Thurso Surf Expedition 138’ iSUP Review
Pros
- A great example of the small touring class; excellent for smaller riders wanting good performance from a sub 12’ board.
- One of the most stable boards of this style, especially now with the reduced thickness.
- Really good tracking performance for a board of this size!
- A great set of deck fittings and cargo options too
- With the kayak seat option and multiple paddle holder fixings, it has options for sit-down cruising too.
- Noticeable performance improvements over the previous version of Expedition 132
- Great having that option to choose just the accessories you want at check out.
Cons
- Not quite the quickest of the small tourers of this size (although still substantially faster than any all-round board of this length!).
- The cargo straps aren’t ideal for carrying something small like a water bottle. (But you can easily fix this by putting your own bungee cords onto the board using the D ring fixings.)
This high-performance smaller tourer from Thurso Surf has undergone some significant tweaks for 2025, raising its performance yet further.
The Thurso Surf Expedition 138 has been around for several years, but – while it may at first glance look pretty similar to its predecessors – the 2025 model comes with a few subtle but profound modifications. Thurso Surf have upgraded the construction to all their boards this year, moving to welded seams and woven dropstitch throughout. More significantly though, they’ve also reduced the thickness of the Expedition 138 by moving to 4.7” dropstitch rather than 6”. This may not seem like a huge difference but it has extremely positive implications for the general stability and feel of the board.
So we were really excited to get our hands on the 2025 Thurso Surf Expedition 138, as we’re big fans of this style of board in general. These 11’-11’6 shorter touring boards (tourers traditionally being 12’ or longer), are similar in length to all-round SUPs but perform very differently, being typically much more directional and speedy, with substantially improved glide. They’re ideal for smaller paddlers, and indeed regular-sized paddlers just wanting more performance from a ‘normal’ sized board, rather than having to move up to something longer.
However, because it’s technically much more challenging to make a small tourer that actually performs well, there really aren’t very many examples of the species to choose from. So it’s great that Thurso Surf have backed their Expedition 138 for another season, and improve the performance yet further. In this review we’ll explain exactly what we found, but to whet your appetite we can certainly state the following:
We think the Thurso Surf Expedition 138 would be a great SUP for:
- Smaller paddlers wanting an all-round board that responds easily and readily
- Any paddler under 180 lbs looking for a faster more responsive all-rounder
- Paddlers who want a small touring board that comes with a great set of fittings
- Paddlers wanting an easy upgrade from their beginner board to something with more performance but still offering good stability for its size.
Thurso Surf Expedition 138: Spec Sheet
- Board Category: Touring, Adventure
- Listed Board Dimensions: 11’6 x 30” x 4.7”
- Measured Board Dimensions: 11’5.5” x 30 ⅝ x 5”
- Listed Board Weight: 21 lbs
- Actual Board Weight (board only, inflated): 20.6 lbs
- Recommended rider weight: 130-180 1bs
- Recommended PSI: 12-15 psi, max 20.
- Fins: Single US box 9” touring fin
- Paddle: 3 piece carbon, nylon blade
- Board Shell Construction Materials: Double layer fusion, welded rails
- Drop-stitch type: X-woven
- Price Range: Low to Medium depending on options
- Warranty: 30 day full refund, 2 year full warranty (with conditions)
Performance Review of the Thurso Surf Expedition 138 Stand Up Paddle Board
Overall Score: [9.6/10]
- Stability: 8.0/10
- Speed: 7.5/10
- Tracking: 9.4
- Maneuverability: 8.5/10
- Construction Quality: 9.5/10
- Features/Accessories: 9.5/10
Stability Rating: [8.0/10]
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).
Before we get into any detailed discussion about the stability of the Thurso Surf Expedition 138, it’s important to understand the bigger picture with this particular parameter. The board is 30” wide, and therefore, is always going to be a whole lot less stable than wider boards. Take the Max 11’6 from the Thurso Surf range, exactly the same length but at nearly 35” wide offering vastly more stability. The difference is huge. This is why our absolute stability score above is 8.0/10, because this gives an indication as to how the Expedition 138 compares to all other boards.
This is why Thurso Surf’s recommended rider weight range for the Expedition 138 is 130-180 lbs, whereas for the aforementioned Max it’s 180 – 240 lbs. Literally starting where the Expedition 138 leaves off! This really underlines why it is so important to make sure you’re choosing the right width of board for your weight. Narrower boards simply can’t offer the stability that wider boards can – it’s just physics.
So now let’s talk about the relative stability of the Expedition 138; how it compares to other boards of similar size and shape. The design is actually very stable for a 30” wide board. The widest point extends a long way forward and fairly far back too, creating a large, stable and very well balanced platform in the general standing area. The wide square tail also helps, and perhaps most importantly, the reduced thickness also plays a major part, bringing the rider closer to the water.
Overall, Thurso have done an excellent job in maximising stability with the Expedition 138 design. It’s definitely one of the most stable 30” small tourers that we’ve paddled. With regard to Thurso Surf’s recommended weight range, we’d suggest that it’s pretty much spot on for beginner paddlers. However, for someone looking at this as a second board purchase, for extending their range and capabilities beyond that offered by their existing beginner board, then the upper weight limit could easily be increased by 10 lbs or more.
Speed: 7.5/10
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.
One of the reasons we really like this style of shorter tourer is because despite being the same general size as an all-round/beginner board, they tend to have much better glide. They just move easier through the water. And this usually translates to considerably better speed, in all modes.
Cruising
In this mode the Expedition 138 feels nicely balanced and very comfortable to paddle, and as mentioned above definitely slides through the water at a faster cruising speed than your typical beginner board of this length.
Fast Cruising
The Expedition 138 responds well when you step it up a bit, and is very comfortable holding a faster pace. This is great news for paddlers wanting to travel further afield and/or do some more fitness-oriented paddling.
Going Hard
In this mode we did find the Expedition 138 just slightly off the pace of the very fastest designs in this particular category of board. The tweaks that have given the board its excellent stability and tracking create a little more drag, which you definitely feel when you put the hammer down. Likewise, the relatively high nose rocker also starts to suck just slightly when you’re really going for it. Nevertheless, it’s still infinitely better in this mode than your typical beginner board!
Overall
The performance curve of the Expedition 138 is an excellent board for cruising at light/medium power levels. Overall, the improvements for this season have done the board no harm at all, being lighter and a bit stiffer than the previous iterations have improved its general performance as a smaller touring board yet further. While not quite the speediest of this breed of board, it’s generally smooth and easy through the water, and great for longer distance cruising and fitness work.
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 Thurso Surf Expedition 138 the scores compare to other boards in the 10’6 – 11’6 all-purpose/touring category.
The Thurso Surf Expedition 138 tracks really nicely. Narrower boards generally do track better anyway, as they are more ‘torpedo like’ in their progress through the water, especially when equipped with a pointed nose that helps sustain course. The Expedition 138 also benefits from that long straight section in the plan shape, with the parallel sides locking the board onto its path.
The large fin with its high-area touring shape also helps keep the board on track. Overall, the Expedition 138 proved to be one of the best boards in its class when it comes to tracking, with a very locked-in feel – hence the deservedly high score.
Maneuverability: 8.5/10
Maneuverability scores are based on comparative performance to boards of a similar general length and style. In the case of the Thurso Surf Expedition 138 the scores compare to other boards in the 10’6 – 11’6 all-purpose/touring category.
The design factors that give the Thurso Surf Expedition 138 its excellent tracking performance inevitably end up being less helpful when it comes to maneuvering. As mentioned, the board feels very locked-in, holding its course extremely easily. Predictably therefore, it takes a bit more effort to get it to change course.
Basic turning techniques such as forward and reverse sweep strokes will bring the board around but it’s not in any particular hurry to respond. You’re best off using rudder and cross bow turning techniques (if you haven’t yet learned them then check out our how-to video!), or for maximum spin, take that short walk back towards the tail and bring it round with a pivot turn. In this instance, the plan shape works in your favor, giving plenty of support underfoot when you do step back into that area.
Construction Quality: 9.4/10
The Expedition construction has seen several changes in recent seasons. The construction moved from two layers of PVC laminated together, to a fusion process whereby the layers are fused rather than glued, which removes a significant amount of weight. The side construction has now been upgraded to welded rail construction, which also makes quite a significant positive difference to the overall performance. And if that wasn’t enough, the board now comes in a 4.7” thick version, which also makes a major difference.
Inside the board
The dropstitch is X woven, for greater rigidity and stability. The thickness actually measures 5” as opposed to the advertised 4.7”, but we find this with the majority of quoted 4.7” boards and the main point is that it’s still significantly thinner than the 6” version (which tend to be slightly thicker than advertised too).
Top and Bottom Skin
As mentioned earlier, the outer skin of the Thurso Expedition 138 now utilises dual layer fusion construction, with two sheets of PVC fused together onto the dropstitch substrate. This fusion process is light yet strong, and widely regarded as the leading construction in iSUP board manufacture.
Rail construction
The sides of the Thurso Expedition 138 feature welded rails, another new upgrade for 2025. This adds an additional layer of integrity to the construction, with the overlaps between the side panels and top/bottom panels secured by both glue and a heat weld.
Overall
The welded rails, fusion construction and thinner dropstitch definitely make a whole lot of difference to the feel of the Expedition 138. Thurso Surf are definitely on a good trajectory with all these upgrades, and have raised their game from average construction to a much higher grade.
Board Stiffness:
Stiffness Test: 1.38” Bend
Our bend test came back with a pretty good result for the Thurso Surf Expedition 138. While 1.38” isn’t up there in the very best results we’ve experienced in boards of this size, what really stood out to us is how similar it was to the last time we bend-tested this board. However, that previous board was 6” thick! As thickness plays a major role in determining a board’s stiffness, the fact that Thurso Surf have managed to make the Expedition a whole inch thinner but essentially lost no rigidity in the process is a real testament to how much the construction has improved.
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.
Features/Accessory Review: [9.5/10]
Features:
The Thurso Surf Expedition 138 comes in just the one colorway, the black and white deckpad along with the wood finish PVC in the nose. It looks clean and classy. The deckpad is EVA foam, with full length grooves giving excellent drainage.
So let’s now take a walk-through of the fittings and features that you get with the Expedition 138. Starting at the nose, there’s a well-cushioned carry handle along with a versatile action camera mount. This multi-compatible fitting can accommodate a slide-in GoPro mount or anything that screws into an M8 thread, so it should work with most action camera mounts.
Moving back, you’ll find three stretchy-webbing cargo straps. They have quite a bit of stretch, which makes them a bit tricky to cinch down tightly, and are spaced fairly far apart as well, making them better suited for stashing clothing or a dry bag rather than securing something smaller like a water bottle or sandals. However, because the straps are attached to the board by large steel D rings, it is very easy to utilize these for adding bungee cords or further strapping, to increase the cargo carrying capacity.
At the front of the deck pad we find two more action camera mounts – this time the screw-in type – positioned on either side. Parallel with these are the front D rings for fixing a kayak seat, now a standard fixture on all the Thurso boards we’ve reviewed this year. As is the set of paddle holder straps on either side, all of which really does allow for a whole lot of cargo carrying options.
Next up, right back at the tail, we find two further stretchy webbing straps. For a board designed for expedition paddling we’d prefer to see, if not more straps, at least more fixing options at this end of the board, and quite a bit further forward as well, where there is more width and volume to support them.
We’re also unsure why Thurso have chosen to put the rear carrying handle on the rail at the tail, rather than on the deck. We definitely prefer deck-mounted handles, for general comfort and ease of use. We’d suggest this would work better than having the small kick pad right at the very back of the board, which didn’t really seem to fulfil any useful purpose.
On the underside of the Thurso Surf Expedition 138 we find just the one central split-style US finbox. The 9” touring fin can be mounted either with a standard fin bolt and nut, or by using the optional click-in tensioners which allow you to push the fin into place without needing tools.
Included Accessories:
The Thurso Surf Expedition 138 can either be purchased board only (including the coiled leash and the 9’ touring fin), or as a package, whereby you get the option of adding a backpack, rechargeable electric pump, life jacket, kayak seat, SUP carrier strap, and the Thurso Surf Carbon Hybrid 3 piece adjustable paddle, for which you can also add an extra blade to make it into a kayaking paddle. Purchasing any (or indeed all!) of these accessories in the bundle makes good sense as the prices are typically around 20% cheaper than buying them individually. The electric pump is reasonably powerful, and takes about 8 minutes to inflate the board. The backpack is spacious and has rucksack straps and wheels. The Carbon Hybrid paddle is a reasonably good beginner/intermediate paddle, but we’d suggest that to maximise what the Expedition 138 has to offer, you’d be better off getting yourself the Carbon Elite paddle instead.
Summary Review of the Thurso Surf Expedition 138
As we explained at the beginning of this review, we’re big fans of this ‘small tourer’ style of board because it’s so great for smaller people in particular, who by nature of their size simply don’t have the same power and leverage to exert, as a bigger person does. So a board that responds easily and has good glide can be a real game-changer. For others, the appeal is that it’s still essentially the same general size as a typical beginner/all-round board, and thus easy to carry and load onto the car, isn’t too affected by wind, etc, yet still offers a whole lot more performance. Being quite a bit less intrinsically stable than an all-round/beginner board the small tourer won’t be for everybody, but for many it’s absolutely ideal.
We’ve reviewed several great designs in this ‘small tourer’ category this season, and the Thurso Expedition 138 is a great example of this style. While it’s not the fastest in the group, it’s definitely right up there at or near the top in terms of stability, tracking and how well configured it is in terms of fittings. All in all, even though the shape and appearance is largely unchanged, this version of the Thurso Surf Expedition 138 really feels like a different board on the water. Great job Thurso!
We hope you enjoyed this review of the Thurso Surf Expedition 138. If you have any questions or comments please leave us a comment below, we love to hear from you and get your feedback.
How can I get one of these boards?
John,
Sadly, right now Thurso is out of stock with their Expedition Touring SUP. I’d recommend looking at either the Blackfin Model V or Gili 12′ Adventure SUPs as good options/alternatives.
Best of luck!