Editor’s note: this is a preview post. Click here to read the full review.
When I’m considering buying a SUP for river surfing that was originally designed for ocean surf, the first feature I look for is a board that will perform well on small waves. This isn’t because I prefer small waves, but rather in the river, even the large waves would be considered small by ocean standards. The second feature I look for is length. The shorter the board, the more likely it is to fit on a river wave.
The Starboard Hyper Nut 7’2″ checks both those boxes. Starboard even states that it is the “Ultimate performance for knee high river waves…” which sounds perfect to me.
I don’t expect the Hyper Nut to perform well on small holes that are steep or have a lot of whitewater. Where I’m hoping this board will shine is on big, high quality river waves. I intend to use this board on large glassy waves like the ones found in Glenwood, Pueblo and Durango.
It’ll be a while before I get a chance to surf this board. May/June is when the snow-melt, high water starts in Colorado. Look for my full review on the Hyper Nut sometime around late summer.
Written by | Benjamin
Benjamin Smith is a land locked surfer living in Colorado. He gets his surfing fix on the local rivers, where he SUP surfs standing waves.
Albertto
March 27, 2016 at 2:55 am
Aren’t you afraid of digging a brand new Starboard? jeje
What is the construction?
Cheers.
Benjamin
March 27, 2016 at 9:08 am
Yeh, I’m super afraid of dinging that board! It’s the brush carbon construction which is supposed to be pretty durable, but the rivers can ruin boards quick.
Michael
April 23, 2016 at 3:30 pm
Hola Benjamin,
I just wonder if you have try or review this board and I would like to hear your opinion about it.:9’6″X36″ STREAM – WIDE INFLATABLE RIVER SUP BY STARBOARD
Gracias.
Michael
Benjamin
April 23, 2016 at 6:24 pm
Hi Michael,
I have tried the Stream on several occasions. In my limited experience the Stream makes for a good down river board, but is not very good for surfing river waves. For smaller waves and holes, it’s simply too long. For bigger waves, it’s better to have a hard board. Hope that helps!