The ZEN construction is a light and strong construction that performs at a really high level. The construction is built with single-layer LINEAR dropstitch, mechanically heat-welded joints and reinforced 2000D galvanized sides, making the board even stronger and stiffer while increasing durability. Below you can read more about some of the benefits of Starboard's ZEN construction.
Welded Rails - better strength and durability
A welding technology that mechanically fuses two materials into one solid unit, resulting in a strong mechanical joint. It is stronger, longer lasting and better for the environment compared to a glued joint. The weld creates a complete airtight seal without the risk of glue weakening or stressing over time. Watch the video here
Linear Dropstitch Construction - Lightweight and strong construction
What holds the top and bottom pieces together and forms the core of an inflatable SUP board are threads that are sewn between the top and bottom. It's important that the threads are numerous and close together to increase stiffness and performance. Traditionally, cross drop stitch has been used where the stitching runs in a zig zag pattern. This is a cheap and efficient way to sew the board and is used on many SUPS. Starboard has developed a new way of sewing the board with a very specific goal in mind: to create the stiffest board possible without weighing too much. By sewing the board linearly along the length of the board, you get all the strength along the length of the board where it is exposed to the most pressure during use. This means that these boards are stiffer lengthwise and maintain their shape so that both the front and back ends are in contact with the water. This maximizes stiffness, response, speed and directional stability. 
200D Galvanized Compression Rails - Reinforced sides for extra strength, durability and performance
The sides ("rails") of the ZEN board are reinforced with an extra durable material that is welded to the edge of the board, so you have two layers around the entire board - even in an extra strong material that increases the strength and rigidity of the board
Attention to detail - Valves, fin box and details that last
Every detail and feature on Starboard's ZEN boards is of the highest quality - from the valves to the high quality fin box.
High-quality accessories - Paddles, pump, leash and bag in a proper quality
Starboards SUP packages come with a balsa fiber shaft paddle, an efficient V8 "double action" pump and a lightweight, high-quality leash. In comparison, most SUP packages come with a cheaper and heavy paddle made of aluminum, and half-power pumps that break down quickly.
STARBOARD ZEN BOARDS
ZEN boards come in three different models - a 12'6 toring board, a directionally stable 11'2 all-round board and a 10'8 all-round board, so there is something for everyone.
Toruring ZEN 12'6 x 30
The 12'6 Touring is a classic touring board designed for longer trips where speed and directional stability are important. The shape and extra length give you more speed and better propulsion and glide. In addition, the 12'6 Touring board has a small edge at the rear end that allows the water to "release" better, which in turn contributes to better glide and higher speed.
Allround ZEN 11'2 x 31+
The 11'2 is an all-round board, but has a straighter outline (sides) than traditional. It's wide at the back of the board and the board's diagonal sides mean there's more propulsion. Therefore, you get better glide on the water, have to paddle less to move forward and don't have to switch sides between paddles as often as on a traditional all-round board to stay on course. Choose this board if you want a board that does it all, but comes into its own when you paddle straight ahead.
Allround ZEN 10'8 x 33
The 10'8 is an all-round board that works perfectly for beach play, is easier to turn on and the best choice for playing in smaller waves. The board is 33 inches wide and very stable, making it the obvious choice for the first-time buyer who wants optimal confidence.
Starboard's sustainable profile - Reducing Co2 emissions and plastic waste
Starboard has the most sustainable profile in the industry. They are involved in a multitude of programs and partnerships, all aimed at reducing their carbon footprint and reducing the amount of plastic in the oceans.
Plastic Offset program - Minimal impact on the environment
For every Starboard SUP board sold, 1.1 kilos of beach/ocean plastic waste is collected. This corresponds to the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean per person per year. Starboard is also continuously working to rethink and reinvent how they reduce the use of plastic in production or switch to less harmful varieties and recyclable sources.
Carbon net positive - Sustainable production
The production of an inflatable SUP board emits approximately 100 kg of Co2. For every Starboard board sold, a mangrove tree is planted that removes an average of one ton of Co2 during its lifetime. This is equivalent to the emissions from the production of 10 boards. So far, Starboard has been responsible for planting more than 650,000 mangrove trees through various initiatives.
B-Corp
In addition, Starboard is the only SUP board manufacturer to be certified as a "B Corp" company. A B Corp verification goes beyond product and service levels and is the only verification that measures a company's overall social, community and environmental footprint. Companies must meet the highest requirements and standards for how their operations and business model impact employees, customers, suppliers, society, climate and the environment. Having achieved this certification, companies are also legally obligated to consider the impact of all decisions so that they always live up to this certification. These obligations, as well as transparency and accountability requirements, must also be built into the company's legal structure so that companies continue to meet these standards in the long term.
Want to know more about inflatable SUP boards - read our blog"Beginner's guide to buying an inflatable SUP board"
