If you're into SUP or wing foiling, you’ve probably seen people flying along on downwind boards by now. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting to get into foiling, the Starboard Ace Foil Board is a board that everyone’s talking about. But what makes it stand out from the crowd? It all comes down to its unique downwind shape, which has some serious advantages over other foil board shapes and designs.
The Downwind Shape
So, what’s the deal with downwind shapes? Simply put, the longer, narrower shape is designed to gain speed across the water with minimal drag, which helps you get up onto the foil much sooner and much easier than other foil boards. Unlike traditional foil boards, which are often shorter and wider, downwind boards like the Starboard Ace are shaped to maximise speed, stability, and give you an early take off.
Faster Speeds and Earlier Takeoff
The shape of the Starboard Ace is all about speed. When you’re on the water, the board’s streamlined design allows you to cut through the water efficiently. This means you can pick up speed much faster than you would on a shorter, wider foil board.
Thanks to this shape, the Ace gives you an early take off, which is a huge advantage for both SUP and wing foiling. The quicker you can get on the foil, the sooner you can start gliding smoothly above the water.
This makes the Ace perfect for riders who want to maximise their foiling time, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Whether you’re paddling into a wave or catching a gust with your wing, that early lift makes all the difference in your session.
Why It’s Great for Wing Foiling
When it comes to wing foiling, the Starboard Ace’s shape really shines - especially in light wind conditions. Wing foiling relies heavily on the wind to generate lift, and in light wind, it can sometimes be challenging to get going. This is where the Ace’s longer, narrower, pin tail design comes into play.
The board’s ability to gain speed quickly and lift off earlier means you can get on the foil with minimal effort in even the lightest of breezes. We found we were able to get going with the Starboard Ace, a 6-metre wing and the Glider 1700 front wing in just 5-10 knots of breeze. This is an absolute game-changer for light-wind days, allowing you to foil in conditions that might leave other riders sitting on the beach.
Not only that, but Holly mentioned several times that the light wind and longer board meant she was able to practice manoeuvres like different types of gybes and switching her feet, that usually lead to falling off when she’s out on her smaller board in stronger winds. Being able to get out often in light wind has progressed her ability on the strong wind days!
Additionally, the Ace’s design helps maintain speed once you’re on the foil, making it easier to stay up and glide, even as the wind changes. The rocker line and rounded shape under the nose mean even if you touch down briefly, the board bounces back up onto the foil easily rather than catching and sticking.
Steve now uses the Ace Foil Board for every wing foil session in both light and strong wind. It’s a board that can help you take your skills to the next level, no matter the conditions. For those looking to maximise their wing foiling sessions, especially in variable conditions or gusty locations, the Starboard Ace is a great choice to help you get the most time on the water.
Downwind SUP Foiling
Downwind SUP foiling has been gaining some serious momentum in the foiling community, and the Starboard Ace is perfectly suited for this discipline. Downwind foiling involves paddling up onto the foil with the wind behind you, using swells and bumps to push you forward. It’s fast-paced, thrilling, and requires a board that gets onto the foil easily, can handle speed, and keep you stable.
The original Starboard Ace wasn’t a foil board - Starboard made the 14’ Ace Stand Up Paddle Race Board for many years and have utilised its design in the Ace Foil Board. The long, narrower shape is ideal for generating speed quickly and maintaining that speed across the water when you’re paddling hard. The pin tail enables you to use every bump to your advantage and as you glide downwind, you can catch and link bumps more easily, keeping you on the foil longer and allowing you to cover more distance with less effort.
For those new to downwind SUP foiling, the Ace provides a forgiving yet responsive ride. It’s stable enough to keep you upright as you learn to read the water and find the bumps, but it’s also fast enough to satisfy even experienced foilers looking to push their limits. For those who have been wing foiling for longer than they have been stand up paddling, a fast and powerful paddle stroke is crucial to give you the speed needed to get up onto the foil, but the Ace is forgiving with its efficiency and early take off.
The Starboard Ace Foil Board is a true game-changer in the world of SUP and wing foiling and we couldn’t wait to get our hands on one. We’ve found its ability to gain speed quickly and achieve an earlier takeoff sets it apart from traditional foil boards, making it a top choice for both wing foilers and SUP foilers looking to maximise their time on the water.
If you’re serious about foiling, the Starboard Ace is a board worth considering. Its innovative shape makes your time on the water more enjoyable, more efficient, and, most importantly, more fun.
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