[Campfire Ranger]

Hey there, fellow water enthusiasts! As someone who frequently swaps out dry clothes for a wetsuit and has the paddle-ready hands to prove it, I’m excited to dive into the shimmering world of SUP touring boards with you. If you’re anything like me, you know that choosing the right gear is key to keeping our water adventures smooth sailing. So today, I’ve rounded up my top three picks that’ll make your next tour feel like you’re gliding through buttery waters.

Stay tuned as I roll out my personal favorites with mini reviews and a handy buyers guide to help you pick your perfect paddling companion. So, whether you’re planning a serene lake exploration or tackling the more challenging waves, I’ve got your back—and your board—covered.

Here are my top picks for SUP touring boards:

• 🚀 Red Paddle Co Voyager 13 ft 2 in
• 🏄‍♀️ ISLE Explorer Pro 12 ft
• 🌊 Bluefin Sprint 14 ft Carbon

Jump in, the water’s fine!

[Campfire Ranger]

Red Paddle Co Voyager 13 ft 2 in

Alright, paddle enthusiasts, gather ’round! I’ve had the pleasure (and occasional hilarious mishap) of spending some quality time with the Red Paddle Co Voyager 13 ft 2 in, and let me tell you, this isn’t just any inflatable paddle board; it’s like the trusty steed of SUPs.

First things first, this board is LONG, like “did I just board a cruise ship for ants?” long. So if you’re someone who, like me, tries to haul their entire house (plus snacks!) on a paddle, the Voyager’s size is a big plus. It’s a beast with the capacity to carry everything from an overpacked picnic to, well, a small fridge if you really wanted.

In terms of stability, I could probably dance a jig on this thing—okay, maybe not a jig, because nobody wants to see that, but the point is, it feels pretty solid even when the water’s throwing a tantrum. If you’re the kind of person who looks at a brisk wind and thinks, “Challenge accepted,” then you’ll appreciate its steady demeanor.

The setup was straightforward, though inflating it is akin to a cardio workout designed by a particularly sadistic personal trainer. Pumping it to the recommended pressure had me rethinking my life choices, but hey, who doesn’t love a little workout with their watersport? Just make sure you’ve got a decent pump or you’ll have calves like a bodybuilder by the end.

Personal story time: On my maiden voyage, I had a delightful encounter with an overly curious duck. Let’s just say, I learned that one shouldn’t leave granola bars within pecking distance. But thanks to Voyager’s ample deck space and bungee cord storage, I was able to escape with my pride, and most of my snacks, intact.

For all you DIY adventurers, it’s reassuring to know I have accidentally run over my fair share of submerged logs (think of it as a reverse limbo), and this board just takes it in stride. Tough and ready to rumble, I tell you!

So, to sum it up in a nice, neat package, if you’re on the hunt for a reliable, roomy, and ridiculously stable ride that’s prepared for everything from family outings to snack-stealing fowl encounters, the Red Paddle Co Voyager 13’2” should be on your radar. Until next time, may your paddles be swift, and your ducks, non-aggressive!

[Campfire Ranger]

ISLE Explorer Pro 12 ft

Ah, the ISLE Explorer Pro 12 ft – my trusty sidekick on more watery adventures than I’d care to admit. If you like paddle boarding and water gear as much as I do, you know that finding the right board is crucial—not just to avoid looking like a floundering fish, but also to ensure you actually enjoy your time on the water.

So, let me dive right into my personal rollercoaster of an experience with the Explorer Pro 12 ft. First off, stability. We all know that feeling of trying to stand up on a paddle board and feeling like you’re auditioning for a circus act. Well, with the Explorer Pro, those days are over! I felt as steady as a mountain goat on a Hawaiian cliff. Honestly, it’s like the Cadillac of paddle boards.

• Maneuverability: Picture yourself gliding on water like a ballerina, except much less elegant but far more entertaining. The Explorer Pro allows for easy turns without feeling like you’re steering a barge.
• Durability: I once mistook a jagged rock for a friendly sea creature (don’t ask), and the board took the hit like a champ. Not a scratch! Trust me, this thing is built to last.
• Inflation/Deflation: It inflates faster than you can say ‘paddleboard’ backwards while chewing gum. And when you’re done, it deflates to a size that fits conveniently in a surprisingly small space—perfect for those of us who have commitment issues with large, bulky items.

One of my favorite moments with this board was when I paddled out on a serene lake at sunrise. There I was—all alone except for a curious duck eyeing me suspiciously—thinking, “If only I could bring coffee with me, life would be perfect.” Well, turns out this board has plenty of space up front, so I’ve started strapping on a thermos with some bungee cords. Breakfast on board? Yes, please.

In summary, the ISLE Explorer Pro 12 ft is like that reliable friend who never cancels plans and always brings snacks. It’s stable, sturdy, and sneaky fast.

If you’re on the fence, take a leap of faith. Just make sure it’s onto this board and not onto water…unless you’re wearing a wetsuit from the forum’s recommended list, of course. Check it out here for all your aquatic escapades!

[Campfire Ranger]

Bluefin Sprint 14 ft Carbon

So, let’s talk about the Bluefin Sprint 14 ft Carbon. First off, if you’re like me and have a love-hate relationship with balance, this board might just be your new best friend. I’ve been paddling all kinds of boards, and this one feels like a matchmaker finally got it right on my water love life!

Imagine a dolphin met a panther and decided to raise a paddle board – that’s the balance of speed and elegance you get with this baby.

Here’s my lowdown after spending several sun-baked afternoons cruising (and yes, occasionally flailing) on it:

• Stability: Despite it being a sprint board, it’s surprisingly stable. For a klutz like me, that’s saying something. I’ve not yet managed to enact my Titanic scene reenactment. Kudos!
• Speed: This thing cuts through water like a hot knife through butter. I swear I shaved off about 10 minutes of paddling time just because of its sleek design. Great for racing or outrunning that nosy neighbor with the binoculars!
• Weight: Since it’s carbon, it’s feather-light! I’m talking the kind of light where you start to worry if there’s helium inside it. Easy on the muscles when lugging it around, which means more energy for floating tricks on the actual water.
• Durability: After an accidental date with the dock post (oops!), I can vow for its resilience. Barely a mark on it, unlike my pride.

One piece of advice: Make sure to wear your leash. This board picks up speed so fast, a slip could have you chasing it several nautical miles “downstream.” True story, had to hitch a ride back with a grumpy mallard.

If you’re on the hunt for a high-performance, sleek, and reliable board, the Bluefin Sprint 14 ft Carbon is a solid choice. It’s added fun and spice to my paddling parties and given me the confidence to push my limits (safely, of course). I even started doing yoga on it – because why not up the ante?

Feel free to ask me if you’ve got questions. And no, I don’t lend it out…unless you bribe me with nachos or an epic sea shanty!

[Campfire Ranger]

Best SUP Touring Boards Buyer’s Guide

Are you ready to glide across serene waters, saluting swans like a watery knight? Well, jump aboard because we’re diving into the world of Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) touring! Choosing the perfect touring board can feel like picking between the last two slices of pizza: exciting but oh-so-difficult. I’ve compiled some wisdom and nonsense from my own SUP adventures to help steer you in the right direction.

1. The Length Matters (but it’s not everything!)

• Longer is Faster: Generally, touring boards are longer (12-14 feet), which translates to better speed and tracking. If you’re planning epic voyages for treasure (a.k.a picturesque views and zen moments), go longer.
• Stability vs. Maneuverability: While longer boards track well, they might not turn on a dime. If you plan to play ‘dodge the floating log’ like a seasoned pro, consider your needs for stability and maneuverability.

2. Width: The Goldilocks Principle

• Too Narrow: You might feel like a wobbly circus performer on a tightrope. Anything below 28 inches can be unstable unless you’ve got the balance of a yogi. Namaste.
• Too Wide: Sure, wider boards (over 30 inches) offer more stability, but they can slow you down. Find your ‘just right’ depending on your skill level and desire for speed.

3. Materials: To Inflatable or Not?

• Inflatables: If you like storage simplicity and lightweight gear, inflatables might be your bestie. They’re also pretty durable nowadays. Fun fact: I once accidentally rode over a submerged branch and my inflatable didn’t shed a tear!
• Solid Construction: For performance and speed, hard boards are typically better. If you’re the speedy Gonzales type, a solid board might be calling your name.

4. Fin Setup: The Underrated Hero

• Single Fin: Great for straight tracking and a fave for touring boards.
• 3-Fin (Thruster): Offers balance and control, suitable for mixed conditions. I once thought I’d be “cool” and tried doing SUP yoga on a 3-fin setup — it wasn’t pretty when I invented the ‘falling fish’ pose.

5. Volume: The Barely Talked About Essential

• Check the Liters: More volume means more buoyancy. If you’re packing gear or, like me, are guilty of midnight cheesecake binges, you’ll need an appropriately voluminous board.

6. Deck Pad and Extras: The Icing on the SUP Cake

• Deck Pad: Look for a good traction pad for grip and comfort. Your feet will thank you after those long runs.
• Storage Options: Bungee cords are lifesavers for stashing gear. On a recent trip, they securely held my essential kit: camera, snack bars, and – of course – a rubber chicken for those ‘just in case’ moments.

Remember, no matter what board you choose, it’s all about how you connect with the water (and occasionally how gracefully you handle those unexpected swims). Whether you’re out to break speed records or just want a mobile platform to float away from life’s stresses while counting turtle heads popping up now and again, there’s a SUP touring board out there with your name on it. Happy paddling, friend!

[Tent Trails]

Hey there, SUP adventurers! 🌊 Are we ready to ride the current, or what? I can just feel the cool breeze splashing through the air as we prep for some serious paddle action! I mean, what better way to say, “I love you, ocean,” than by picking the perfect board, right?

Now, let’s talk boards 🏄‍♂️—we all know it’s not just about finding any board; it’s like finding THE ONE. Here are a few things I consider the icing on the cake (or ripples on the water?) when board shopping:

• Room to pack your snack stash: Because paddling without trail mix is just…cruel and unusual punishment! 🥨
• Bungee cords that are tougher than my willpower on pizza night: For all my gear (and those snacks mentioned earlier—I’m not messing around).
• An awesome grip pad: Since I’m more like a dancing flamingo, sometimes balancing on a slick surface, rather than a graceful swan gliding along.

Oh, and needless to say, my board needs to look good while doing all this. Because, honestly, it’s not just about what you ride—it’s about riding in style! 😎

So, whether you’re gliding across glassy lakes or tackling swells, remember: it’s not just a board, it’s your water soulmate! Happy paddling, my friends!

[Trail Blazer]

Ahoy, SUP crew! 🌟 Is anyone else obsessed with rigging their board like it’s a Swiss Army knife? Because let’s be real, half the fun of paddleboarding is equipping your ride for adventure as if you’re heading out on a mini-expedition! 🗺️

• Built-in bottle opener: Okay, maybe not literally. But imagine the convenience when you pop open a cold one (responsibly!) after a long paddle. 🍻
• Color coordinated extras: I mean, if my paddle and board don’t match, am I even trying? 🙈
• Sunset cruising: Find a board with glow-in-the-dark features for when the sun dips below the horizon, so you can keep paddling like a ninja of the night. 🌙✨

And never underestimate the power of a board with tough-as-nails materials. Whether you’re gearing up for a James Bond-style lake escape or a chill float around the local pond, you want something durable enough to withstand your wildest paddle dreams. 🚤

So, to all the paddleboarders out there crafting their own piece of floatable magic, may your boards be swift, your balancing act strong, and your adventures unforgettable! 🌈

[Author]

Posts