Honu Sorrento 12’6 Touring iSUP
Pros
- Smooth and fast through the water
- Very good performance in rougher, more challenging conditions
- Pleasingly easy to turn for its size
- Top-notch construction
- Excellent paddle and pump options when building your package
- 4-year warranty from a reputable brand, they will replace your board for the first 4 years if you experience a manufacturer problem.
Cons
- The ‘beak like’ nose shape does not match aesthetically with the rest of the board shape
- Primary (flat) stability is low for its size, but secondary (on edge) stability is high
This highly rated classic from Honu has undergone a redesign for 2025. Our review team check out whether it still qualifies as a top recommendation.
The Honu Sorrento 12’6 quickly established itself as a front runner in the 12’6 touring class, delivering excellent performance and a very smooth ride, plus of course those other benefits that we’ve come to expect from a quality brand like Honu; the top-notch construction and a great set of accessories.
But then Honu announced that they were significantly redesigning the 12’6 Sorrento for 2025, which immediately got our attention. Redesigns can be risky; sometimes they reduce the overall performance, but more often they simply end up repositioning the board to somewhere else on the overall performance spectrum, improving it in some areas while making it slightly less effective in others. What were we going to find with the 2025 Sorrento 12’6? All will be revealed in our write-up, but we can put your mind at rest right now, this is most certainly not a case of the redesign reducing the overall performance!
We think the Honu Sorrento 12’6 would be a great SUP for:
- Paddlers who want a fast, no-frills touring board
- Lighter paddlers wanting an all-round 12’6
- Paddlers who like to paddle in rougher conditions
- Paddlers who value high quality construction and attention to detail
- Paddlers who like being on a slightly thinner board than is typical for designs of this size and style
Honu Sorrento 12’6: Spec Sheet
- Board Category: Touring
- Listed Board Dimensions: 12’6 x 30″ x 5.5″
- Measured Board Dimensions: 12’5” x 30.25 x 5.5”
- Listed Board Weight: 23lbs (10.2kg)
- Actual Board Weight (board only, not inflated): 22.9 lbs.
- Listed Max Capacity: Up to 140kg (300 lbs)
- Recommended PSI: 16-20PSI
- Fins: 9.4” touring fin (US Box fin box)
- Paddle: Not supplied as standard, various bundle options
- Board Shell Construction Materials: Double-layer Fusion + carbon stringers
- Drop-stitch type: X-Woven
- Price Range: Mid to High
- Warranty: 4 year new-for-old replacement following any manufacturing issues
Performance Review of the Honu Sorrento 12’6 Stand Up Paddle Board
Overall Score: [9.5/10]
- Stability: 7.9/10
- Speed: 8.7/10
- Tracking: 9.4/10
- Maneuverability: 9.4/10
- Construction Quality: 9.8/10
- Features/Accessories: 9.2/10
To set the scene in this review, it’s worth getting into geek mode straight away, and looking at what has actually changed with the 2025 version of the Sorrento 12’6. Because we retain all the boards we review (oh yes, we have a LOT of boards here in our store!), it was a simple matter to haul out the previous model so we could compare them side by side.
It’s immediately obvious that the changes are a whole lot more than just cosmetic alterations or tweaks to the construction. The shape has also been extensively modified. The new Sorrento 12’6 has a slightly widened tail, but a whole lot less width and volume in the nose. Indeed the nose shape itself has been altered very significantly, pulled in significantly and then rising to a slightly odd-looking beak-like point. The whole balance of the board has been changed. The construction has indeed been altered too, most noticeably in the use of a reduced thickness of drop stitch, reducing the overall thickness of the board by around 1cm. This may not seem like a lot, but thickness is one of those parameters where every little helps. The closer you are to the water, the better the ride.
After the visual comparison, it was time to get out onto the water for some comparative paddling between the two versions of the Sorrento 12’6. This sort of in depth testing process is essential to really get a handle on what’s going on, and understand what the changes have actually done to the performance. We’ll discuss our findings as we move through the review.
Stability Rating: [7.9/10]
The stability score shown here is a global rating, based on comparative performance to all other sizes and styles of paddleboards (other than multi-person boards).
So this is an interesting one. (Well, to us geeky paddleboard reviewers every review is an interesting one, but the case of the 2025 Honu Sorrento 12’6 was particularly interesting!). We really liked the previous version of the Sorrento 12’6, but we did feel that the tail was just a fraction too narrow, adversely affecting the stability. And sure enough, in this latest version the tail has been widened slightly – but the nose has also been made considerably narrower, proportionally much more so than the change that has been made to the rear section of the board. If it had been left at that, the end result would have been clearly an overall loss of stability. However, because Honu has reduced the thickness as well, the rider is now closer to the water, which adds a plus factor to the stability equation! So there’s a whole lot of stuff going on here, and overall there’s no doubt that it’s changed the feel of the board very significantly.
But enough of the geeking – how is the stability, we hear you cry! Well, the primary stability of the new Sorrento 12’6 has definitely been reduced; the board responds much more immediately to weight shifts and it’s noticeably easier to push a rail down, due to removing the support from all that shape up front. However, there is still plenty of secondary stability to get you back onto an even keel, and you just need to learn to trust it. So overall, our stability rating is essentially unchanged. It’s definitely not the most naturally stable 12’6 x 30 out there, but it does the job.
One other noticeable benefit, the reduced thickness and extra bit of width in the tail also makes it feel more stable when you walk back to crank a step-back turn.
So let’s take a look now at Honu’s suggested rider weights for the Sorrento 12’6. Their website suggests that the board can carry up to 140kg (around 300 lbs). Our take is that this is a little optimistic; the board feels more optimised for a lighter rider. For sure, a 12’6 is generally not considered to be a first-time board so we can assume that anyone buying it is already a reasonably experienced paddler, looking for more performance. However, even then we’d suggest that for paddlers much over around 230lbs there are definitely more stable and user-friendly board options of this size to choose. Whereas for the lighter paddler, the light, responsive nature of this board will be much appreciated.
As for cargo carrying, again because it has such a sleek narrow profile, and the tail is still relatively narrow compared to most other boards this size, we wouldn’t choose to weigh it down with much more equipment than perhaps a camping overnighter. This isn’t a shape optimised for heavy cargo.
Speed Test: 8.7/10
The speed score given above is a comparative rating to other sizes and styles of paddleboards, whereby 14’ raceboards would be scoring in the high 9s, and the widest all-round boards or surf-orientated shorter boards would be in the 5s or below.
Over the many years that we have been reviewing paddleboards at supboardguide.com, we have experimented with numerous different methodologies for speed testing, involving various hardware and software solutions. However, none have proved replicable; even using the same rider in the same conditions the numbers would vary from day to day, and of course when using different riders, or even just a different paddle, the results would change significantly. For this reason, while we still test all boards in cruise mode, fast cruise mode and then push them as hard as we can, we no longer give ‘absolute’ speed data (ie 5.5mph etc) – which ultimately doesn’t really matter unless you’re specifically looking to compete – and now report more on the general feel of the board when asked to perform.
Cruising
Fast Cruising
Going Hard
Overall
The Sorrento 12’6 has not lost any of its sprightly performance that we really enjoyed in our previous reviews, but it has changed its character quite a bit. It’s definitely better suited now to rougher conditions and more challenging waters. Our only criticism is that the nose shape isn’t quite working to its best potential. It’s just a bit too high, and thus permanently out of the water unless you’re paddling through rough stuff, and thus not contributing to speed or stability. If this could be lowered just slightly for future models the performance would be improved even further.
Tracking: 9.4/10
Tracking ultimately comes down to board length; a longer board will almost always track better than a shorter board of the same general width. So our tracking scores are intended to show how a board compares to other boards in its size. In the case of the Honu Sorrento 12’6 the scores compare to other boards in the 12’6 all-purpose/touring category.
This is another area where the reshaping of the Honu Sorrento 12’6 has resulted in quite significant changes to the performance. The board is noticeably more willing to change direction than its predecessor, due to having so much less width, volume and grip in the nose. In a straight line with no wind this does mean that the tracking performance has been reduced, but being a 12’6 x 30” board its tracking is still significantly better than you’ll get from any shorter, wider recreational board anyway, so in the greater scheme of things it’s still pretty good! Having the fin box placed very close to the tail – much closer than on the smaller Sorrento, or indeed any of the other 12’6s we’ve reviewed this year – also helps lock the board onto its course.
Interestingly though, what we also found was that when paddling across the wind, it was significantly easier to keep it on track, because the weather-cocking factor was considerably reduced. So again, this plays in very well with the board’s generally increased capabilities in more challenging conditions.
So overall, while we’re reducing the tracking score slightly for this year, it’s still a perfectly capable performer in this department, and tracks better than any of the wider 12’6s. We were also genuinely impressed with its capabilities in a more challenging cross-wind environment.
Maneuverability: 9.4/10
Maneuverability scores are based on comparative performance to boards of a similar general length and style. In the case of the Honu Sorrento 12’6 the scores compare to other boards in the 12’6 touring board category.
If you’re new to the 12’6 class then you’ll instantly notice that they are a lot less willing to turn than a shorter (and probably wider) all-round board. However, the Honu Sorrento 12’6 is actually a pretty good performer in this respect. In general, there tends to be a very strong inverse correlation between tracking and maneuverability, as one is essentially the opposite of the other. And this was most certainly the case with the Sorrento 12’6. It’s substantially easier to change direction while paddling than on its predecessor. When it comes to the type of ‘real world’ turning that you’re doing on a board like this; cruising along at a good speed and then the channel or coastline that you are following changes direction a bit, so you bung in a few sweep strokes to alter course while still maintaining your forward speed. Having so much less resistance in the nose means that the 2025 Sorrento responds with ease and alacrity to this sort of turning input. It likes crossbow turns too, for similar reasons.
Turning using reverse sweep strokes is slightly less responsive, due to that extra width and volume in the tail and the rearward fin position both doing a good job at resisting your efforts to turn from that area of the board. But it still goes round OK. And those same factors have had a beneficial impact on the stepback turning performance too, giving a little bit more support underfoot in the tail area. However, it’s still relatively narrow in the tail compared to most other boards of similar size, and the lack of shoulders up front does make it feel quite a bit more twitchy underfoot when you’re moving around on the board, so we wouldn’t particularly recommend the Sorrento 12’6 for paddlers wanting a board for learning stepback turns. But if you already know what you’re doing, you’ll have no problem at all.
Overall, while it definitely has some areas of maneuvering that it prefers to others, it’s a good allrounder, and probably the easiest to turn of the 12’6 x 30” boards we’ve reviewed this season. We were particularly impressed by that ease of changing line while on the go.
To understand more about turning styles and how to do them, check out our how-to video.
Construction Quality: 9.9/10
The 2025 Sorrento 12’6 has had some significant upgrades from the (already impressive) previous versions of the design.
Inside the board
Honu is using a new thickness of dropstitch, quoted (and confirmed by our measurements) as 5.5” thick. The performance benefits of this have already been discussed elsewhere in this review. The dropstitch format is X-woven, whereby layers of woven drop-stitch are fused during the manufacturing process, and the polyester threads running through the vinyl are crisscrossed similar to carbon fiber, making it super light and stiff.
Top and Bottom Skin
The outer skin features fusion construction, whereby two layers of PVC are fused together with heat and pressure. This process is tough yet light, offers great rigidity, and has pretty much become the industry standard for quality construction.
Side Construction
Honu’s exclusive rail construction process uses heat and pressure welding to fuse the inner rail with a 25mm strip. Then a 50mm 3K carbon rail is bonded under the outer rail layer to further increase the stiffness & durability.
Extra Stiffening Features
The deck and underside of the Honu Sorrento 12’6 have a 3K carbon strip bonded to the board under a layer of PVC top and bottom, to add extra stiffness to the board.
Overall
Honu’s are superbly built, and we want to acknowledge that, hence the really high score. The only reason it didn’t get a full 10 is due to a couple of very minor cosmetic issues on the seams, plus the ‘beak’ at the nose is slightly unsightly from an aesthetic point of view.
Board Stiffness:
Stiffness Test: 1.14” (2.9cm) Bend
To ascertain the rigidity of each board we review, we have been using our own specific laboratory bend test process since 2021. The board is inflated to its maximum recommended PSI and positioned exactly on our measuring jig. 150lb weight is then applied to the standing area to see how much bend it causes. While this isn’t an exact replication of the weight distortion that occurs when a rider stands on a SUP board in the water, it still gives a very useful comparative tool in determining the relative stiffness of the various board construction processes.
The deflection reading for the 2025 Honu Sorrento 12’6 is just slightly higher than we found on last year’s model, but this is only to be expected since the board has had its thickness reduced. If they’d managed to maintain the same stiffness then sort of witchcraft would have had to be involved! It’s still an excellent result for a board of this width, and the board certainly doesn’t feel flexy when you’re on the water.
Features/Accessory Review: [x/10]
Features:
The Honu Sorrento 12’6 comes in one colorway, the ‘Clear Waters’ scheme shown in these pix, gentle pastel colors giving a cool and classy feel to the board.
The Sorrento 12’6 comes with a reasonable set of features. At the front of the board we find a handle and a big hefty D Ring, great if you need to take the board under tow. We loved that the handle continues the same graphic lines as are on the board. It’s only a little thing but we love the attention to detail
Then we have a permanently fixed criss-crossed bungee with 6 fixings, of the webbing loop variety rather than stainless steel D rings. It’s a neat, light and low profile set-up, but the easily-removable straps as used on the tail of the board do offer a lot more versatility when it comes to cargo carrying. Next up is a screw-in action cam mount on the centerline at the front end of the deckpad. This would be a good position for a cupholder or a speaker, but is just a little too close to the standing position to be ideal for a camera or phone.
The deckpad itself is die-cut EVA foam with a high-traction diamond groove pattern, and is very comfortable underfoot, either paddling barefoot or in boots. The center carrying handle is nicely padded and it too is extremely comfortable to use.
At the rear of the pad we have three lateral stretchy (and tensionable) webbing straps, which can very easily be unhooked from the webbing loops on the board and removed completely, which we really like because it leaves the deckpad largely uncluttered. In general, unless you’re particularly wanting to carry cargo in this tail area we’d suggest removing them completely until needed. It’s really nice to be able to walk all the way back to the well-positioned stomp pad for step-back turns without having things to trip over! Plus which, since the tail is still relatively narrow compared to most 12’6 boards you aren’t going to be wanting to carry too much extra weight back here anyway.
Finally, we have the leash fixing, valve and a big padded laterally-oriented handle on the tail.
On the underside we find the one split-style US fin box, positioned very close to the tail as discussed in our speed analysis earlier. The board comes with a high quality touring-style 9.4” fin.
Included Accessories:
Honu boards come with a coiled leash and repair kit, and a well-made carry bag, crafted from 1680D ripstop nylon. It has roller wheels, reinforced handles and internally organised pockets. The shoulder straps and waist belt, for when the bag is being used in ‘rucksack’ mode, are extremely well padded and comfortable. It’s not a hardship to travel with this bag!
The Sorrento 12’6 is not packaged with a paddle as standard but one can be ordered during the online purchase process (click ‘create your bundle’). The carbon ($225) and carbon/bamboo ($245) paddles are excellent and very stylish 3 piece paddles which would suit the board perfectly.
The Sorrento also doesn’t come with a pump as standard, but in the bundling process you can choose either a double-action hand pump or an electric pump.
Summary Review of the Honu Sorrento 12’6
While the 2025 Honu Sorrento 12’6 is undoubtedly quite a different beast to its predecessor, it’s essentially still appealing to the same market. It’s a high performance, high quality 12’6 touring board that is particularly well suited to either the lighter rider or the more experienced paddler looking for something fast and purposeful that has a bit more carrying capacity and versatility than a full on raceboard. It’s definitely at the performance-orientated end of the 12’6 spectrum, more twitchy and responsive in feel than the majority of boards of this size, so it won’t be for everybody, but if this is the sort of board you’re looking for then you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re wondering whether to upgrade from your existing Sorrento 12’6, you’ll definitely appreciate the changes if you like to paddle in challenging conditions. The 2025 model has a smoother and more immediate feel through the water, and cuts a faster, easier line through rough water. So, to go back to the question we opened this review with – does the Honu Sorrento 12’6 still qualify as a top recommendation? The answer is yes, it certainly does.
Happy paddling! We hope you enjoyed this review of the Honu Sorrento 12’6. If you have any questions or comments please leave us a comment below!
Bill Dawes
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I have used a friends Red Paddle board 11’3 sport. I really like Red Paddle 11’3 sport board however not the price tag. I paddle rivers, lakes with quite a bit of chop from boats/wind.
I have read both of your reviews on the Honu Byron and Sorrento boards. I am 5’10 – 180 pounds. I would say an intermediate paddler. I have paddled on other brands 34″ wide boards and they are too slow. Paddling on the 32″ wide red paddle 11’3 sport is a lot faster than 34″ boards however does not give up that much stability. I have never paddled on a 30″ wide board so I am not sure how much less stability they are over a 32″ wide board.
I am looking for something as close to the Red Paddle 11’3 sport board that I can find. I want a board I can grow with as I get better paddling. I realize the Honu Bryon is classified as an all-around board and the Sorrento is a touring board. I believe Red Paddle classifies the Sport 11’3 is an all around/touring board.
How would you compare both the Bryon and the Sorrento to the Red Paddle sport 11’3? Which would be the closest to the Red Sport?
Thanks
Hi Brett,
As far as stability goes, it definitely will take a bit of adjusting to get used to 30″ wide boards vs. 32″ wide boards, but nothing that’s insurmountable with a couple of practice sessions. Comparing those three boards really just depends on your own preference as all three are really great options.
The Byron 10’6 is a top-tier all-around SUP, meaning it’s light and super maneuverable, but it will be the slowest of the 3 because it’s 32″ wide and has the shortest waterline out of these options. The 11’3 Sport from Red Paddle Co. will have some of the maneuverability of an all-around SUP, and some of the speed of a true touring SUP without significantly losing out on stability. The Sorrento is the fastest option, though it will take a few minutes of getting used to the 30″ width, and the well-placed kick pad makes it extremely maneuverable for a touring SUP.
I think if you’re looking for a closer comparison to the 11’3 Sport, the Sorrento is your way to go; it’s actually my own personal favorite as well, having paddled both of them.
Thanks for the input. How well would the Sorrento handle choppy water from wind and boats?
Also on your review of the Byron – is there a way to get a full picture of the Byron on the black floor in front of the wood wall where you can see the entire board like you have a picture of the Sorrento in its review? It would be nice to be able to see a real life picture of the entire shape of the Byron in the picture like the Sorrento is pictured. Or maybe could email it to me?
Thanks
Hi Brett,
Given how stiff the Sorrento is, it will handle fine in choppy water, but there will be a bit of a balancing adjustment as you transition from 32″ SUPs (nothing that isn’t manageable; I just wouldn’t want it to blindside you). As for a full profile shot of the Byron, that is unfortunately the one photo we did not take, but I think I do have one on my phone from our testing days that I can send to your email, I just need to take some time to find it lol
Hello, enjoying your reviews! I have a solstice bali. Bought it a few years ago to try out paddleboarding and fell in love with the activity. Now I’m ready to upgrade for a new one. I want to be able to go a few miles without killing myself. Usually I dont bring much with me, a few cans, Sunscreen. Something to eat. However, I dont exclude that eventually would bring more stuff with me. I go in lakes and bays and try to avoid choppy water only because my SUP is a joke. I’d like to try touring SUP. With so many choices I’m lost at what I should get. Your advise would be greatly appreciated!!
Hi Anna,
The Sorrento is a great choice if you’re up for a mild learning curve. It’s a little narrower, and it does take a little bit of adjusting when you’re used to wider boards, but it’s well worth it if you’re looking for a high performance SUP. It will have no problem taking on a few miles, and you’ll definitely be able to build up to more with this board.
As for bringing along gear or food, the front cargo area on the Sorrento is big enough fit a 10L drybag in there no problem (plenty big enough to bring along some cans, sunscreen and food). The rear cargo area is fairly small , but you are able to fit a smaller drybag in there as well (I normally put a spare set of clothes and a towel in a small drybag on the back). If you’d like to bring a lot more gear than that, I’d suggest looking at our list of Best Touring SUPs.
Thank you so my for your feedback!
Appreciate your quick reply too!
Hello,
During your review process do you verify the board measurements?
The Sorrento is advertised to be 30″ width and 5.9″ thick.
The Sorrento I received was 28 3/4″ in width and almost 7″ thick. Honu customer service was great and took the board back and I got a full refund.
The Byron I purchased is less than the 32″ in width advertised.
I am curious if during the reviews if you do verify the measurements on the boards?
Thanks
Hi Brett,
Over the last month or so, we’ve been finding similar patterns across several brands. We haven’t quite gotten to the bottom of how this can occur, but are working to make brands aware of any inconsistencies. I am glad to hear Honu’s customer service was great though; they’re a brand we love working with and Mark is extremely knowledgeable and transparent about their construction.
Hello, thank you for very detailed review. I would like to know one more thing – is it possible to attach kayak seat using D-rings? From the pictures it seems that there is quite a distance from the front and back rows. I want a fast touring sup board and kayak seat possibility is a big bonus during long trips.
Hi Valeras,
We haven’t tried to attach a kayak seat to the Sorrento. There is a pretty big gap between the front and rear bungees though – not sure if a kayak seat would be possible here.