I've got a 2012 Starboard (9' 8" x 30"). I like it.

I've been asked three times in as many paddles how old my board is and what great shape it's in.

Am I missing something?! I seem to catch the same number of waves as most... I think.

I wish I was like you and happy with what I got ...I seem to be changing every year ,cost a bloody fortune .

ride it till it dies

I guess it's like other things .... same old, same old after you've had one a while.....riding a new one is fun and exciting.
New, smaller shapes = new moves
The shiny new skin has more curves than the older models
The deckpad feels soft and supple....nice to climb on after a tumble

If you ride em' and put em' away wet, they get rundown and maintenance can get expensive....

Don't get me wrong..... the older ones are classic, and should be kept around for the special occasion, but new ones keep life from becoming too routine

I don't think that starboard element has changed much since 2012, if at all. I was very happy with the durability of my 2012 widepoint. seems like it was a good year to buy a starboard, they have held up well. IMHO, the big changes in surf sups have been figuring out how to fit more volume into smaller shapes and just a general realization among shapers and paddlers alike that you don't need as much volume in a surf sup as we used to assume.

I think it depends upon the paddler/surfer a bit too. For example, I was looking at the original Sunova Acid versus the latest version and the little hip in the board is far less pronounced now. I am sure Bert had a good reason for doing that, but I really wonder if I would personally notice it at my competence level. And I read people talking about using different fins - again, I can't imagine I would notice a difference because there are so many other variables. So I think the real reason to buy something new is because your skill level, ability to balance, and desire for challenge changes and you may therefore be able to handle a smaller board (and/or a board with thinner rails, squarer nose, etc.).

Tardy said..
I wish I was like you and happy with what I got ...I seem to be changing every year ,cost a bloody fortune .

ride it till it dies

A bit like getting a new woman

ha ha ha, Smash, yup... busted... having fun with the ministers
Didn't want to upset anyone who is happy with their old board.

but, ummmm, yeah, there is a huge difference in many of the new boards in recent years.

Some have figured out how to make boards strong AND light

Many shapes are vastly different from just a few years ago.... shapers are pushing the SUP envelope.
rails are more finely foiled
boards are thinning out
shapes are less SUP.... more surfboard..... not blocky, thick nose and tails... square railed corks
Handles are better

Some older shapes are still awesome, like the Nalu and Mana but even they have seen improvements.
Classics like the Avanti have gotten a carbon upgrade
Big Boy boards like the Allwave are adding more performance.
Many local shapers are helping to push the performance envelope as the sport attracts younger rippers

There are real changes in some companies.... not just trendy paint.

having said all that, I think were are approaching a performance level that will level off soon.
Then it will be tweaking shapes...

and work will get serious on more environmentally sustainable builds.

Dylpeters said..

SRrat said...
Sounds like a 9'8" Element they are great. I am not selling mine

Biggest regret is selling my element it was unreal..!!!

Didn't sell the Element but have bought a couple of other boards since