Saimaa SUP Star 14.0 SUP Package

Designed and developed in Finland, the Saimaa SUP Star 14.0 (427x71x15 cm / 14” x 28” x 6”, 350 L, 11.7 kg) is one of the fastest, if not the fastest, inflatable touring SUP boards on the market. Star was born from the idea of ​​making a super fast and directional stable SUP board, which is still stable enough to admire the scenery. The result is a board with unique features that allow a skilled paddler to reach average speeds of up to 9 km/h and peaks of over 10 km/h. Directional stability has also been improved, so even with a slightly weaker paddling technique, you can take an average of 12 strokes per side before changing sides. Of course, a skilled paddler can reach higher strokes per side. Despite its excellent performance, the Saimaa SUP Star is by no means too difficult for beginners who are interested in long distances, hiking, or high speed.

Despite the affordable price, the Saimaa SUP Star's features have not been compromised, but the whole lot has been emptied! The board contains all the carefully coordinated technical features that a flagship model can have. The core of the board is the top-quality machine-woven Machine Weave Fusion dropstitch, which makes the board stiff and light. Machine Weave Fusion Dropstitch saves weight by up to 2 kg and can withstand 25 psi of pressure, so the board is already really stiff. However, the Star is not satisfied with this, but stiffness has been further increased with 23 cm wide carbon fiber stiffeners running lengthwise through the deck and bottom. The result is a super stiff board that rides even under heavy weight and in waves with minimal sagging, saving energy for moving forward and not for the hull.

In addition to stiffness, directional stability is important when paddling longer distances and when seeking a higher average speed, because during each paddle change, the board's speed has time to fade and gaining speed takes energy/force. Directional stability can be measured by how many paddle strokes can be taken per side before the board starts to turn off course. In Star, directional stability has been sought by maximizing the waterline by keeping the rocker (the curvature of the board's bottom from stern to bow) non-existent, which means that almost the entire long waterline (427 cm) can be utilized and provide directional stability. In Star, directional stability is not limited to just a long waterline, but the board also has a 34 cm long and 0.8 cm deep front fin in the bow. With this combination, 12 strokes per side are easily achieved.

With these features, the board is stiff, fast and directional - what more could you ask for? Of course, extra speed that will leave other boards staring when the Star disappears into the horizon! Unique breakers have been developed for the Star at the back of the board, which minimize the energy needed to break away from the water caused by the stern vortex and the draft of the board. This reduces flow resistance by up to 10-15% compared to regular boards. The breakers, which were developed and tested in Finland, start working at speeds of 6 km/h and higher, providing better assistance the harder you paddle. A trained paddler can reach an average speed of 9 km/h with hard strokes, with top speeds over 10 km/h! Each board has been hand-planted with stern vortex breakers that do not slow down paddling even at lower speeds. The Star is fully competitive with narrow-based and skimboard competition boards, yet the Star is stable and easy enough for even an inexperienced paddler to enjoy the scenery without fear of falling off the board.

Is that all? Not at all, because the board's unparalleled features are crowned with machine-welded plastic seams that ensure maximum air tightness. The bow of the board is equipped with a hard plastic sharp tip that breaks waves with minimal resistance. For hikers, generous deck rubber bands have been added to the bow and stern of the board, so even larger hiking gear can be carried with the board easily. The center carry handle also has a handy paddle holder for breaks. For competitors and stunt riders, the board has a raised EVA pad (kicktail) at the stern of the board, which allows for the fastest and most spectacular pivot turns by shifting the weight to the rear and lifting the bow of the board up. The rear deck rubber bands are easy to remove thanks to the quick release when the kicktail is used more. The board's recommended maximum load capacity is 140kg.

The board package's equipment is also top-notch: a super-light (650g) full carbon fiber paddle that gives you excellent grip on the water, a three-function pump that lets you inflate the board quickly and easily, and a tool-free 25cm deep touring fin, escape strap, backpack, and repair kit.

Many paddlers already have accessories on their own, so the board is also available as a board + backpack + fin + repair kit combination at a more affordable price.

The Saimaa SUP Star 14.0 really does the trick – if you're looking for a SUP board/package with top features at a reasonable price for fitness, hiking or competition, choose the Saimaa SUP Star 14.0.

Content and specifications

• UV-protected Machine Weave Fusion Dropstitch PVC
• Machine-welded seams
• 23cm wide carbon fiber stiffeners on the lid and bottom
• 34cm long front fin
• Breakers to reduce water resistance
• Hard plastic sharp bow
• Two cover rubber bands
• Kicktail
• 25cm deep tool-free center fin
• Full carbon fiber paddle (665 grams, max length 215 cm)
• Triple-action, super fast and efficient hand pump
• Escape strap
• Strong fabric backpack
• Repair kit and valve tool
• We recommend the board to fitness enthusiasts who want the speed and directional stability of kayaking for paddle boarding, as well as good cargo carrying capabilities for camping.