Windsurf – August 2019

THEY SAY

The Hyper Nut’s wide nose and tail

make it a stable shape to get up and

riding early. Its short length provides

precise trim control allowing you

to stand in one position to pump

the board for speed. Size range

accommodates an array of rider

weights and abilities.

(^)
WE SAY
The Hyper Nut grabbed a lot of attention when it
was first released back in 2016, using the unique
and fantastical inverted rail shape first seen in
their Nut Surf series the season before. This 4 in
1 range of three boards is intended to make use of
the Hyper Nut’s shape benefits of speed, stability
and response, but present it in a package that can
be used for four sports – windsurfing, Supping
and each sport in foiling guise. This 7’4” is the
middle board in the range and is designed for use
by light to medium weight riders, the 8’0” being
more applicable to the heavier or less experienced.
Tested here in its durable Starlight construction,
using various densities of fiberglass, carbon in-
tegral rails and a pine laminate for impact re-
sistance, it is a highly detailed and well finished
board. The central handle is shaped ergonomical-
ly, and there’s the brand’s clever Star Touch grip
on the nose, where the diamond-grooved deck
pad ends. There are also plenty of accessories sup-
plied, including a coiled leash, footstraps (albeit
only two, so you’ll need to source another two if
you’d like to use a full set for windsurfing) and
FCS fins of various sizes, with a larger set for extra
drive whilst windsurfing. In addition to the in-
verted rail, other standout features include a deep
recessed channel in the tail, (said to extend the
flat spot in front of the fins for increased acceler-
ation), and both Deep Tuttle and pedestal plate
foil fittings to maximize compatibility. Tried in
wind foiling mode initially, the Hyper Nut feels
small underfoot for its quoted volume, particular-
ly in the nose whilst uphauling. Shift weight back
early and it settles easily as power is applied, bene-
fitting from the extra stability of the foil. We tried
it with a number of foils, including the Starboard
Super Cruiser with a 75 cm mast, which worked
well. With power delivered initially through the
sail, the Hyper Nut does require intervention
from the pilot, but with good foil pumping tech-
nique, its short compact nature actively helps for
quick response and acceleration. Used for strap-
less wind foiling, the Hyper Nut’s deck pad and
flat deck provide plenty of traction, allowing the
pilot to make the most of its responsive character
and reduced swing weight in the nose. Put the
footstraps on and the Hyper Nut is ready to be
loaded. It’s not the most natural wind foiling plat-
form, and does again require good rider technique
to really release early, but once flying, it feels very
balanced and composed under foot, allowing the
rider to load and drive the foil confidently.Used
for conventional windsurfing and SUP’ing, it is
soon clear that the Hyper Nut is solely focused
for use in a wave arena. It could be used for float
and ride windsurfing, and works well in clean fac-
es, yet you can’t help but feel that others are hav-
ing more fun around you. Change it to its SUP
surf setup and the smile on your face will return.
Again, it feels quite small and twitchy under foot,
yet you have to constantly remind yourself that it
is 7’4” and does only have 106 litres! Catch a wave
and the acceleration down the face is exhilarating,
with plenty of stability and
feel through the planted
tail to help turn the board
tightly. Requiring rider in-
put in all disciplines, and
really only suited to the
smaller or more experi-
enced rider, the Hyper Nut
is best classed as a SUP surf
specialist that can also be
enjoyed in wind foil mode
if the waves aren’t up to
much, yet the wind is.
STARBOARD HYPER NUT
4 IN 1 7'4" STARLITE
WEB SUP.STAR-BOARD.COM PRICE^ £1325
WINDSUP BOARD REVIEW
96 AUGUST 2019

VITAL STATS

Volume (Quoted): 106 L.

Length: 223.5 cm / 7’4”

Width: 76.2 cm / 30”

Thickness: 9.7 cm / 3.8”

Weight (‘Naked’, Brand

Quoted): 8.5 kg

Fittings: 4.7’’/ 4.5’’/ 5.5’’

set for Windsurf (FCS).

Deep Tuttle and 2 x US

box

Sizes Available:

6’10”,7’4”,8’0”