Starboard products are a result of the passionately inspired people whose lifestyle revolves around creating products that will maximize the joy of being on the water.
After getting my big first kick out of Stand Up Padding in the Maldives a few years ago, I continued to learn more about product development at University in Norway.
Then I landed my job with SUP product development at Starboard and focus on how to accelerate the future of stand up padde boarding.
We are working with a skilled team of developers and riders so lots inspiration and experience is coming our way, allowing us to take big steps in most niches of the sport.
Gaute
Eriks role is to find new avenues, new markets and new customers. To professionalize the business, solve problems and find solutions for the future. Give feedback to HQ from the different markets, so that Starboard in the future will have the best products, the best marketing , the best delivery and sales tools and simply stay nr 1 world wide.
Just as SUP has come out of its metamorphosis, emerging from its cocoon into the sport that it is blowing up into today. People are all of sudden finding that link which is helping them to become active again, in a way that no other sport has been able to.
SUP is a way to travel and to become immersed in the location like no other activity. It seems to blend us with nature, providing an answer for each individual's specific desire. Whether it is fishing on a lake close to your house or riding waves in Hawaii.
This year we have tried to go further, wanting to photograph the most perfect locations. However, somewhere along the road we had to stop and allow ourselves to see the true spirit of the sport. We found pure stoke in the eyes after a session on the water..
You don't have to live in the most radical places on earth, or by a perfect blue lagoon to feel the energy of this hobby and it's that which is making this unique sport grow in all corners of the world.
The feeling is mutual, shared and appreciated.
Margareta
Where did it start? - Where is it going?
My oh my! What a sight! Side by side, brilliantly colored pavillions sponsored by all the names in SUP...Naish, Bark, and, of course, Starboard. Reminding one of the tents and streamers on a medieval field of combat where knights in full armor would joust for the favor of a beautiful lady's hand. A thousand or more spectators, several hundred sailors/paddlers. No small event this. But why Doheny?
I think it's because the South coast of California has a special attration and thus a special history in individual water sports. The day, about 100 years ago, Duke Kamanomoku arrived bringing with him his 15-foot solid wood Hawaiian surfboard (very heavy) he also brought Hawaiian wave skills and passion for surfing. Both took root.
So, when glass fibre reinforced polyester made balsa boards light, stiff and waterproof, Rennie Yeader, Hobie Alter and friends began shaping what was to become the archtype long board on the beach just north of the Coast Inn in Laguna. A young aeronautical engineer also spent as much time as he could playing volley ball and body surfing off that same beach. He commissioned Rennie to shape one of Rennie's radical new concepts: long, wide and as much scoop as balsa would allow. That board is hanging, the last time I saw it, from the ceiling of the "Endless Summer" restaurant, Santa Barbara, together with other trend-setting but retired shapes. To me, then, it's no surprise that SUP is first taking hold on the beaches of my youth, just as the HobieCat and windsurfing did 50 years ago. Last year in this space, I asked myself, if I'm so prescient, where is SUP going? It takes no courage to predict that it will borrow wave skills from the last hundred years' worth of board-surfing and add the tremendously helpful power of the paddle. Or, as Doheny shows, it would form the basis of an exciting and highly competitive sport. And it takes no great imagination to see one's self cruising silently in terrain reachable only by water.
But so far, nothing really new has been suggested. So, to be contrary, or maybe just retro, I'd suggest designing the oar to work in air, not water.
But wait, you say, isn't that windsurfing? Well, no, not really. Could any of the races held at Doheny be finished, much less won with a windsurfing sail, pumped or not? Probably not. But the sailor can provide plenty of power, as SUP shows. What's needed is an apparatus that generates thrust in air with little or no wind. Hmmm, what could that be? I'll give you a hint. What species is there the most of on and over the beach?
So, get to work you guys who pride yourselves as being creative! (Me included.) And we'll all meet some year in the future at Doheny and marvel at yet one more borne-onthe-California-west-coast boardsport Save me a parking place.
Jim
To be involved with SUP fairly early in it's inception has been a blessing. Not only to get the opportunity to grow and learn within a sport that is progressing so rapidly, but also to be working within a company that prides itself on being at the forefront of design, thus investing a lot of energy and resourses into research and development.
For myself, this has meant I've gotten to play with a lot of prototypes in a variety of different waves, all over the globe. In a little over one year I basically filled my passport with stamps from Peru, Sumba, Bali, West Java, Sumbawa, Maldives, Japan, Cabo Verde, Samoa, and last but not least my beloved Margaret River in Western Australia where I live. (Albeit a small part of the year) Thus drawing on a large range of conditions to try and provide the best boards, for as wide a range of conditions as possible. This means that at one end of the spectrum the aim has been to make SUP as accessible as possible, with extreme width and stability with rockers to allow learning in waves a pleasure and not a harrowing experience, to the other, where an experienced rider will be amazed.
The lengths and widths gradually decrease as the riders level increases, to the point where two widths come in each size with pro editions, for those that want uncompromised performance. But no matter what size board, they all have to maintain the basic element of the fact that they surf not just well, but unreal.
For the most fun to be had on a board is when it's fast, loose and easy to turn, and has drive when you put it on rail. And these are inherent qualities built into each board, along with the fact that they're easy to use, so energy isn't wasted just trying to stay on your board, but maximizing your time on the water. Meaning more waves, equaling more fun.
And it has been a lot of fun getting the boards to the point that they're at now, with small tweaks to entry and tail rockers, V, outline and fin set ups in between each and every session, searching for faster, tighter turning, more maneuverable boards.
And in that time I've interacted with a cool group of people involved with Starboard. Such as Peter Cox who lives in Bali providing invaluable support on the ground and knowledge as to how the boards should be evolving, my mates from home Mike Galvin and Dave Muir, who have become possessed by the sport. And it's also the case with the whole team when we've been together on trips. Zane, Connor, Anne-Marie, John Hibbard and Honora. A wealth of information to draw from all their experience from every corner of the globe.
And in between all these trips, the tireless efforts of Mr Nimit and his team to produce boards in a time frame which is not possible, but then becomes so.
To see how quickly things have been moving has been phenomenal, but in retrospect, not entirely out of the ordinary, as it has it's roots in quite a few sports to draw knowledge and information from.
But the driving force behind the cyclonic evolution of SUP at Starboard is undoubtedly Svein Rasmussen. Always moving, always thinking, always pushing people to go beyond their knowledge and limits.
It's been a rollercoaster of a ride, where we've produced a damn fine range of boards to cater for EVERYONE'S needs. From the ocean to the rivers and lakes, the flat water aspect is one that's really taken me by surprise. The enjoyment of riding a K15 in sheet glassy water is one of the most surreal new experiences I'm enjoying at the moment, encompassing a kaleidoscope of scenic backdrops in the process.
Where I've been really lucky is to be able to produce toys for myself. To try and make boards as loose, fast and maneuverable, in a size range which was thought impossible perhaps only a year ago. Vertical attacking lines with full roundhouse cutbacks reminiscent of short board gouges are now possible, and it still feels like it's only the beginning.
Having ability, knowledge, creative talent & enthusiasm as the blood that runs through the veins which is STARBOARD ,allows not only dreams to become reality but allows reality to be consumed by dreams.
That is what makes my position fun.
I think at all times no matter the discipline , no matter the intention, the main ingredient to any successful execution of concept through to production, is the availability of enthusiasm to be continually injected in to each idea . STARBOARD, offers the eternal drip fed supply of enthusiasm direct from the top via Mr. Svein Rasmussen who can in my little story be seen as the doctor dialing the dosage up or down to ensure quality is the end result no matter the severity of the case admitted. STARBOARD under the guidance of Svein has offered myself a unique position to assist in the development of the SHORT SUP EVOLUTION, the 'EVOLUTION WITHIN AN EVOLUTION' ,that is STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING globally.
I have the pleasure to live on what many consider a beautiful island, I call it a magic place on earth & it is my home & a place where my family enjoys an awesome lifestyle, welcome to Bali –INDONESIA..
The SHORT SUP evolution has come about here on Bali as a direct result of quality waves & the burning desire to see just how far we can push the limits that have yet to be set, & wow not only have we shifted the bar ,we have taken it away & replaced it . STARBOARD's prototypes are conceived in the minds of individuals that see what is accepted NOW, as being THE BEGINNING of the next stage, this is what really drives the evolution & innovation.
A product that has been tube fed by the R&D team, diagnosed by the doctor , & then hand delivered from the shaping bays of STARBOARD is not something that just happens by chance , but something that has developed from a need to meet expectations & a wish to exceed acceptable as being NOT good enough. If you find yourself reading this & thinking not possible way to much hype , no way he can be serious , I invite you to come join me on a "DAY IN THE LIFE OF " & I'm certain you will reluctantly leave with a burning desire to try something new , a refreshed if not completely altered interpretation of what Stand Up Paddle Boarding really is & what it can offer to its participants & most of all it will ALLOW REALITY TO BE CONSUMED BY DREAMS.
Welcome to a day in the life of Pete, that's me , as a R&D rider in the SHORT SUP EVOLUTION supported ,inspired & motivated all the way by the Doctor & THE TEAM that is STARBOARD....
Cheers Pete
There is one person in particular that has made it possible for us to build the prototypes fast and precise enough to quickly decide which of our ideas that may meet the market. Nimit Pormjan has dedicated all his time over the last years to enhance the speed of the development program. He has been instrumental in refining the CAD prototypes and building boards from the foam up. He also supervises his strong workshop crew to build with high accuracy.
Gaute Kristiansen
After getting my big first kick out of Stand Up Padding in the Maldives a few years ago, I continued to learn more about product development at University in Norway.
Then I landed my job with SUP product development at Starboard and focus on how to accelerate the future of stand up padde boarding.
We are working with a skilled team of developers and riders so lots inspiration and experience is coming our way, allowing us to take big steps in most niches of the sport.
Gaute
Erik Berghling
Growth ManagerEriks role is to find new avenues, new markets and new customers. To professionalize the business, solve problems and find solutions for the future. Give feedback to HQ from the different markets, so that Starboard in the future will have the best products, the best marketing , the best delivery and sales tools and simply stay nr 1 world wide.
Margareta Engstrom
Creative DirectorJust as SUP has come out of its metamorphosis, emerging from its cocoon into the sport that it is blowing up into today. People are all of sudden finding that link which is helping them to become active again, in a way that no other sport has been able to.
SUP is a way to travel and to become immersed in the location like no other activity. It seems to blend us with nature, providing an answer for each individual's specific desire. Whether it is fishing on a lake close to your house or riding waves in Hawaii.
This year we have tried to go further, wanting to photograph the most perfect locations. However, somewhere along the road we had to stop and allow ourselves to see the true spirit of the sport. We found pure stoke in the eyes after a session on the water..
You don't have to live in the most radical places on earth, or by a perfect blue lagoon to feel the energy of this hobby and it's that which is making this unique sport grow in all corners of the world.
The feeling is mutual, shared and appreciated.
Margareta
Jim Drake as Designer
The Battle of the Paddle IIWhere did it start? - Where is it going?
My oh my! What a sight! Side by side, brilliantly colored pavillions sponsored by all the names in SUP...Naish, Bark, and, of course, Starboard. Reminding one of the tents and streamers on a medieval field of combat where knights in full armor would joust for the favor of a beautiful lady's hand. A thousand or more spectators, several hundred sailors/paddlers. No small event this. But why Doheny?
I think it's because the South coast of California has a special attration and thus a special history in individual water sports. The day, about 100 years ago, Duke Kamanomoku arrived bringing with him his 15-foot solid wood Hawaiian surfboard (very heavy) he also brought Hawaiian wave skills and passion for surfing. Both took root.
So, when glass fibre reinforced polyester made balsa boards light, stiff and waterproof, Rennie Yeader, Hobie Alter and friends began shaping what was to become the archtype long board on the beach just north of the Coast Inn in Laguna. A young aeronautical engineer also spent as much time as he could playing volley ball and body surfing off that same beach. He commissioned Rennie to shape one of Rennie's radical new concepts: long, wide and as much scoop as balsa would allow. That board is hanging, the last time I saw it, from the ceiling of the "Endless Summer" restaurant, Santa Barbara, together with other trend-setting but retired shapes. To me, then, it's no surprise that SUP is first taking hold on the beaches of my youth, just as the HobieCat and windsurfing did 50 years ago. Last year in this space, I asked myself, if I'm so prescient, where is SUP going? It takes no courage to predict that it will borrow wave skills from the last hundred years' worth of board-surfing and add the tremendously helpful power of the paddle. Or, as Doheny shows, it would form the basis of an exciting and highly competitive sport. And it takes no great imagination to see one's self cruising silently in terrain reachable only by water.
But so far, nothing really new has been suggested. So, to be contrary, or maybe just retro, I'd suggest designing the oar to work in air, not water.
But wait, you say, isn't that windsurfing? Well, no, not really. Could any of the races held at Doheny be finished, much less won with a windsurfing sail, pumped or not? Probably not. But the sailor can provide plenty of power, as SUP shows. What's needed is an apparatus that generates thrust in air with little or no wind. Hmmm, what could that be? I'll give you a hint. What species is there the most of on and over the beach?
So, get to work you guys who pride yourselves as being creative! (Me included.) And we'll all meet some year in the future at Doheny and marvel at yet one more borne-onthe-California-west-coast boardsport Save me a parking place.
Jim
Scott Mckercher
SUP DevelopmentTo be involved with SUP fairly early in it's inception has been a blessing. Not only to get the opportunity to grow and learn within a sport that is progressing so rapidly, but also to be working within a company that prides itself on being at the forefront of design, thus investing a lot of energy and resourses into research and development.
For myself, this has meant I've gotten to play with a lot of prototypes in a variety of different waves, all over the globe. In a little over one year I basically filled my passport with stamps from Peru, Sumba, Bali, West Java, Sumbawa, Maldives, Japan, Cabo Verde, Samoa, and last but not least my beloved Margaret River in Western Australia where I live. (Albeit a small part of the year) Thus drawing on a large range of conditions to try and provide the best boards, for as wide a range of conditions as possible. This means that at one end of the spectrum the aim has been to make SUP as accessible as possible, with extreme width and stability with rockers to allow learning in waves a pleasure and not a harrowing experience, to the other, where an experienced rider will be amazed.
The lengths and widths gradually decrease as the riders level increases, to the point where two widths come in each size with pro editions, for those that want uncompromised performance. But no matter what size board, they all have to maintain the basic element of the fact that they surf not just well, but unreal.
For the most fun to be had on a board is when it's fast, loose and easy to turn, and has drive when you put it on rail. And these are inherent qualities built into each board, along with the fact that they're easy to use, so energy isn't wasted just trying to stay on your board, but maximizing your time on the water. Meaning more waves, equaling more fun.
And it has been a lot of fun getting the boards to the point that they're at now, with small tweaks to entry and tail rockers, V, outline and fin set ups in between each and every session, searching for faster, tighter turning, more maneuverable boards.
And in that time I've interacted with a cool group of people involved with Starboard. Such as Peter Cox who lives in Bali providing invaluable support on the ground and knowledge as to how the boards should be evolving, my mates from home Mike Galvin and Dave Muir, who have become possessed by the sport. And it's also the case with the whole team when we've been together on trips. Zane, Connor, Anne-Marie, John Hibbard and Honora. A wealth of information to draw from all their experience from every corner of the globe.
And in between all these trips, the tireless efforts of Mr Nimit and his team to produce boards in a time frame which is not possible, but then becomes so.
To see how quickly things have been moving has been phenomenal, but in retrospect, not entirely out of the ordinary, as it has it's roots in quite a few sports to draw knowledge and information from.
But the driving force behind the cyclonic evolution of SUP at Starboard is undoubtedly Svein Rasmussen. Always moving, always thinking, always pushing people to go beyond their knowledge and limits.
It's been a rollercoaster of a ride, where we've produced a damn fine range of boards to cater for EVERYONE'S needs. From the ocean to the rivers and lakes, the flat water aspect is one that's really taken me by surprise. The enjoyment of riding a K15 in sheet glassy water is one of the most surreal new experiences I'm enjoying at the moment, encompassing a kaleidoscope of scenic backdrops in the process.
Where I've been really lucky is to be able to produce toys for myself. To try and make boards as loose, fast and maneuverable, in a size range which was thought impossible perhaps only a year ago. Vertical attacking lines with full roundhouse cutbacks reminiscent of short board gouges are now possible, and it still feels like it's only the beginning.
Pete Cox
To be involved behind the scenes with the evolution of a sport with far reaching influences, many of which I am certain are yet to be fully discovered is not only amazing but truly inspiring.Having ability, knowledge, creative talent & enthusiasm as the blood that runs through the veins which is STARBOARD ,allows not only dreams to become reality but allows reality to be consumed by dreams.
That is what makes my position fun.
I think at all times no matter the discipline , no matter the intention, the main ingredient to any successful execution of concept through to production, is the availability of enthusiasm to be continually injected in to each idea . STARBOARD, offers the eternal drip fed supply of enthusiasm direct from the top via Mr. Svein Rasmussen who can in my little story be seen as the doctor dialing the dosage up or down to ensure quality is the end result no matter the severity of the case admitted. STARBOARD under the guidance of Svein has offered myself a unique position to assist in the development of the SHORT SUP EVOLUTION, the 'EVOLUTION WITHIN AN EVOLUTION' ,that is STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING globally.
I have the pleasure to live on what many consider a beautiful island, I call it a magic place on earth & it is my home & a place where my family enjoys an awesome lifestyle, welcome to Bali –INDONESIA..
The SHORT SUP evolution has come about here on Bali as a direct result of quality waves & the burning desire to see just how far we can push the limits that have yet to be set, & wow not only have we shifted the bar ,we have taken it away & replaced it . STARBOARD's prototypes are conceived in the minds of individuals that see what is accepted NOW, as being THE BEGINNING of the next stage, this is what really drives the evolution & innovation.
A product that has been tube fed by the R&D team, diagnosed by the doctor , & then hand delivered from the shaping bays of STARBOARD is not something that just happens by chance , but something that has developed from a need to meet expectations & a wish to exceed acceptable as being NOT good enough. If you find yourself reading this & thinking not possible way to much hype , no way he can be serious , I invite you to come join me on a "DAY IN THE LIFE OF " & I'm certain you will reluctantly leave with a burning desire to try something new , a refreshed if not completely altered interpretation of what Stand Up Paddle Boarding really is & what it can offer to its participants & most of all it will ALLOW REALITY TO BE CONSUMED BY DREAMS.
Welcome to a day in the life of Pete, that's me , as a R&D rider in the SHORT SUP EVOLUTION supported ,inspired & motivated all the way by the Doctor & THE TEAM that is STARBOARD....
Cheers Pete
Nimit Pormjan
Mr. SUP.There is one person in particular that has made it possible for us to build the prototypes fast and precise enough to quickly decide which of our ideas that may meet the market. Nimit Pormjan has dedicated all his time over the last years to enhance the speed of the development program. He has been instrumental in refining the CAD prototypes and building boards from the foam up. He also supervises his strong workshop crew to build with high accuracy.
