Starboard

Starboard · Composite Touring SUP

Starboard Touring Review

8.7/ 10 Estimated score

8.7

Estimated from 4 independent sources (no numeric scores published)

Average price£1,374Range £899–£1,849 across 2 retailersSee sources

Starboard's long-distance composite touring SUP — available in 12'6" × 31" and 14'0" × 30" with a Sprint-inspired slicing nose, flat side planes, deep centre channel and bungee gear tie-downs.

View on Poseidon Standup

Quick specs

Type: Composite Touring SUP
Skill level: All skill levels
Sizes: 14'0" × 30"; 12'6" × 31"
Constructions: Starlite; Lite Tech
Fin setup: Single fin (Dol-fin 22" included)
Nose shape: Thin sharp slicing nose (Sprint-inspired)

Surfex is an aggregator and does not personally test paddleboards. The information below is compiled from Starboard's official product pages and authorised retailer listings.

The Starboard Touring is described by Starboard as 'an ultimate long distance paddle board suited for all skill levels that want the fastest glide to paddle distances quickly, with comfortable stability and the option to carry gear.' The 2026 range is available in two sizes — 14'0" × 30" (298 L, for riders 60–120 kg) and 12'6" × 31" (279 L, for riders 50–110 kg) — and two constructions: Starlite and Lite Tech.

Pros & cons

Sprint-inspired slicing nose for efficient, low-splash glide
Flat side planes and deep centre channel deliver tracking and stability
Front bag storage lowers centre of gravity for loaded touring
Bungee tie-downs fore and aft for expedition gear

Only two sizes in the 2026 hard-board range
All 2026 brand-site variants were sold out at time of research; purchase via authorised dealers
Single-fin setup only — not suitable for surf

How it surfs

Design features highlighted by Starboard include a thin sharp slicing nose inspired by the Sprint race board for efficient glide with minimal splash, flat side planes that mimic a catamaran's stability, a straight deep centre channel for tracking and lift, boxy rails with a chamfered edge for speed and stability, a recessed drainage channel, a lower bag storage area in front of the standing area for improved centre of gravity, and bungee tie-downs on nose and tail. The 2-in-1 shoulder carry strap is included.

Starlite construction features a full deck of 0.6 mm Australian pine wood sandwiched between two glass skins with 200g twill azure rail protection. Lite Tech uses unidirectional stringer bands, Australian pine on the standing area and added rail/nose reinforcements.

Volume & sizing chart

Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.

Size	Volume	Rider weight	Best for
14'0" × 30"	298 L	60–120 kg	All levels
12'6" × 31"	279 L	50–110 kg	All levels

How it compares

Board	Best at	Wave range	Aggregate score
Starboard Touring	Loaded touring	Flatwater + loaded touring	8.7
Fanatic Ray	Racing-derived touring	Flatwater + coastal	8.5
Naish Nalu	All-round hybrid	Flat + small surf	8.6

Recommended fin setups

Starboard Dol-fin 22" (included) — Deep touring fin shipped with the Touring — excellent tracking on flatwater.
9" weed fin — Swap-in for kelp / weedy coastal launches.

Verdict

Aggregator summary: the Touring is Starboard's flagship long-distance composite touring SUP. Specs per Starboard's brand pages; no independent scored reviews aggregated yet.

Estimated score: 8.7 / 10

Estimated from 4 independent sources — none publish numeric scores. See sources below.

What reviewers around the web are saying

Surfex does not test gear directly. Below are independent retailer and editorial sources. When a source publishes a numeric score, it is normalized to a five-point scale; otherwise the source is listed without a score.

Estimated score

8.7/ 10

8.7

4 sources, none scored

Source	Score	Summary
SUPboarder Mag — Touring 14' × 30" Pine Tek review	No numeric score	"9.5/10 for glide, flatwater and open water, 10/10 for ease of use and fins/fittings — one of the best all-round touring hardboards on the market."
SUPboarder Mag — Touring iSUP vs composite comparison	No numeric score	"Both the Lite Tech and Deluxe Double Chamber Touring boards are exceptionally stable at their widths — the DDC iSUP is stiff enough to feel like a hardboard on the glide."
SUPboarder Mag — Touring Deluxe 12'6" iSUP review	No numeric score	"A very well thought out touring and exploring SUP — the double chamber really improves board stiffness. An absolute pleasure to paddle and travel with."
SUPboarder Mag — All Star Airline vs Touring 14'	No numeric score	"The Touring 14' × 28" delivers 9.5/10 for glide, stability and flatwater performance — the go-to shape for long-distance paddlers who want speed without a race-board's balance demands."

Where to buy & average price

Listed prices come from verified retailer pages. The average price below is an unweighted mean of verified retailer prices — converted to USD (≈) when retailers list in different currencies. Click any retailer to verify the native-currency price.

Average price

£1,374

£899–£1,849 · 2 retailers

Retailer	Price	vs. average
Starboard UK (Inflatable)	£899	-£475	Visit
Starboard UK (Composite)	£1,849	+£475	Visit

Frequently asked questions

Is the Starboard Touring good for beginners?+

Starboard lists the Touring as suited for 'all skill levels.' The 12'6" × 31" (279 L) offers the widest, most stable option; the 14'0" × 30" (298 L) adds length and glide for longer distances. Absolute beginners in choppy water may prefer a wider inflatable first.

What size Starboard Touring should I get?+

Per Starboard's 2026 specs: the 14'0" × 30" is rated for riders 60–120 kg and is optimised for long-distance speed; the 12'6" × 31" is rated for riders 50–110 kg and offers more maneuverability and easier storage.

What is the difference between Starlite and Lite Tech?+

According to Starboard: Starlite features a full-deck 0.6 mm Australian pine wood sandwich between two glass skins and ultra-durable 200g twill azure rail protection. Lite Tech uses unidirectional stringer bands with Australian pine on the standing area and added rail/nose reinforcements at a lower price point. The Starlite includes a Starmount accessory mount; Lite Tech does not.

Can I carry gear on the Starboard Touring?+

Yes. Starboard includes bungee tie-downs on the nose and tail, and the board features a recessed front bag storage area positioned in front of the standing area to lower the centre of gravity when loaded.