Starboard Tsurugi 14'0 Race Paddleboard

The Starboard Tsurugi 14'0 is a composite race paddle board and a signature design by world champion Shuri Araki and his father and coach Takuji Araki. It shares the Katana's high-cadence shape concept, built for a short, quick, rhythmic stroke, but it's wider and more forgiving, with a slightly thinner tail for easier control. Starboard built it for top racers who want a little more width, and for intermediate and heavier paddlers who want high-cadence speed with a steadier feel. It comes in three widths, 21", 23" and 25", in Starboard's lightest CRS D2 construction.

Pre-order only. Starboard is taking pre-orders for the 2027 Tsurugi. Order now to reserve yours, and we'll confirm the expected delivery date when we take your order.

Features and benefits

• High-cadence racing concept: built around the same efficient rhythm as the Katana, rewarding a smooth stroke rate and well-timed power.
• Wider platform: keeps the Katana's narrow box tail concept but adds width, and comes in 21", 23" and 25" against the Katana's single 20.5". The slightly wider tail makes it easier to control, so you can concentrate on a fast, short stroke rather than your balance.
• Narrow Box Tail™: a tail shape patented by Takuji and Shuri Araki. It lifts the board and drives it forward, so you can pump it efficiently while it still tracks straight.
• Rearward standing position: the standing area sits further back to trim the board correctly and make full use of the Box Tail, helping turn your stroke into forward drive.
• Extreme Straight Hard Tail Rail Edges™: also patented by the Arakis. Sharp, straight edges at the tail work like small extra side fins, improving tracking and relying less on the main fin, while still letting you turn sharply at speed with good pump lift and no side-to-side sway.
• Sharp piercing nose: inspired by the katana sword, the fine nose cuts through flat water and chop, holding speed and control at a high stroke rate.
• Dugout: the dropped standing area lowers your centre of gravity for more stability and control in choppy open water.
• Dual side drainage holes: clear water off the deck quickly so you recover fast in technical and choppy races.
• Efficient glide and acceleration: the outline and bottom shape hold a strong glide while letting the board accelerate quickly and hold race pace.
• Double kick tail: a two-piece tail pad. Use the front pad for normal paddling, and step onto the rear pad when you want the tail to bite into the water, for example when surfing or in strong wind and chop.
• Multiple handle positions: screw-in modular handles let you set the carry position exactly where you want it.

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.
• US fin box, 10": with a Flash Plus prepreg carbon fin.
• Warranty: Starboard hard boards carry a 1-year warranty for the original buyer, with proof of purchase from an authorised dealer.

Which size?

All sizes are 14'0 long and 11" thick. Weights are Starboard's figures (+/- 5%).

What's in the box

• Starboard Tsurugi 14'0 board in your chosen size
• 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
• Air valve and Tiki key
• 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 Tsurugi brings the Arakis' high-cadence design to a much wider range of paddlers. If you like a quick, short stroke but want more stability than the Katana, or you're over 75kg, this is the one to look at. Get in touch if you'd like help choosing a width.

Want it faster and livelier? Try the Starboard Katana 14'0 x 20.5".