Best Paddle Boards For Touring
Stand up paddleboards offer a thrilling way to explore lakes and rivers. They’re also designed for speed, allowing you to cover long distances quickly.
No matter your skill level, there are plenty of ways to enjoy paddling on the water—whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced adventurer.
When it comes to touring, the top paddleboards are equipped with unique features that set them apart from standard boards, ensuring greater durability and performance on longer trips.
What are the Best Standup Paddleboards for Touring?
The best paddleboards for touring are heavy-duty and stable to withstand harder waves. They can cut smoothly through waterways with specially designed hulls and balanced designs. The best board for you is the one that matches your activities and what you want to do with it.
Features:
The Bluefin Sprint 14' Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board is engineered for paddlers who crave speed and efficiency on extended journeys. Its streamlined 14-foot length and 30-inch width provide a stable yet swift platform, ideal for covering long distances with ease.
Constructed with triple-layer military-grade PVC and reinforced side rails, the Sprint offers exceptional rigidity and durability. This robust build ensures the board maintains its shape and performance, even in challenging conditions.
The Croco-Diamond textured deck pad delivers superior grip and comfort, while the integrated kick pad facilitates sharp, responsive turns.
The Sprint's tri-fin setup, featuring a removable center fin and two fixed side fins, enhances tracking and maneuverability. With a generous weight capacity of 425 lbs, it accommodates additional gear for multi-day excursions.
The board comes complete with a fiberglass paddle, dual-action pump, coiled leash, waterproof phone case, and a spacious backpack for convenient transport.
Whether you're exploring the serene lakes of Calabarzon or embarking on coastal adventures, the Bluefin Sprint 14' offers a blend of performance and reliability. Its comprehensive package and thoughtful design make it a compelling choice for paddlers ready to elevate their touring experience.
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Features:
The Pau Hana 12'0" Endurance VFT touring paddle board is a robust and thoughtfully designed board tailored for paddlers seeking extended adventures. Its streamlined shape, inspired by Pau Hana’s fastest racing boards, ensures efficient long-distance paddling, even when carrying heavy gear. The board's extra volume in the tail maintains speed without compromising stability.
Constructed with Pau Hana’s proprietary Ricochet™ technology, the Endurance VFT offers exceptional durability, capable of withstanding impacts up to 1000psi. This makes it ideal for rugged environments and off-the-grid exploration. Equipped with 35 SeaMount® anchor points, it provides ample options for securing gear, while Gorilla Nets keep belongings safe and dry.
The recessed deck and extra-soft EVA pad not only enhance paddling comfort but also serve as a bivvy platform for overnight camping.
Neoprene grab handles at the nose and tail facilitate easy transport, and the standard 10" fin box allows for customization. Whether you're embarking on a multi-day expedition or a weekend tour, the Endurance VFT is built to endure and equipped to explore.
Its blend of speed, comfort, and practical design makes it a reliable companion for serious adventurers.
Ready to elevate your paddling experience? Explore the Pau Hana 12'0" Endurance VFT and embark on your next adventure with confidence.
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#3. BLACKFIN MODEL V
Features:
The BLACKFIN Model V 12'6" Inflatable Touring Paddle Board is tailored for paddlers aiming for speed, endurance, and versatility on extended journeys. Measuring 12'6" in length and 32" in width, its streamlined design ensures efficient glide and tracking, making it ideal for covering long distances with ease.
Constructed with a triple-layer PVC composite and reinforced carbon rails, the Model V offers exceptional rigidity and durability, handling various water conditions confidently. Its impressive weight capacity of 485 lbs accommodates larger paddlers and ample gear, making it suitable for solo expeditions or tandem outings.
The board features 20 D-rings, eight action mounts, and two fishing rack mounts, providing ample customization options for accessories like kayak seats, coolers, or fishing gear. The spacious deck pad offers comfort for activities such as yoga or bringing along a pet.
Whether you're an intermediate paddler aiming to enhance your touring experience or an advanced user seeking a reliable and feature-rich SUP, the BLACKFIN Model V stands out as a top-tier choice. Its blend of performance, durability, and versatility makes it a compelling option for those ready to elevate their paddleboarding adventures.
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The Thurso Surf Expedition 138 is a versatile inflatable touring stand-up paddleboard designed for paddlers seeking speed, efficiency, and adaptability. Measuring 11'6" in length and 30" in width, it offers a streamlined profile that enhances glide and tracking, making it ideal for long-distance paddling and fitness sessions.
Constructed with dual-layer fusion PVC and carbon fiber-reinforced rails, the Expedition 138 ensures exceptional rigidity and durability. Its woven drop-stitch core contributes to a lightweight design, with the board weighing just 24 lbs, facilitating easy transport and handling.
The deck features a grooved, logo-embossed EVA foam pad for superior traction, along with a raised kick pad at the tail to assist in advanced maneuvers like pivot turns. Ample storage is provided by front and rear bungee systems, complemented by multiple D-rings for securing gear or attaching a kayak seat. An integrated action mount at the nose allows for the attachment of accessories like cameras or GPS devices.
Included in the package are a 3-piece carbon shaft paddle, a 9" touring fin compatible with the US fin box system, a coiled leash, a double-chamber triple-action pump, and a wheeled backpack for convenient transport. With a maximum capacity of 330 lbs, the Expedition 138 accommodates various paddler sizes and gear loads.
Whether you're an intermediate paddler aiming to enhance your touring experience or a fitness enthusiast seeking a responsive board, the Thurso Surf Expedition 138 offers a compelling blend of performance and practicality.
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Features:
The BOTE Traveller Aero 12'6" Inflatable Paddle Board is tailored for paddlers seeking a blend of performance, portability, and versatility. Measuring 12'6" in length and 30" in width, this board is designed for efficient long-distance paddling, offering a smooth glide and impressive tracking capabilities.
Its streamlined shape and pointed nose enhance speed, making it ideal for touring lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
Constructed with BOTE's AeroBOTE technology, the Traveller Aero is both durable and lightweight, weighing approximately 30 lbs. It supports a maximum capacity of 275 lbs, accommodating essential gear for extended adventures.
The board features front and rear bungee storage areas, D-rings for attaching accessories, and compatibility with BOTE's MAGNEPOD™ system for securing drinkware. Additional features include a removable center fin for enhanced tracking, side bite fins for stability, and a BVA foam deck pad for comfort and grip.
Despite its touring focus, the Traveller Aero maintains commendable stability, making it accessible to intermediate paddlers looking to expand their horizons. It packs down into a compact travel bag, facilitating easy transport and storage.
Whether you're embarking on a multi-day expedition or a leisurely day trip, this inflatable SUP combines performance, durability, and convenience. For those ready to elevate their paddling experience, the Traveller Aero stands out as a reliable companion on the water.
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The Adventure Paddleboarding Explore CX 11'0" is a high-performance rigid stand-up paddleboard designed for paddlers seeking efficiency, stability, and durability on flatwater adventures. Its Carbon Fusion (CX) construction utilizes dual layers of carbon, multiple fiberglass layers, and unidirectional carbon tape over a medium-density EPS core, resulting in a lightweight yet robust board.
Measuring 11 feet in length and 32 inches in width, the Explore CX offers a stable platform suitable for both average and larger adults. The board's design ensures smooth glide and excellent tracking, making it ideal for recreational touring, fitness paddling, and cruising on lakes and inland waterways.
Weighing approximately 25.2 pounds, it's relatively lightweight for a rigid board, facilitating easy transport and handling. The board features a comfortable cavity carry handle, cushioning deck traction, and perimeter lanyard plugs for creating both forward and aft storage zones, enhancing its utility for extended excursions.
Priced at an MSRP of $1,450, the Explore CX 11'0" represents a solid investment for those committed to enhancing their paddling experiences. Its quality construction and thoughtful design make it a reliable choice for enthusiasts looking to elevate their time on the water.
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Final Thoughts
The right paddleboard can make your adventures come alive. Finding multi-functional ones can give you plenty of options for fun and new experiences. Make sure you do your homework and find the one that fits your lifestyle dreams.
Bruce Paulson is the owner of PaddleboardSurf and an avid water sports enthusiast with a lifelong passion for all things aquatic. From stand-up paddleboarding and surfing to boating, kayaking, and canoeing, he thrives on the joy of being on the water. As an advocate for water conservation and environmental stewardship, Bruce shares his adventures and insights through his writing, inspiring others to embrace the beauty and excitement of life on the water.