Touringboards/Hardboards 2023: Starboard Touring Lite Tech 12'6" x 31" in test

The thick and voluminous bow provides considerable lift, while the board retains its entire length in the water from tail to tip, thus not wasting any valuable waterline. Although it doesn't look particularly fast at first glance, it can be propelled effortlessly with little effort, the bow parts the water with only a slight splash, and it easily outperforms significantly slimmer inflatable boards in terms of speed. The wide cockpit keeps you stable and dry, and the low stance position in addition to the large board width in the centre ensures stability and stability.

Nevertheless, the board turns surprisingly easily during crossbow turns because the tip of the nose is in the water but can turn easily with little lateral resistance without losing its track over longer distances. Overall, the board provides a high level of safety and offers a practical hollow in front of the standing position where luggage can be easily stowed. It also allows two safe steps backwards and the board can be turned using the pivot turn. Behind the soft, non-slip pad, the deck is covered with a barely visible but non-slip non-skid paint to ensure a secure grip for the feet.

The board is suitable for light riders as well as paddlers weighing 90 kilos. Above this, the 14' x 30" version is also interesting and can even cope with demanding conditions, including light swell, without water sloshing over the bow - especially if you then place your feet slightly backwards from the centre standing position. The ergonomically comfortable handle makes the board easy to carry and the rounded displacement shape makes it lighter on the water than inflatables weighing less than ten kilos. The board is available in other designs (including carbon).

Conclusion on the Starboard Touring Lite Tech 12'6" x 31":

With the Starboard Touring, you get an extremely comfortable and safe touring board that combines decent speed with outstanding stability. Supported by the large fin, the board holds its course well and can still be turned very well.

Technical data and notes Starboard Touring Lite Tech 12'6" x 31":

• Price: 1459 Euro
• Length: 381.0 cm
• Width: 78.7 cm
• Weight: 14.9 kg
• Volume: 279 litres

Stable and very suitable for touring.

An overview of all touring and all-round boards in the test can be found here