We have recently received many questions on the topic of touring SUP boards, which we will answer in this article.

Paddlers who are buying their first SUP board and have no experience usually opt for an all-round board, as there is a fear that touring boards are too demanding and too wobbly. However, SUP beginners should also include touring boards in their purchasing decision, because in some cases, a touring board is a better choice for beginners than an all-round board.

The biggest advantages of touring SUP boards

Touring boards are the long-distance or marathon runners among stand up paddle boards. While you are generally faster on a race board than on a touring board, race boards are a bit wobblier and not as comfortable for long distances and tours.

• Stable and good tracking

  When paddling long distances, it is very comfortable if the SUP board tracks well. This means you can take more paddle strokes per side before switching hands. With all-round boards, you have to switch sides more often to keep tracking straight, but in return, all-round boards are more maneuverable.
  Touring SUP boards are very stable, and you can handle choppy water on a lake without any problems.

• Space for luggage or another person

  Have you ever planned an overnight SUP tour? With a touring SUP board, you have the option of carrying luggage on the front or back of the board and attaching it to the luggage net or carry handle. It is best to store your luggage in dry bags so that everything stays dry, even in the worst-case scenario where the dry bag falls into the water. On a touring board, you have enough space to take a child or a dog with you on the front, for example.

Recommendations for touring SUP boards

• Trip 12‘0“ beginner touring board

  The Trip in the 12'0" size is an affordable beginner touring board in a new lightweight design, weighing only seven kilograms. It is stable and can support up to 180 kilograms.

• Touring 12‘6“ long-distance SUP board

  We recommend the Glory Boards Touring 12'6" to advanced paddlers who prefer a stable and fast board. Thanks to the double-layer construction, this board is the right choice for adventure fans who like to go on long tours and discover different bodies of water.

Our conclusion on touring SUP boards

Touring SUP boards are suitable not only for advanced paddlers but also for ambitious beginners. Anyone whose goal is to paddle long distances and go on tours more often is better off investing in a touring SUP board right from the start, which can be used for many years, supports a sporty riding style, and is still comfortable. If you are not sure whether you should choose an all-round or touring board as a SUP beginner, it is best to test both versions and consider which bodies of water you want to use the board on.