Builder · Premium · Bangkok, Thailand

Starboard

Thai premium SUP and windsurf builder, 1994-founded. Hard boards and inflatable performance SUPs across recreation, touring, and race lines.

Founded: 1994
Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand
Ownership: Private
Tier: Premium
Website: star-board.com

Starboard is the Thai premium SUP and windsurf builder, founded in 1994 by Svein Rasmussen. The brand has stayed privately owned. The lineup runs hard boards (EPS-fiberglass and carbon construction) and premium inflatable SUPs.

The brand argument is performance and race-pedigree. Starboard hard SUPs are competition-grade boards used at the top of the SUP-race circuit, and the inflatable line carries the same design language.

Lineup

Current platforms.

Hard board lineup (EPS-FG / Carbon)

Hard boards across recreation, touring, race
Inflatable performance lineup

Premium inflatable SUPs with race shapes

Model breakdown

Each platform, what it does and where it falls short.

Starboard Hard board lineup (EPS-FG / Carbon)

Hard board lineup spans recreation, touring, and race. EPS-fiberglass and full-carbon construction options.

Things we like

· Race-pedigree construction at SUP-circuit top
· Multiple shape options for cross-discipline use

Things we don't

· Hard board transport requires roof rack or trailer
· Premium pricing at top of segment

Starboard Inflatable performance lineup

Inflatable lineup includes recreation, touring, and race shapes. Carbon-rail construction on premium inflatable models.

Things we like

· Inflatable platform with race-shape design language
· Carbon-rail construction approaches hard-board feel

Things we don't

· Pricing pushes into hard-board territory at premium tier
· Smaller US used market than Red Paddle Co

Buyer's guide

The Starboard story and what to know on the used market.

Origin and ownership

Starboard was founded in 1994 in Thailand by Svein Rasmussen, a former windsurf-circuit competitor. The brand built around windsurf and SUP performance design language.

Production has stayed in Thailand under privately controlled ownership.

Design philosophy

Starboard SUPs use multiple construction architectures: EPS-fiberglass and carbon for hard boards; fusion and carbon-rail for inflatable. The design language across the lineup follows windsurf and SUP-race aesthetics.

Race-pedigree shapes drive the brand differentiation.

Used-market notes and known issues

Hard-board EPS construction requires UV protection in salt-heavy storage.

Inflatable carbon-rail at 22 PSI matches Red Paddle MSL inflation.

Dealer network concentrated in coastal-luxury and race-circuit markets.

Race-shape design requires intermediate-plus skill for stability.

Resale

Starboard holds resale tightly in the premium SUP segment. Three-year depreciation runs 18 to 25 percent.

Where Starboard fits

Buyers cross-shop Starboard against Naish, SIC, and Red Paddle Co on the premium SUP segment. The argument is race-pedigree design language and hard-and-inflatable lineup.

FAQ

Frequently asked.

Hard board or inflatable?: Hard board: stiffer feel, race-pedigree shapes, harder transport. Inflatable: easier storage and transport, carbon-rail premium options approach hard-board feel. Cross-shop on storage and transport need.
Where are Starboards built?: Bangkok, Thailand. Privately owned facility.

Compare

Categories Starboard fits.

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