
Full disclosure: I am super excited to talk you through our list of the Best Touring SUPs of 2025. My ideal paddle sesh is one that starts and ends with the sun (usually with a few drinks cracked along the way) so it’s no surprise that I am a self-proclaimed touring board enthusiast. I can’t get enough of a board that’s light, fast, and just seems to cut through the water like butter, so you can imagine how much fun I had testing boards for this post. All in a day’s work, right?
Below, I’ll walk you through our list of this year’s Best Touring SUPs considering an array of factors such as speed, tracking, maneuverability, features, construction, etc. We’ll also be going over a buyer’s guide to touring SUPs, the differences between hard touring and inflatable touring SUPs, and a few tips to help you get the most out of your board.
Our goal here at SupBoardGuide is to provide you with our real-world, day-to-day experience on each of these boards along with the technical specs to help you make the most informed decision when it comes to your SUP purchase. With that in mind, we hope you enjoy reading our list of the Best Touring SUPs of 2023.
Best Inflatable Touring SUP
- Honu Sorrento
- Blackfin Model V
- Hydrus Paradise X
- Thurso Expedition 150
- Atoll Archipelago
- RedPaddleCo Sport 12’6
- SeaGods Carta Marina
1. Honu Sorrento 12’6 Touring SUP
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- Incredible tracking abilities
- Ultra stiff construction reduces drag and improves performance
- 30’’ width and 12’6 length allow for higher speeds
- 5.5” thick profile improves stability without increasing width
- Raised kick pad is well placed for more maneuverability than you’d expect from a touring SUP
- Lightweight 21.6 lbs
- Will not be super stable for beginners but this is an expected trade-off for added speed and efficiency
The Honu Sorrento is one of the team favorites here at SUPBoardGuide. With it’s 12’6 waterline and 30’’ width, the Sorrento is best suited to more advanced paddlers that need a well-built, lightweight, speed-focused touring board. It would also lend itself to ambitious beginners that are willing to give themselves more of a balancing challenge and recognize this SUP is an investment in the sport and in their own personal development as a paddler.
During our testing, we were very impressed with the Sorrento’s performance on the water. It is undeniably built for speed and at just 21.6 lbs it feels effortless to paddle (as long as your balance is in check). And to no one’s surprise, it’s also great at maintaining a quick pace. We also want to note that the Sorrento has the best tracking capabilities that we’ve seen to date, which is likely due to both its hatchet fin setup as well as its stiff construction that minimizes uneven drag. Though we might have expected this excellent tracking to impact its overall maneuverability, the Sorrento sports a raised kick pad that allows you to sink the tail and pivot this 12’6 SUP in any direction with relative ease.
Focusing more on the aforementioned construction, Honu attributes the Sorrento’s noteworthy stiffness to its carbon fiber stringer that runs nose to tail on both the top and bottom of the SUP, as well as its carbon fiber rail layer that works in conjunction with a PVC layer to increase durability and rigidity. As for the core of the Sorrento, it’s a cross-woven drop-stitch that also minimizes board flex and keeps the Sorrento lightweight. The finishing touches such as the diamond grooved deck pad, front and rear cargo areas, and carry handles are also well attached and add to the overall enjoyment factor of this SUP.
As a final note, the Sorrento comes with a high-quality wheeled SUP backpack, FCS II hatchet fin, full swivel coil leash, and a single chamber hand pump. But it does not come with an included paddle. Instead, you have the option to choose from HOnu’s impressive paddle line-up for a discounted price (when bundled with your SUP) or use a paddle of your own.
2. BLACKFIN MODEL V
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- Stable without sacrificing speed
- Good tracking capabilities
- High weight capacity to bring along gear, kids, or pets
- Tons of features to add versatility
- High-quality carbon paddle
- Roller backpack
- We’d like to see iRocker add a kick pad and include a touring-style fin
Sitting near the top of our list of best touring SUPs for 2023 is the BLACKFIN Model V. This 12’6 long, 32” wide, 2+1 fin set-up SUP is super stable on the water without sacrificing that classic touring board speed. It is a heavier board at 29 lbs, but that’s due to its durable triple layer PVC construction. The Model V also has a weight capacity of 485 lbs, giving you plenty of wiggle room when it comes to loading on gear, kids, or pets.
This SUP is also loaded down with features to help you have the best, most versatile time on the water. With 20 D-rings and 8 action mounts, you have tons of compatibility whether it be fishing gear, a kayak seat, gear storage, speaker set-ups, cup holders, or everything at once, this SUP has the capability to do it all. I also love the BLACKFIN’s deeply grooved deck pad, as it cushions and keeps your feet dry all day long. The carry handles make loading and unloading this 12’6 SUP a breeze as well, and the safety straps on the front and rear cargo areas are great for a kid or passenger to hang onto during your ride.
Overall, the BLACKFIN Model V is a great option for paddlers that need a board that can handle a full day on the water and anything you throw it as far as hauling along gear, coolers, pets, or kids. It’s also affordable compared to other specialized touring boards on the market.
3. Hyrdus Paradise X
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- Very fast indeed – this board is race capable!
- Great fittings and fixtures for cargo carrying.
- Extremely tough construction backed by a long warranty
- Super stiff for a board of this size!
- US finbox allows for multiple fin options, and the board comes with 3 different fins as standard.
- Nice high-quality carrying bag
- The front bungee area is slightly too far forward on the board, and we’d like to see another pair of D-rings at the tail for more cargo capacity
Let’s cut to the chase: this board is meant to last and shaped to be fast. Hydrus uses aramid fiber (aka Kevlar) in its construction process, which allows it to be more abrasion resistant than a lot of SUPs on the market today. That means it’s an extremely tough and durable SUP that is also high-performance! It’s overall a great board and we think a lot of people are really going to enjoy it which is why it’s worth a look amongst the best touring SUPs.
The Paradise X is extremely fast and efficient on the water, rivaling several racing-specific boards we’ve tested. While a 28.5″ board may seem extra narrow, the overall shape of the board and its ultra-rigid construction help keep it stable. The moderate rocker profile in both the nose and tail help keep it riding high and dry in choppy conditions rather than crashing through the swell, which can stall and tip the board.
There is basically zero flex when you paddle this SUP, which makes it a great choice for larger/taller paddlers who like a board with a little extra oomph in terms of durability. The Paradise comes in two lengths, the 13’3×28″ “X” version and the 12’6×30″ standard version. Both sizes share the construction and general plan shape. The 12’6 standard version is more stable and nimble, while the 13’3 X version is faster and more efficient.
The Paradise X comes with a durable SUP backpack that is deemed, by Hydrus, as the Mothership iSUP bag. We think the name is fitting because it is a big bag that you can zip the SUP in and out of without getting frustrated that it won’t fit. And just like my mom and her purse, the Mothership can magically hold everybody’s items with room left over for snacks!
4. Thurso Expedition 150
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- Very good stability for a 12’6 touring board
- Excellent tracking with a very smooth and easy feel, aided by the reduced thickness in the 4.7” option
- Good cargo carrying potential, with plenty of fixing options front and back
- Lots of good features such as accessory mounts, paddle holders and kayak seat option
- Thurso Surf’s construction process has been greatly improved with the addition of welded rail seams
- Rather than being supplied with a full set of additional components whether you need them or not, you can select the accessories you require at check-out, at a good discount
- The bungee straps could be a bit closer together and tighter
- Would prefer to see the rear carrying handle on the deck rather than on the rail
The Thurso Surf Expedition 150 is unique on this list in that Thurso offers it both a 6” and 4.7” thick version. The standard 6” version is a little more rigid and better for carrying more cargo, while the 4.7” version is a little more stable and better for fitness and day touring with lighter payloads.
We were pretty satisfied with the features on the Expedition 150 as well. It has a large 6-point cargo area at the nose, and a smaller 4-point cargo area at the tail. There’s also 3 carry handles, paddle holders on either side or the SUP, extra D-rings to make it kayak seat compatible, and a raised kick pad. My one suggestion would be to make the cargo area at the nose a bit smaller to extend the deck pad, and shift the rear cargo area forward to get the bungees off of the kick pad, as they can get in the way of your foot.
As usual with Thurso Surf, the Expedition comes with a great accessory kit. Right out of the box with your board, you are given a 10’ coil leash, a US fin-box center fin, a double chamber triple action pump, and a 3-piece carbon shaft paddle. As a small note, the Thurso Surf kit paddle is one of my personal favorites. It feels super stiff in the water and feels like you get a ton of leverage to pull yourself along at a good speed.
The Thurso Surf Expedition 150 is perfect for midsize beginners or more advanced larger riders looking for a quick, agile, and versatile touring board that won’t hurt their wallet.
5. Atoll Archipelago
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- Excellent blend of efficiency and stability, especially with gear onboard
- Good glide and cruising efficiency once up to speed
- High build quality and rigid construction
- Versatile feature set with adjustable cargo management system
- Great option for adventure touring and multi-day trips
- Heavier than expected, which affects acceleration
The Archipelago is a new expedition-style touring SUP from Atoll. The Archipelago’s wider platform (31.5”) gives it more stability and more cargo capacity than a traditional touring SUP while still maintaining great efficiency on the water.
The new cargo management system is completely customizable thanks to removable/movable bungee cords and 20 tie down points spaced across the outside of the deck. You can move the bungee cords between these points, or add your own tie downs for larger items like coolers (or even kayak seats).
Because of its extra stability and cargo capacity, the Archipelago is a premier option for longer overnight (or multi-night) trips. But it’s also fast and sporty enough for daily fitness paddling, and comfortable enough to bring along a passenger or pet.
6. RedPaddleCo 12’6” Sport
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- 30” wide = plenty of stability but won’t slow you down
- Less cluttered deck pad
- US fin-box (FCS) allows for customization
- Double chamber triple action hand pump included for easier inflation
- Traction focused tail portion of the deck pad
- The kit does not include a paddle
Admittedly, the RedPaddleCo 12’6 Sport was really close to beating out the BLACKFIN Model V. We felt this board rode better overall; it was faster, had better tracking capabilities, and is much lighter. Ultimately, we decided to place it below the Model V because it is more expensive and limits the amount of gear/kids you can bring due to its lower weight capacity (330 lbs). With that said, we absolutely loved this board. It’s still stable at 30” wide, but its narrower width combined with its single fin set-up and being a lightweight 23.5 lbs, helps it move quickly through the water.
As we alluded to earlier, the RedPaddleCo 12’6 Sport is a bit lighter on features than the BLACKFIN Model V. However, I personally prefer a less cluttered deck because I am not a paddler that’s bringing along kids or tons of gear. This board has 1 bungee cargo area at the nose of the board as well as 3 carry handles to make launching a 12’6 much easier. One of our favorite features on the RedPaddleCo 12’6 Sport is the dual-section deck pad, with the front area being more smooth and comfort-focused and the rear being a traction-oriented diamond groove pattern. This helps tremendously with step-back turns, which are nearly a necessity when it comes to making a tight turn on a touring board.
Along with the RedPaddleCo 12’6 Sport, you’ll receive a high-quality roller backpack, a double chamber triple action pump, an FCS center fin, and a repair kit. While each of these accessories is great quality and built to last, we would have loved to see a paddle included with this board, though we do understand that not including one gives you the ability to focus on getting a paddle that is best suited to you.
The RedPaddleCo 12’6 Sport is a great option for those with a higher budget looking to develop a fitness style of paddling. I could also see this board being a great stepping stone before advancing into racing-style SUPs.
7. Sea Gods Carta Marina
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- Lightweight 21 lbs
- Front and rear safety handles
- 3 carry handles for easy launching
- Extra D-rings to connect a kayak seat of more gear
- Locally sourced art that is beautiful, vibrant, and makes this board one of a kind
- We would have liked to see a double chamber hand-pump
This eye-catching 12’ Carta Marina is impressive even aside from its looks. At 32” wide it’s still a stable board for beginners, but the tapered nose, square tail, and single fin allow this board to pick up speed with ease without wavering from a straight path. You also have a bit more options when it comes to bringing along gear or passengers than you would with the RedPaddleCo 12’6 Sport due to the Carta Marina’s 350 lb weight capacity combined with its array of features, despite being just 21 lbs.
The 12’ Carta Marina’s 3 sturdy carry handles at the nose, tail, and center of this board make carrying, launching, and loading it a walk in the park even for smaller or younger riders. There’s also an 8-point bungee cargo area at the nose with 2 integrated action mounts and safety straps as well as a 4-point bungee cargo area at the tail, sitting behind another pair of safety straps. The Carta Marina doesn’t skimp on versatility either, with extra D-rings for a kayak seat or more gear storage options. Another thing we loved about this board is the beautiful, traction-focused, yet comfortable diamond-grooved deck pad.
SeaGods kills it in the accessories game too, providing you with all the necessities right out of the box to get you and the Carta Marina happily out on the water. Included with your iSUP are a lightweight carbon fiber 3-piece paddle, double action single chamber hand pump, a US fin-box/Kumano system center fin, an 11’ coiled leash, a repair kit, and a sturdy roller backpack. Not to mention the wheels of the backpack are bright green!
The bottom line is that the SeaGods Carta Marina is a great SUP. It kind of bridges the gap between the BLACKFIN Model V and the Red Paddle Co 12’6 Sport as it still offers a wide range of features and accessories while maintaining performance-focused speed and tracking in the water. The Carta Marina is a good choice for paddlers who like having the option to bring along gear, pets, or kids but also want to use this iSUP for fitness touring.
Best Hard Touring SUPs
We understand that inflatable paddle boards are not everyone’s cup of tea and for some environments, they just aren’t the most practical. Below we’ll go through a few of our favorite hard touring SUPs.
- 1. BOTE Traveller
- 2. Starboard Waterline Carbon
- 3. Pau Hana 12’ Endurance VFT
BOTE Traveller

- Tons of features to make for a versatile touring board
- Displacement hull slices through flat water
- Tracking fin enables this board to keep a steady path without much effort
- Customizable US fin box
- Slightly recessed standing area lowers center of gravity and helps with balance
- Narrow board + displacement hull can make for a stability challenge for beginners
- Heavier board
The BOTE Traveller comes in as 12’6 and 14’ option. Heavier or taller paddlers would probably enjoy the 14’ option for some added stability as its 29.5” wide, while smaller or more advanced paddlers would likely enjoy the 28” width on the 12’6. Either option will be quick in the water due to its displacement hull and single fin set-up. The long touring fin will also help the Traveller keep straight on its path as you paddle. Though on the thinner side, you do still have some room to bring along gear with the Traveller’s 315 lb weight capacity. The only downside of both the 14’ and 12’6 Traveller is that they are moderately heavy at 42 lbs for the 14’ and 34 lbs for the 12’6.
The variety of features is what made the Traveller stand out to take the top spot on our list of best hard touring SUPs. Both Traveller sizes have a front and rear cargo area as well as a series of mounts that are compatible with kayak seats, BOTE’s fishing ‘RAC’ system, and cooler tie-down straps. There’s also a paddle sheath at the nose of this board to allow you to quickly stow your paddle if you’re fishing, swimming, or just simply don’t want to hold it. The BOTE Magnepod ‘cup-holder’ that keeps your drink still as long as it’s in BOTE’s ‘magnepod’ compatible cup is a nice touch as well. The slightly recessed deck pad makes balancing a narrower displacement hull board a bit less challenging, while the grooved deck pad keeps you comfortable for the whole ride.
Hard SUPs will typically have a less involved kit than inflatables, simply because they don’t need a lot of extra parts like pumps and backpacks. With this board you’ll receive a 2-piece paddle and a 10’ removable center-fin. I know at first glance it seems like a light list, but many hard SUPs won’t even include a paddle, so I’m pretty satisfied that BOTE gives you everything you need right out of the box.
The BOTE Traveller hard SUP would be a great option for paddlers looking to tour for long hours in flat-water conditions. The displacement hull will make this board slice through the water, while it’d width will help it effortlessly pick up speed.
StarBoard Waterline Carbon

- Narrow width + displacement hull + square tail makes this board super fast
- Recessed standing area helps with balance
- Wide single center fin maintains a straight path
- Still space for gear even though it’s more of a racing SUP
- No included paddle
The StarBoard Waterline Carbon also comes in a 12’6 and 14’ option. Both are the same width, so I’d expect the 14’ Waterline to be a bit more stable than the 12’6 due to it’s added length but without paddling that board, I can’t say with certainty. Regardless, 28” is still on the narrower end of the spectrum so the Waterline Carbon series would present a bit of a challenge to beginners that don’t quite have their balance yet, especially given how tapered the displacement hull is. However, the recessed deck and square tail take some of the edge off when it comes to instability. What this board truly excels in is speed and tracking. There’s no better way to describe it than saying this board easily just eats up miles and miles on the water.
The Waterline Carbon is almost broaching the racing board category, so it’s not super surprising that it’s a bit light in the feature list. However I like that the front cargo area is recessed into the deck pad. This makes it easier to balance and access any gear you’ve brought with you. I also love the recessed handle as it won’t trip you up as you move into a step-back turn. Looking at the bottom of the board, the included fin is a large tracking fin that will keep this board heading straight in the water. The US fin-box allows for some customization as well, if you want to experiment with longer or shorter fins depending on your environment and conditions.
Unsurprisingly, this racing/fitness geared SUP comes with no added accessories. Though we’d love to see an included paddle, Starboard gives you the ability to find a well-suited paddle to pair with this SUP.
As I’ve said, the Starboard Waterline Carbon is ideal for more advanced or confident beginner paddlers looking to get their feet wet in the racing/fitness world.
Pau Hana 12’ Endurance VFT

- Shortest of the hard SUPs on this list = easier to store and maneuver
- 30” width makes it more stable than the others
- Displacement hull adds speed in flatter conditions
- Multiple rigging points to attach bungees or action mounts if you choose to
- Recessed handle won’t get in the way if you move your feet around
- No included paddle
The 12’ Pau Hana Endurance VFT is one of the shorter and wider boards out of our hard SUPs list at 30” wide. Given that information, The Endurance VFT will be slightly more stable and maneuverable than the previous two boards. That’s not to say it won’t still be fast, as I’d expect the displacement hull and single-fin set-up to help this board glide through the water with ease. The reason it’s towards the bottom of this list is because it’s somewhat lacking in features and is a heavier 34lbs.
Features wise, the Endurance VFT has a ton of rigging points to give you the option to set up bungee cargo areas, though none are set-up prior. It does have a nose, tail, and center grab handle to make moving this heavier board pretty easy. The grooved portion of the deck pad should keep your feet comfortable and dry, while the diamond pattern tail section will add some traction during a step-back turn. Usually, we’d love to see action mounts or extra D-rings for kayak compatibility, but the Pau Hana would be a great option for someone who likes a less cluttered deck but doesn’t want to entirely give up the ability to bring gear.
Like the Starboard Waterline Carbon, the Pau Hana 12’ Endurance VFT does not come with any included accessories. Again, this is typical of hard SUPs, especially ones that are almost in the racing category
The Pau Hana 12’ Endurance VFT would be ideal for a more entry level fitness or racing focused paddler, as it still has plenty of speed but a bit more stability than a true racing SUP.
What Makes a Great Touring Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP)?
The short answer to this question is that a great touring SUP is one that allows you to put in a lot of miles and a lot of hours on the water with less effort than an all-around would require. As simple as that seems, there is some nuance to this depending on water conditions, paddler skills and preferences.
To get in this nuance let’s first talk about nose shape. Many touring SUPs will feature a displacement hull. The definition of a displacement hull gets kind of clouded in the industry due to marketing efforts, but what characterizes a true displacement hull is that it’s pointed shape slices through the water (thereby ‘displacing’ it onto either side of the SUP) much like the bow of a boat does. This type of hull does great in flat-water conditions as it minimizes friction on the board and allows you to go faster, but it struggles in choppy or ‘bumpy’ water as it hits each bump head-on instead of gliding over. If you’ll need to be able to glide over bumps and chop, you’ll want a touring board with a planing hull, A planing hull is typically easy to spot because most have a slight rocker to push the nose upwards out of the water.
In short, a touring board with the displacement hull might be great for a paddler that’s frequently in lakes, bays, or overall flat-water, but it would be less than ideal for a paddler that’s frequently in bumpy or choppy waters. The same applies in the opposite direction; a flat-water paddler would find a planing hull touring board to create more friction on the water and not be as efficient as a SUP with a displacement hull.
When it comes to paddler skills, what I’m generally referring to is the paddler’s balance. Touring boards tend to be on the thinner side, which means a bit less stability than a beginner level all-around. However, there are plenty of touring board options on this list that are on the wider end of the touring spectrum and will provide more stability, but won’t be as fast as their thinner counterparts. So, while a wider touring SUP would make a great board for a more beginner level paddler, it would likely be too slow for a more advanced paddler looking for performance. Likewise, a beginner paddler would probably not enjoy a board that is too thin for them to stand comfortably, while an advanced paddler would appreciate the extra speed.
At this point, you’re probably noticing a theme here; the answer to what makes a great touring SUP is less objective than it seems. It truly comes down to paddler preferences, especially when considering features such as D-rings, extra handles, action mounts, etc. Some paddlers love the ability to stow gear along for the ride and will love a board that’s got plenty of d-rings, and bungee areas, while others would prefer to forgo all the extras for more standing room. Some prefer a smother, more cushy deckpad, while others like a traction focused deeply grooved variation.
What I’m really trying to make clear here is that what makes a great touring board is really dependent on you as a paddler. My best advice for matching yourself to a great board would be to start by analyzing your most frequent water condition to determine what nose shape you’ll look for. Then assess your balance skills to give yourself a width range. Once you have the shape of the board you need, start evaluating features that best fit your lifestyle.
With that said, we have a wide variety of boards on our list of the best touring boards of 2023 that could fit any paddler’s needs, so keep an eye out for your match as we move forward.
Touring SUP Buying Guide
Although we are more than confident that all of the boards listed above will fit a wide variety of paddler needs and preferences, we understand that there are circumstances that will lead you to a board that we have not yet reviewed. Whether it be an opportunity to purchase a used board for a great price or a board from a local shaper and surf shop, we want you to feel informed on your purchase to make the best decision possible and improve your SUP experience.
Below we’ll list some key factors to consider before swiping your card and loading a new SUP into (or onto) the car.
- Stability
Despite touring boards being generally less stable than all-around board options, stability is still the most important factor when finding the right board for you. Sure, a thinner board will go faster in the water, but falling in every few strokes will undoubtedly slow you down. I’m not saying not to push your limits when it comes to balancing a narrower board, but don’t push to the point that paddling is no longer enjoyable or feasible. - Speed
If you want a touring SUP that will help you leave all your friends in the dust, you’ll want to look at thinner boards. Another thing to consider here is nose shape, as you’ll be faster with a displacement hull in flat-water conditions, and a planing hull in choppy or bumpy conditions. - Tracking
Tracking refers to how well the board keeps a straight path in the water without the paddler switching sides. A good touring board will keep straight in the water without having to switch sides as frequently. Part of this is because constantly switching sides gets pretty tiring after hours on the water. It also slows you down by causing your board to lose some of its momentum, which plays into our speed conversation above. - Durability
Touring boards typically come with a bit higher of a price tag than a leisurely all-around SUP. Because it can be a considerable investment, you’ll want to ensure that your SUP is durable enough to last through day to day use. Inflatable SUPs are more durable compared to hard SUPs, when it comes to being dropped or bumped into hard surfaces. However, minor damage to a hard SUP is usually easy to fix with some epoxy resin and fiberglass patches. A hard SUP is also less susceptible than inflatable SUPs to issues such as shape warping and sun damage.In general, you’ll want an inflatable SUP that is constructed with dual or triple PVC layers for added durability or a hard SUP that is built with an inner foam core, a fiberglas wrap and resin seal.
- Features
As we touched on at the beginning of this post, features really depend on personal preference. If you like to load a lot of gear, look for a board with D-rings and cargo areas, consider what kind of deck pad you like, or if you want to utilize action mounts for cup holders or camera set-ups. - Maneuverability
I put maneuverability last as a consideration on our touring SUP buying guide because these SUPs are built to go in a straight line fast. They’re generally longer and thinner than an all-around board and are therefore slightly more challenging to turn, but by no means impossible. If maneuverability is still important to you on a touring board, go for the shorter options or keep an eye out for a raised kick pad that will help with step-back turns.
As a side note: speed kind of goes hand in hand with ‘glide’, which refers to how much distance is covered with one paddle stroke (a board that covers more distance on one stroke will be faster in the water). A major contributor to how well/or not well the board ‘glides’ is friction due to the amount of the board’s surface area that is in contact with the water (also called wetted surface). In theory, the less ‘wetted surface’ a board has, the less friction, and thus more glide/speed. This is why thinner boards are typically faster.
Inflatable Touring Board or Hard Touring Board?
One of the more frequent questions that we receive is how to decide between an inflatable paddleboard (iSUP) and a hard SUP. There’s a great selection of boards on the market in both categories that could suit anyone’s needs and preferences. However there are some major differences that may make one or the other a better option for you.
Benefits of an InflatableTouring Board
- Weight capacity/Stability
Inflatable SUPs generally have a higher weight capacity, and therefore more stability, than similarly sized hard boards. - Durability
iSUPs hold up better against drops, scrapes, and crashes than hardboards do. - Weight
Inflatable boards typically weigh less than similarly sized hardboards. However, as you get into more durable/rigid dual and triple layer boards, the weight difference is less significant. - Cost
iSUPs are usually less expensive than similarly sized hard boards and are easier to ship. - Easier Storage/Transport
One of the best parts of iSUPs is that they can be deflated, rolled up and packed away into a bag to fit in the trunk of a small car or be stored in a closet.
Benefits of a Hard Touring Board
- Hull Options
Hard SUPs have the ability to have a true displacement hull that cuts through the water instead of gliding over top like most iSUPs. - Tracking
Hard boards sit lower in the water and have greater tracking capabilities than iSUPs. - Speed
Due to their tracking capabilities and ability to cut through the water, hard SUPs are usually faster than inflatables. - Ease of Repair
Although hard SUPs don’t hold up as well to drops, scrapes, and crashes as iSUPs, they’re much easier to repair either by yourself or at a local shop. Damage to an iSUPs usually means sending it out for repair or a totaled board. - No Extra Parts
Hard boards don’t require any additional pumps or hoses. You’ll be ready to go with just your board and paddle (and life-jacket of course). - Better Performance in Non-ideal Conditions
Hard SUPs handle wind, chop, and waves much better than similarly shaped inflatable paddle boards
Tips for Making the Most of Your Touring Board
Once you have your touring board you’ll notice right away how much faster and straighter it glides through the water, especially if you’re transitioning from an entry level or all-around board. While it doesn’t take much to have a great time on a quality touring board, we’ll set you up with a few tips below to help you have the best experience possible.
- Hone in your paddle technique
If you feel as if your touring board is not tracking as well as you expected, it could be an indication that your paddle technique needs improvement. Focus on stacking your arms and shoulders to have your paddle enter the water more vertically, as well as using your core and legs to pull yourself through the water. - Practice step-back turns
As we’ve said, touring boards are slightly more challenging to turn than a shorter all-around board. One way to mitigate this and still be able to pivot your board quickly is to master a step-back turn. Walk your feet back towards the tail of the board (it’s easiest if you keep your paddle submerged while you do this), then place one foot on the tail over top of where the center fin would be. This will lift the nose of your board out of the water and you can use your paddle to quickly pivot your board in any direction. - Prepare for a day on the water
A great touring board gives you the ability to spend your whole day out paddling. As fun as that is, it can quickly turn sour without the right preparations. Apply sunscreen before heading out and be sure to reapply (every 2 hours, or more if you’re doing a lot of swimming). Wear comfortable clothes or swimwear and make sure to bring a lifejacket and plenty of water.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve read this far, I hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the Best Touring SUPs of 2025! I also hope you’ve learned some valuable information about how to determine which SUP would be the right match for you and how to make the most out of a great board.
We feel confident that any of the boards discussed above would suit a wide range of water conditions, paddler skills, and lifestyle preferences and have loved paddling each one ourselves. If a touring board seems a bit too specialized for you, check out our list of the Best Inflatable Paddle Boards of 2025, where we go over an array of more all-around options.
As always, practice water safety, have fun, and enjoy paddling!
SupBoardGuide
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I love all the reviews your team takes the time to write and the videos!. It truly helped me purchase my first SUP – the Blackfin Model V. I love it as a casual touring iSUP and it easily accommodates by twin 8 year old boys. I am a beginner to paddling but not at all a beginner to fitness, so I’ve picked it up pretty quick. I’m loving my board and want another one that is more performance based just for me – no kids on board haha! Here’s the catch – I’m 5’2, 130 lbs and female. Everything I read recommends shorter boards but those are not designed for speed. I badly want another inflatable that suits my stature but doesn’t sacrifice performance. What would you recommend? I’m sure there are short female racers out there – how do they deal with long boards?
Dialma,
If you are looking for speed, then you are going to want to reduce the board width – especially at 5’2″. I personally would say that you don’t want to go to a shorter board. Something 12’+ is ideal for racing/touring and will be faster in the water even at your height and weight.
Your challenge right now might be inventory. I would recommend something from Red Paddle Co, either their 12’6 Sport or even one of their 12’6 x 28″ Elite SUP if you are looking for something that is extra fast…but I am not sure where you could find one right now. Hopefully they get more inventory in soon, but you might need to check a local REI or Paddle Board shop to see if they have inventory.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Awesome work, great details on function and performance with very user friendly language. You helped me make a very expensive choice much calmer.
Thanks
Thanks for all the comprehensive reviews, you all do a great job. I am curious about your opinion. Currently, I have an Isle Explorer. I have enjoyed it over the years. However, my husband now wants to start joining me. His idea was to let me get an “upgrade” and he could take out the Explorer. Now, I live in Middle TN and am surrounded by lakes and rivers so I only paddle on flat water. I paddle about a 10km every weekend during the warmer months. I would like to have a board that would help me push my mileage and speed. In an ideal world I would love a Carta Marina but don’t like the idea of spending over $1000 on my board. So, I have been back and forth between the iRocker Sport and the Gili Adventure. But, after reading your reviews both were labeled as sort of entry level touring boards which is what I feel like I already have in the Explorer. So, in your opinion is either one of those true “upgrades” to what I currently have? If not do you have any recommendations for a more mid-priced touring board?
Stefanie,
I do think either of those SUPs would be an upgrade from your Isle Explorer, however, there are some areas where the two differ. The Gili Adventure will have a little more stability because it’s 32″ wide, though it won’t be capable of quite as much speed as the 31″ wide iROCKER Sport. The iROCKER Sport will also be a bit more rigid due to an extra layer of PVC, and will come with a carbon matte paddle rather than the Gili Adventure’s fiberglass paddle.
Personally, I’d opt for the Sport right now, as it’s currently at a better price than the Gili Adventure, but both are great options depending on your own preferences.