Surfstar Flight 11’6 - Review 2023

Overview

For more enthusiastic beginners, the Surfstar Flight 11 ‘6 makes a great entry-level paddle board for touring. For more experienced paddlers, this model is also interesting because it’s so light and portable.

On stability, there’s no question that a double chamber board like the Cruise Carbon 12 from Bluefin has more stability and rigidity in general. It’s also entirely in another price class. Still, the more the Flight 11’6 reminds a little of more premium boards like the Meno 12’6 from Gili both in terms of tracking and touring fun.

To be clear, the Meno outperforms on most metrics. On some simple back-step turns, the Flight 11’6 is less stable–consistent with its more budget board profile. But paddlers with a bit of experience or looking to gain some won’t find this too problematic–they might even like the challenge.

This board comes with a front cargo section for gear, 4 grab handles and the standard EVA foam pad with the expected level of grip and coverage. The pump is underwhelming, but totally functional.

In short, as the review will outline in more detail, the Flight 11’6 is an impressive board for SUP paddlers interested in doing a little more on a paddle board than just floating and paddling in circles.

It’s easily one of the best entry-level touring boards that also has an amazing all rounder quality that a lot of people will appreciate.

Accessories

Like the Flight 10 ‘6, Surfstar’s Flight 11’6 has an adjustable aluminum paddle, manual single chamber pump, coiled ankle leash, detachable fin, and a small waterproof bag that can all be stored in an understrap backpack along with the board.

Paddle: The included aluminum paddle is lightweight, although not as rigid or durable as for example, the Kialoa Uhane 91 Fiberglass— it does the job if you are looking to tour casual waterways with your paddleboard recreationally. Weight won’t be much of a concern if you know you aren’t going to be visiting the docks or pier often, but if you’re planning to go to some incredible lengths and sights with this board, we suggest upgrading to a more durable, and lightweight paddle to help with conserving your energy.

Leash: The coiled ankle leash is a 7mm thick urethane cord and is equipped with marine-grade swivels on both ends to prevent tangles.

Pump: This kit comes with a single chamber pump, so given the dimensions of this board, you’ll find yourself having to tirelessly inflate your board before you can begin exploring. While we’d expect a single chamber pump to come included with a shorter board, a double chamber would’ve been a great move on Surfstar’s part. We recommend upgrading to a dual chamber, or electric pump.

Repair Kit: They include a typical repair kit containing 2-3 PVC sheets and a valve wrench.

Backpack: We like that the backpack holds up to 127 L of objects, and has an understrap as well as a hipbelt adding to the kit’s ease of portability. We’re just a bit confused as to why they tout the airmesh feature— if you were to walk with the entire kit (and possibly more) on your back, it may result in some chafing, especially if you plan to go shirtless.

Stability

Offering 33 inches in width, paddlers will find that the Flight 11 ‘6 provides a steady, stable ride, ideal for relaxed excursions out with friends or family.

As mentioned above, this board’s tracking on the water is impressive, which means taking a step back for turns is nice to be able to do. For doing this, the Flight 11’6 isn’t as stable as Bote’s Aero Ultra or the aforementioned favorites Cruise Carbon 12 & Gili Meno 12’6.

It’s a nice compromise, consider the Flight is lighter and more portable than those more expensive, more stable SUP boards.

Maneuverability

In the context of touring boards in this budget range, we would consider this board to be a good contender when it comes to maneuverability. All touring boards are generally slower to turn, but due to this board’s weight at 18.8 lbs, it will be a shade easier to turn and find your way around other paddlers, docks, and piers.

Portability

Convenience is perhaps the Flight 11’6’s biggest win, being ever so slightly lighter than some budget paddle boards such as the Nautical 11’6, which weighs 22 lbs. It also sports 4 grab handles to easily take this board out on the water after you inflate it. If you are looking to buy an extra paddle board for your kids or plan to store it in your car for impromptu paddle adventures, we gather the Flight 11’ 6 is a good route to paddle down into.

The backpack presents nothing special enough to write home about, but it works well enough. Especially given the light load of just over 23 pounds when fully packed with the included accessories.

Value

For those who have yet to dip their toes into the world of iSUPs and enthusiastic beginners alike, we honestly think this is a great opportunity to finally wade into paddle board touring at the price point this board is floating at.

The quality of the board will ensure it lasts and the money saved might inspire you to invest in a better paddle to upgrade the touring experience.

Conclusion

If you are looking to paddle along coastlines, through lakes, and in between river canals, the Flight 11 ‘6 is an excellent choice and is recommended for beginners who are working their way up to an intermediate level. Experienced paddlers who want a spare board for friends, or want the convenience an inflatable offers, will also enjoy this board’s portability.

Given this board’s maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs, heavier riders will feel comfortable on this board, and it’s ideal for quick tandem trips with pets, friends, or family. There is only one cargo section on the front of this board, however.

Launching this board will be also easy with 4 grab handles, and the D-ring on the underside of the nose will allow you to tow or tie your board.

Some accessories you might want to consider upgrading are the kit’s paddle and pump. They’ll do the job, but it’s just not as convenient as an electric pump, or as lightweight as a fiberglass paddle.

Although the Flight 11 ‘6 is stable and spacious enough for aspiring anglers and fearless yogis, you might want to consider an all-around board such as the Flight 10’ 6 or Advance Star 10 ‘6. Both the Flight 10 ‘6 and Advance Star 10’ 6 offer two bungee cargo areas, and more importantly, an extra 20 lbs in terms of maximum weight capacity. The Advance Star 10’6 also has a nifty action mount that you can attach to your GoPro, or a fishing rod holder.

If you are looking for an affordable touring board to steadily take you over calm waters and intend to use this board to develop your skills, the SurfStar Flight 11 ‘6 is a great starting point.