I had the chance to try the starboard pin this morning thanks to the guys at AUSWIND/AIRBORNE.

I have searched the net for a review on this board and no-one here or overseas seems to know much about how this board performs. I am very interested to hear of anyone trialling this board against the Naish Glide as they seem similar boards.

Here are my thoughts from todays demo: The conditions were shocking a +20knots on the river. I paddled up into the wind and came back on the downwinder, so not an ideal test, but I was able to directly compare the K15 and Starboard 12'6 stock model.

The Pin looks fast and holds its line into the breeze with 3-5 strokes each side, the standard 12'6 needed correcting strokes consistantly upwind. Downwind (small chop 1foot) the Pin flew, even without paddling, whereas the SB 12'6 was a little more 'stagnant'. I felt the SB12'6 was more forgiving with the runners (even though they were tiny), because I got the sensation that the Pin would round up a little . The difference in stability was moderate - I wouldn't say the pin is hard to control or balance, but certainly the SB12'6 was a little more stable - which is what you would expect.

The K15 was significantly fast and held its line extremely well, given it is 15 feet long this probably isn't surprising. The balance, with the scooped out deck is very different. Being inside the board, rather than on top gives you an impression of 'groundedness', but also tippyness. It felt like how I have read the Penetrator behaves - you felt you were about to tip and the terminal edge corrects you.

This wasn't meant to be a review, but I wanted to kick off the pin discussion (as there is minimal talk on the web about this board) comparing it to the Glide.

Cheers

PS- I will hopefully demo the pin on the ocean with a true downwinder in the next couple of weeks.

Nice one Goochi, i've been waiting to hear about the pin as well. Looking forward to hear how it goes in the downwinder........Oh yeah same as what DJ said (PICS)

Hi Jonathan

The K-15 sat deeply in the water, so on the small runners it seemed to stay straight, compared with the Pin. I have minimal downwind experience, so I wouldn't take this experience as definite. The K-15 would certainly be a flat water/racing craft, it's long water line created a good sense of glide, but was more tippy side on to the chop than the pin.

I will try and take photos DJ, good luck for this Wednesday you guys are quite mad, but it is also inspiring. With all the downwinders you and the gang are doing you will have to come across for the Doctor crossing in January (Rotto to Observation city ~25km).

Yesterday Jonathan and I thought that it was the best down-winder ever.. That was until today..

Today was a ripper.. Perfect direction and much bigger waves than normal (due to a different wind direction).

Re. the K15.. I'd love to try one but I'm not sure that I'd like the boat feel.. Does it feel like you're standing in a bath-tub?..

Also.. Did you hit the board much when you had to lift up and over to swap sides?

DJ