Starboard Above vs Takeoff | Downwind Days or Freeride Fun?

Tucker and Mr. Jeff dive deep into a comparison of two popular wing foil boards from Starboard: the 2025 Takeoff and the 2025 Above. Both boards cater to riders looking for high performance and versatility, but they’re designed with different strengths in mind. The Takeoff is considered the more established, legacy model—ideal for riders who want a balanced board that works well in powered winging conditions and wave environments. It features a recessed deck that places the rider closer to the foil, enhancing control and stability. Volume is distributed strategically in the nose and tail, giving it a surprisingly stable ride for its size. Although it’s narrower this year, the board still maintains excellent all-around performance, especially for those who enjoy freestyle and wave riding, and want one board that does it all.

On the other hand, the Above takes things a step further by stretching the outline and narrowing the width, targeting riders who prioritize efficiency. This makes it a strong contender for light wind sessions, using smaller foils, or exploring parawinging and downwind-style riding. Even though it's narrower, the Above retains user-friendly characteristics thanks to its added length and fuller nose. In mid-to-larger sizes, it remains approachable for newer riders or those transitioning to higher performance. However, in smaller sizes, like the 70L, the narrow stance can limit leverage on wide foils, which more experienced riders might notice when pushing turns.

Both boards are built at the Cobra Factory, renowned for its top-quality construction, and come in two models: the Limited Series (LS) and Blue Carbon. LS is the more affordable option and surprisingly robust for its weight, while Blue Carbon is lighter and stiffer, offering a premium ride feel for those willing to invest more. Both Jeff and Tucker praised the durability and thoughtful design of the boards, with Jeff even sharing how the 80L Blue Carbon Takeoff surpassed his expectations in a variety of conditions.

Tucker highlighted the Above as a standout for parawinging, offering a near-hybrid between a wing-foil board and a downwind board without the bulk. It’s efficient, fast, and stable, with a sunken deck that provides leverage and comfort. The Takeoff, meanwhile, excels for riders seeking a balanced ride that allows for freestyle, wave riding, and progression with confidence. Both boards work well as part of a two-board quiver or even a do-it-all single board, depending on the rider's priorities.

In summary, the Starboard Takeoff is the go-to choice for a reliable, surfy, all-around wing foil board, while the Starboard Above caters to those seeking more efficiency, particularly in light wind or for parawing adventures. Starboard’s long history in board sports shines through in both models, offering well-balanced shapes, durable construction, and a clear sense of purpose in each design. Tucker and Jeff both agree—these are two boards they’re genuinely stoked to ride and recommend.

#wingfoiling #wingsurfing

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