Do you like to explore your waters or go on adventures? Or do you like to go fast and feel like you are flying above the water with near-effortless paddling? If any of 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 a little bit of width for some added length in order to paddle farther and faster with each stroke.
Just like other types of 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 a week’s worth of equipment. And of course there are boards in between for those of us who enjoy the experience of efficient paddling and getting a workout.
Best Inflatable Touring SUPs 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 | Lifetime, 30-day money back | 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 money back | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Honu Sorrento | Honu Sorrento
| 12'6” x 30" x 6" 22.9 pounds | 300 lbs | 4 years, 30-day money back | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Sea Gods Carta Marina CX | Sea Gods Carta Marina CX
| 12’ x 32" x 6" 21 pounds | 350 lbs | Lifetime, 30-day money back | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Isle Explorer Pro 14’ | Isle Explorer Pro 14’
| 14’ x 31" x 6" 27 pounds | 375 lbs | 4 Years, 30-day money back | 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 money back | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Gili 12’6” Meno Touring | Gili 12’6” Meno Touring
| 12’6” x 31" x 6" 26 pounds | 300 lbs | 2-years, 60-day money back | Read Review Check Best Price |
| Nixy Manhattan Plus G4 | Nixy Manhattan Plus G4
| 12'6” x 29" x 6" 23 pounds | 350 lbs | 2 years, 30-day money back | Read Review Check Best Price |
| Isle Explorer Pro 12’ | Isle Explorer Pro 12’
| 12’ x 31.5" x 6" 23 pounds | 330 lbs | 4 Years, 30-day money back | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Hydrus Paradise X | Hydrus Paradise X | 13'3” x 28.5" x 6" 23.5 pounds | 275 lbs | Lifetime, 30-day money back | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
Hydrus Paradise
12’6” x 30” x 6”
Availability: US, CAN
Read Our Full Review Here
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 in an effort 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 more easily lift the nose out of the water for downwind paddling and easier pivot turns.
On the water the Paradise keeps a very high cruising and sprinting speed and excellent glide ratio for efficient paddling over long distances. The Paradise is one of the fastest classic touring boards we’ve tested, even with the slightly more aggressive rocker profile. The rigid construction and 30.5” measured 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. The 12’6” length provides great speed and glide while the 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 as well.
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. The Carta Marina CX 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 also 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.
Isle Explorer Pro 14’
14’0” x 31” x 6”
Availability: US
Read Our Full Review Here
Launched in the spring of 2023, the Isle “Pro” series iSUPs quickly became the talk of the industry. The innovative new Infinity Fiber stringer system has jumped this entire range of inflatable boards, including the Explorer Pro 14’ into the realm of “I can’t believe it’s inflatable.”
With an extraordinarily stiff construction, light weight, and ultra-stable design, the Explorer Pro 14’ is the ultimate adventure paddle board. If you want to cover long distances efficiently while taking everything you need for weeks at a time (sure, bring the kitchen sink – it’ll fit), the Isle Explorer Pro 14’ has you covered. It’s fast, tracks incredibly well, has a huge carrying capacity, and the Isle Link system makes customizing your cargo and accessories a breeze.
Bottom Line: The Isle Explorer Pro 14’ is the ultimate adventure-touring iSUP.
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 very stiff and the embossed deckpad and raised kick pad grip well with both bare feet and shoes.
The US Fin box opens the door for 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 a 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 for more equipment storage or to attach a kayak seat.
Bottom Line: The Thurso Expedition 150 not only performs incredibly well on the water, but includes a variety of excellent accessories at an incredible price.
Gili 12’6” Meno Touring
12” x 31” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Our Full Review Here
The 12’6” Meno Touring sets itself apart from the rest of this list by adding just a little bit of extra width (31”) along with a few key on-board features great for anglers and those who like to bring along a few extra items.
In addition to a large storage area on the front of the board, there are four threaded action mounts, three sets of handles (in addition to the standard three carrying handles) and another medium-sized storage area on the rear. This lets you evenly balance heavy loads for longer trips and provides location options to attach a few extra amenities like fishing rod holders, action cameras, and more where you want them.
The single flip-lock touring fin is easy to install and remove, and it keeps the 12’6” Meno Touring tracking straight and fast. More pronounced rocker in the nose also helps the 12’6” Meno Touring handle choppier conditions and more easily ride up and over waves rather than plunging into them.
Bottom Line: The 12’6” Meno Touring offers a very high carrying capacity, great construction, and options to suit whatever adventure you are up for.
Nixy Manhattan Plus G4
12’6” x 30” x 6”
Availability: US, CAN
Read Our Full Review Here
The Nixy Manhattan Plus G4 gains an extra two inches in width and a wider tail outline compared to the original Manhattan G4. This greatly improves the stability and carrying capacity moving the Manhattan from a fitness or racing iSUP to a proper touring iSUP you can load up for a weekend of adventure. It’s also now a more comfortable option for average-size paddlers where the original Manhattan G4 was best for smaller paddlers.
The Manhattan Plus boasts a woven fabric layer, x-woven drop stitching, fusion-laminated PVC, and carbon fiber reinforced rails for an incredibly light and stiff build. Stiffer boards reduce bobbing and power loss, so each paddle stroke can more efficiently propel the board.
Nixy also has a line of high-quality 3-piece carbon fiber paddles that match the high-performance nature of the Manhattan.
Bottom Line: The Nixy Manhattan Plus G4 is a great choice for fitness paddling and light touring for smaller to average-size paddlers.
Isle Explorer Pro 12’
12’0” x 31.5” x 6”
Availability: US
Read Our Full Review Here
Like the Explorer Pro 14’, the Isle Explorer Pro 12’ has the same innovative construction system and near-infinite customizability as its larger sibling, but in a more compact, and slightly wider, package.
The Explorer Pro 12’ is more maneuverable and has more initial stability than the Explorer Pro 14’ making it a fantastic option for expedition paddlers taking on long river routes, or anyone who wants a more utilitarian/crossover design. The balance of speed, tracking, maneuverability, stability, and capacity make the Explorer Pro 12’ a true Swiss Army knife on the water. Add to that its excellent performance as a kayak with the Isle Cloud inflatable kayak seat system and it’s hard to see why you would need any other paddle craft.
Bottom Line: The Isle Explorer Pro 12’ is one of the most versatile and high-performing touring/crossover iSUPs available.
Hydrus Paradise X
13”3” x 28.5” x 6”
Availability: US, CAN
Read Our Full Review Here
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 just begs to be paddled fast.
Bottom Line: The Hydrus Paradise X is an excellently fast, light touring, fitness, and racing iSUP for intermediate and advanced paddlers.
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 do have a steeper learning curve compared to all-around iSUPs. Their longer lengths also make them less maneuverable, but they gain better straight-line tracking. Touring SUPs are great for destination and adventure paddling where you are seeking to travel away from your starting point, overnight trips, fitness paddling, and even racing.
What to look for when choosing a Touring SUP?
You’ll 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 wider, more adventure-oriented, boards, but at the shorter lengths (under 13’).
Touring vs All-Around SUPs?
Touring boards will typically be longer (>12’)and narrower (<32”) than all-around boards in order to prioritize speed and paddling efficiency. All Around boards are normally shorter (10-12’) and wider (>32”) in order 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 on, and are a great option to learn 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, then starting off 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 not only fits you well, but 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 with us on our SUPs should get wet. Soggy sandwiches and waterlogged phones can ruin a good day out on the water. Dry bags come in a huge variety of 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. Our favorite stand-alone touring paddles are the Honu Evolution Bamboo and the Nixy Pro Carbon 88sq in.
- Electric Pumps – Using the hand pump that comes with your board is a great way to warm up for your day paddling. But every now and then it’s nice to relax while getting ready, too. 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 such great experiences that every paddler should do at least once.
