Honu + Sorrento 11’3’’ iSUP Review
Pros
- Speedy for its size!
- Good stability for a relatively narrow board
- We love that 5” thickness, making you feel much more connected to the water
- Honu boards are amongst the best-made in the business
Cons
- No handle or towing point on the nose
- Slightly light on fittings compared to other boards this size
This high-performance smaller tourer from Honu ticks a lot of boxes and makes a welcome addition to this extremely relevant board class.
The Honu Sorrento 11’3 is a new addition to the already impressive line-up of boards from this excellent Australian paddleboard brand, and was conceptualised as a scaled-down version of the extremely highly rated Sorrento 12’6. We were really excited to check this board out, and not just because we know that Honu makes great boards. We’re big fans of this very under-rated sector of the paddleboard market, and super happy to see new quality products arriving in it! So we should probably start by setting the scene on why we really rate this particular board style.
For starters, smaller people (under 150 lbs / 70kg) don’t have too many options when it comes to finding the right paddleboard for their requirements. The vast majority of non specialist boards are wide, particularly those from the cheaper/budget brands. Yet for smaller paddlers, particularly if they’re small in height as well as weight, anything much wider than 30” is just a drag, literally. There’s simply too much board! So this potentially very large sector of the buying market is currently not well served.
Next up, a lot of buyers want a board with decent performance so they can enjoy faster, more fitness-oriented paddling. If you like to work up a bit of a sweat, burn some calories, cover some distance, then doing it on a wider/round-nosed general purpose family board is just unrewarding; having a board that cuts a nice line through the water makes a huge difference. There are of course plenty of longer boards that do this job but many people still want a ‘normal sized’ board simply for its convenience, ease of carrying and putting onto the roof rack etc, plus which it gets blown around a whole lot less when it gets windy.
For both these groups, something of normal all-around board size, but narrower and more performance-orientated is the perfect option. So you’re probably wondering why there aren’t more smaller touring boards made? Well, the problem from a manufacturing point of view is that it’s much harder to make a narrow board that still feels rigid without making it thick, and thickness definitely starts to feel cumbersome when you get into the world of shorter narrower boards. This is where the high quality board manufacturers such as Honu, who have already mastered building thinner boards, have the advantage.
So we’re delighted that they have made their move into this area of the market with the Sorrento 11’3, packing exactly the sort of spec we want to see; a fast yet forgiving touring shape, reduced thickness, light weight and above all – not too wide! Spoiler alert, the board absolutely lived up to expectations, as we’ll detail throughout this review.
We think the Honu Sorrento 11’3 would be a great SUP for paddlers who:
- Require good performance in a board size that is still easy to handle and move around
- Want a board that can deliver all-round performance as well as touring capability
- Are smaller in stature and want a board that suits their shape and size
- Are looking for an all-round board that will really let them progress and improve their paddling skills
Honu Sorrento 11’3: Spec Sheet
- Board Category: Touring, All-round
- Listed Board Dimensions: 11’3 x 30 x 4.7″
- Measured Board Dimensions: 11’ 2.5” x 30.25” x 5”
- Listed Board Weight: 18.5 lbs (8.4kg)
- Actual Board Weight (inflated): 19.4 lbs
- Listed Max Capacity: 110-210 lbs (50-95kg)
- 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 11’3 Stand Up Paddle Board
Overall Score: [9.7/10]
- Stability: 7.8/10
- Speed: 7.8/10
- Tracking: 9.1/10
- Maneuverability: 8.8/10
- Construction Quality: 9.8/10
- Features/Accessories: 8.9/10
Stability Rating: [7.8/10]
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).
In absolute terms, no 30” wide board can be described as stable when compared to a 34-35” wide board (such as the Fairlight 11’6 from the Honu range). The difference is massive. This bigger picture absolutely needs to be understood when we talk about a board like the (just over) 30” wide Honu Sorrento 11’3. For a rider much over 175 lbs, particularly if they’re tall, this board will feel pretty wobbly. A 175 lb newbie may well not be able to stand up on the board at all. Rider weight becomes all important – this is not a board for heavier riders.
Hence the stability rating of 7.8, which may seem relatively low. However, it is important to understand that this should not be seen as a bad score. As mentioned in the intro to this review, for all the lighter riders – particularly women and youngsters – who are absolutely not well served by wider boards, this board will feel just fine. Indeed, compared to other boards of a similar general size, this board actually scores relatively well, because the design is impressively stable, for a 30” wide board. The plan shape has been tweaked to maximise stability; 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 squared-off tail helps too, and of course that thinner profile also helps hugely, bringing the rider closer to the water and reducing the ‘corkiness’ of the platform.
So in comparison to other boards of this general style and width, it has a very decent stability factor, in terms of both primary and secondary stability.
If we look at Honu’s suggested range of rider weights for this board, their lower limit of 110 lbs is fine – you could for sure go lower but generally anyone much less than this weight is also probably quite short and will thus be better off on an even narrower board such as the Honu Airlie 8’6. Their suggested upper weight limit of 210 lbs is perhaps a bit optimistic, we’d bring it down to maybe 200 lbs, and with the caveat that we’re talking about reasonably experienced paddlers here, not first timers. For newcomers to paddleboarding we’d suggest an upper limit of more like 165 lbs. Heavier paddlers, or indeed anyone looking for a bit more stability in a board of this general size, should check out the Honu Byron, which is slightly shorter at 10’6 but with its extra 2” of width feels noticeably more stable, but of course proportionally less sporty too.
Speed Test: 7.8/10
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.
Being light yet stiff, and with a performance orientated plan shape, the Honu Sorrento 11’3 delivers extremely good performance when it comes to straight-line speed and ride quality. It’s amongst the fastest boards you will find of this general size and width.
Cruising
Fast Cruising
Going Hard
Overall
If ultimate speed is your main goal then a longer board, such as the Sorrento 12’6, will of course always be faster, because board length is a primary factor in determining speed. But if you prefer the compactness and portability of the sub-11’6 board class, then you’ll not find many faster designs than this.
Tracking: 9.1/10
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 of similar size. In the case of the Honu Sorrento 11’3 the scores compare to other boards in the 10’6 – 11’6 all-purpose/touring category.
The Honu Sorrento 11’3 tracks pretty well, benefiting from the long straight section in the plan shape, as those parallel sides lock the board onto its course. The large stiff fin with its high-area touring shape also helps keep the board on track. The relatively narrow width also assists in this department. The narrower tail just takes the edge of the board being a top scorer in its tracking capabilities, but compared to most boards of this general length in the all-round board class it’s still a very good performer when it comes to holding its line.
Maneuverability: 8.8/10
Maneuverability scores are based on comparative performance to boards of a similar general length and style. In the case of the Honu Sorrento 11’3 the scores compare to other boards in the 10’6 – 11’6 all-purpose/touring category.
The long thin bullet-like plan shape of the Honu Sorrento 11’3 is never going to be as easily turned as wider, more rounded boards in this all-round/touring board category, such as its sister design the Honu Byron. This board is built to be a fast straight-line cruiser, and as already discussed it achieves that very well. However, it’s still actually one of the more maneuverable boards in this sub-class of 11’ tourers. The combination of the narrower tail and having just the one central fin, positioned over 9” in from the tail, means that the Honu Sorrento 11’3 responds fairly well to turning input. Using more basic turning techniques such as sweep turns will inevitably take a bit more force and require more strokes, but for the more experienced paddler with more advanced turning techniques at their disposal, will be able to spin the board pretty much through 180° in one stroke with a good powerful crossbow turn. It’s still most definitely easier to turn than a 12’6 or a raceboard!
The slightly pulled in tail reduces the stability just a bit for step-back turns in comparison to wider-tailed boards, but the well positioned stomp pad definitely helps when you’re moving your feet back, as does the uncluttered deck pad in the rear section. It’s nice not having anything to trip over!
Overall, while maneuvering isn’t the board’s absolute strongest suit, the great thing about boards of this size is that it really doesn’t ever take a whole lot of effort to make them turn. So while the Honu Sorrento 11’3 won’t spin as quickly as a board with a more rounded plan shape, it still goes round easily enough and nobody is going to be struggling to change direction on it. And if you do want to improve the turning performance, simply change to a smaller/more swept-back fin, put it right to the front of the fin box, which will make a whole lot of difference right there.
To understand more about turning styles and how to do them, check out our how-to video.
Construction Quality: 9.8/10
The Sorrento 11’3 has largely the same high tech construction as is found on its bigger brother, the Sorrento 12’6, with a few modifications for the smaller size.
Inside the board
The drop stitch used inside the Sorrento 11’3 is quoted at 4.7” thick. We measured it at nearer 5” thick, but this is typical of boards quoted at 4.7”). As discussed elsewhere this thinner profile plays a huge role in the success of the board. The drop stitch itself 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. From our experience this is the stiffest form of drop stitch on the market, and again a major contributor to the board’s performance.
Top and Bottom Skin
The outer skin features fusion construction, whereby two layers of PVC are fused together with heat and pressure. Fusion construction is generally regarded as offering the best performance benefits, being light yet tough and offering great rigidity.
Unlike the bigger Sorrento, the Honu 11’3 does not also have the carbon stringers running along the center of the top and underside. However, it still performs pretty well in our bend test, as discussed later in this review.
Side Construction
Honu have developed their own specific process for building the sides of the board, utilising heat and pressure welding to fuse the inner rail with a 25mm strip. A 50mm 3K carbon rail is then bonded under the outer rail layer to further increase the durability and stiffness.
Overall, the Sorrento 11’3 seems really well constructed, with great attention to detail. The only reason we haven’t given it the full 10/10 is because there were just a couple of very minor cosmetic imperfections on the seams, but still, 9.8 is pretty much as high as we go anyway. Rest assured that we’re very impressed by Honu construction.
Board Stiffness:
Stiffness Test: 1.25” Bend
The 1.25” deflection in our 150lb bend test is a very good result considering that the Honu Sorrento 11’3 is both narrower and thinner (5” as opposed to 6”) than most of its competition, both factors greatly increasing its performance and feel. A typical result for a thicker and wider board of this length would be 1-1.2”, so this very slight loss of rigidity is a worthwhile trade off. And on the water, the Sorrento 11’3 still feels pleasingly rigid, largely due to the excellent Honu construction system.
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: [8.9/10]
Features:
The Honu Sorrento 11’3 comes in one colorway, the ‘Perfect Day’ scheme shown in these pix, featuring cool pastel colors like its bigger brother to create a classy timeless look.
Honu deckpads feature a diamond-shaped texture throughout, giving excellent traction underfoot, whether you’re wearing neoprene shoes or paddling barefoot.
The board is relatively light on fittings and features. There’s no handle on the nose which felt like a bit of an unnecessary omission. We always like to see some sort of towing option on a board, whatever its role. The fittings start with a permanently fixed criss-crossed bungee with 6 webbing fixings. We’re in two minds about this approach. Using stainless steel D rings means that it is much easier to attach other straps or bungees, and there is no risk of the bungees slowly but steadily sawing through the webbing as they move back and forth. However, on the plus side, the webbing is light and low profile, and keeps the front of the board light and uncluttered.
Next up is a screw-in action cam mount on the centerline at the front end of the deckpad; a slightly odd place for a mount, as it’s a little too close to be ideal for filming the rider.
The central carrying handle is nicely padded and extremely comfortable. At the rear of the pad we have clear access all the way to the stomp pad, which we really like. On a performance orientated board like this there’s no need to clutter things with too many cargo fixings. However, we’re a little unsure of the purpose of the tiny little double bungee right on the tail. Is it meant to be a carry handle? You certainly wouldn’t be storing anything back there.
We suspect that Honu has simply decided to major on keeping the board weight as low as possible, which is why the board has relatively few fittings compared to others of this genre.
On the underside we find the one split-style US fin box, positioned a little further in from the tail than on the Sorrento 12’6, to improve the maneuverability. The board comes with a good 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 really thick, well-padded shoulder straps and a waist belt. There’s an external pocket and extra compartments inside. It’s a very nice bag that we’d be happy to travel with.
The Sorrento 11’3 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 11’3
OK, so we’re going to stick our neck out here a bit. While it’s the new kid on the block for Honu, taking its place beside the well-established Sorrento 12’6, in our opinion this 11’3 actually deserves to be the flagship of the Sorrento range. It is actually far more relevant to a much wider cross section of the paddleboard market, and we suspect that in not too many years time the positions will be reversed, and the 12’6 will be seen as the bigger brother to the renowned 11’3, rather than the other way around!
Overall, we really like the Sorrento 11’3 and can already think of many people for whom it will be absolutely perfect. It’s compact and light yet fast and very well suited to the smaller/lighter person as a first time board, and will also be great for more experienced paddlers wanting a board that is small enough to still qualify very much as an all-rounder, but is responsive enough to be a great option for getting a decent sweat on, and pushing it generally further and faster. On top of all that, the construction is excellent, and the board should last a very long time. Great job Honu!
Happy paddling! We hope you enjoyed this review of the Honu Sorrento 11’3. If you have any questions or comments please leave us a comment below!
Mike Carney
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