Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite 2026 Size Guide: 12’6 vs 14’0 Explained

The Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite is one of the most useful boards in the 2026 Starboard range because it sits in the space many paddlers actually need: proper touring glide, sensible stability, lighter handling and practical storage.

The main buying decision is not whether it is a good touring board. It is which size to choose. With 12’6” x 30”, 14’0” x 28”, 14’0” x 30” and 14’0” x 32” options, the range covers a wide spread of paddlers, from confident first-time tourers to bigger riders and faster fitness paddlers.

This guide breaks down the sizes in plain English so you can choose the right Touring Deluxe Lite first time.

View the Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite range

What is the Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite?

The Touring Deluxe Lite is Starboard’s lightweight inflatable touring SUP for paddlers who want more glide and straighter tracking than a standard all-round board.

The touring outline is longer and cleaner through the water. The fuller nose and squarer tail help keep the board settled with kit on board or when paddling in light chop. Deluxe Lite construction keeps the overall weight sensible, while Starboard’s Roll Technology and foldable fin box make the board easier to pack and transport.

It is not the cheapest Starboard touring route. That job belongs to the Starboard Touring ONE package. It is not a specialist race board either. It is the refined touring option for paddlers who want a board that feels efficient, practical and easy to live with.

Size comparison

Size	Best for	Key spec	Our advice
12’6” x 30”	Most paddlers wanting an easy, manageable touring board	381 x 76.2 x 15cm / 355L / approx. 8.7kg	The safest all-round recommendation. Good glide, stable enough for confident newer paddlers and easier to handle than a 14’ board.
14’0” x 28”	Faster paddlers, lighter riders and touring/race crossover use	426.7 x 71.1 x 15cm / 345L / approx. 9.0kg	Choose this if you have good balance and want a quicker, more efficient feel. Not the best choice if stability is the main priority.
14’0” x 30”	Longer distance touring, fitness paddling and efficient cruising	426.7 x 76.2 x 15cm / 389L / approx. 9.5kg	The best all-round 14’ option for many paddlers. Faster than the 12’6 and more forgiving than the 28” width.
14’0” x 32”	Bigger paddlers, heavier kit loads and extra stability	426.7 x 81.3 x 15cm / 409L / approx. 9.8kg	The sensible choice if confidence, volume and kit-carrying stability matter more than outright speed.

Choose 12’6 x 30 if...

• You are upgrading from an all-round board and want a manageable first touring SUP.
• You paddle mixed UK waters such as rivers, harbours, canals and sheltered coastal routes.
• You want good glide without the extra length of a 14’ board.
• You need a board that is easier to carry, store and turn.

The 12’6 x 30 is the most straightforward touring size to recommend for many customers. It gives you the touring benefit without making the board feel too long or specialist.

Choose 14’0 x 28 if...

• You already have good balance and want a faster feel.
• You are lighter, confident, or coming from a narrower board.
• You want a touring/race crossover for fitness paddling.
• You mainly paddle flatter water and want efficiency.

The 14’0 x 28 is not the comfort-first option. It rewards cleaner paddling and better balance. Get it right and it feels quick; get it wrong and it can feel twitchy in chop.

Choose 14’0 x 30 if...

• You want better glide than a 12’6 but do not want a very narrow board.
• You paddle longer routes and want efficiency over distance.
• You want a sensible 14’ touring board for UK conditions.
• You might carry a dry bag, spare layer, water and safety kit.

This is the most balanced 14’ Touring Deluxe Lite size for many paddlers. It gives you the longer waterline and better glide of a 14’ board, but keeps enough width to feel sensible in real-world conditions.

Choose 14’0 x 32 if...

• You are a bigger paddler and want more confidence.
• You regularly carry kit, a dog or heavier touring loads.
• You paddle in chop or tidal areas and want a more settled platform.
• You value comfort and stability more than speed.

The 14’0 x 32 is not the fastest size, but it may be the best choice for many heavier paddlers. Extra width and volume often mean a more enjoyable paddle, because you are relaxed rather than fighting the board.

Touring Deluxe Lite vs Touring ONE

The Touring ONE is the stronger value complete package at £499. The Touring Deluxe Lite is the better choice if you want size choice, a more tailored board and the option to select your own paddle separately.

Choose Touring ONE for simplicity and value. Choose Touring Deluxe Lite if you are dialling in size, stability and long-distance feel.

Touring Deluxe Lite vs All Star Airline

The All Star Airline is faster, more performance-led and built around race-board control. The Touring Deluxe Lite is more practical for distance touring, kit carrying and relaxed efficiency.

Choose Touring Deluxe Lite if your priority is exploring and covering distance. Choose All Star Airline if your priority is training, racing and performance paddling.

What is included?

The SUP Co listing is a board package including the Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite inflatable paddleboard, wheeled Roll board bag, double-action Tiki pump, lightweight leash and centre fin. A paddle is not listed as included, so most customers should add a suitable paddle separately.

If you are upgrading, it is worth looking at a lighter carbon or carbon-composite paddle. A better paddle can make a touring board feel smoother, more efficient and less tiring over distance.

Shop SUP paddles to complete your setup

Our verdict

The Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite is the board range to choose when you know you want touring performance, but you also want the board to be light, manageable and easy to live with.

For many paddlers, the 12’6 x 30 or 14’0 x 30 will be the safest picks. Go 14’0 x 28 if speed matters and your balance is good. Go 14’0 x 32 if stability and rider weight are the bigger concerns.

Choose your Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite size

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

Should I choose 12’6 or 14’0?

Choose 12’6 if you want easier handling and a more manageable touring board. Choose 14’0 if you want better glide, straighter tracking and more efficiency over longer distances.

Is 28” too narrow?

For some paddlers, yes. The 14’0 x 28 is best for confident, lighter or more performance-minded paddlers. The 30” width is a safer touring choice for many UK paddlers.

Does the Touring Deluxe Lite include a paddle?

No paddle is listed as included with The SUP Co board package. It includes the board, wheeled bag, pump, leash and centre fin. You can add a suitable paddle separately.

Can I carry kit on the Touring Deluxe Lite?

Yes. It has a touring cargo layout for carrying light kit such as a dry bag, spare layer, water bottle and safety items. Choose the wider sizes if you regularly carry more weight.

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.