The Ultimate Big Board Test
By Eric Girard
"Ok, Ok, big boards are fun !!!"
Introduction :
When I saw the first GO from Starboard, five years ago,  I laughed hard! I couldn't believe that this board was going to become one day, a legend of our sport. In fact, this wide and short board has been able to help thousands of people learning windsurfing in less than one day. For some other people, like my father, the GO became an everyday board. Some windsurfers even do races on those boards. So, today, the GO satisfy most of the windsurfers, from the beginners to the pros.
The big board phenomena got so big that the other giants in the industry like Bic, Mistral, RRD, Exocet, Naish, F2, Fanatic etc. decided to follow Starboard and produce big boards as well. Consequently, we can find today a large choice of wide - short boards easy to use in any kind of conditions.
Still, it is sometimes hard to believe, when windsurfing companies tell us that those big boards are high performance and easy to use in any kind of conditions. Just the width of the boards can turn any conservative windsurfer off. Likewise, the marketing around the big boards is mainly targeting the entry level section. Therefore, you seldom see magazine coverage of anyone pulling off tricks or radical manoeuvres on those giants.. This is the reason why I abruptly decided to go and find out the truth about this boards by myself.
Naturally I wanted to test the Go 180 litres from Starboard,- the great pioneer of big boards. The aim of the test was to reveal the ultimate limits of those so called "All Around". I went to work with an open mind, and below you will see photo proofs and my comments to each one of them.
Test Planning :
By the thickness and width of those big boards, you automatically anticipate that they are early planers,- and sure enough; It felt like riding a rocket.
Test Speed :
I've been surprised to often pass others on a reach - being on much smaller boards than mine.
Test Jibe :
The jibe technique is a lot different, but when pressing at the right spot with the back foot, the sensation and the accomplishment is guarantied.
Test Tandem :
No problem, we even push the limit to "Tandem Wave Riding".
Test "Towing" :
I would not be willing to place a "strap surfer" on a wave at Jaws, but there are many ways to scare the one behind.
Test Jumps :
Very easy jumping in light wind, but be careful on stronger winds. The board could catch the gusts and make you lose control.
 
Test Looping :
I'm impressed of myself doing this one! I knew that we could do small jumps on those boards, but I never thought that I could do back loops. However, I would not try to do any forward loops, since the impact on landing would probably be fatal for my ankles.
Conclusion :
After testing the type of board that I never thought I would try a few years ago, I realised that I was wrong to make fun of it! I have to say that I have been totally surprised of the performance level and the fun that the big boards can bring us.
Your welcome to have a drink with me on the deck of my GO anytime.… Ah!Ah!Ah!
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