For the last couple of weeks I was paddling stand up paddleboards on Beaver Pond in Arapaho Bend Natural Area. I am trying to compare my three 14’x28″ paddleboards from a perspective of long distance paddling and racing like Missouri River 340 race. The new board, 2023 Waterline by Starboard is getting the most attention.

This paddle board is designed as a specialised flat-water touring paddleboard, the Waterline promises the smoothest and most relaxing paddling sensation in conditions up to shin high chop.

The Waterline’s shape hand hull design is focused on achieving maximum speed and stability with no splash or sound.

At 75% speed, this hull is faster than our race boards, so in essence, for most riders, it’s the quickest ride ever.

Starboard

I am assuming that he Waterline board is optimized to be fast and efficient at about 75% efforts. I still need more paddling in different conditions to make any conclusions. Meanwhile I am getting more comfortable with that paddleboard, and, of course, I am shooting some pictures and video during each training workout.

Here is a series of pictures shot from a water level with my Sony RX0 II camera after 6 mile paddling. The light wasn’t so great on a cloudy day, but at least the frog perspective was interesting.

Water in my paddling pond is getting warmer. Last week I changed from my winter paddling boots, Chota Mukluks, to waterproof Sealskinz socks and Keen water sandals. Although it’s still a bit chilly, it feels great to be paddling without the extra bulk of the boots.

What footwear do you prefer for cold weather paddling? Let me know in the comments!