Got out my new Starboard 10'5" x 32" Wide Point last week and so far this board has been everything I had hoped it would be! Took it out for the first time in solid waist high beach break surf, 20+ knot winds in my face and 15 degree air/46 degree water temps...NICE!
I opted for the brushed carbon construction figuring a board this size could certainly benefit from the lighter weight construction and I noticed the difference immediately paddling out how it seemed to jump forward with each paddle stroke, glide in a near straight line and cut nicely over and through the broken white water.
Once I figured out a good takeoff point, it was no effort stay up, move back and forth, spin around and jump on the first wave that came by. Not my usual late drop or ill-timed chaotic entry but a clean and smooth early pick-up, gaining speed with each paddle pull and BANG! I'm on! Could not believe how fast I got down the line and how easy it was to dig an edge and hold it to turn! The stability on the wave was excellent as I could swing the nose of the board around effortlessly. I never thought I could surf this well!(well, that is to say, for me...I do have much to learn). Even with the stiff offshores I caught way more waves than I missed and had an amazing first session!
These are first impressions and I can say with confidence this design in the brushed carbon for me appears to be every bit as advertised. Looks to be some much bigger surf this week, sure I'll have more to add later.