At 9'0" The Stinger looks a little small for me at 105kg so I was surprised that it floated me quite well and was very stable. 30" wide helps see http://www.star-board-sup.com/products/bd_stinger.php for more details.

Session - went for a sideshore paddle (500m) in fairly strong offshore then surfed some knee to waist high waves bit of backwash - testing.

"+'s" - Paddled really well for a 9 footer due to width and flatish rocker, loose in the waves due to quad set up, spun on a dime when paddling, great finish and deckgrip (camo deck model), improved handle, option for thruster set up.

"-'s" - As with my 70's stinger surfboard it felt odd on the waves with the front being dragged up the waves weirdly on occasions when standing on the narrow rear section, lack of rocker for steep drops, cheap and nasty plastic FCS fins really flexible.

Overall an interesting concept but not for me onto the 09 9 8.

Well worth a demo, thanks to standup paddle sports for the opportunity.

Well you being over 100kgs and in waves with no push, could only be the cause for sinking the tail?

i'd be interested to hear your take on the 10'5 - it was instant love for me!

Greenroom - the tail was not sinking, the front of the board would get more lift than expected from the water going up the wave. As it is so much wider than the tail. If it was your only board you would get used to it but I am looking at a 2 board quiver. Want to jump from one to the other with min fuss.

Reflex - the 10 5 is too close to my fav the JL 10 8 now that is a good board. You should try it.

I am looking for a looser shortboard feel on good quality waves, shortlist is the new starboard 9 8 and the 9 6 wide ripper. Only sup now have passed the short boards onto my daughter and son.

Wife and finances have a large say else I would have the ripper already looks awesome. But life is a compromise.

Have the 9 8 for the weekend. Can't understand why lighter blokes are not on the sub 10" boards as they paddle just as well as the 10 6's but surf so much better and are less of a pain on land.

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hilly said...

Greenroom - the tail was not sinking, the front of the board would get more lift than expected from the water going up the wave. As it is so much wider than the tail.

I am still a little confused as to what you mean? What happens to the tail when this happens and when does it happen? Would standing on the board in certain places only make this happen?

This was on the 2008 Starboard 9'0.
Id like to have another go on it as I reckon Im a little better on the SUP than I was then

This is my bloopers vid

Greenroom - Talking about feel of the board underfeed, you expect a certain amount of lift from the board as you go across the wave. Lift from the wave verses gravity equals speed (plus rider input pumping turning etc). Balance it right you generate more speed across the wave enabling you to go out in front of the wave for bottom turns or down the line for cutbacks. The stinger on occasions gave more lift than I expected coming from the JL, thus upsetting the balance equalling less speed than I wanted. Flexy plastic fins did not help either.

Talking subtle control here not huge problem. As I said before if it was your only board you would get used to it.

The Stinger is a surprising board for its size worth a demo. I think you would prefer the 9 8 though as it flows better due to the clean outline. I have always preferred a clean shape to flyers etc.

At your weight the 9 0 would be brilliant in up to solid head high (real size). IMHO the smaller starboard sups catch and ride waves heaps better than the 11 2. But you know my thoughts on that board.

Hilly my PSH wide AA should be here any day now.
In a similar vain and on a similar board to Greenroom I launched myself onto some reef at low tide early Sunday am and paid full price with a moderate shoulder (muscle) tear.Pretty much nil movement just heaps of voltarin but I reckon I will be out of the water for a week.
Suddenly there is a big number of Cammo deck Starboards on the water here.
Agreed they seem to get their stability from the width in the nose.
It will be interesting to see how the PSH compares for the 0.1 ton members!