3 Ways 2024 Board Shapes Dramatically Improve How You Ride
By Eddy Patricelli
Reason #1: Foil Boards Getting Longer in 2024 Will …
Lower Your Wind Minimums
Longer, narrower shapes accelerate with ease, lowering the wind (and rider) energy needed to rise onto the foil. As wing, prone and downwind foil boards embrace longer, sleeker shapes, the tease breeze becomes less tease, and more breeze.
Shrink Your Wing Quiver
Longer shapes don’t take much wing power in hand (or underfoot) to take flight. In quivers, this means “big” wing needs shrink. In the Gorge, a light-wind wing may be a 5.0. A light-wind foil for progressing intermediates may land at 1200 cm2.
Shrink Your Board Quiver
Downwind SUP foil boards and mid-length boards are versatile. As in, downwind boards double as light-wind wing boards. Mid-length shapes double as wing and prone surf foiling boards. Do more with less.
#2: Windsurfing Boards Up to 3 Pounds Lighter in 2024 Will …
Lower Your Wind Minimums
Less board weight means less drag for improved planing performance. 2024 Goya, Quatro and Duotone wave and freewave boards reveal a weight shaving obsession. Mast tracks, fin boxes, deck pads, fins, fin bolt hardware — lighter, lighter, lighter.
Let You Ride Smaller Sails
When boards leap onto a plane more easily than their predecessors, riders can opt for smaller, lighter sails without fear of schlogging. The payoffs of this can be profound. Smaller, easier handling sails are less taxing. Cue longer sessions and progression.
Turn Back the Clock On Hang Time
For “mature” windsurfers, boosting big airs on today’s compact, multi-fin shapes feels elusive. Am I just older? Or has the gear changed? The short answer is both. And while there’s more to this, a lighter board underfoot helps bring the boost back.
#3: One Innovative Inflatable Paddle Board Will …
Allow You to Paddle Anywhere
Fold an inflatable board into its pack, and onto your back, and visions of long hikes into remote, screensaver-worthy waterways vanish with one thought: This is a heavy load … Starboard’s iGo Deluxe inflatables are not, and pack into svelt pack that encourage exploring far from the beaten path.
Let You Stow Anywhere
All inflatable paddle boards may fold into packs, but not equally. Starboard iGo Deluxe models fold into what looks like a duffle bag. And better, a duffle bag with wheels. Stow it in a closet, a trunk, a back seat — and still have room for the rest of your life.
Ride Worry Free
Many inflatable boards are light. Many are bomber. It’s a rare to find one that’s both. Starboard iGo Deluxe models are a revelation to pick up, and feature a glue-free, environmentally-friendly build that is backed by a staggering 5-year warranty.
