2011 Starboard iSonic Wood

The Starboard iSonic Wood new windsurfing board with the option to include a free board bag is for freeride and slalom use.

Since it's introduction in 2006 each successive iSonic range brought with it two or three new upgrades, four at most. However, from 2010 to 2011 the latest iSonics boast no less than six upgrades over their predecessors. This big jump was made possible by a new internal R&D methodology that allowed the team to start their research at an earlier stage than before. Remi Vila, the new head of racing development at Starboard, partnered with Cyril Moussilmani, Björn Dunkerbeck, Kevin Pritchard and Jimmy Diaz to kick-start the 2011 cycle with a strong influx of fresh energy and new ideas very early in the season. Add the experience of Tiesda You, Svein Rasmussen and Jim Drake to this extended R&D time and the 2011 iSonics are born.

Introducing six upgrades for the sixth iSonic generation

UPGRADE ONE: harder rail edges in the tail
With harder rails, the board releases from the water cleaner and quicker: this increases top speed, enables quicker acceleration in gusts, improves earlier planing and improves the board's ability to maintain top speed in lulls. On sizes 107, 117, 117 Wide, 127 and 137, the planing surface is also wider and shorter than previously (higher aspect ratio planing surface) this improves bottom end efficiency. With a harder release edge, the iSonics also gain more gybing power. The rails have the ability to store more energy as the racer enters a gybe that, a fraction of a second later, releases into more exit-speed.

UPGRADE TWO: very deep deck concaves
The 2011 iSonics have very deep deck concaves. By going so deep, the level of control is maximized. The pivot point between sail and board is kept as low as possible. The centre of gravity of the board is also lowered further to minimize undesired swing weight. These very deep deck concaves also break the aerodynamic suction effect that often lifts the nose out of control in high winds. Last but not least, the gap between the sail and deck is eliminated and the mast track can be moved back to improve top end speed without compromising control. The mast tracks have been moved back 1.5cm in the 90, 97, 107, 117, 117 Wide, 127, 137 models. *Note the very deep deck concaves require the boom to be set about 2cm higher than your normal setting.

UPGRADE THREE: individual cutaway trimming
The planing surface tabs directly behind the back heel were individually tuned to carefully adjust the ride and trim of select iSonic 90, 97, 107, 117, 117 Wide, 127 and 137 models. This individual tuning minimizes skin friction between board and water for more top end potential, increases the liveliness of the board and boosts acceleration, without breaching the limits of control if conditions get rougher.

UPGRADE FOUR: paintless finish
Paint is eliminated from the deck and rails of the board to minimize weight of the iSonic WoodCarbon and Carbon models. A grey pigment is used instead, that provides UV protection and adds a textured finishing effect. Pad sizes were also minimized in a chase to eliminate every unnecessary gram of weight.

UPGRADE FIVE: snug strap positioning
All the front footstrap plugs were narrowed down to have an aperture of 14.5cm, which is narrower than usual. The angle of the front strap was also turned to sit more square to the length axis of the board. These two tweaks combine to give a very snug fit to the front foot, allowing the rider to adjust pitch and roll more effectively as the board reaches top speed.

UPGRADE SIX: new 80 concept and new 117 Wide concept
Two all new concepts are added to the iSonic collection. The iSonic 117 Wide is 80.5cm wide, filling a much needed niche between the 75cm and 85cm models. Based closely on the 85cm model, the 117 Wide has the lowest thickness to volume ratio, giving it a massive wind range. This ultra-slim shape is a clear new favourite and the board we most recommend as an upgrade to any slalom quiver. The iSonic 80 is a slimmer version of the iSonic 87, but this year the rail shapes were also softened and thinned down. This improves high wind control and further reduces bounce when gybing in choppy conditions. The new high wind reference for light and medium weight racers.

The 2011 iSonic board range do not come with a fin allowing sailors to 'tune' the board to their individual needs, preferred sailing discipline and their sail range. The Drake fins can be purchased from our website, just click on the fin you are interested in to be re-directed. Alternatively use this link to view all the Drake fins available.

iSonic 80 : Drake Slalom Pro 32 / Deboichet SL4 32
iSonic 87 : Drake Slalom Pro 34 / Deboichet SL4 34
iSonic 90 : Drake Slalom Pro 36 / Deboichet SL4 36
iSonic 97 : Drake Slalom Pro 38 / Deboichet SL4 38
iSonic 107 : Drake Slalom Pro 40 / Deboichet SL4 40
iSonic 117 : Drake R13 Race NR 44 / Deboichet R16 44
iSonic 117 Wide : Drake R13 Race NR 46 / Deboichet R16 46
iSonic 127 : Drake R13 Race NR 50 / Deboichet R16 50
iSonic 137 : Drake R13 Race NR 52 / Deboichet R16 52

• No paint finish - on the deck and rails of all WoodCarbon and Carbon models for minimum weight
• Individually trimmed planing surface tabs on 97, 107, 117, 117 Wide, 127 and 137
• Very deep deck concave - increases control, closes the gap between sail and deck
• Harder rail edges in the tail - more speed, acceleration and gybing power
• New Slick Straps by Drake - includes convenient strap-size indicator
• Snug Strap positioning - more effective pitch and roll control
• Fish scale pad grooving - unidirectional traction
• Reduced amount of strap inserts - saves weight
• Minimal pads - minimal weight

Developed by Jean Louis Colmas in 1984, Wood Technology has become one of Starboard's trademark constructions since 1995. Their production Wood boards have since then set the lead in lightweight sandwich technology weighing in at a kilo under the competition and yet seemingly with a higher impact resistance.

A sheet of 0.6 mm Australian plantation pine wood forms the full outer shell of these boards. The wood's unique properties are its natural rigidity, superior resistance to compression and higher energy absorption compared to carbon. To this day it is still the construction with the highest dynamic shape stability.

Advantages: lighter weight, highest dynamic shape stability, rigid flex, quicker response

ProTECT - UV protective film all 2011 Starboard Wood Technology boards come with a new protective film that covers the exposed wood area of the deck. This film protects the wood from harmful UV rays to maintain the beautiful wood look. It also improves the bond between the non slip clear coat and the board to make the non-slip more durable.

*STOCK NOTICE - Sadly we are unable to stock all 2011 products, but we should be able to supply you with any of the products listed in the tables above. So we can best serve you, if the item you require is not in the pull down boxes at the top of this page please use this link to email us or call on 01543 505084.

**PART EXCHANGE WELCOME - We will accept your equipment in part exchange against this product. For a quotation just send us an email with the details of the equipment and some pictures and we will work out a value for you. To get the ball rolling please use this link to email us for your quote.