NSP Race 12’6’’x25’’ review: Features you won’t find on other iSUPS boards

On land

The key specifications alone show where this board is headed: a length of 12'6" combined with a width of just 25 inches is a classic race configuration and significantly narrower than any touring SUP. Consequently, the NSP Performance Race is not aimed at beginners, but at paddlers who have already gained extensive experience with narrow boards. Very (!) light paddlers are an exception. For paddlers with a low body weight, a 25-inch-wide race SUP may be manageable even with less extensive experience. In principle, however, such a board remains a specialist for competitive paddling.

• ​Converting feet and inches: What the length specifications on SUPs and wing boards mean

Design and workmanship

The board is constructed from a comparatively sturdy PVC material and gives a very solid impression. The build quality proved to be sound in testing. The shape is clearly designed to generate as little drag as possible and get the board planing efficiently. The tail is not extremely tapered. The nose, too, does not taper to a particularly sharp point, but is moderately rounded. NSP is therefore opting for a glide-oriented shape, designed to allow the nose to glide over the water during a sprint, rather than cutting through it with a strongly pronounced displacement nose. The first thing that catches the eye is the almost flat rocker line. When normally inflated, the board has only a slight upward curve at the bow.

The unusual bow design

The most interesting feature is located on the top of the front section of the board. Here there is an additional PVC chamber which can be inflated separately via its own valve. Whilst the main body of the board is inflated to between 15 and 18 PSI, this additional chamber requires less than 1 PSI. It should therefore be inflated with care. The effect is immediately visible: the additional chamber increases the volume of the bow and alters its shape. Visually, this makes the design more reminiscent of the curved bow section of a hardboard. Another interesting feature is the ability to slightly adjust the shape of the bow by varying the air pressure. Inflating the chamber to a higher pressure within the specified range can result in a slightly greater curvature. This design feature is particularly interesting in choppier conditions. However, whether this results in a significant performance advantage under all conditions can only be conclusively assessed in direct comparative tests with different race boards.

The compact Finnish box

NSP also takes an unconventional approach to the fin box. Instead of gluing the box to the underside of the board in the traditional way, it sits in a recess and is flush with the hull. This creates a very smooth underside. Only the fin itself protrudes from the board. This makes sense from a hydrodynamic perspective: a surface-mounted fin box creates additional resistance in the water, whilst the NSP solution keeps the underside as smooth as possible. The fin box can also be removed entirely. This allows the board to be rolled up more compactly for transport. When the board is inflated, the box is held firmly in place within its recess by the design. Fitting and removing the fin is slightly more labour-intensive than with a conventional, permanently glued system. However, the construction sits very securely whilst riding.

On the water

Out on the water, the NSP Performance Race immediately reveals its true character. With a width of 25 inches, stability is not its strong point. Anyone switching from a 30-inch or even wider touring SUP to the NSP will notice the difference straight away (in a fun and lively way). The First Stability is low. The board responds sensitively to shifts in weight and you can really feel it rolling under your feet.

Balance rather than support

When mounting the bike, the initial instinct is to stand as wide as possible. In a performance race, however, this strategy is only of limited use. The narrow width offers little scope to counteract the tilting motion by adopting a wide stance; there is simply not enough space on deck for the ‘John Wayne Stance’. A comparatively narrow and relaxed foot position works better. The board is allowed to move slightly beneath your feet. After the initial tilt, a noticeable ‘second stability’ sets in. This is present, but not as pronounced as on many hardboards with a lower standing area or wider touring SUPs. As a rule of thumb, an iSUP feels about as wobbly as a hardboard that is at least one to two inches narrower. Anyone trying to actively stabilise the board all the time is likely to expend an unnecessary amount of energy. It’s more effective to accept the slight rolling movements and focus on a (powerful) paddle stroke. This is because the board stabilises itself further as your speed increases.

Propulsion and speed

In tests, the NSP Performance Race could be propelled approximately one km/h faster than the touring boards used for comparison – which were around 30 inches wide – whilst requiring a comparable amount of paddling effort. At first glance, this difference may seem modest. However, in the speed range of approximately 6.5 (touring) to 8.5 km/h over longer distances, it is highly significant. A gain of one km/h in this range corresponds to a considerable relative increase in speed. Over a longer distance, this can result in a significant difference in time. It is crucial to note, however, that the board itself does not automatically make the rider faster. The speed advantage depends on the paddler being able to control the additional instability and actually converting the energy released into forward momentum. This is precisely the key characteristic of the NSP. The Performance Race rewards good balance and a clean paddling style – but it does not compensate for a lack of experience. A direct speed comparison with other inflatable race SUPs was not carried out in the test. Any statements regarding its specific positioning within the race segment would therefore not be reliable.

Straight run

The long, narrow shape is designed for efficient straight-line travel. The relatively straight underwater hull supports this behaviour. The large fin helps you to paddle on one side for long periods.

Agility and gymnastics

The Cross-Bow Turn highlights the downside of the shape. Although the board can be turned, it requires more paddle strokes to do so than a wide all-round or touring SUP. This is because the narrow width causes the board to dive relatively deep when standing, whilst the straight underwater line creates additional rotational resistance. The behaviour becomes much more interesting during a step-back turn. If the weight is shifted backwards, the NSP can be turned much more sharply. However, this also increases the demands on balance. At this moment, the rider is effectively balancing on a narrow balance beam. Those who have mastered the technique can execute very tight turns. Those who haven’t… This is typical of a race SUP designed purely for performance: manoeuvres aren’t impossible, but they do require good technique.

How to behave in rough seas

The additional bow chamber is a particularly interesting feature in choppy conditions. The extra volume at the front allows the nose to be guided more effectively over the wave, rather than diving in too early. Furthermore, the angle at which the bow rises can be adjusted by regulating the pressure in the separate chamber. The design therefore seems fundamentally sensible for changing conditions.

Conclusion

The NSP Performance Race is a specialised inflatable race SUP, designed specifically for speed and efficient propulsion. The combination of a 12'6" length and 25-inch width gives it a distinctly sporty character. The low initial stability requires the paddler to have a good sense of balance and allows for a certain settling-in period. Anyone who tries to constantly correct the board’s movements will probably expend more energy than necessary. On the other hand, those who learn to accept the slight rolling motion can propel the board efficiently and very quickly. In testing, it demonstrated a speed advantage of at least around 1 km/h compared to wider touring SUPs, with a comparable amount of paddling effort. For longer distances, this is a significant difference. From a technical perspective, NSP introduces some interesting features with the separate bow chamber and the flush-mounted fin box. The additional bow chamber increases the volume and allows for some adjustment to the bow’s curvature. The integrated fin box keeps the underside smooth and can be removed for transport.

Strengths

• A very sporty shape designed for speed
• 12'6" x 25", designed specifically for racing
• High speed potential for experienced and technically proficient paddlers
• Additional bow compartment with variable curvature for efficient water shedding
• Flush-mounted, removable fin box
• Smooth underwater area for efficient, rapid straight-line travel

​Borders

• Reduced stability against tipping: The board requires you to maintain a steady balance right from the start.
• High demands on technique and balance: Good riding technique is crucial, particularly in choppy water.
• Only suitable for beginners to a limited extent: Beginners tend to benefit more from a wider, more stable all-round board.
• Turning takes practice: Turning manoeuvres can only be successfully executed with the correct technique and several well-aimed paddle strokes.
• Speed depends on the driver: The potential speed advantage is particularly noticeable among experienced paddlers.
• Limited comparability: A direct comparison with other inflatable racing SUPs from the test is missing.

Who is the NSP Performance Race suitable for?

The board is primarily aimed at advanced and very experienced paddlers who are looking for the fastest possible inflatable board for highly competitive tours, long-distance trips or races. Even very light paddlers can benefit from the narrow width, provided they also have a good sense of balance.

Test conclusion

The NSP Performance Race is not a board that compromises on width, and its capabilities should by no means be underestimated. Its 25-inch width demands considerably more from the paddler than a classic touring SUP or even a hardboard of comparable width. In return, the design offers a far more sporty ride and high speed potential. The unusual bow construction and the integrated fin box also make the board technically interesting. Whether these features actually provide measurable advantages over other race SUPs would be the subject of a direct comparison test. For the experienced paddler, one thing is clear above all: the NSP Performance Race is designed to be paddled fast, always – and preferably in a race. The board is available in other sizes (14’x23’’; 14’x25’’; 14’x27’’). The test size is recommended for race paddlers weighing up to 80 kilos.

Technical specifications

For more information, see nspsurfboards.com