This test, amongst many others, was featured in the June edition of SURF!

Starboard Kode Wave 72 Wood: "Cool moves over and under the lip"

Length: 223 cm
Width: 55.5 cm
Weight: 6.66 kg
Volume: 72 liters
Fin: MB Twinzers 16.5 cm / Slot Box / G-10
Available sizes: 72, 77, 82 and 87

On Land:

We tested the Kode Wave in Twinzer mode. A US Box for a single fin mode can be used too. Regarding the equipment, let us say that Starboard has the most comfortable footstraps in 2013!

On the Water:

Not unusual for Starboard, the Kode feels a little bigger than equally-sized boards from other brands. As a result, lightweight riders will have to throw around a little more bodyweight if they really want to chase the Kode through tighter turns. The feeling of the board was described by our testers as slightly on the hard side, and challenging at times. The Kode won’t win a prize for comfort, as its strengths lie in fast and tight turns, of which heavier surfers can make swiftly, allowing for cool moves over and under the lip. The turning radius can be changed at any time throughout the turn, which is an advantage in the unpredictable wave patterns of Northern Europe.

SURF Recommendation:

The Kode is not your typical recommendation for lighter wave riders or featherweights who like flat-water riding. The board simply feels a half a size bigger than that, and will serve 70 kg+ riders well. Alternatively, above average wave riders who like to ride the North and Baltic sea will come to love the Kode Wave.