New Starboard SUP paddles have arrived: Flux, Lima and Velocity
The new Starboard paddle range has landed at The SUP Company. The headline arrival is the Flux: a new blade shape designed to make longer sessions feel more manageable. Alongside it, the 2027 Lima and Velocity paddles bring two distinct approaches for paddlers who want to refine their touring, fitness or race setup.
A paddle is in your hands for every stroke, so its weight, blade shape and shaft feel can make a real difference over a full session. We stock and advise on paddles as working watersports kit, helping customers choose for their technique and the way they actually paddle.
Meet the Starboard Flux: a smoother, higher-cadence stroke
Starboard developed the Flux after long testing days in the surf, where repeated sessions on a more demanding paddle left the team tired. The idea was to combine the quick, higher-cadence feel associated with the Velocity blade with the more forgiving, teardrop outline of the Enduro.
In practical terms, a higher cadence means keeping the paddle moving through the water with less force in each individual stroke. The Flux is designed to feel less draining over time, while its wider tip still gives a stable catch and useful power. It should appeal to SUP surfers wanting to stay fresh for longer, as well as all-round paddlers who want an easy-going blade for cruising.
Watch Starboard explain how they developed the Flux and where it sits alongside the Enduro and Velocity:
Which new Starboard paddle suits you?
| Paddle | Choose it if… | Options in this arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Flux | You want a forgiving blade and a comfortable rhythm for surf sessions or all-round paddling. | Carbon F35 two-piece, Prepreg Carbon Pro F35 two-piece, or Carbon F40 fixed length. |
| Lima | You prefer Starboard’s established, positive-feeling blade for touring, fitness paddling or training. | Carbon F35 two-piece or Prepreg Carbon two-piece. |
| Velocity | You favour a quick turnover and an efficient, higher-cadence stroke for faster paddling. | Carbon or Prepreg Carbon, both in two-piece formats. |
Starboard Flux: three ways into the new blade
The Flux Carbon F35 two-piece is the adjustable option for paddlers who want the Flux blade with a practical carbon build. The two-piece shaft makes it easier to fine-tune length or share between paddlers.
The Flux Prepreg Carbon Pro F35 two-piece pairs the same Flux approach with Starboard’s lightest, premium Prepreg Carbon construction. If you paddle frequently and are looking to reduce the weight you swing through every stroke, this is the high-spec adjustable version.
The Flux Carbon F40 fixed-length paddle suits paddlers who know their preferred length and want a more flexible F40 shaft feel. F40 is more flexible than F35; the fixed format gives up quick adjustment, so it is best when the paddle is set up for one paddler and one main use.
Starboard Lima: a confident, powerful-feeling blade
The Lima is a familiar choice for paddlers who want a positive catch and a more powerful-feeling stroke. The 2027 range now includes the Lima Carbon F35 two-piece, giving you an adjustable carbon option, and the Lima Prepreg Carbon two-piece for a lighter premium construction.
Starboard Velocity: built around fast cadence
The Velocity has a narrower, more speed-focused feel than the Flux’s forgiving teardrop outline. It is worth considering if you already paddle with a quick, consistent rhythm and want a blade that supports that style. The new arrivals include the Velocity Carbon two-piece and the Velocity Prepreg Carbon two-piece.
Carbon or Prepreg Carbon?
Both constructions are designed for performance paddling. Starboard positions its standard Carbon option as a strong-value full-carbon blade, while Prepreg Carbon is the lighter, top-end construction. A lighter paddle can reduce the weight you lift on every stroke, which may be especially welcome over a long session. The right choice still depends on your budget, how often you paddle and what you notice in your current setup.
How to choose your blade size and shaft feel
The Flux comes in small, medium and large blade sizes. A larger blade can load each stroke more heavily; a smaller blade may make it easier to keep a steady cadence. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your strength, technique, session length and preferred rhythm all matter, and choosing the biggest blade simply for more power can make a long paddle harder than it needs to be.
F35 describes the shaft’s flex profile, not the blade size. It is a balanced, medium-flex option. F40 flexes more and may feel more comfortable for paddlers who prefer that response. If you are unsure, bring your current paddle details and the board you use into the conversation before choosing.
Try before you decide
At The SUP Company’s Woodmill SUP Test Centre in Southampton, you can compare selected boards and paddles on sheltered water and get advice from a team that paddles the kit. We also offer selected paddle demos through Try It Now at The SUP Co x Lymington, subject to availability and approval.
Explore the full SUP paddle range, or read our Starboard Flux range and flex guide for a closer look at the new blade. If you would like help choosing between the Flux, Lima and Velocity, tell us your height, board, paddling style and typical session length and we’ll help you narrow it down.
Starboard 2027 paddle FAQs
What is the difference between the Starboard Flux and Velocity?
The Flux combines a forgiving, wider teardrop outline with a higher-cadence approach intended to reduce fatigue over longer sessions. The Velocity is the more speed-focused option for paddlers who favour a fast, efficient turnover.
Is the Starboard Flux suitable for a first SUP paddle?
It can be. Starboard describes the Flux as forgiving on the body while retaining useful power, which makes it worth considering for an all-round paddler as well as a SUP surfer. Blade size and paddle length still need to suit the individual.
What does F35 or F40 mean?
These numbers describe shaft flex. F35 is a medium-flex option; F40 flexes more. Choose based on the feel you prefer and the load you apply through your stroke, rather than assuming a higher number means a stiffer shaft.
Should I choose Carbon or Prepreg Carbon?
Standard Carbon offers a full-carbon performance option at a lower price point. Prepreg Carbon is Starboard’s lightest, premium construction. Consider how often you paddle and whether the lower swing weight matters to you.
Can I try a Starboard paddle before buying?
Selected paddles may be available to try at Woodmill or through Try It Now at Lymington. Demo options depend on current availability, so contact us before travelling.
New Starboard paddles are now available at The SUP Company. Check the individual product page for current size and variant availability, or contact our team for advice.