Starboard All Star Airline 14’0 Deluxe 2026 Buyer’s Guide
The Starboard All Star Airline 14’0 Deluxe 2026 is for paddlers who want race-board feel in an inflatable package. It is fast, stiff, controlled and much easier to store and transport than a hard race board.
For summer 2026, this is one of the key performance boards in the Starboard inflatable range. The big interest for UK paddlers is likely to sit around the 14’0” x 26” size, which gives a very useful balance of speed and real-world control.
If you are getting into club racing, fitness paddling, technical courses, event training or fast touring, this is the board to understand properly.
View the Starboard All Star Airline 14’0 Deluxe 2026
What makes the All Star Airline different?
The All Star Airline is not just a long touring board with a faster outline. It is Starboard’s inflatable version of an all-water race shape, designed for speed, control and technical paddling when the water is not perfectly flat.
The Airline cable tension system helps the hull hold its shape under load. That gives the board a stiffer, more board-like feel when you put power down. The dug-out style EVA standing tray and side trays help with control, bracing and rail steering, particularly in chop and turns.
In plain English, it is for paddlers who want an inflatable that feels serious underfoot.
Where it sits in the Starboard range
The All Star Airline sits above the Touring Deluxe Lite for performance paddling. The Touring is about distance, kit carrying and efficient cruising. The All Star Airline is about training pace, race control and faster paddling in a wider range of conditions.
If you want flatwater distance touring, choose Touring. If you want club racing, faster workouts and technical control, choose All Star Airline.
Size comparison
| Size | Best for | Key spec | Our advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14’0” x 24.5” | Experienced racers and lighter paddlers | 426.7 x 62.2 x 15cm / 311L / approx. 10.4kg | The fastest, narrowest option. Choose only if you have the balance and technique to make use of it. |
| 14’0” x 26” | Most club racers and fitness paddlers | 426.7 x 66 x 15cm / 340L / approx. 10.9kg | The key size for many UK paddlers. Quick, efficient and still manageable in chop and turns. |
| 14’0” x 28” | Bigger riders, rougher water and confident progression | 426.7 x 71.1 x 15cm / 367L / approx. 11.3kg | The confidence-first race/training size. Ideal if you want performance without feeling punished. |
Why the 14’0 x 26 is the hero size
The 14’0 x 26 is the board we expect many paddlers to ask for because it gives the best balance of performance and control. It is narrow enough to feel quick and efficient, but not so narrow that every bit of chop ruins the session.
For UK conditions, this matters. We are often paddling in wind, tide, boat wash, estuary chop and messy race starts. A board that is fractionally faster on perfect flat water is not always the fastest board across a real course.
Choose 14’0 x 26 if you are a reasonably confident paddler, want to train properly, and need one inflatable race board that still works outside perfect conditions.
Who should choose the 24.5?
The 24.5 is for experienced paddlers who already know they want a narrow board. It is the fastest-feeling option, but it asks more of your balance, footwork and confidence.
For lighter racers on flatwater, it will make sense. For most recreational fitness paddlers, it may be too lively unless you already paddle narrow boards.
Who should choose the 28?
The 28 is the sensible performance progression size for bigger riders, choppier water and paddlers moving up from touring. It will not feel as sharp as the 26 or 24.5, but it gives you more time, more comfort and better stability under load.
For many heavier paddlers, the 28 may actually be the faster real-world choice because you can put power down without bracing every few strokes.
All Star Airline vs Touring Deluxe Lite
| Question | Choose All Star Airline | Choose Touring Deluxe Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Your priority? | Speed, racing, fitness and control | Distance touring, exploring and kit carrying |
| Water type? | Flatwater, chop, race courses, technical turns | Rivers, canals, estuaries, harbours and steady routes |
| Feel? | Stiffer, more responsive and more performance-led | Smoother, lighter and more touring-focused |
| Best buyer? | Confident paddler wanting performance | Touring paddler wanting efficiency and practicality |
What is included?
The package includes the Starboard wheeled backpack / board bag, pump, leash and Starboard Race 23” Net Positive fin. A paddle is not included as standard on The SUP Co listing, which is sensible for a board at this level because paddle choice matters.
If you are moving into racing or fitness paddling, pairing the All Star Airline with the right carbon paddle makes a big difference. We can help match paddle length, blade size and shaft feel to your height, cadence and goals.
Browse SUP paddles to complete the setup
Who should not buy it?
- Paddlers who mainly want relaxed family paddling should look at all-round boards.
- Touring paddlers who want to carry kit should usually choose the Touring Deluxe Lite.
- Beginners wanting confidence above all else should not jump straight to a narrow race board.
- Paddlers with space for a hard race board may also want to compare composite options.
Our verdict
The Starboard All Star Airline 14’0 Deluxe is one of the most convincing inflatable race boards for UK paddlers because it is fast without being too specialist. The 14’0 x 26 is the standout all-round performance size, while the 24.5 and 28 cover the sharper and more stable ends of the range.
If you want a serious inflatable for training, racing and fast paddling, this is the one to put on the shortlist.
Reserve the Starboard All Star Airline 14’0 Deluxe 2026
Try before you buy at Woodmill
The best board on paper is only the right board if it feels right under your feet. Where suitable demo equipment is available, the Woodmill SUP Test Centre in Southampton gives you the chance to compare boards and paddles on sheltered water before committing.
Bring your current board, your weight, your usual paddling locations and what you want to improve. We can help you narrow the choice properly rather than guessing from spec sheets.
Finance and delivery
Finance options are available on qualifying orders, which can be helpful when investing in a complete setup or a premium upgrade board. UK delivery is available, with free standard UK delivery on orders over £100 excluding Highlands and Islands. If you need a board for a specific trip, event or race, please check current stock and delivery timing with the team before ordering.
FAQs
Which All Star Airline size should I choose?
Most confident UK paddlers should start by looking at the 14’0 x 26. Choose the 24.5 if you are experienced and want maximum speed. Choose the 28 if you are heavier, paddling in rougher water or stepping up from touring.
Is the All Star Airline suitable for beginners?
It is not a beginner board. It is best for confident paddlers moving into racing, training or faster paddling. Newer paddlers should usually start with a touring or all-round shape.
Does it include a paddle?
No paddle is listed as included. That is normal for a board at this level, as most paddlers will want to choose a paddle that matches their height, strength, cadence and racing goals.
Is it better than a hard race board?
A hard race board will usually offer the highest level of performance, but the Airline is much easier to store, transport and travel with. For many paddlers, that practicality is the deciding factor.
Can I try this board before buying?
Where suitable demo equipment is available, you can apply for a session at the Woodmill SUP Test Centre. This is especially useful if you are deciding between widths, lengths or a touring board and a more performance-led shape.
Is finance available?
Finance options are available on qualifying orders. This can be useful when investing in a complete setup or a premium inflatable SUP, but approval and terms depend on the finance provider.
Should I contact The SUP Company before ordering?
Yes, especially if stock timing matters, you are between sizes, or you are upgrading from a board you already own. Tell us your height, weight, experience, current board and where you paddle, and we will help narrow it down.