Hi.
Any thoughts out there on the starboard Rio Large as a long board cruising and early planing ??
Looking for a directional board for light wind
Cruising exploring but still able to perform.
Many thanks.
Jonny

I assume you want something with a centreboard?

The Rio is probably as good as any, without going to a 3.8m raceboard. It will have the longest waterline and straightest rails for upwind directional performance (compared to the smaller Rios and the Start, or most of the other entry level boards by other brands). By the way I own a few raceboards and a Start. I've sailed one of the medium Rios a handful of times

The Rio would still be suitable for teaching friends and family who may want to have a go too.

The newest starboard online catalogue has another long-tail version of the Rio, which may be better again for early planing. Interestingly there are another two boards from Starboard (Go and AtomIQ) that have the option of centreboard this year.

Clarence