The new Starboard Flux SUP paddle range has joined The SUP Company’s line-up for 2027. If you want a paddle for touring, everyday paddleboarding and SUP surfing, the Flux deserves a place on your shortlist.
Its appeal is the combination: an accessible blade shape, a choice of carbon constructions and shaft options that let you prioritise either a firmer response or a more forgiving feel. The buying decision is about finding the right combination for you, rather than simply choosing the most expensive version.
This guide explains the design story, Carbon versus Prepreg Carbon Pro, F30/F35/F40 shaft flex, blade sizing and where Flux fits alongside Starboard Enduro, Lima, Velocity and Foil Blade paddles.
Starboard Flux: the quick buying advice
- For most regular paddlers wanting adjustment: start with the Flux Carbon F35 2 Piece.
- For one rider who knows their preferred length: consider the Flux Carbon F40 Fixed Length.
- For frequent sessions and a premium construction: look at Flux Prepreg Carbon Pro, then choose fixed or adjustable around your needs.
- For a softer shaft: look towards F40. F35 is medium flex; F30 is the stiffest of these three options.
- For compact travel: compare a three-piece Enduro or Lima. The four Flux listings covered here are two-piece or fixed.
At The SUP Company, we can help you match paddle length, blade size and shaft feel to your board and the way you paddle. Our Woodmill SUP Test Centre offers sheltered-water testing of selected boards and paddles. Contact us first to check which paddle models are available to try.
The design story: why has Starboard introduced Flux?
Starboard says Flux grew out of extended surf testing, with the aim of helping paddlers stay fresher through repeated sessions. It combines ideas from the stable Enduro and the smoother, race-influenced Velocity.
That makes sense for everyday paddling. A surf session involves much more than the few seconds spent riding a wave: you paddle out, reposition and accelerate repeatedly. On a longer tour, the challenge is maintaining a comfortable rhythm for hundreds of strokes.
Cadence means your stroke rate. A manageable blade can make it easier to take regular, controlled strokes instead of relying on a few very heavy pulls. Faster cadence is not automatically better; the useful target is a rhythm you can sustain while planting the blade properly.
Flux therefore looks particularly relevant to paddlers who move between flat water and surf, or who want to upgrade from a basic package paddle. It does not make the rest of the Starboard paddleboard and paddle range redundant.
What is different about the Flux blade?
Winglets: controlling water around the blade edges
The small winglets around the blade outline take inspiration from Starboard’s foiling development. Their purpose is to manage water flow and reduce flutter: the side-to-side movement you can sometimes feel during a stroke.
For the purchaser, the useful question is whether the blade feels composed under load. A paddle that needs less correction can let you keep a more relaxed grip. That is a design aim, rather than a promise that every paddler will experience a completely wobble-free stroke.
Double concave: helping the blade stay settled
The Flux blade has two concave sections across its working face. These help guide water and stabilise the pull. Think of this as shaping the blade’s behaviour through the stroke, rather than simply adding more surface area.
Good technique still matters. Immerse the blade before applying power; pulling hard while only part of it is in the water can spoil the catch with any paddle.
A 13-degree blade angle and a thin tip
The 13-degree angle is part of the Flux’s all-round design, while the thin, flat tip is intended to make entry and release cleaner. The blade also uses an integrated shaft connection.
Do not choose a paddle on blade angle alone. Shape, size, shaft flex and your technique work together. Two paddles with a similar angle can feel quite different on the water.
Flux Carbon versus Flux Prepreg Carbon Pro
The main difference is the construction of the blade, shaft and handle. Both versions use the Flux blade concept. You do not have to buy the premium construction to get the new shape.
Flux Carbon: the sensible starting point
The Carbon construction uses a 3K carbon blade laminate over a lightweight PVC core, with carbon reinforcement around the blade edge. It is paired with a Carbon shaft and a carbon-reinforced handle.
This is where we would start the conversation for regular recreational paddling, touring and mixed flat-water/surf use. Put the correct blade size and shaft feel ahead of an upgrade in materials: a well-matched Carbon paddle is a better purchase than a premium paddle that feels too demanding.
Flux Prepreg Carbon Pro: for paddlers who value a lighter setup
Prepreg means the carbon material is supplied with resin already incorporated in a controlled way. The Flux Prepreg Carbon blade is paired with the Carbon Pro shaft and handle. The shaft has a rhombus-pattern grip, compared with the spiral-textured grip on the Carbon version.
The appeal is a more weight-conscious construction for paddlers who spend a lot of time lifting, recovering and repositioning the paddle. The difference is potentially relevant over a long outing, even when each individual stroke feels easy.
However, Prepreg Carbon Pro does not automatically mean a stiffer shaft. Construction and flex rating are separate choices. You can select a premium construction with a more flexible shaft.
We have deliberately avoided quoting estimated complete-paddle weights. Blade size, shaft option, adjustment hardware and the cut length of a fixed paddle all affect the comparison. Ask us to confirm the specification of the exact version you are considering.
The four Starboard Flux options at The SUP Company
| Flux model | Listed price | Best starting point for |
|---|---|---|
| Flux Carbon F35 2 Piece Paddle | £245 | Regular paddling with adjustable length and medium flex. |
| Flux Prepreg Carbon Pro F35 2 Piece Paddle | £420 | Frequent paddlers wanting premium construction and adjustment. |
| Flux Carbon F40 Fixed Length Paddle | £210 | One rider with a settled paddle length who prefers more shaft flex. |
| Flux Prepreg Carbon Pro Fixed Length Paddle | £399 | Committed paddlers wanting premium construction and a choice of shaft profiles. |
Prices checked on 9 October 2026; follow each product link for current pricing and ordering information. Please contact us to confirm availability and delivery timing for your chosen blade and shaft combination.
Check the variant selector on the Prepreg fixed-length listing. Although its page title includes F40, it also lists F30 29mm and F35 Skinny Oval options, alongside F40 27.5mm and F40 26mm. Choose the actual shaft variant you want.
Starboard shaft flex explained: F30, F35 and F40
Within these Starboard flex ratings, a higher number means more flex: F30 is stiffest, F35 is medium and F40 is most flexible. F40 is not the stiffest option. This follows Starboard’s published Flux shaft guidance.
| Flex | What it means | How to approach the choice |
|---|---|---|
| F30 | Least flex of these three. | Consider if you deliberately want a firm response and load the paddle strongly. |
| F35 | Medium flex. | A useful starting point if you want a balance of response and give. |
| F40 | Most flex of these three. | Consider if a more forgiving response matters more than a very firm feel. |
A shaft bends under load and returns as that load comes off. How much you notice this depends on your strength, blade size, paddle length and stroke. A longer shaft can also feel different from a shorter one with the same nominal rating.
Do not choose by body weight alone. A heavier paddler cruising at an easy pace may prefer more flex; a lighter paddler with a forceful stroke may prefer a firmer shaft. There is no sensible universal rule that every rider above a particular weight must use F30.
Likewise, stiffness is not a measure of quality. If a paddle makes you shorten sessions or grip excessively, the firmer option may be the wrong match for you.
Round versus Skinny Oval shafts
The Prepreg fixed-length choices include a 29mm round F30, 27.5mm round F40, 26mm round F40 and F35 Skinny Oval. A slimmer round shaft may suit smaller hands, while an oval profile gives a different hand feel and a reference for blade orientation.
Try the grip if possible. Your lower hand should feel secure without having to squeeze hard. UK winter paddlers should also consider how the shaft feels when wearing their usual gloves.
Which Flux blade size should you choose?
The listed Flux blade sizes are Small, Medium and Large. Start with how much load you can comfortably sustain, rather than assuming a larger blade will always move you faster.
| Blade size | Listed area | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 78 in² / 504 cm² | Lighter paddlers and those who prefer an easier load per stroke or a quicker rhythm. |
| Medium | 86 in² / 553 cm² | Paddlers seeking a middle option for mixed use. |
| Large | 96 in² / 618 cm² | Stronger paddlers who actively want more blade area and can maintain their technique with it. |
These are starting points, not weight limits. Board width, fitness, experience and session length all influence the choice. A stronger rider can still prefer Small for repeated strokes; Medium is not automatically correct simply because it sits in the middle.
If you already own a paddle, tell us its blade area and what you like or dislike about it. That is more useful than comparing size letters across different models, because one range’s Medium may not match another’s.
Two-piece adjustable or fixed length?
Choose two-piece if you are still refining your setup
An adjustable paddle is useful when sharing between riders, changing boards or experimenting with surf and touring lengths. The Flux two-piece models use an anti-twist adjustment arrangement to help keep the handle aligned with the blade.
The compromise is extra hardware and a longer packed section than a typical three-piece paddle. Check storage space before buying, especially if you expect everything to fit inside an inflatable SUP bag.
Choose fixed if you already know your length
A fixed paddle removes the adjustment mechanism and suits one rider with a consistent setup. It can be a particularly satisfying choice once you have established your preferred length.
Confirm sizing and assembly before cutting an uncut shaft. Cutting is a commitment: board thickness, stance and discipline can all change the length you need. If you are uncertain, an adjustable model is the more practical starting point.
Our SUP paddle buying guide explains the wider choices, while our guide to upgrading your paddle is useful if you are deciding whether to replace a package paddle.
Flux versus Enduro, Lima, Velocity and Foil Blade
Starboard’s paddle range covers different jobs. Compare blade families first, then construction and shaft format within the family that suits your paddling.
| Range | Why consider it? | Where Flux fits |
|---|---|---|
| Enduro | A familiar all-round and surf choice, with adjustable and travel-friendly options. | Shortlist Flux if you want to explore its new blade design for a mix of cruising and surf. |
| Lima Carbon / Prepreg | A performance-focused option for paddlers interested in catch, acceleration and an active stroke. | Compare on the water if you want a versatile paddle but are unsure which blade feel you prefer. |
| Velocity | A strong comparison for distance, fitness and race paddling. | Flux deserves attention when surf and general all-round use are also part of your week. |
| Lima Tufskin | A practical, durable entry point for recreational paddling and family use. | Flux is a carbon upgrade to consider as paddling becomes more regular. |
| Foil Blade | A specialist paddle for SUP foiling and downwind acceleration. | Choose around the foil task if take-off is your main priority. |
Flux versus Enduro: should you replace your existing paddle?
If your Enduro is comfortable and works well, there is no need to replace it simply because Flux is new. The most useful comparison keeps blade size and shaft format reasonably close, so you are testing the design rather than several changes at once.
Compare the Enduro Carbon F35 2 Piece for adjustable everyday use, or the Enduro Carbon F35 3 Piece if compact packing matters.
Flux versus Lima: think about your stroke and transport needs
The Lima Carbon F35 2 Piece is worth comparing if you enjoy a purposeful, performance-focused stroke. For a travel setup, the Lima Carbon F35 3 Piece adds the practical benefit of shorter sections.
The Lima Tufskin V5 3 Piece fills a different role. It is an entry-level recreational option, so do not assume that everything carrying the Lima name has the weight or construction of a premium race paddle.
Flux versus Velocity: mixed sessions or distance as the priority?
If most of your time is spent covering distance, compare the Velocity Prepreg Carbon 2 Piece and Velocity Prepreg Carbon Oval Shaft. Flux’s mixed-use brief makes it interesting when your paddling also includes waves and relaxed outings.
Neither name tells you which will feel better in your hands. Compare equivalent sizes and take enough strokes to judge rhythm, rather than deciding after one hard pull.
Flux versus Foil Blade: keep the specialist job in view
The Starboard Foil Blade Prepreg Carbon is designed around SUP foiling. If generating take-off speed is your main objective, include it in the conversation rather than choosing Flux solely because its winglets draw on foiling ideas.
For specialist foil setup advice, see Try It Now at The SUP Co x Lymington and ask the team which relevant equipment is currently available to demonstrate.
Our recommendations by paddling style
- Weekend touring and general paddling: start with Carbon F35 two-piece, particularly if your preferred length is still evolving.
- One rider, one regular setup: consider Carbon F40 fixed if you like more flex and know your length.
- Frequent touring or fitness sessions: compare Prepreg Carbon Pro with Velocity, keeping blade size and shaft feel central to the decision.
- SUP surfing plus flat-water use: shortlist Flux alongside Enduro. Choose the blade you can plant and repeat comfortably when accelerating.
- Smaller hands: investigate the 26mm F40 or Skinny Oval Prepreg fixed options; grip comfort is personal.
- Family holidays and compact packing: compare three-piece paddles before committing to Flux.
Making the choice work in UK conditions
A short sheltered paddle, a long coastal tour and repeated surf paddle-outs place different demands on you. Buy for the sessions you actually do most often.
On longer outings, assess how the paddle feels after sustained use. In choppy water, focus on whether you can consistently bury the blade and recover it cleanly. For surf, consider how quickly you can reposition it between strokes and manoeuvres.
After salt-water use, rinse adjustable sections and clamps with fresh water and let them dry. Keep sand out of the joints and protect the blade during transport. Carbon construction does not make a paddle immune to damage from rocks or car doors.
Starboard Flux paddle FAQs
Is Starboard Flux suitable for beginners?
It is worth considering for a beginner who expects to paddle regularly and wants a carbon paddle from the start. Choose a manageable blade and adjustable length. For occasional family use, a durable three-piece recreational paddle may be the more practical purchase.
What is the difference between Flux Carbon and Prepreg Carbon Pro?
They share the Flux blade concept. Prepreg Carbon Pro upgrades the blade manufacturing, shaft and handle construction. Decide on blade size, flex and format before deciding whether the premium construction is worthwhile for you.
Is F40 stiffer than F35?
No. F40 has more flex than F35. F30 is the stiffest of these three Starboard options, F35 is medium flex and F40 is the most flexible.
Which Flux paddle should a heavier rider choose?
Consider strength, technique, session length and preferred stroke load as well as weight. Medium or Large may be worth comparing, but a heavier rider does not automatically need the largest blade or stiffest shaft.
Will the two-piece Flux fit inside my inflatable SUP bag?
Do not assume so. Check the longest packed section against your bag dimensions. A three-piece Enduro or Lima is worth considering if compact packing is essential.
Is Flux a replacement for Enduro or Velocity?
Treat it as another choice with a mixed-use brief. Compare Enduro for all-round and surf use, and Velocity when distance and performance paddling dominate your sessions.
Does a more flexible paddle mean less performance?
No. The right flex depends on how you load the paddle and the feel you prefer. A very firm shaft is not automatically the fastest or most comfortable option for every paddler.
Can I try a Flux paddle before buying?
Contact The SUP Company to check current Flux demo availability. Woodmill offers sheltered-water testing of selected SUP boards and paddles, but please confirm the specific model before travelling.
Are finance and delivery available?
Finance options are available on qualifying orders, which can be useful when investing in a complete setup. Check the current product listing and contact us for delivery timing on your chosen Flux variant.
Need help choosing your Starboard Flux?
Tell us your height, weight, board, current paddle and where you normally paddle. Let us know whether you prioritise touring, surf, fitness or easy recreational sessions, and whether the paddle needs to fit in a bag.
Contact The SUP Company for a Flux paddle recommendation, explore our full SUP paddle range, or arrange a visit to discuss the options. The aim is to help you buy the right blade, shaft and format first time.