STARBOARD: THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THE WING

After more than three decades at the forefront of watersports innovation, Starboard now unveils Starboard Wings – the latest addition to its lineup.

A LEGACY OF INNOVATION

In 1994, Olympic windsurfer Svein Rasmussen launched the Starboard Windsurfing collection – four of the lightest boards seen in windsurfing until then. The collection was designed to deliver podium-ready performance perfected for ‘normal skilled athletes’, while endorsing support for the environment.

A storm of innovation soon followed, with Starboard capturing 14 out of 16 PWA overall constructors titles, while revolutionising progressive equipment for the masses. Starboard’s iQFOiL equipment was awarded Olympic status for the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Olympic Games as well as receiving the World Sailing’s Sustainability Award and IOC’s Sports positive award.

When Stand Up Paddleboarding emerged in Hawaii, Starboard accelerated the sport with the same radical innovation mindset, producing breakthroughs such as widebody wave boards that opened surfing up to all skill levels, and dug-out race boards that went on to win more titles than any other brand.

Starboard also went on to pioneer welded inflatable boards for durability and safety, and was first to launch double-chamber boards for added stiffness and security. Starboard is Innovation Quality.

THE NEXT AREA OF INNOVATION: WINGS

Starboard’s connection to wings runs deep. The original wing was patented by Jim Drake in 1982 – the same innovator who co-created windsurfing. From 1999, Jim worked closely with Starboard and in 2011, Starboard’s Clinton Filen pioneered the first inflatable wing after elaborate discussions with Jim. And in 2020, the world’s first double-surfaced wing was built at the Starboard workshop and tested locally at Wongamat Beach, Thailand – paving the way for today’s modern wing designs.

Today, Starboard crew is submerged in wing material development, build methods, shape technology and patented structural advantages. The focus is on power delivery, control, agility, lightness, comfort, safety, durability and impossible engineering.

For 2026, Starboard plans the launch of a range of four wings with the same ethos as for windsurfing back in 1994, offering equipment that helps riders progress fast and win podium position. The first model to be revealed and become available for pre-order is the VIVA, with the rest of the lineup to follow in months ahead:

1. VIVA – a lightweight, versatile all-rounder made to excel in any conditions, any discipline.
2. SOURCE – a low-aspect wing that fast tracks progression into freeride and loads of fun.
3. REACTOR – a super maneuverable and reactive surf-freestyle weapon.
4. BOWSTRING – a patented, profile advantaged, race-winning machine backed by science.

Complementing the wings, Starboard has developed a range of accessories, including the thinnest and lightest UD carbon booms with ergo grip profiles in a variety of sizes and diameters, ensuring comfort, control, and unmatched handling across all hand sizes.

RACING INTO THE FUTURE

Building on the Olympic-winning iQFOiL legacy, Starboard’s X-15 One-Design Class will grow wingfoil racing worldwide. Backed by World Sailing recognition with five official World Championship Wingfoil titles, the X-15 program will support structured training programs, grassroots club development, and an international professional circuit.

A BETTER BRAND FOR OUR PLANET

Since 2017, Starboard has measured and offset its full carbon footprint – from materials and staff, to suppliers, athletes, and even major events like iQFOiL and X-15. Solar-powered offices and warehouses, along with millions of mangroves planted in partnership with Worldview International, ensure the company draws down more carbon than it emits.

Starboard was also the first company to introduce a plastic footprint calculation. Despite eliminating single-use plastics in 2017, every wing sold today funds the collection of 1.4 kg of ocean plastic – the average annual pollution footprint per person. To date, Starboard’s POP team has already removed close to one million kilograms of plastic from the world’s beaches and waterways, while delivering eco educational programs to thousands of students. 

FOUNDER’S VISION

“Just like in 1994, I believe Starboard can deliver better products than anyone else – while striving to be a better brand for the planet. Wingfoiling is personal to me, just as Windsurfing and Paddleboarding have been – the two sports Starboard already helped lead. Developing and testing gear is at the heart of our work, and I look forward to every session.

As always, our mission spans from grassroots development to world titles, Olympic ambitions, and everything in between. Some see this as impossible engineering; we see it as business as usual. With boards, foils and now wings, Starboard is one unified brand, bringing innovation and quality to wingfoiling.

Our target is to see wingfoiling become the world’s most popular sailing sport – and we welcome feedback to keep improving every aspect of our products and services. Stay tuned.”

— Svein Rasmussen, Starboard Chief Innovator

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