Starboard 12’6 Generation Deluxe 2026 Review: The All-Water Inflatable SUP Explained
The Starboard 12’6 Generation Deluxe 2026 is for paddlers who do not want to be boxed into one type of stand up paddleboarding.
It is not just a touring board. It is not a short all-round board. It is a crossover shape designed to cover touring, fitness paddling, coastal cruising, light chop and small surf in one premium inflatable package.
For UK paddlers who move between rivers, harbours, estuaries, boat wash and the occasional playful wave, that versatility is the point.
View the Starboard 12’6 Generation Deluxe 2026
What is the Starboard Generation?
The Generation sits between a traditional touring board and a more surf-led SUP. It has more glide than a typical all-round inflatable, but it is more manoeuvrable and more comfortable in mixed water than a pure straight-line touring shape.
That makes it a strong option for paddlers who want one premium board for exploring rather than one highly specialised board for a single discipline.
Where it sits in the range
If your paddling is mainly calm-water distance work, the Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite is the more focused choice. It tracks straighter, carries touring kit well and is designed around efficient distance paddling.
If your paddling includes estuaries, harbours, boat wash, open-water chop, coastal exploring and small waves, the Generation makes more sense. It gives away a little straight-line efficiency, but gains a more capable all-water feel.
Specifications
| Specification | Starboard 12’6 Generation Deluxe |
|---|---|
| Length | 12’6” / 381cm |
| Width | 30” / 76.2cm |
| Thickness | 6” / 15cm |
| Volume | 341 litres |
| Tail width | 19.3” / 49cm |
| Board weight | Approx. 10.7kg / 23.6lb / 1.68st |
| Recommended rider weight | Up to 95kg / 209lb / 15.0st |
| Construction | Deluxe |
| Fin setup | Thruster / 2+1 with 8” Net Positive centre fin and side fins |
Why choose the Generation Deluxe?
- Excellent crossover shape for touring, fitness paddling, coastal cruising and small surf.
- More glide and speed than a typical all-round inflatable.
- More manoeuvrable and forgiving in mixed water than a pure touring shape.
- Premium Deluxe construction for a stiffer and more refined ride.
- Thruster fin setup for touring use and more playful wave days.
- Useful cargo storage for dry bags, layers and day-trip essentials.
Who is it best for?
Choose the Generation if you want one board for varied UK paddling. It suits paddlers who may start on flat water, head into an estuary, deal with chop, play in a small wave, or use the same board for fitness sessions and coastal exploring.
It is also a strong upgrade option for customers who have a basic all-round SUP but now want better glide, better construction and a board that feels more capable without becoming narrow or race-specific.
Who should look elsewhere?
- Choose the Touring Deluxe Lite if straight-line glide and distance touring are your main priorities.
- Choose the Touring ONE if the £499 complete package and value are the deciding factors.
- Choose the All Star Airline if you are moving into racing and performance training.
- Choose a wider all-round board if you mainly want relaxed family stability.
Generation vs Touring
| Question | Choose Generation | Choose Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Your water? | Mixed water, chop, boat wash, light surf | Rivers, canals, calm routes and distance touring |
| Your style? | Exploring, fitness, coastal use and playful paddling | Efficient cruising and carrying kit |
| Board feel? | More manoeuvrable and all-water | Straighter tracking and more distance focused |
| Best buyer? | Paddlers wanting one premium do-it-all inflatable | Paddlers wanting touring efficiency first |
UK paddling notes
The Generation is particularly relevant in the UK because our water is rarely perfect. On sheltered estuaries, harbours and coastal routes, you often deal with breeze, chop, tide and boat wash. A pure touring board is efficient, but it can feel less playful. The Generation gives a more versatile feel without losing the glide you need for longer paddles.
It is also a good option if you are not ready to own multiple boards. One board that handles flatwater, coastal use and the odd wave is often more useful than a specialist board that only suits one condition.
What is included?
The package includes the Starboard 12’6 Generation Deluxe inflatable paddleboard, double-action Tiki pump, re-cover wheely bag, 2-in-1 shoulder carry strap, 8” Net Positive centre fin and thruster side fin set.
A paddle is not listed as included, so we would normally pair this board with a lighter, more efficient paddle to suit your height and paddling style.
Browse SUP paddles to complete the setup
Our verdict
The Starboard 12’6 Generation Deluxe is not the cheapest board in the 2026 drop and it is not the fastest over a straight line. Its strength is versatility. For paddlers who want one premium inflatable that can tour, explore, handle chop and still feel lively, it is a very strong choice.
Pre-order the Starboard 12’6 Generation Deluxe 2026
Try before you buy at Woodmill
The best board on paper is only the right board if it feels right under your feet. Where suitable demo equipment is available, the Woodmill SUP Test Centre in Southampton gives you the chance to compare boards and paddles on sheltered water before committing.
Bring your current board, your weight, your usual paddling locations and what you want to improve. We can help you narrow the choice properly rather than guessing from spec sheets.
Finance and delivery
Finance options are available on qualifying orders, which can be helpful when investing in a complete setup or a premium upgrade board. UK delivery is available, with free standard UK delivery on orders over £100 excluding Highlands and Islands. If you need a board for a specific trip, event or race, please check current stock and delivery timing with the team before ordering.
FAQs
Is the Starboard Generation a touring board?
It is a crossover board. It has better glide than a standard all-round SUP, but it is more versatile and playful than a pure touring board.
Is the Generation good for coastal paddling?
Yes, for suitable sheltered coastal conditions and experienced paddlers. Its outline and fin setup make it more capable in mixed water than a straight-line touring board.
What rider weight does it suit?
The listed guidance is up to 95kg. Paddlers close to or above that who want extra confidence should compare wider or higher-volume options.
Does it include a paddle?
A paddle is not listed as included. The package includes board, pump, wheely bag, shoulder strap and fins.
Can I try this board before buying?
Where suitable demo equipment is available, you can apply for a session at the Woodmill SUP Test Centre. This is especially useful if you are deciding between widths, lengths or a touring board and a more performance-led shape.
Is finance available?
Finance options are available on qualifying orders. This can be useful when investing in a complete setup or a premium inflatable SUP, but approval and terms depend on the finance provider.
Should I contact The SUP Company before ordering?
Yes, especially if stock timing matters, you are between sizes, or you are upgrading from a board you already own. Tell us your height, weight, experience, current board and where you paddle, and we will help narrow it down.