Do you like to explore your local waters or adventure off the beaten path? Do you want to use paddle boarding as part of your fitness routine? Or do you like going fast and feeling like flying above the water with near-effortless paddling? If these sound good to you, then a touring iSUP is exactly what you need.
Where all-around iSUPs are relatively wide and focus on maximum versatility and easy stability, touring paddle boards trade off some stability for speed and efficiency to take you farther with each stroke. We’ve hand-tested and compared dozens of touring paddle boards to create our list of the Best Touring Paddle Boards.
Like other paddle boards, you can get different widths, lengths, and shapes in a touring board to meet your needs. Speed freaks will want the longest and narrowest boards they can stand on, while adventure seekers will want a bit more width to carry equipment and supplies for a week or more. And, of course, there are boards in between for those of us who enjoy the experience of efficient paddling while getting a workout.
Best Touring Paddle Boards Comparison Chart
| section-hd | Best Inflatable Touring SUPs |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOARD | DIMENSIONS | CAPACITY | WARRANTY | PRICE | |
| Hydrus Paradise | Hydrus Paradise
| 12'6” x 30" x 6" 23.5 pounds | 300 lbs | 10-years, 30-day return period | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Blackfin Model V | Blackfin Model V
| 12’6” x 32" x 6" 29 pounds | 485 lbs | 3-years, 45-day return period | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Honu Sorrento | Honu Sorrento
| 12'6” x 30" x 6" 22.9 pounds | 300 lbs | 4 years, 30-day return period | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Sea Gods Carta Marina CX | Sea Gods Carta Marina CX
| 12’ x 32" x 6" 21 pounds | 350 lbs | 10-years, 30-day return period | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Thurso Expedition 150 | Thurso Expedition 150
| 12'6” x 30" x 6" 26 pounds | 400 lbs | 2-years, 30-day return period | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Hydrus Paradise X | Hydrus Paradise X | 13'3” x 28.5" x 6" 23.5 pounds | 275 lbs | 10-years, 30-day return period | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| The Wild Tribe Columbia S | The Wild Tribe Columbia S | 12'6” x 30.5" x 4.7"6" 23 pounds | 285 lbs | 3-years, 30-day return period | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
Hydrus Paradise
12’6” x 30” x 6”
Availability: US, CAN
Read Our Full Review Here
Use code “BOARDER” at checkout to take 12% off the Paradise
The first thing many will notice about the Hydrus Paradise is its rocker profile – or how the nose and tail turn up from the water. While many touring boards maintain a low rocker profile to increase efficiency, the Paradise’s higher nose keeps it riding high and dry in choppy conditions where flatter boards may plow through waves and chop, slowing them down and impacting stability. The Paradise also has a small amount of rocker in the tail to lift the nose out of the water more easily for downwind paddling and easier pivot turns.
On the water, the Paradise maintains a very high cruising and sprinting speed and excellent glide ratio for efficient paddling over long distances. It is one of the fastest classic touring boards we’ve tested, even with the slightly more aggressive rocker profile. The rigid construction and 30″ width provide excellent stability for paddlers of all abilities.
Bottom Line:The Hydrus Paradise is a stable and speedy choice for touring in all conditions, not just flat water.
Blackfin Model V
12’6” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Our Full Review Here
The Blackfin Model V by iRocker is a crossover touring iSUP ideal for fishing or paddling longer distances with a heavy payload. Its 12’6″ length provides great speed and glide, while its 32″ width gives you excellent stability on the water whether you are loaded with camping gear, fishing equipment, or another passenger.
The numerous accessory mounting points allow you to easily attach just about anything you’d like, from tackle racks to large dry bags, GPS units, anchors, and more.
Bottom Line:If you are an angler who likes to explore or paddle out to the lesser known spots, the Blackfin Model V is for you.
Honu Sorrento
12”6” x 30” x 6”
Availability: US, AUS, CAN, UK, EU
Read Our Full Review Here
The Honu Sorrento starts with a high-quality construction using a woven fabric layer, x-woven drop stitching, carbon fiber rails, and carbon fiber stringers on the top and bottom of the board. It’s incredibly stiff, even for large paddlers.
That stiffness, plus the 30″ width, means that more of your energy goes into propelling the board forward with each stroke rather than being absorbed through board flex or spent keeping your balance. Outside of a dedicated racing iSUP (that’s 5″ narrower!), the Sorrento is one of the fastest inflatable paddle boards I’ve tested to date.
Like Honu’s other iSUPs, the Sorrento takes on a paddling-first design aesthetic but does keep enough cargo space to fit camping gear for an overnight excursion.
Bottom Line:The Honu Sorrento is an incredible fitness and short-board racing iSUP with enough stability to take you on overnight trips.
Sea Gods Carta Marina CX
12’0” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, CAN, International Shipping Available
Read Our Full Review Here
The Carta Marina CX is the latest touring iSUP from British Columbia-based Sea Gods paddle boards. It boasts excellent glide and speed, a super stable shape, and lightweight construction. In addition to plenty of cargo space for overnight trips, the Carta Marina CX has built-in threaded accessory mounts for fishing rod holders, action cameras, and more.
Another feature that sets the Sea Gods Carta Marina CX far apart from other touring iSUPs is the fantastic artwork designed specifically for this board by paddle boarder and Vancouver resident Jenny Kirby.
Bottom Line: The Sea Gods Carta Marina CX is a beautiful touring paddle board with equally impressive performance.
Thurso Expedition 150
12’6” x 30” x 6”
Availability: US, Canada, UK, Europe
Read Our Full Review Here
With a trim, but stable, 30” width, gently piercing nose, and low rocker the Thurso Expedition 150 excels as both a fitness and touring iSUP in calmer conditions. The carbon fiber reinforced rails and woven drop stitch keep the Expedition 150 stiff, and the embossed deck pad and raised kick pad grip well with bare feet and shoes.
The US Fin box allows users to select their favorite touring or racing fins, but the included hatchet-style touring fin does an excellent job of balancing both and uses the Kumano click-fin system for tool-less installation.
A generous storage area up front can hold several large dry bags, and additional d-rings in the middle and back of the board can be used to store more equipment or attach a kayak seat.
Bottom Line: The Thurso Expedition 150 performs well on the water and includes a variety of excellent accessories at an incredible price.
Hydrus Paradise X
13”3” x 28.5” x 6”
Availability: US, CAN
Read Our Full Review Here
Use code “BOARDER” at checkout to take 12% off the Paradise X
You might have done a double-take as you read the section title, but rest assured you aren’t seeing double. The Paradise X is an evolution of the popular and high-performing Hydrus Paradise. Stretched out and slimmed down, the 13’3″ x 28.5″ Paradise X is a speed demon. It’s perfect for day touring or light overnight trips, fitness paddling, and even getting into competitive racing.
The longer shape with gentle tapers and a medium-width tail make the Paradise X feel extremely stable for its width. With a super-rigid but lightweight construction, the Paradise X not only glides smoothly through the water but begs you paddle fast.
Bottom Line: The Hydrus Paradise X is an excellently fast, light touring, fitness, and racing iSUP for intermediate and advanced paddlers.
The Wild Tribe Columbia S 12’6
12’6” x 30.5” x 4.7”
Availability: US, CAN
Read Our Full Review Here
The Wild Tribe Columbia S (and Athabasca S) is a classic touring size with a twist. Like all of The Wild Tribe’s iSUPs, the 12’6 x 30” Columbia S is only 4.7” thick. This thinner profile offers offer a balance between stability and performance, and is ideal for paddlers under 200 pounds. The board’s tapered nose and efficient shape slice through the water, providing a smooth glide on flatwater trips.
While the thinner profile does reduce its overall rigidity, it still delivers a pleasant paddling experience, especially for those seeking leisurely tours. The Columbia S features moderate cargo space suitable for day trips, and its lightweight build enhances portability with heat-welded seams for durability.
Bottom Line: The Wild Tribe Columbia S 12’6 is a great day-touring iSUP for lighter paddlers who want a thinner profile iSUP.
Touring Stand-up Paddleboard FAQs
What is a Touring SUP?
Touring Stand Up Paddleboards are designed for longer distance trips, more efficient paddling, and faster speeds. They are typically 12-14′ long and 28-32″ wide. Their narrower widths help them glide more smoothly, but they have a steeper learning curve than all-around iSUPs. Their longer lengths make them less maneuverable, but they gain better straight-line tracking. Touring SUPs are great for destination and adventure paddling where you seek to travel away from your starting point, overnight trips, fitness paddling, and even racing.
What should you look for when choosing a Touring SUP?
You want to match a touring SUP to your preferred use. Are you looking to do overnight or multi-day excursions? Then, you will want a touring board that is a little wider (30-32″) and a little longer (12’6″-14′). Touring iSUPs with more nose rocker are better for choppier conditions and rivers, while flatter boards perform better in calmer waters. For racing, you’ll want to prioritize speed over carrying capacity. Longer (closer to 14′) and narrower (less than 30″) boards will give you faster top speeds but require more body control and practice as they are less stable. For Fitness and Day trip paddling, most paddlers prefer the midsize boards around 12’6″ x 30″.
Touring vs All-Around SUPs?
Touring boards will typically be longer (>12′)and narrower (<32") than all-around boards to prioritize speed and paddling efficiency. All-around boards are normally shorter (10-12') and wider (>32″) to prioritize stability and strike a balance between straight-line tracking and maneuverability. Beginners often prefer all-around boards because they are easier to balance and are a great option for learning the sport. Touring boards are more specialized and are usually a second board purchase for most paddlers after they gain some experience. However, if you know you like to go fast and far, starting with a wider touring board could be just the thing for you.
Recommended Gear for Touring Stand-Up Paddleboards
Most touring iSUP kits include the essentials for paddling, but some – especially the higher-end models – don’t include a paddle. Here is a list of some recommended equipment to go along with your new touring board.
- PFD – A PFD (Personal Flotation Device), sometimes called a life jacket or buoyancy aid, is a critical piece of safety equipment while on your SUP and may be required by local law. There are thousands of options for PFDs, and it is important to choose one that fits you well and is designed for paddling. A quality, well-fit PFD is not noticeable when being worn. See our Best SUP PFD reviews here.
- Dry Bag – Not everything we bring on our SUPs should get wet. Soggy sandwiches and waterlogged phones can ruin a good day out on the water. Dry bags come in various shapes and sizes to fit your needs. See our Best SUP Dry Bag reviews here.
- Paddle Upgrade – While some touring SUPs include a paddle, others do not. Choosing a touring paddle can be tricky with all of the options available. See our favorite paddle upgrades here.
- Electric Pumps – Using the hand pump that comes with your board is a great way to warm up for your day paddling. But now and then, it’s nice to relax while getting ready. Electric SUP pumps are easy to use and let you focus on other things while inflating your board. See our Best Electric SUP Pump reviews here.
Final Thoughts – Best Touring SUPs
Touring SUPs open a whole new world of adventure for Stand Up Paddleboarders. Covering large distances quickly, joining in a friendly race, and taking an overnight trip are great experiences that every paddler should do at least once.
Editor’s Note
After seeing our list above, you may be asking yourself “what about XYZ brand or model?” First and foremost, we will only review and recommend products we have personally tested. You won’t find spec-only reviews and blind recommendations here. You may notice a few highly rated boards in our reviews are not on this list. While we stand by our reviews and ratings of those boards, last year several companies ceased their affiliate programs. This prevents us from being compensated for the hours, days, and weeks we spend with these products for testing and reviewing (though they still receive the benefit of our content). If you enjoy our content or find it helpful, we ask that you help support Inflatable Boarder by considering brands that continue to support us first. You can read more about how we make money and the reviewing industry as a whole in our recent blog post.
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