* Tufskin technology uses a layer of continuous mat fibres sandwiched between 2 layers of glass weave to form a thick, stiff and durable epoxy sandwiched laminate.
* The standing area has a 0.6 mm Austtarlian pine Wood layer for extra strength.
* With superior impact resistance, it is the technology of choice for those looking for durability and strength.
* The seamless rail finish and sharp release edges add to the value, quality and performance of Tufskin Technology.
With Nikki Gregg & Anne Marie Reichman
First of all, make sure you use plenty of sunscreen! Then, the best place to begin is calm water away from swimmers, boats and rocks.
Paddling
1. Find your balance on your board by sitting on your knees.
2. Stand up comforatble in the middle of the board where you can see the black marks. Put your toes in a straight line and your feet shoulder-width apart.
3. Your top hand is opposite to the side you are paddling on and gripping the T-Bar at the top of paddle.
4. Aim for the nose of the board, pulling the paddle through the water in one long stroke, as close to the rail as possible. Use your whole upper body to pull the paddle towards you - use your stomach muscles like a sit-up.
Turning
1. When you first see a shark or a wave approaching, the quickest way to turn your board around is with a pivot turn,
2. First take a small step back from your paddling position, so that the tail sinks and nose comes out of the water and induces the pivot motion.
3. The board comes around faster when wide sweeping strokes are used, in a big semi circle from nose to tail.
4. Once you've finished the turn step back to the central stance position so the board levels out and you're off on your merry way.
Catching waves
1. When paddling for a wave, it becomes easier when you move your feet slightly into your preferred stance for surfing. It will be either left or right foot forward, depending on what feels more natural to you.
2. To get onto the wave you must use strong, determined strokes. Generate enough speed so that you will get on to the wave.
3. At the point you feel the wave propelling you forward and the glide sensation begins move a little further back on the board and spread your feet apart into surf stance.
4. Moving back helps to sink the tail, keeping the nose up as you come down the face of the wave. Once speed is up, lean into the turn by bending and weighting the back leg and foot whilst leaning over onto the inside rail that you wish to turn off. You are now oficially up and riding and hooked for life.
Starboard SUP, stand up paddle board equipment for paddling, surfing and windsurfing. Leading innovators with the world's most comprehensive range of shapes and technology options.
In order to use your SUP you'll need a couple of essentials, here is what you will be looking for;
Paddle
These are a must! available in many different constructions from cheaper alloy paddles at £54.99 right up to £249 carbon power paddles that come with their own bag. A stiff carbon paddle helps at expert level, but when you are starting out there is little need for such a high tech spar. Details on the various paddles can be found here.
(here).
Leash
These are helpful in all paddling environments, stopping the board from drifiting away when you fall off. In surf they are a must. They need to be as long as you height as a minimum, and range in price from around £12.95 upwards. Details of the leashes can be found here.
Wetsuit
Not essential if you are lucky enough to live somewhere hot, but here in the UK they are a must. Prices range from £89 for a winter steamer, or you can choose a summer suit that starts around £59. Details of all our wetsuits can be found here.
Wax
If you use wetsuit boots then this will probably not apply to you, neither if you are using an sup with a soft deck, as these are very grippy, but some SUP's do not have a grippy surface; they are like surfboards. In this situation you will need some wax to spread on the deck for additional grip. Wax can be found here.
As with any new or unfamiliar sport there are always going to be questions about how it all works. Starboard has compiled a FAQ section that hopefully will answer most of the main questions. If you can't find what you are looking for then send us an email and we will do our best to answer your questions.
Q: What is Stand Up Paddle Surfing?
A: It's like longboard/malibu surfing except you stand up for the whole session and use a paddle to get around.
Q: Why use a paddle?
A: It means you can get around to different parts of the break quicker, explore the coast line and is just another way of propelling yourself through the water.
Q: Does it mean I can catch more waves?
A: Yes, but you should share the waves with other surf craft. Don't be greedy, surf with Aloha as they say in Hawaii.
Q: Do you have to do it in waves?
A: Nope. In Fact SUP (as it's known) is great for flat water too and is really good for all round fitness.
Q: What type of boards are available/Can I just use my Mal?
A: You will find your standard Mal too small for SUP. There are various different models of SUP boards on the market. We suggest something in the region of 11' - 12'6", which sounds big but you'll be grateful of the flotation when you try and paddle.
Choose your SUP size
1. The longer a board is the better it glides due to its increased water length.
2. The wider a board is, the more balance it will provide.
3. The shorter a board is the better it will be at changing direction, and react on foot pressure.
Boards cost in the region of £600 - £1000 depending on size and construction.
Q: What paddle do I need?
A: A one bladed paddle is what you need, ideally with a T Bar grip at the top. The paddle should be cut at a length that is roughly 7 inches taller than you. This can be easily done with a hacksaw and we will post details of how to do this very soon on the Kit page.
There are various different constructions for paddles. The best is carbon as it is the lightest and stiffest. An aluminum shafted paddle with a plastic blade is cheapest and although the paddle flexes a little it is still ok and allows you to get on the water. Rough costs are Carbon paddle - £160 - £300 Plastic paddle - £50 - £100.
Q: Can I try SUP somewhere?
A: Yes you will be able to try it at selected events this summer. Go to the EVENTS page to find out more.
Give respect!
The modern Stand Up Paddle boards allow you to catch waves a lot earlier than even the longboarders. This is great but can lead to congestion problems on the water at crowded breaks. Here at Stand Up Paddle Surf UK we would like to encourage a culture of respect and sharing. Don't steal all the waves. Ride a few, then let a few pass under your board. Use your elevated position to call the sets for the other surfers. Use your paddle to head off to other peaks on the beach, which maybe you haven't ridden before. In Hawaii they call it "Surfing with Aloha." It isn't difficult to do, but it will mean that the sport grows and is respected by other water users.
If you are taking part in Stand Up Paddle surfing at the moment or are thinking about taking it up then you can see yourself as a pioneer of the sport in the UK. Don't be greedy out there - give respect to gain respect.
Starboard SUP videos to give you some idea of what can be done on these very versatile watercraft.
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