Brand: Starboard
Year: 2027
Board Type: Race
Board Length: 14'0"
Fin: Flash Plus prepreg carbon
Warranty: 1 Year
The Starboard Gen R 14'0 is a flat-deck composite race paddle board, built for flat water, technical racing, beach starts and light to medium open-water conditions. Starboard developed this version after the last ICF World Championships, using feedback from paddlers of every level, to make a race board that performs in a wide range of conditions while staying easy to use. It's thinner and lighter than the previous Gen R, with an All Star-inspired round tail, and Starboard says it excels in small chop and waves and is great for technical races. For 2027 it comes in two new constructions, CRS D2 and XTEC Carbon D2, in four widths from 21.5" to 27".
Some sizes and constructions are pre-order only. Order now to reserve yours, and we'll confirm the expected delivery date when we take your order.
Features and benefits
- Versatile design: the lighter, thinner board gives you more control across a wide range of race situations, from flat-water sprints to choppy downwind runs.
- All Star-inspired round tail: helps the board glide further and go faster, feels more forgiving in the ocean, responds well in turns and releases water cleanly.
- Thin and light: thinner than its predecessor with less volume, so it's lighter, faster and more nimble, especially in side winds and on beach starts.
- New rails: the rails are rounded towards the nose for better control and tracking in a side wind.
- Extended standing area: runs further forward, so it's easy to move your feet to trim the board in sprints and downwind.
- New rocker line: blends the previous Gen R rocker at the nose with the All Star rocker towards the tail, for control in rough water and quick acceleration on flat water.
- Low standing area: 1.5cm lower than the previous Gen R, which lowers your centre of gravity for more stability and control.
- Recessed EVA handle: a 1cm soft EVA recessed handle that's comfortable to grab when carrying the board and on running beach starts.
- Nose vee: helps shed water off the deck and gives the nose more lift in chop and waves.
- Bungee tie-downs (27" only): the 27" has deck bungees, so it works as a fast touring board as well as a race board.
- Board sock included: every Gen R comes with a board sock; choose the travel bag option for double protection when you travel or store the board.
Construction and technology
- Carbon Reflex Sandwich D2 (CRS D2): Starboard's lightest full-carbon race construction so far, and its premium race build. Ultra-light 100g biaxial carbon gives a very high strength-to-weight ratio, extra carbon on the rails and bottom tunes the flex so the board springs forward with each stroke, and a UD 80 carbon rail band adds stiffness so more of your power reaches the water. The nose and tail are reinforced against knocks when drafting and racing, sharp edges get lightweight carbon protection, and a full PVC standing area resists heel dents. D2 is a new dual-density core that reorganises the inside of the board to save weight while keeping a strong, impact-resistant outer shell, with extra strength placed where race loads are highest.
- XTEC Carbon D2: new for 2027. It combines Starboard's XTEC Carbon build with the lighter D2 core. It comes in the 25" and 27" widths.
- Warranty: Starboard hard boards carry a 1-year warranty for the original buyer, with proof of purchase from an authorised dealer.
Starboard hasn't yet published weights for the 2027 CRS D2 and XTEC Carbon D2 Gen R. Images may show the previous construction.
Which size?
| Size | Rider weight | Volume | Thickness | Tail width | Constructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14'0 x 21.5" | Up to 85kg | 256L | 9.2" | 13.5" | CRS D2 |
| 14'0 x 23" | Up to 95kg | 270L | 9" | 13.9" | CRS D2 |
| 14'0 x 25" | Up to 105kg | 288L | 8.9" | 14.8" | CRS D2, XTEC Carbon D2 |
| 14'0 x 27" | Up to 110kg | 304L | 9" | 14.1" | XTEC Carbon D2 |
- 21.5": Starboard went through five prototypes to get this size right. It's for lighter paddlers, and Starboard says it suits riders under 75kg best, on flat water, surf and ocean.
- 23": a versatile board for serious racers, with speed, stability and control in a range of conditions. Starboard says it's best for riders around 85kg.
- 25": one of Starboard's favourite sizes to recommend to any racer, junior, open or masters, who wants to take their racing further. It's well balanced and easy to use in a wide range of conditions for riders from 60kg to 105kg.
- 27": ready to race or explore. The bungee tie-downs mean you can use it for touring as well as racing.
What's in the box
- Starboard Gen R 14'0 board in your chosen size and construction
- Board sock
- Flash Plus prepreg carbon fin with fixing screw, brass washer and 8mm grub screw
- 2 x race handles with fixing screws and washers
- EVA deflector
- Carbon drain scupper
- Air valve and Tiki key
- Bungee (27" only)
- Travel bag (Board Sock and Travel Bag option only)
Every board comes with a Starboard board sock. Choose the Board Sock and Travel Bag option if you also want Starboard's travel bag.
Our take
The Gen R suits racers who spend most of their time on flat water, rivers, lakes and technical courses, and want a light, lively flat-deck board that still copes with small chop. The XTEC Carbon D2 versions are the most affordable of our 2027 Starboard composite race boards. Get in touch if you'd like help choosing a size.
Want it faster and livelier? Try the Starboard Katana 14'0 x 20.5". Want it steadier in rougher water? Try the Starboard All Star 14'0.
