I got a new Starboard 8'5 PRO over the weekend. It is a great board, turns well and is stable. I got mine in wood, does anyone know how the carbon compares?? I really like the wood one, looks great and is also lighter than the ast. It has a nice feature on the front, it is not glossy, so it can be walked on without slipping. Very happy with it. Thank you to Sunshine Coast SUP Fun for ordering it in for me. below are some photos that I got of me on sunday.

I got the wood version. Have used it in chest to head high surf and have found it to be really quick and responsive. Due to the size of the board there is no need to move your footing around much once on the wave. Back foot on the stomp pad and go for it.
Haven't tried it in the quad set up as yet.
At 85kg its a real challenge to paddle in chop though. I only take it out in perfect conditions. My six year old has already told me its the right size for him.

Awesome pics Trevor, your ripping on that board! How goods the Starboard nose grip inovation, never have to wax my boards again!
Keep ripping it and posting the pics!

I've spent a little time on 2012 8'5" Pro model in both the Wood and the Carbon constructions.

I first tried out the AST Wood model and immediately found it very stable (for my 80kg) although it's an inch shorter and an inch narrower (but 6L more volume) than my previous board (PSH8'6WR). I thought it may have been a bit big (having surfed smaller volume boards for the past 2.5years) but after a few waves to find it's sweet spot, I found the board fast and responsive, and the extra little bit of volume has meant it's loads of fun in less than ideal conditions aswell.

After spending a bit of time on the demo wood version, I wanted to buy one but could only get hold of a carbon one at the time. I was hesitant about the carbon as I wasn't sure about the startouch deck vs. a full grip which i was used to (and was also unsure about the extra cost vs.benefit for the lighter carbon board).

First time on the Carbon board felt a bit strange without spongy grip beneath my feet, but after a few surf's I really liked it (the startouch that is) and also found the Carbon board faster and more responsive than the Wood model. After now having had my Carbon board for about 6 weeks and surfed it in everything from 1ft to 5-6ft (that's about my limit) I'm absolutely stoked I chose the carbon and really going to struggle to go back to a wood or AST construction in the future.

I've also had a few goes on the 8'0 Pro (also the carbon model) which I love the feel of once on a wave, but it's also a lot harder to paddle and for me would only be a board for the good days whereas the 8'5 is a great performance board for everyday. It would be great to have both, but choosing just one, the 8'5" was the right way to go.

Here's a few pics I found from Surfing NSW from last week's comp ...

Nice Pics Ali!