Starboard 9’5” Longboard SUP Review | Best Board for Florida’s Small Summer Waves

• Posted on 17 November 2025
• Posted in 2025 Starboard Longboard, Cocoa Beach paddleboarding, Longboard, Longboard SUP Florida, Starboard 9’5 Longboard, Starboard 9’5 x 30, Starboard Longboard SUP, SUP for beginners Florida, SUP surf board review
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Thinking about a SUP that actually makes Florida’s small summer waves fun? This review breaks down why the 2025 Starboard 9’5” x 30” Longboard SUP has become a go-to for Cocoa Beach riders who want one board for both mellow surf and flatwater. We cover volume, shape, 2025 updates, and real-world insight from Epic Boardsports so you know exactly how it rides before you demo or buy.

Starboard 9’5” Longboard SUP Review: The Best Board for Florida’s Summer Waves?

If you’ve been chasing small summer waves across Florida, from Cocoa Beach’s mellow sandbars to Melbourne’s knee-high peelers, you know the struggle. Most days, the surf looks perfect for longboard SUPs, but your regular board either feels sluggish or too big to maneuver.

That’s where the 2025 Starboard 9’5” x 30” Longboard SUP (Limited Series Blue) comes in. This board hits the rare middle ground between stability, speed, and surf performance, designed for riders who want to make something out of nothing, as Jenifer from Epic Boardsports in Cocoa Beach puts it.

Built with 124 liters of volume and a 30-inch width, it’s tuned for those small-wave summer days when every ripple counts. Whether you’re an intermediate paddler looking to boost your wave count or a lighter rider who wants a crossover board for both surf and flatwater, this longboard SUP delivers a smooth, responsive ride without feeling bulky.

In this review, we’ll break down what makes the 9’5” such a standout for Florida conditions: how it compares to other sizes, what’s new in the 2025 shape, and why it’s become Jenifer’s go-to for summer surf sessions.

↪ Watch Jenifer’s full video review here or stop by Epic Boardsports in Cocoa Beach to see it in person.

What Is the Starboard 9’5” Longboard SUP Designed For? 

The Starboard 9’5” x 30” Longboard SUP is purpose-built for small-wave surfing and crossover flatwater sessions. It’s the board you grab when the wind’s down, the swell’s soft, and you still want to glide, carve, and stay on the water all day.

At 124 liters of volume, it hits a sweet spot: enough float to paddle comfortably and catch early-breaking waves, yet refined enough to turn and trim like a classic surfboard. As Jenifer from Epic Boardsports puts it,

“The 9’5” by 30” has 124 liters of volume, just enough to be super versatile for those who want to maximize wave count on the smaller peeler summer days.”

That versatility is exactly what makes it a standout for Florida’s east coast conditions, where waist-high surf and soft peaks are the norm through summer. The 30-inch width gives a stable feel underfoot, even when you’re cross-stepping or walking the nose. At the same time, the thinner rails and modern rocker keep it lively and surf-oriented, not a slow cruiser.

If you’re used to paddling a 10-foot board but want something more responsive, this shape gives you that next-step feel, quicker off the bottom, smoother rail-to-rail transitions, and tighter turns when the wave stands up a little.

While it shines in the surf, the 9’5” also doubles as a light flatwater cruiser, especially for smaller or intermediate riders. You can easily take it out on calm mornings in Cocoa Beach’s Banana River or paddle laps around Merritt Island before the wind fills in.

For anyone in Florida who wants one board that can handle mellow surf and relaxed paddles, this model was built with you in mind.

↪ You can demo this board at Epic Boardsports and feel how it performs.

How Does the Starboard 9’5” Compare to Other SUP Sizes?

When riders start shopping for a surf-style SUP, the first question is always about size, 9’0” vs 9’5” vs 10’0”. The truth is, those few inches make a big difference in how your board paddles, catches waves, and feels once you’re on them.

The 9’5” x 30” Longboard SUP sits right in the sweet spot between glide and agility. It trims like a classic longboard but still pivots and snaps when you push it through turns.

Jenifer explains it perfectly in her review:

“If you don’t want as much as that 10-foot size and aren’t ready for the 9-foot size, the 9’5” by 30” is a super versatile option. You get the wave count you want without going bigger than you’re comfortable riding.”

Here’s how it breaks down in real terms:

• Compared to a 10’0” Longboard SUP:
  The 10-footer is all about early entry and nose-riding style. It’s ultra-stable but slower rail to rail, especially for lighter riders. Great for pure glide but harder to whip around in smaller pockets. The 9’5” drops that excess length, tightening your turns without sacrificing wave count.
• Compared to a 9’0” Longboard SUP:
  The 9’0” is sharper, faster, and more performance-oriented, but it demands balance and power. The 9’5” keeps that surfy feel but adds comfort and forgiveness, ideal for intermediate riders or anyone transitioning from a 10-footer who still wants confidence underfoot.
• Why 9’5” Wins in Florida:
  Florida’s east coast waves rarely line up long or powerful. The 9’5” gives you enough board to paddle into softer peaks but stays light enough to respond quickly when the wave fades. It’s the one-size-quiver for Cocoa Beach to Vero riders who want flow in small surf and freedom on the face.

This size also gives you more range off the water. You can still take it for flatwater paddles on the Banana River, around Melbourne’s Turkey Creek, or along the Indian River Lagoon without feeling like you’re dragging too much board.

For most Florida paddlers, the 9’5” is that “do-it-all” board, stable enough for relaxed paddles, tuned enough for real surfing.

↪ Want to try it for yourself? Stop by Epic Boardsports in Cocoa Beach and compare sizes side-by-side before you buy.

Can You Paddle This Board in Flatwater Too? 

Absolutely, that’s part of what makes the Starboard 9’5” Longboard SUP such a versatile choice. While it’s built for surf, the board’s 124 liters of volume and balanced rocker make it surprisingly capable in calm water. Jenifer mentioned in her review that if you’re a lighter paddler,

“You can very well flatwater paddle this at 124 liters, and the 30 inches of width make it quite comfortable for cruising around.”

That combination of moderate width and low swing weight gives the board an easy, natural glide. You’ll still feel the efficient tracking you’d expect from a touring board, just with a little more looseness underfoot, perfect for casual paddles when the ocean’s flat.

In Cocoa Beach, that means slipping into Banana River Lagoon for a sunrise cruise, exploring mangroves in Merritt Island, or paddling quiet backwaters off Melbourne. The thinner rails keep it feeling responsive if you step back and carve around boat wakes or practice balance drills, while the refined deck and rocker help it stay smooth through small chop.

It’s not a race board, and it’s not trying to be. Think of it as your “surf-ready flatwater cruiser”, the board that lets you stay on the water no matter what the forecast looks like. If you’re the kind of rider who wants one board that can both glide through still mornings and snap through ankle-high waves by noon, this is it.

And because it’s lighter than larger longboard SUPs, carrying it from the car to the launch or loading it onto a roof rack is noticeably easier. That’s a subtle but real win for day-to-day use, especially if you paddle solo.

↪ If you’re not sure which board best fits your paddling style, Epic offers SUP lessons in Cocoa Beach where you can test different shapes and get direct feedback from the team.

What’s New in the 2025 Version of the Starboard Longboard SUP?

Starboard did repaint this model for 2025 but they also refined it. The new Limited Series Blue construction isn’t just for looks; it’s part of a performance update that makes the 9’5” feel faster, cleaner, and more connected to the water.

Jenifer from Epic Boardsports highlights the upgrades perfectly in her review:

“They’ve updated this shape since that V1 that came out in 2019. The nose is nice and thin, that rocker profile is just a little more generous, and they kept that volume in the middle but domed the deck slightly so the rails stay nice and pinched and thin.”

Those small tweaks change everything in the surf. Here’s what that means for real-world riding:

• Refined Nose Shape: The thinner nose helps reduce swing weight, so turns flow more naturally from rail to rail. It also cuts through surface chop better on windy days, keeping your glide smooth on both waves and flatwater.
• Enhanced Rocker Line: The added rocker in the nose and tail improves turning response and keeps you from pearling when dropping into steeper little waves. On Florida’s soft peaks, it helps you stay in the pocket longer without stalling out.
• Thinner Rails with Domed Deck: The deck’s subtle dome shifts volume to the board’s center, letting the rails bite harder in turns without sacrificing balance. That’s what gives it that “real surfboard” feel compared to thicker, boxier SUP rails.
• Lighter, Stronger Construction: The 2025 Limited Series Blue build is durable yet noticeably lighter underfoot, a huge plus when carrying from car to water or making quick cutbacks in small surf.
  

Overall, the 2025 updates take an already-loved shape and make it more surf-focused without losing flatwater versatility. It’s still forgiving, but now it feels livelier, faster, and more in sync with the kind of small, playful conditions Florida riders face all summer.

↪ Check out the full Starboard 9’5” Longboard SUP product page for specs and construction details.

Is the Starboard 9’5” Good for Florida’s Summer Waves?

Without question. This board was built for exactly the kind of surf Florida throws at you from May through September, soft, rolling peaks that reward glide and timing more than power.

Jenifer summed it up best:

“This board has become an amazing addition to my own quiver for making sure I can make something out of nothing on really small waves in the summertime.”

That line says it all. When the ocean looks more like a ripple field than a lineup, the Starboard 9’5” Longboard SUP turns those tiny peelers into rideable, flowing sessions. The generous rocker keeps the nose clear on mushy drops, while the thinner rails and refined outline let you stay locked in through longer turns instead of bogging down.

On the Cocoa Beach sandbars, where waves rarely pack punch, that means longer rides, easier cross-steps, and more chances to stay on your feet instead of waiting for another set. Down south in Vero Beach or Fort Pierce, it picks up even the faintest wrap-around swell. And for Orlando paddlers driving east for a weekend session, it’s the perfect “always fun” board that guarantees water time no matter how small it gets.

Because it’s light and surf-oriented, you can also move around freely, trim forward for speed, shift back to pivot through sections. The board responds instantly, giving you that classic longboard rhythm with SUP stability.

Florida’s east coast waves can be fickle. Wind, tide, and sandbars shift constantly. The 9’5” takes all that inconsistency and turns it into opportunity. Even when it’s knee-high and glassy, you’ll still find yourself gliding across the face, drawing real lines instead of just floating straight in.

If your goal is to surf more days each year, this board is the ticket. It’s built for the reality of Florida, and it delivers that fun, easygoing summer surf feeling every single time.

Who Should Buy the Starboard 9’5” Longboard SUP? 

The 9’5” Longboard SUP isn’t just for one type of rider, it’s for anyone who wants more days on the water without compromising performance. It sits perfectly between beginner-friendly and pro-level, making it one of the most adaptable shapes in Starboard’s lineup.

Here’s who it’s best suited for:

• Intermediate surfers who want to paddle more waves.
  If you already surf but hate missing sessions when the waves go flat, this board keeps your rhythm alive. It catches anything and still feels surfy enough to carve and cross-step. For riders who transition between traditional surfing and SUP, it’s an instant wave-count booster.
• SUP riders getting into surfing.
  If you’ve been paddling flatwater and are ready to start catching waves, this board gives you a forgiving but performance-driven path into surf. It’s stable enough for your first few takeoffs yet quick enough to grow with you once you start reading sections and trimming down the line.
• Lighter riders who want crossover versatility.
  At 124 liters, it’s buoyant but not bulky. Smaller riders, or anyone under about 170 pounds, will find it easy to paddle in both flatwater and surf. It’s one of those shapes you can use year-round, whether you’re chasing ankle-high lines at Jetty Park or exploring the Banana River.
• Buyers upgrading from rental boards.
  If you’ve been riding a generic 10’6” rental and are ready for something that actually performs, this board is the logical next step. You’ll instantly notice the speed, control, and responsiveness that most rental boards lack.
  

Ultimately, the Starboard 9’5” is for paddlers who want one board that does it all, surf, cruise, and play, with enough refinement to stay fun for years. It’s not a “quiver filler.” It’s a quiver simplifier.

And if you’re not sure where you fit, that’s where Epic’s crew shines. The staff will help you match board volume, width, and style to your goals, whether you’re paddling with friends on calm mornings or chasing the first hint of a summer swell.

Where Can You See or Demo the Starboard 9’5” in Florida? 

You can test this board exactly where it was meant to be ridden, right here on Florida’s east coast. Epic Boardsports in Cocoa Beach carries the Starboard 9’5” Longboard SUP in stock and offers on-water demos so you can feel how it rides before you buy.

Trying a board in local conditions is the difference between guessing and knowing. You’ll get to see how it paddles into small waves, how stable it feels when you’re trimming, and whether the 9’5” fits your weight and style better than the 9’0” or 10’0” sizes.

The team at Epic will walk you through setup, paddle selection, and fin options, then point you toward the best launch spot based on the day’s wind and tide. You can take it out on the Banana River, cruise down to Ramp Road Park, or hit the beach for a mellow Cocoa Beach surf session.

Most riders end up realizing what Jenifer already knows, that this board turns Florida’s softer surf into pure fun.

↪ If you’re serious about finding your go-to summer board, visit Epic Boardsports in Cocoa Beach to demo the Starboard 9’5” Longboard SUP or call the shop to check availability. Walk-ins are welcome, and the staff will make sure you’re matched with the right setup before you paddle out.

Why Epic Boardsports Recommends the Starboard 9’5” for East Coast Riders

Epic doesn’t stock every board on the market, they stock the ones that actually perform in our water. The Starboard 9’5” Longboard SUP has earned a permanent place on the rack because it solves a real problem for East Coast riders: inconsistent surf.

Jenifer’s local insight says it all:

“This board is just that perfect middle ground, not too big, not too small. You can ride it in those really small waves and still feel like you’re surfing, not just standing and floating.”

That balance is exactly why the team at Epic recommends it to so many Florida paddlers. From Ormond Beach to Vero, our summer conditions rarely deliver big, punchy surf. We get texture, we get tide shifts, and we get those glassy knee-high mornings that reward the right gear choice. The 9’5” thrives in that zone.

It’s light enough for quick sessions before work, stable enough for mellow evening paddles with friends, and surf-tuned for days when the sandbars finally line up. The updated 2025 shape makes it even more responsive, and the build quality holds up season after season under Florida sun and salt.

Epic’s philosophy has always been simple: gear should extend your season, not limit it. This board does exactly that, it opens more surf days, expands your skill range, and makes small-wave riding feel smooth again.

If you’re ready to see what the Starboard 9’5” can do, stop by the shop or reach out to the team. They’ll walk you through sizing, setup, and even let you test it in real Cocoa Beach conditions before you commit.

↪ Call, stop in, or contact Epic Boardsports to talk gear with the crew, they’ll help you find the board that keeps you surfing all summer.

FAQ: Starboard 9’5” Longboard SUP (Florida Buyers Guide)

Ready to try it for yourself?
Stop by Epic Boardsports in Cocoa Beach to see the Starboard 9’5” Longboard SUP in person, or call the team to schedule a demo. They’ll walk you through sizing, setup, and real-world performance so you know exactly how it’ll ride before you buy.