Starboard Touring Deluxe SC 12'6 x 30" x 6" Paddleboard

The Starboard Touring Deluxe SC 12'6 x 30" is an inflatable touring paddle board for paddlers who want more glide and better tracking than an Allround board, in a shorter, lighter package than the 14'0 sizes. At 12'6 long and 30" wide, with 355 litres of volume and a board weight of around 9.9kg, it's easier to carry, store and turn, while still holding a straight line and carrying kit on the nose. Starboard rates it for riders from 55kg up to 110kg. Starboard's touring boards are among the most highly rated by magazine testers and are a customer favourite.

Features and benefits

• Straight outline with a narrower midsection: your paddle can enter the water closer to the board, so each stroke drives you forward rather than turning you. You track straighter, glide further and feel more settled.
• Full nose: pops through chop and small waves instead of digging in, adds stability in rougher conditions and gives you space to strap kit down up front.
• Squarer tail: a stable platform to step back on for quick pivot turns, handy when you need to change direction on a long board.
• Wide bungee tie-downs with metal easy clips: adjustable and quick to use with cold or wet hands. A centre bungee holds kit securely in the middle of the board.
• Multiple carry handles: tail, centre and nose handles make carrying, launching and loading onto a roof rack easier.
• 2-in-1 shoulder carry strap: carry the board to the water hands-free and clip your paddle to it when you don't need it.

Construction and technology

• Fusion woven dropstitch (Deluxe): the core is woven rather than knitted, which Starboard describes as extra strong and stiff. A stiffer board flexes less under your feet, so more of your effort turns into speed.
• Welded Rail Technology: the rail seams are welded, not glued, creating a completely airtight, mechanically bonded seam. There is no glue to weaken over time, so the board stays stronger for longer.
• Galvanised 2000D rails: heavy-duty rail material that adds strength and stiffness, right where knocks and scrapes happen most.
• Rail Edge Technology: Starboard's rail edge design reduces drag, so the board glides more freely with every stroke.
• Single chamber (SC): one inflation valve, so it's quick to pump up and pack away.
• Roll Technology with the Drop US fin box: Starboard's patented 3-piece fin box lets the board roll up tightly, so it packs into a bag 33% smaller than a standard inflatable's. Starboard says the fin box design also cuts drag by 50%.

What's in the box

• Starboard Touring Deluxe SC 12'6 x 30" board
• Starboard Roll board bag with roller wheels and hiking straps
• Starboard Tiki F double action pump
• Lightweight leash
• Dol-fin 22 Net Positive fin with fixing screw and washer
• 2-in-1 shoulder carry strap
• Starmount
• Tiki valve key
• Repair kit

Bag design may vary slightly as Starboard updates production.

Our take

The 12'6 x 30" is a great first touring board, and the one to pick if a 14'0 feels like too much board to carry, store or fit in the car. You get the touring shape, the roll-up bag and the Deluxe build, with a board that's quicker to turn and lighter to handle. If you mainly paddle for distance and have the space, the 14'0 sizes will glide further. Not sure which size suits you? Get in touch and we'll talk it through.