A slightly smaller version of the popular Waterwalker 11′, the 2019 THURSO Waterwalker 10’6″ shares the same shape but is designed for small to medium-sized paddlers who don’t necessarily need an 11′ board…
Founded in 2016, THURSO SURF is an up-and-coming SUP company that continues to expand their popular lineup of inflatable paddle boards. The THURSO brand was initially launched with a single model and they’ve since released several new boards including a youth iSUP, fitness board, and inflatable touring model.
We really love the fact that this young company is so attentive to customer feedback, eager to add requested features, and intently focused on delivering top-notch customer support — these are all traits of highly successful companies.
In this updated 2019 review, we’ll take a look at the new THURSO Waterwalker 10’6″ inflatable SUP and discuss the board’s features, construction and build quality, pros and cons, included accessories, warranty, and more. We’ll also let you know about a few of our favorite add-ons for this board and tell you where you can get the best price. Lastly, for those who prefer video, we’ve included several on this page including in-depth review, unboxing, and setup videos.
In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary…
| Pros |  Beautiful new designAffordable price point and great overall valueDurableRigidEasy to maneuverVersatileHandy grab handle at nose and tailPaddle holder on board’s railPlenty of D-rings for securing accessories or tying down gearTriple removable fins for easier packing and rackingBungee storage area at nose and tailImproved SUP accessory bundleFriendly and responsive customer supportExcellent 2-year warranty |
| Cons |  Only one color optionNot as stable as other all-around boards |
| Price & Where to Buy it |  |
Table of Contents
- THURSO Waterwalker 10’6″ Review: Board Overview: (Features, Construction, Paddling Performance, Setup Video, Likes & Dislikes)
- Specs
- Included Accessories: (Unboxing Video, Backpack, Paddle, Pump, Leash, Repair Kit)
- Optional Accessories: (Electric Pump, Kayak Seat Kit, SUP Deck Bag, Full Carbon Paddle, Apparel)
- Warranty
- Where to Buy it
- Final Thoughts
THURSO Waterwalker 10’6″ Review: SUP Overview
Click Here to Buy the 2019 THURSO Waterwalker 10’6″
The newly redesigned THURSO SURF Waterwalker 10’6″ gives many smaller paddlers exactly what they’ve been asking for — a design and features that are similar to the larger THURSO Waterwalker 11′ all-around iSUP but in a more compact package.
Measuring 10’6″ x 31″ x 6″ and weighing in at 26 pounds, the new Waterwalker 126 features a freshly updated design, great new features, and a nicely upgraded accessory bundle. This is a really fun, versatile SUP that is ideal for smaller paddlers who already have a bit of paddling experience.
Overall, we really like the changes THURSO SURF has made to their iSUP lineup this year — the entire range has been reworked for 2019 and the company has once again done an excellent job of providing their customers with exactly what they’re requesting.
(*Drag slider below to compare the 2018 and 2019 Waterwalker 10'6")
Features
This year, THURSO’s 10’6″ Waterwalker features a stunning new teal colorway that really looks great in our opinion. The top deck of the board sports THURSO’s signature natural woodgrain look and there’s a comfy EVA foam traction pad which provides plenty of grip.
(*Hover over hotspots for additional details)
Newly redesigned carrying handle makes it easy to carry the Waterwalker 10’6″ around.
1 of 8Handy grab handle at nose for pulling the board in and out of the water.
2 of 8Rear grab handle elevate the fins and prevents damage caused by rocky beaches and other hard objects.
3 of 8Soft EVA foam traction pad is super comfortable and provides excellent grip.
4 of 8D-rings along rails for attaching optional accessories or tying down additional gear.
5 of 8New paddle holder along right rail gives you a convenient way to secure your paddle.
6 of 8New rear bungee cargo area for increased storage — perfect for those times when there’s a passenger or pup at the nose.
7 of 8Massive front bungee storage area for stashing your dry bag, backpack, Crocs, and other gear.
8 of 8Mid-board is a new carrying handle that replaces last year’s velcro design. Instead of incorporating a paddle holder into the center carry handle, THURSO has added two paddle holder loops to the right rail of the board which gives you a great out-of-the-way spot to secure your paddle whenever you want to take a swim, lay out, or do a SUP fitness workout.
Also located along both rails of the board are 4 stainless steel D-rings for attaching the company’s optional kayak seat or tying down additional gear.
Moving to the nose of the board is an enlarged bungee storage area with 2 additional D-rings for 2019 as well as a newly improved grab handle. The bungee storage area is absolutely perfect for stashing your Crocs, backpack, or dry bag while you’re out on the water and the convenient grab handle makes it super easy to pull the board in and out of the water.
The tail of the Waterwalker 10’6″ has been radically updated this season. Previously, the board featured a single D-ring and the inflation valve at the tail — this year, THURSO has added a second bungee storage area with 4 D-rings as well as a second grab handle. We love the placement of this new grab handle as it allows you to elevate the board’s fins off the ground, preventing them from being damaged by rocky beaches and hard objects.
On the flip side, THURSO once again went with a 2+1 fin setup. All three fins are removable and they attach securely without tools or screws. To attach a fin, just insert it into the fin box and then secure it by pushing down the lever lock.
We love the fact that THURSO SURF uses three removable fins on all of their inflatable SUPs. Not only does this allow you to roll the boards up into a more compact size for easier transport and storage but they’re easier to stack if you rack them on top of your vehicle.
Construction
THURSO boards are all built solidly using double-layered, durable drop stitch construction. The exterior of the 10’6″ features a tough, military-grade PVC skin that resists cuts and punctures caused by run-ins with rocks, sticks, and other sharp objects. The Waterwalker 126 is essentially a super rigid, bombproof board that you won’t have to pamper, and it can handle whatever you, your kids, and your dog can dish out.
New for 2019, THURSO has also added two reinforcement seams on the side of the Waterwalker 10’6″ to cover the joining area between the top and the rail. The result is a board that’s even more durable than last year’s.
Paddling Performance
The 10’6″ Waterwalker is a lot of fun to paddle. While not quite as stable as the company’s 32″ wide Waterwalker 11′ model or the impressive new THURSO Max, it still offers decent stability and the board tracks well. The 10’6″ is definitely not the fastest board on the water, but that’s not what THURSO designed this board for.
In the maneuverability department, the board is very responsive and turns easily…
Overall, this is a nice all-around board that paddles a bit better than most boards in its class due to the fact that it has more of a touring shape to it. It’s a good choice for intermediate and advanced paddlers — beginners may want to go with a wider board that offers a bit more in the stability department.
Setup Video
Likes and Dislikes
Overall, we think THURSO did a great job on the 2019 Waterwalker 126. The new surf green color looks really nice and the design looks sportier while still incorporating the traditional woodgrain look that the company is well-known for.
The board’s onboard storage capabilities are much better this season, with an enlarged bungee storage area at the nose and a second area added to the tail. We also love the placement of the new paddle holders along the board’s right rail.
We haven’t gone over the accessory bundle just yet, but there have been several key improvements made this year. We’ll discuss those in a minute…
In terms of the things we’d like to see changed, we really only have one minor gripe. As nice as the teal colorway looks, it would be great if there were some additional color options. Not everyone will be a fan of this color and we’d offer at least a neutral woodgrain/gray/white version for those paddlers.
THURSO SURF Waterwalker 10'6" Rating (2019)
- Durability
- Features
- Versatility
- Stability
- Speed
- Portability
- Warranty
- Customer Support
- Price
Specs
| Length | 10’6″ |
| Width | 31″ |
| Thickness | 6″ |
| Weight | 26 pounds |
| Max Capacity | 300 pounds |
| Price |  |
What’s Included
THURSO has always done a fantastic job of delivering maximum value when it comes to their SUP accessory bundles. Included with the 10’6″ Waterwalker is a premium quality wheeled SUP backpack, improved 3-piece carbon fiber shaft paddle, dual-action hand pump, coiled SUP leash, repair kit, and user guide.
Unboxing Video
Wheeled iSUP Backpack
Previously, THURSO included a very basic SUP backpack in their bundle. While it got the job done, they’ve really raised the bar this year with the introduction of a top-shelf wheeled roller bag.
THURSO’s new backpack is incredibly well-made and the materials and hardware are all very nice. The bag is nice and roomy and there are plenty of pockets for organization.
The front of the pack features a large zippered storage pocket that gives you access to your accessories without having to dig through the bag’s large interior compartment. There’s also a small clear pocket on the outside of it which features a velcro closure along the top.
Both sides of the bag feature elastic mesh storage pockets which can be used to hold the included paddle, your towel or change of clothes, some flip flops, or a water bottle. There are also compression straps and two grab handles along the sides of the bag which really come in handy when you’re loading and unloading it.
On the bottom of the bag is another plastic grab handle and two oversized roller wheels with deeply grooved traction. This bag rolls nicely, whether you’re on a sidewalk or pulling it off-road.
Also, the entire bottom of the bag is heavily reinforced which gives it structure and helps it to stand up well. It’s also covered by a tough rubber material with a dimpled texture which will undoubtedly increase the bag’s longterm durability.
On the top of the bag is a fourth grab handle and there’s also a see-through luggage ID pocket along the back…
Located on the rear of the bag are two well-padded shoulder straps that are fully adjustable and feature nylon webbed loops and plastic D-rings for attaching small accessories. The entire back of the bag is covered by a comfortable back cushion that’s covered with a breathable mesh lining and there’s also a sternum strap and padded waist belt for stabilizing the bag when it’s loaded and on your shoulders.
Lastly, the interior of the bag features a few more storage pockets as well as internal compression straps.
Overall, THURSO did a wonderful job on this new carrying bag. This is a serious iSUP backpack that’s well-built and we love all of the storage pockets, grab handles, and huge roller wheels. The only thing that we would change is repositioning the roller wheels to the front of the pack — this would make the bag more comfortable on your back as the wheels won’t dig into your backside. Also, having the wheels mounted on the opposite side of the bag will prevent the straps from dragging on the ground when you’re rolling it behind you.
Paddle
Another nice improvement to the SUP accessory bundle for 2019 is a totally revamped carbon fiber shaft paddle. THURSO’s previous paddle featured a carbon fiber shaft with a glossy finish — this season, the paddle comes with a matte finish which feels much nicer in the hands and definitely has a more “premium” look in our opinion.
THURSO has also improved the design of this paddle to make it more reliable than last season’s. Last year’s paddle actually came apart on us a few times while we were paddling and we’re happy to report that the company has completely addressed that with their new 2019 paddle.
The blade of THURSO’s new paddle remains unchanged. It’s an extremely tough blade that’s made from a durable nylon material and it features THURSO SURF branding on one side.
Pump
THURSO also includes a nice dual-action hand pump with all of their boards. The pump has an easy-to-read, built-in pressure gauge which tells you exactly how much air is in the board, and the dual-action gives you two “gears” to use when inflating your board.
When you first begin pumping the board up, you’ll want to be in “Double Action” mode which will fill the board with air on both the up and down strokes. This is super efficient and will quickly get air into your board at the beginning, but you’ll need to change modes once the pumping gets difficult.
As the PSI climbs and pumping becomes more challenging, flip the lever over to “Single Action” mode to continue inflating the board to the recommended pressure of 15 PSI. The single action mode means that air will only be entering your board on downstrokes.
THURSO’s SUP pump does a good job of inflating the 10’6″ Waterwalker to the recommended pressure of 15 PSI, and it takes less than 10 minutes to get the board fully inflated and set up. The company also printed detailed instructions on the side of the pump, which is really convenient if you’re just starting out and aren’t familiar with how these pumps work.
Leash
We love the fact that THURSO promotes safe paddling by including a durable coiled ankle leash with all of their inflatable paddle boards. SUP leashes are extremely important when it comes to paddling safety and you should never paddle out without one.
The included leash is branded with the THURSO logo on both ends and it features dual-stainless steel swivels to avoid tangles. There’s also a handy velcro key pocket built into the padded neoprene ankle cuff — definitely a convenient feature to have.
Repair Kit
The included iSUP repair kit comes with a small brush for applying adhesive, an inflation valve wrench, two PVC patches, and a replacement tab for the lever lock fin system.
Optional Accessories
In addition to their growing range of inflatable SUPs, THURSO also has a nice line of paddling accessories. While the following gear is not included with the Waterwalker 10’6″, we wanted to give you a sneak peek at some of the optional add-ons available this season…
Electric Pump
THURSO’s brand new electric iSUP pump is definitely the most compact model we’ve reviewed to date. This pump weighs next to nothing and the small form factor makes it a handy accessory to bring along on your paddling adventures.
This pump has an easy to read digital display and an auto-shutoff feature for added safety and convenience. Just set the pump to your desired pressure, press the on button, and walk away.
Kayak Seat Kit
Another great accessory for 2019 is THURSO SURF’s kayak seat kit. This accessory gives the Waterwalker 10’6″ added versatility as you can also paddle the board like a seated kayak.
This is a comfortable seat and it folds down neatly for easy packing. We also like the quick installation as it conveniently clips to the D-rings along the rails of the board.
Lastly, the design of THURSO’s new and improved carbon fiber shaft SUP paddle allows you to replace the handle with a second blade, instantly transforming your SUP paddle into a kayak paddle.
SUP Cooler Deck Bag
THURSO actually included an insulated SUP cooler bag with their boards last year but they did away with that this season in order to improve the quality of their paddle and backpack.
THURSO’s new and improved SUP cooler deck bag is a great add-on to consider if you’re looking for a convenient way to keep your drinks and snacks cool on the water. This bag has a versatile soft-sided lunchbox design that is also perfect for bringing along to work, ballgames, day trips, and other outings.
This bag features a water-resistant design and there’s a carrying handle on the top as well as an included shoulder strap. Also located along the top of the bag are two velcro mesh storage pockets which can be used to stash small items.
The bottom of the bag features mounting hardware for quick and easy attachment to the deck of your board.
Lastly, there’s also a mesh storage pocket on the bag’s interior as well as a fully insulated liner.
Full Carbon Paddle
THURSO also offers a full carbon paddle that’s an affordable option for those who want something even lighter and more performance-oriented than the included paddle. This paddle uses the same carbon fiber shaft as the bundled paddle but the nylon blade is replaced with a lighter weight carbon fiber blade.
Apparel
Lastly, THURSO SURF is also introducing a full range of apparel for 2019, including sunglasses, hats, and t-shirts…
Warranty
All THURSO SURF inflatable paddle boards are backed by a rock-solid, 2-year warranty. If you have any problems due to a manufacturer defect within the first 24 months of ownership, THURSO will replace or refund your purchase (your choice).
It’s also important to note that the company’s customer service is absolutely top-notch and they respond quickly to any and all reported issues. From all of our dealings with them, THURSO has proven to be an honest company that truly stands behind their boards — a refreshing thing to see in this day and age.
Where to Buy it + Special Discount Offer
You can purchase the 2019 THURSO Waterwalker 11′ directly from the company through their official online store. In addition to offering the lowest prices, THURSO also offers free shipping and no sales tax. If you happen to be in Canada, the company recently set up a new online store which handles all of their Canadian orders.
Final Thoughts
To date, we’ve reviewed THURSO’s 7’6″ Prodigy youth model, the Waterwalker 11′ all-around board, the THURSO SURF Expedition touring SUP, and now the 10’6″ Waterwalker. We have been really impressed by all of THURSO’s inflatable SUPs — they’re super fun, affordable boards that pack a lot of value. They’re also some of the best-looking inflatables on the market in our opinion.
Bottom line: THURSO’s 10’6″ Waterwalker iSUP is a great choice for small to medium-sized paddlers who want a durable and responsive board that’s enjoyable in a wide variety of conditions. We really appreciate this SUP’s versatility — it can be used for everything from flat water paddling to SUP fitness and the company has done a great job with all of the new improvements this season.
Great review
Im deciding between Ten Toes weekender and Thurso Surf 10’6″ WaterWalker.
I live in Canada, and the Waterwalker is 200$ more expensive than Ten Toes Weekender.
Which will be a better option?
I’ll be riding the SUP in lake most of time, and ocean small waves time to time. might ride with 2 adults, lightweight male and female.
Which board is faster SUP? are they about the same speed?
I am not sure if that extra 200$ is worth it for the backpack, carbon paddle.
Please help
Hi Phil, thank you for your comment…
On Amazon’s U.S. website, THURSO’s board is actually quite a bit cheaper than the Ten Toes Weekender. I do see that the price on Amazon Canada is different and that the Weekender is cheaper there.
I dropped THURSO a line and asked them about this, and they replied that their costs are higher in Canada due to increased duties and shipping expenses.
Regardless, I would still go with THURSO’s board as they throw in an upgraded carbon shaft paddle, leash, SUP backpack, and insulated deck bag. Also, the THURSO board is larger (10’6″ x 31″ x 6″ vs. 10″ x 30″ x 6″) and the design of the board looks far nicer, in my opinion. I think all of these things justify the price difference, but it ultimately depends on what they’re worth to you.
Hope this helps, Phil. Let me know what you decide!