If you’re into SUP surfing, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to go for a longboard style board or a shortboard style board. Each has its own strengths, and the right choice depends on your riding style and wave conditions. While experience level can also come into it, Starboard has already thought of that and we have something for everyone.
We’re breaking down the key differences between the Starboard Longboard Surf SUP and Starboard’s shortboard-style options, like the Spice and Pro. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which board is the best fit for your local break.
The Starboard Longboard Surf SUP: Smooth, Classic, and Stylish
The Starboard Longboard Surf SUP is built for surfers who love classic longboard-style riding - smooth carves, flowing turns, and stylish nose rides. If you’ve ever watched old-school longboarders cross-step their way to the nose and hang ten, that’s the kind of feel this board delivers.
What Makes It Unique?
Longer, narrower outline - at 9’0” or longer, the extra length provides more glide and flow, making it really easy to catch waves early.
Thin rails - these help you engage the wave face and carve smoothly, even on slower, rolling waves.
Tail kick and rocker - giving you the ability to turn sharper than a traditional longboard while still maintaining control.
Great for nose riding – The narrow nose and refined concave allow for smooth, controlled nose rides.
Who is the Starboard Longboard Best For?
If your idea of a perfect session is cruising down the line and linking stylish turns, the Starboard Longboard Surf SUP is the board for you. It offers the flowing style of classic longboarding while remaining easy to paddle and catch waves on.
The Starboard Spice: Performance and Flow
If that doesn't sound like you, and instead you want a shortboard feel with a bit more stability and versatility, the Starboard Spice Surf SUP is a great middle ground. It’s shorter and looser than the Longboard but still offers enough volume to paddle comfortably and generate speed in weaker waves.
How the Spice Compares to the Longboard
Shorter and more manoeuvrable – From 7’4” to 9’3”, it’s much shorter than the Longboard, making it easier to throw around in turns.
Handles steeper waves better – The pulled-in tail and thinner rails allow for tighter turns in more critical sections of the wave.
More of a “carving” board – While the Longboard is about smooth lines, the Spice is about power and control through turns.
Who is the Spice Best For?
If you want more speed, power, and flow in a shortboard-style package, the Spice is a great alternative to the Longboard. It'll give you the perfect balance between stability and high-performance manoeuvrability which is ideal for those who like a shortboard feel for carving turns in steeper waves, and some forgiveness in weaker waves.
The Starboard Pro: High-Performance, No Compromises
For advanced riders who want a true shortboard feel, the Starboard Pro is Starboard’s most high-performance surf SUP. This board is all about tight turns, vertical snaps, and aggressive surfing.
How the Pro Compares to the Longboard
Ultra-responsive – At 6’8” to 9’0”, the Pro is significantly smaller and more agile than the Longboard, designed specifically for steeper, faster waves.
Less forgiving – The reduced volume and narrower outline mean you need solid balance and technique to ride it well.
Not ideal for smaller waves – Unlike the Longboard and Spice, which excel in mushier conditions as well as big, clean waves, the Pro is designed solely for powerful, critical waves.
Who is the Pro Best For?
Advanced surfers who want a true high-performance shortboard feel.
Those who love vertical snaps, aggressive turns, and critical maneuvers.
Riders who surf steeper, more powerful waves.
If you want the most high-performance SUP surfboard on the market, the Pro is your go-to. If you're stepping down from a bigger board, you'll need to be prepared for a learning curve. But if you love vertical snaps, aggressive turns and critical manoeuvres, or you regularly surf steep and powerful waves, this board should suit you perfectly.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Go with the Starboard Longboard if:
You love classic longboard surfing - smooth carves, nose riding, and stylish turns.
You want a board that’s easy to paddle and catch waves on or you prefer flow and glide over fast, snappy turns.
Go with the Starboard Spice if:
You want a mix of stability and performance.
You like more aggressive turns but still want some forgiveness.
You surf a variety of conditions and want a versatile board.
Go with the Starboard Pro if:
You’re an advanced surfer who wants a high-performance shortboard feel.
You’re surfing steep, more powerful waves.
You’re looking for the most responsive and technical board in the lineup.
At the end of the day, it comes down to your riding style, how often you get on the water, and the waves you surf most often. Whichever you choose, Starboard’s lineup has something for everyone.
Check out the Starboard Longboard, Spice, and Pro surf stand up paddle boards with SUP North Devon, or give us a call to find out which board and size is right for you.
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