Starboard Tall Twin Carbon Paddleboard

The Starboard TallTwin is a progressive longboard SUP engineered for surfers seeking more dynamic speed and maneuverability than a traditional single-fin or 2+1 setup can provide. Designed collaboratively by Luis Lacrau and Ollie O'Reilly—shaped in Portugal, developed in Thailand, and launched in Bali—the TallTwin proved its competition caliber immediately by securing three gold medals at its competitive debut during the Longboard SUP Revolution (LSR) 2026 in Bali.

By merging a classic longboard nose and trim outline with a loose, high-acceleration twin fin tail, the TallTwin preserves classic cross-stepping, glide, and nose time while unlocking the rapid projection, reduced drag, and tight-radius arcs of a twinny.

Key Design & Hull Architecture

• TwinFin Speed Meets Longboard Flow: Combines twin-fin acceleration and early tail release with longboard glide, trim, and nose-riding stability in a single platform.

• Modern Performance Outline: Delivers a significantly looser tail, lower drag, and faster projection through flat sections than standard setups.

• Longboard Length & Forward Outline: Extended length and nose profile provide effortless glide, stable trim, and confident nose riding, even in softer or slower surf.

• Flatter Entry to the Nose: Maintains momentum when moving forward, helping the board carry speed across sections and stay composed while perched on the nose.

• Pronounced Hip & Moon Tail: Steps the outline in sharply behind the fins, narrowing the tail block for quick pivot turns and snappy directional adjustments off the back foot.

• Vee Through the Tail: Smooths out rail-to-rail transitions, making it easy to roll and link turns on a longer board.

• Central Channel Bottom: Generates hydrodynamic lift and speed while promoting natural directional tracking, eliminating the need for a large, drag-inducing center fin.

• TwinZ Fin Setup + Optional Center Nubster: Runs two large side fins for drive, speed, and controlled tail release. Insert the included center Nubster fin for extra bite, hold, and drive in bigger surf, or remove it for a looser, skatey feel.

Size Profiles & Rider Recommendations

• 9'8" × 30.5" | 145 L:

  • Rider Weight: Up to approx. 120 kg

  • Profile: Delivers the highest level of stability and paddling ease in the range without sacrificing speed or tail release. Pete Cox rode this prototype to Gold in the Weekend Warrior Elite division at LSR Bali 2026.

• 9'5" × 29.75" | 132 L:

  • Rider Weight: Up to approx. 100 kg

  • Profile: Offers an ideal balance of stability, agility, and reduced swing weight. Quicker from rail to rail than the 9'8" while maintaining easy wave entry, glide, and trim. Excellent for larger surfers wanting more snap or intermediates progressing their wave craft.

• 9'0" × 27.5" | 108 L:

  • Rider Weight: Up to approx. 90 kg

  • Profile: The most versatile size in the lineup. Balances float, paddling stability, acceleration, and looseness for intermediate to advanced riders seeking everyday usability and confident nose time.

• 9'0" × 25.5" | 94 L:

  • Rider Weight: Up to approx. 85 kg

  • Profile: The dedicated high-performance model. Built for lighter or advanced riders chasing maximum speed, tight-radius turns, and instantaneous response in clean wave faces.

Construction Options

1. Carbon Reflex (Premium Performance)

Starboard's flagship lightweight build, engineered for immediate feedback, controlled flex, and rapid recoil out of turns.

• Core & Layup: Lightweight EPS core wrapped with high-grade 45° biaxial carbon for spring and snap.

• Rail & Deck Reinforcements: Thermoformed PVC rail stringers boost total breakage strength without making the board feel rigid or dead. Features targeted standing area reinforcements and 0.6 mm Australian pine for heel dent resistance.

• Hardware: Outfitted with 1× FCS II Center and 2× FCS II Side fin boxes; includes 1× TwinZ Center Carbon Nubster and 2× TwinZ Side Carbon fins.

2. Xtec Carbon (Core Performance)

Built around Carbon Load Frame Technology to deliver a durable, highly responsive package designed for daily sessions and airline travel.

• Reinforcement Architecture: Uses precision-placed unidirectional (UD) carbon to direct flex patterns and energy recoil.

• Internal Bonding & Stringers: Expanding epoxy resin maximizes lamination bond strength, supported by twin structural T-Stringers and Wood Omega Stringers along the deck and bottom. Comprehensive reinforcement across the stance area, fin boxes, nose, tail, and rails.

• Hardware: Fitted with 1× Surf Box Center and 2× Surf Box Side fin boxes; includes 1× TwinZ Center Armacore Nubster and 2× TwinZ Side Armacore fins.

Complete Range Specifications

Recommended Paddle Pairing: Starboard Flux

For prolonged sessions in the surf, Starboard recommends pairing the TallTwin with the Flux paddle. Designed specifically for repeated SUP and SUP surf rotations, the Flux utilizes a thin blade profile that eases the initial catch load on the shoulders and back while maintaining stability and bite in moving water. Its fast water release fosters a steady, sustainable paddling rhythm to preserve rider energy through long lineups and punchy paddle-outs.

Frequently asked questions