Choosing a Starboard Touring inflatable can be confusing because the boards look similar, but the construction, width and rider weight range all make a big difference once you are on the water.
The common question is whether to choose the Starboard 14 ft Touring Deluxe Lite, step up to the Starboard Touring Deluxe Single Chamber, or consider the lower-volume Deluxe Wave construction.
My short answer is this: if price and pack size matter, the Deluxe Lite is a very good buy. If stiffness, feel and long-term performance matter more, the Deluxe Single Chamber is the one I would lean towards.
For most paddlers choosing their first proper touring board, the size matters just as much as the construction.
Quick answer
For a 170cm, 70kg paddler using the board on sea and river, I would recommend:
- 14'0 x 28" if you are confident, want the faster feel and are happy with a slightly sportier board.
- 14'0 x 30" if this is your first touring board, you paddle in chop, or you want more stability and forgiveness.
- Deluxe Single Chamber if stiffness and how the board feels on the water are your main priorities.
- Deluxe Lite if budget, weight and easy packing matter more.
Starboard Touring rider weight guide
Starboard publishes rider weight guidance for the Touring inflatable range. Treat this as a useful guide, not the only deciding factor. Your ability, where you paddle, how much kit you carry and how much stability you want all matter too.
| Starboard Touring size | Published rider weight guide | Best real-world fit |
|---|---|---|
| 14'0 x 32" Touring L | Up to 135kg | Larger riders, heavier kit, expedition use, or anyone wanting maximum stability. |
| 14'0 x 30" Touring M | Up to 120kg | The safest all-round 14ft choice for mixed sea and river paddling. |
| 14'0 x 28" Touring S | Up to 110kg | Lighter or confident paddlers who want better speed and glide. |
| 12'6 x 30" Touring M | Up to 110kg | Paddlers wanting touring glide but easier handling than a 14ft board. |
| 12'6 x 28" Touring S / Wave | Approx. 45–100kg depending on construction | Lighter paddlers, smaller riders, or those wanting a lower-volume, less corky feel. |
Choosing by rider weight
Under 60kg
You do not need a huge board. A 14'0 x 30" or 14'0 x 32" can feel too big unless you are carrying a lot of kit.
Look at the 12'6 x 28", the Deluxe Wave if available, or the 14'0 x 28" if you want better glide and are confident on narrower boards.
60–75kg
This is the sweet spot for the 14'0 x 28". At this rider weight, the board should offer plenty of float, good speed and a nice efficient paddle stroke.
If you are new to touring, paddle on the sea, or want more confidence, the 14'0 x 30" is the safer choice. It will not feel as quick, but it will feel easier in chop and boat wash.
75–90kg
The 14'0 x 30" becomes the strongest all-round recommendation here. You still get proper 14ft touring glide, but with more support underfoot.
Confident paddlers can still choose the 14'0 x 28", especially for fitness paddling, river touring or flatter water. If you are regularly on the sea, I would usually steer you towards the 30" width.
90–110kg
Go 14'0 x 30" if you want a balance of glide and stability. Go 14'0 x 32" if you are newer to paddling, carrying kit, or mainly paddling coastal water.
This is also where construction matters more. The heavier the paddler, the more you will notice stiffness and flex. I would be more inclined to recommend the Deluxe Single Chamber over the Deluxe Lite if your budget allows.
110kg+
The 14'0 x 32" is the sensible choice. It gives more width, more volume and more forgiveness.
You may be inside the published range for some narrower boards, but that does not always mean they are the best choice. A bigger rider on a narrower touring board may find it tiring in chop, especially on longer paddles.
Deluxe Lite vs Deluxe Single Chamber
The Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite is the value choice. It is lighter, easier to move around and still gives you the benefit of a proper touring shape.
The Starboard Touring Deluxe Single Chamber is the better-feeling board. It feels more solid underfoot, especially if you paddle with power, carry kit, or use it in chop.
For lighter riders, the difference is there, but not always essential. For heavier riders, or anyone who really cares about stiffness, the Deluxe Single Chamber becomes much easier to justify.
Where does Deluxe Wave fit?
The Deluxe Wave construction is thinner and lower volume, so it can feel less corky under lighter paddlers. That can be lovely if you are lighter, shorter, or dislike standing high above the water on a thick inflatable.
It is not the board I would usually choose for heavier riders or for maximum load carrying. It is more of a refined, lower-volume touring feel than a big expedition board.
For a 70kg paddler, the Wave can make sense if you want a 12'6 board with a lower stance. But if you are choosing between 14'0 x 28" and 14'0 x 30", the 14ft boards still win for glide and efficiency.
14'0 x 28" vs 14'0 x 30"
This is the key decision for many paddlers.
Choose the 14'0 x 28" if you want the faster, sportier board. It suits lighter or more confident paddlers who want to cover distance efficiently.
Choose the 14'0 x 30" if you want more stability, especially on the sea. It is the better first touring board for many UK paddlers because our conditions are rarely perfectly flat.
At 70kg, I would not be worried about the 14'0 x 28" being too small. The real question is confidence and conditions. If you paddle well and want progression, go 28". If you want comfort and confidence, go 30".
Do not forget kit weight
Rider weight is only part of it. Add your dry bag, water, spare layers, safety kit, picnic gear, camping kit or dog into the equation.
A 90kg rider with 10kg of kit is asking more of the board than the same rider going out for a quick fitness paddle. If you regularly carry kit, size up slightly or choose the stiffer construction.
Our recommendation
For a 170cm, 70kg paddler using the board on sea and river, I would lean towards the Starboard Touring Deluxe Single Chamber.
Go 14'0 x 28" if you are confident and want the quicker board.
Go 14'0 x 30" if you want the safer all-round choice for mixed UK conditions.
If budget is the deciding factor, the Starboard 14 ft Touring Deluxe Lite is still a very sensible buy. But if you are already asking about stiffness and feel, I suspect you will be happier long term on the Deluxe Single Chamber.
Try before you buy
This is exactly the sort of decision that is worth testing. A 28" board can look narrow on paper but feel absolutely fine once it is moving. A 30" board can feel more relaxed and confidence-inspiring if you paddle on the sea.
At our Woodmill SUP Test Centre in Southampton, we can help you compare touring boards properly and choose the right size first time.
You can also browse our touring paddleboards and Starboard paddleboard range online.
FAQs
Is the Starboard Deluxe Lite bendier than the Deluxe Single Chamber?
The Deluxe Lite is not a soft or poor-quality board, but the Deluxe Single Chamber feels more solid and planted, especially for heavier riders, stronger paddlers or choppier conditions.
Which Starboard Touring size is best for a 70kg paddler?
The 14'0 x 28" is a great choice if you are confident and want speed. The 14'0 x 30" is better if you want more stability for sea, river and mixed UK conditions.
Which Starboard Touring size is best for heavier riders?
For 90–110kg riders, the 14'0 x 30" is usually the best starting point. For 110kg+ riders, or anyone carrying a lot of kit, the 14'0 x 32" is the safer and more stable choice.
Is Deluxe Wave only for lighter paddlers?
It is best suited to lighter riders who want a lower-volume, less corky feel. It is not the best option for heavier riders, heavy kit or maximum stiffness.
Should I choose 12'6 or 14'0 for touring?
Choose 14'0 if glide, tracking and distance matter most. Choose 12'6 if you want easier handling, easier turning and a board that feels slightly less committed.
Can I test a Starboard Touring board before buying?
Yes. Our Woodmill SUP Test Centre is designed for exactly this. Trying different widths and constructions back-to-back is the best way to avoid buying the wrong board.