The 13.8 Tourer is the youngest baby in the paddleboard family, a giant baby so to speak. Timm Kruse, an extreme touring paddler, played a key role in its development, so the direction is clear. The board runs wonderfully straight ahead and seems much more stable than its competitors, although it is not much wider in the centre. As is usual with paddleboard shapes, the nose lies flat in the water and doesn't give away a centimetre of length - allowing you to make rapid progress. Luggage is stowed under huge nets at the front and rear, so you really can take everything you need on tour.
The deck pad has a good grip and is not very structured - you can stand on it for a long time. The equipment and workmanship are impeccable, the split fin box makes packing very easy and a high-quality fin can be attached without tools. A GoPro holder and carrying handles all round round off the touring equipment. In addition to the usual eyelet on the tail, there is another on the carrying handle for the leash. The board is supplied in a waterproof rucksack, which can also be used as a pannier on the board, making the equipment a complete package.
From the standing position, the board turns a little slower, you have to start two or three times, where you are around with one pull on a Starboard Generation, which is due to the nose lying nice and flat in the water. When going back, it lifts out of the water without going too far backwards, with medium to decent tipping stability, with a bit of demand, but without being too demanding.
Conclusion on the Tourer 12'8" x 31" paddle board:
A solid and firm-looking board for long tours with plenty of luggage
Solid and rigid, good directional stability, large load capacity.
Info:
- Price: 1069 Euro
- Length: 416 cm
- Width: 78.7 cm
- Weight: 13.1 kg
- Volume: 345 litres
