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- Features and riding characteristics of the iSUP from Decathlon
- Decathlon SUP: workmanship, features and value for money
- Conclusion and recommendation for the Decathlon SUP Exploration 12'6 x 32"
- The complete test of the iSUP from Decathlon in the video
- Technical data Decathlon SUP Exploration 12'6 x 32"
The Decathlon SUP Exploration 12'6 x 32"* stands out in the affordable price segment with its length of 12'6 feet (383 cm). With a price of 349 euros, the board positions itself as an inexpensive option for paddlers looking for a longer touring board. In contrast to many short all-round boards in this price range, the Exploration promises better gliding characteristics and directional stability. The test should show whether the board lives up to these expectations.
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Features and riding characteristics of the iSUP from Decathlon
The equipment of the Decathlon SUP Exploration 12'6 presents itself as well thought-out and practical. The board comes in a compact packsack with a rucksack carrying system, but without wheels. When rolled up properly, the board just fits in, making it comfortable to carry on your back. Weighing around 10 kilograms, the SUP is easy to carry. The fin is inserted into a short sliding box, which makes it easier to roll up, but at the expense of maximum directional stability. The glued-on pad is thin, soft and grippy, but does not cover the entire tail.
In terms of riding characteristics, the Decathlon SUP Exploration 12'6 shows its strengths as a touring board. It accelerates well and, thanks to its length of 12'6 feet, keeps its course well despite the relatively small fin. The board has a sporty feel and achieves good touring speeds with low paddle resistance. With a width of 32 inches (81 cm) in the centre, it offers sufficient stability for a touring board. The flat rocker line and the slightly upturned nose contribute to the good gliding properties and sporty paddling feel.
Decathlon SUP: workmanship, features and value for money
During manoeuvres, the Exploration shows typical characteristics of a longer board. Classic turns require paddling twice, while pivot turns require a little more practice due to the lack of a pad at the tail. The front luggage net is conveniently positioned and allows equipment to be attached quickly. Several rings for mounting a kayak seat increase versatility. However, there is no carrying handle at the tail, which makes it difficult for two people to carry.
In terms of workmanship, the Decathlon SUP Exploration 12'6 can certainly keep up with more expensive models. The gluing is clean, with no visible creases or bubbles at the seams. Even at the bow and tail, where tight radii pose a challenge, there are no visible creases or bubbles. With a price of 349 euros, the board offers very good value for money, especially for advanced paddlers looking for a longer touring board.
Conclusion and recommendation for the Decathlon SUP Exploration 12'6 x 32"
The Decathlon SUP Exploration 12'6 x 32" impresses in the test with a successful outline, good workmanship and an attractive price. It stands out from many cheaper offers in that it is also suitable for advanced paddlers who are planning sporty or longer tours. For ambitious paddlers, it might make sense to fit an additional luggage net at the tail, what can be realised at a cost of less than 30 euros. Overall, the board is a recommendable option for price-conscious touring enthusiasts.
The complete test of the iSUP from Decathlon in the video
Technical data Decathlon SUP Exploration 12'6 x 32"
- Model: Decathlon SUP Exploration 12'6 x 32"
- Length: 12'6 feet (383 cm)
- Width: 32 inches (81 cm)
- Weight: approx. 10 kg
- Price: 349 Euro >> available here
- Packing bag: Compact with rucksack carrying system, without castors
- Fin: Short sliding box
- Pad: Thin, soft, non-slip (not full-surface)
- Luggage net: Mounted at the front
- Additional features: Rings for kayak seat mounting
More iSUPs in the test:
- SUP at Lidl: The all-round iSUP from Mistral with full equipment in the test
- WindSUPs: Nine iSUPs with windsurfing option put to the test
- Indiana SUP 10'6'' Wing: Board for paddle and wing in test
- All-round SUP: Sport Vibrations Balance 10'6'' x 33'' in test
- SUP Touringboard: Naish Touring 12'6''x32'' in test
Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf
Stephan Gölnitz comes from Bochum and had Holland as his home windsurfing territory for many years before moving to Munich in 1996 for the job of test editor at surf magazine. The materials engineering graduate worked as a surf instructor on the Ijsselmeer during his studies and competed for several seasons for the Essen sailing team in the Surfbundesliga and the Funboard Cup. He completed a traineeship at surf-Magazin in the test department and since then has actively accompanied almost all tests on the boom and for more than 10 years also as a photographer. Stephan has covered many thousands of test kilometers, mainly on Lake Garda and in Langebaan, but also in Egypt and Tobago. He gets his hands on over 100 new sails and boards every year as his company car. Privately, he prefers to surf with a foil on Lake Walchensee or “unfortunately far too rarely” in the waves. SUP is Stephan's second passion, which he pursued for several years at numerous SUP races. Today, he prefers to paddle on river tours with family or friends - even for several days.
