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Some examples of different Touring boards
There are many touring boards available from different brands in 2015. Here are afew boards showing the different styles and sizes of Touring boards currently on the market.
Fanatic Ray Pure 12’0″×31.75” – Super stable, looks great, and has lots of tie down points for extra kit. This board has been in the Fanatic range for a while but this year it’s been tweaked, making it really easy to paddle in a wide range of conditions. Find out more about this board here.
JP-Australia Hybrid 11’6″x32″ – JP are trying something very different, and as they say “Trying to combine the impossible is never easy”. They have combined two boards… the front of the board is much like a race board with a pointed nose and a wave displacement bow. But the back of the board has been kept as a more traditional surf shape, allowing it to also perform better on the waves. A very interesting shape that we can’t wait to test. Looks good too! Find out more about this board here.
Naish Glide Touring 11’0”x 33” GS – Naish have tried to make the shortest board possible but still keep the best glide. A good board choice for a larger rider or someone looking for extra stability (being 33′ wide). Classic Naish colour and styling. Find out more about this board here.
Red Paddle Co 11’x30” Sport – This is a totally new board for Red this year. It’s a fun and easy board to paddle (being 30” wide) but it also has lots of glide making it great for a mid weight paddler who is wanting a good all round touring iSUP. Find out more about this board here.
Starboard 11’6”x29.5”
Elite Touring – This has to be one of the coolest looking boards out there. It has a scooped out deck making you stand lower in the water and therefore more stable, a classic Starboard wave piercing nose, and plenty of tie downs front and rear. Something to take you further, and look good whilst you’re doing it! Find out more about this board here.
Loco SUP 12’6”x 29”Race Tourer – From the UK brand, this more traditional shape (12’6”x29′)’ is going to give you lots of glide and fun for your money. Finished with a dark wood veneer deck, if you are wanting to do a bit more racing, this board will keep up with the raceboards. And also with lots of tie down points and a windsurf attachment you’ll get even more water time. Find out more about this board here.
There are some great hard and iSUP boards in the 2015 ranges suitable for all types of paddler. And the various Touring style boards definitely fill the previous gap in the market.
But remember, when choosing a board be realistic about what you want out of a board. Do your research and if possible try before you buy. The Touring board ticks so many boxes it’s definitely a board shape that’s here to stay. And it won’t be long until they start filtering down to the 2nd hand market. But be quick, they’re going to sell fast… just like the boards themselves!