Fanatic Ray Air Pure 11'6 vs 12'6: Which Touring Paddleboard Should You Choose?
If you are looking at the Fanatic Ray Air Pure, the main decision is whether to choose the 11'6" x 31" or the 12'6" x 32". Both are inflatable touring paddleboards designed for paddlers who want better glide, straighter tracking and more efficiency than a standard all-round board, but they suit slightly different people.
The short version is this: choose the 11'6 if you want the easier, lighter and more manageable board. Choose the 12'6 if you want more glide, more volume and a board that feels happier over longer distances.
At The SUP Company, we spend a lot of time helping customers make this exact choice. It is not just about buying the longest board or the one with the highest rider weight guide. It is about matching the board to your size, confidence, paddling location and what you genuinely want to do on the water.
What is the Fanatic Ray Air Pure?
The Fanatic Ray Air Pure is a value-focused inflatable touring SUP from Fanatic. It has a longer waterline and more pointed touring nose than a typical all-round paddleboard, which helps it move more efficiently and hold a straighter line.
That makes it a great step-up board for paddlers who have outgrown short all-round paddles and now want to explore rivers, canals, lakes, harbours and sheltered coastal routes with less effort.
It is not a narrow race board and it is not an expedition board for heavy camping kit. It sits in a really useful middle ground: friendly enough for progressing beginners, but efficient enough to make longer paddles more enjoyable.
Watch our Fanatic Ray Air Pure comparison video
We have also compared the Fanatic Ray Air Pure 11'6 and 12'6 on The SUP Company YouTube channel. If you want to see the two sizes discussed side by side, this is a helpful watch before choosing.
Fanatic Ray Air Pure 11'6 vs 12'6 comparison table
| Feature | Fanatic Ray Air Pure 11'6" x 31" | Fanatic Ray Air Pure 12'6" x 32" |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Everyday touring, lighter to medium-weight paddlers and easier handling | Longer paddles, larger paddlers, better glide and light kit carrying |
| Length | 11'6" / 350.5cm | 12'6" / 381cm |
| Width | 31" / 78.7cm | 32" / 81.3cm |
| Thickness | 6" / 15cm | 6" / 15cm |
| Volume | 299L | 339L |
| Board weight | 7.9kg / 17.4lb | 9.25kg / 20.4lb |
| Rider weight guide | Up to 110kg / 17st 4.5lb | Up to 125kg / 19st 9.6lb |
| On-water feel | Lighter, easier to turn and more manageable | Smoother glide, better tracking and more distance-friendly |
| Choose it if | You want a touring board that still feels straightforward | You want extra glide, extra capacity and more touring performance |
The main difference in plain English
The main difference between the Fanatic Ray Air Pure 11'6 and 12'6 is glide versus manageability.
The 11'6 is the easier board to live with. It is lighter, a little shorter and simpler to move around on and off the water. It still gives you proper touring benefits compared with a short all-round board, but without feeling like a big board.
The 12'6 is the more efficient touring option. The extra length gives it more waterline, which helps the board travel further with each paddle stroke. It also has more volume, more width and a higher rider weight guide, so it suits larger paddlers and longer routes better.
Choose the Fanatic Ray Air Pure 11'6 if you want easier handling
The Fanatic Ray Air Pure 11'6" x 31" is the better choice if you want the more manageable model in the range.
It is still a touring board, so it will glide and track better than a shorter round-nosed all-round SUP. However, compared with the 12'6, it is easier to carry, easier to turn and a little less committed on the water.
This makes it a good choice for paddlers who want to enjoy rivers, canals, lakes and sheltered coastal paddles without buying a board that feels too long or too big. It is also a sensible option if you are stepping up from a 10'6 all-round board and want more glide without making too big a jump.
Best for:
- Beginners who want a touring shape but still want easy handling
- Lighter to medium-weight paddlers
- Shorter touring paddles and relaxed fitness sessions
- Rivers, canals, lakes and sheltered harbours
- Paddlers who want a lighter board to carry, pack and store
Choose the Fanatic Ray Air Pure 12'6 if you want more glide and capacity
The Fanatic Ray Air Pure 12'6" x 32" is the better choice if your priority is distance, glide and efficiency.
The extra foot of length helps the board move more smoothly through the water. Once you settle into a rhythm, the 12'6 will generally cover ground more easily than the 11'6. That is why 12'6 is such a popular touring length for paddlers who want to go further rather than just paddle close to the launch spot.
The 12'6 also has more volume and a wider 32" platform, which gives it more support for taller or heavier paddlers. It is also better if you want to carry a small dry bag, spare layer, water bottle or picnic load under the front bungee.
Best for:
- Taller or heavier paddlers
- Paddlers who want to cover more distance
- Fitness paddling and longer flat-water routes
- Light day touring with a dry bag or small kit load
- Anyone who values glide and straight-line tracking over compact handling
Which size is best for beginners?
Both sizes can work for beginners, but they suit different beginners.
The 11'6 is the safer choice if you are nervous, lighter, shorter or simply want the board to feel easy from the first session. It still has a touring outline, but it does not feel as large as the 12'6.
The 12'6 is better if you are taller, heavier, reasonably confident or already know you want to build up to longer paddles. It gives you more support and better glide, but it is a bigger board to handle off the water.
Which size is best for heavier riders?
For heavier paddlers, the 12'6 x 32 is usually the better choice. It has more volume, more width and a higher rider weight guide, so it gives you more margin and should sit better on the water.
The 11'6 is still rated up to 110kg, but if you are close to the top of that range, or if you want to paddle longer distances, the 12'6 gives you the more comfortable platform.
Which size is best for UK touring?
For UK touring on canals, rivers, lakes and sheltered coastal water, the 12'6 is the stronger distance board. It tracks straighter, glides better and makes longer routes feel easier.
The 11'6 still works very well for shorter touring paddles and is easier to manage when launching, landing, carrying to the water or paddling in tighter spaces.
If your paddling is mainly relaxed, local and varied, go 11'6. If your paddling is more distance-focused, go 12'6.
What comes with the Fanatic Ray Air Pure package?
The Fanatic Ray Air Pure package includes the inflatable board, Fanatic iSUP backpack or board bag, Fanatic HP2 pump, Fanatic Ray 19.5cm centre fin and board leash.
If you are buying the Ray Air Pure for touring, a lighter paddle is a worthwhile upgrade. Over a longer paddle, a lighter paddle can make a big difference because every stroke adds up. A good three-piece carbon paddle is a sensible match if you want a lighter, more efficient setup without going to a full premium fixed-length paddle.
Useful setup advice
The Ray Air Pure is at its best with a comfortable paddle, a sensible safety setup and a small amount of kit for day paddling.
- A lighter paddle will reduce fatigue on longer routes.
- A good waterproof bag is useful for spare layers, snacks, keys and phone storage.
- A properly fitted buoyancy aid is important for sensible UK paddling.
- A suitable leash should be matched to where you paddle, especially if you are moving between rivers, canals and coastal water.
If you are not sure what you need, speak to the team before ordering and we can help build the right setup around the board.
What about the Fanatic Ray Air Enduro?
If you like the idea of the Ray Air Pure but want a sportier and more performance-focused touring board, it is worth comparing it with the wider touring paddleboard range.
The Ray Air Pure is the better value touring entry point. A more premium touring board can be the better option if you want extra stiffness, a faster feel, more refined fittings or a board for more regular long-distance paddling.
Can you try the Fanatic Ray Air Pure before buying?
If you are choosing between the 11'6 and 12'6, the best answer is to try boards back-to-back at our SUP Test Centre at Woodmill, Southampton.
Woodmill gives you sheltered water, proper advice and the chance to compare different touring boards before you buy. It is especially useful if you are between sizes or unsure whether you need the extra length of the 12'6.
You can try up to three boards and three paddles in a session, which makes it much easier to feel the difference rather than trying to choose from numbers on a screen.
Finance and delivery
Finance options are available on qualifying orders, which can be useful when investing in a complete paddleboarding setup with board, paddle and safety kit.
Delivery options are shown at checkout and can vary by product, location and availability. If timing matters for a trip or planned paddle, it is worth contacting the team before ordering so we can check the latest position for you.
Final recommendation: 11'6 or 12'6?
Choose the Fanatic Ray Air Pure 11'6" x 31" if you want the easier, lighter and more manageable touring board. It is ideal for relaxed paddling, lighter to medium-weight riders and anyone stepping up from an all-round SUP.
Choose the Fanatic Ray Air Pure 12'6" x 32" if you want better glide, more volume and a board that feels happier over longer distances. It is the stronger choice for taller or heavier paddlers and for anyone serious about touring progression.
If you are still unsure, get in touch with The SUP Company or book a session at our Woodmill SUP Test Centre. Trying the two sizes on the water is the easiest way to make the right decision first time.
FAQs
Is the Fanatic Ray Air Pure good for beginners?
Yes. The Fanatic Ray Air Pure is a good choice for beginners who want to progress into touring, fitness paddling or longer flat-water routes. It is more efficient than a typical all-round board but still stable enough when you choose the right size.
Should I choose the Fanatic Ray Air Pure 11'6 or 12'6?
Choose the 11'6 if you want easier handling, lighter weight and a more manageable board. Choose the 12'6 if you want more glide, more volume and better performance over longer distances.
Which Fanatic Ray Air Pure is better for heavier paddlers?
The 12'6 x 32 is usually the better option for heavier paddlers because it has more volume and a higher rider weight guide. It also gives more support if you are carrying a dry bag or small amount of kit.
Does the Fanatic Ray Air Pure include a paddle?
No. The package includes the board, bag, pump, fin and leash, but not a paddle as standard. You can add a paddle separately, and a lighter paddle is a worthwhile upgrade if you plan to paddle longer distances.
Is the 12'6 harder to paddle than the 11'6?
The 12'6 is not harder to paddle once moving, and it actually glides more efficiently. It is simply a bigger board to carry, turn and handle off the water compared with the 11'6.
Can I use the Fanatic Ray Air Pure on the sea?
Yes, in sensible sheltered conditions. It is well suited to calm coastal paddles, harbours and light chop. For regular exposed coastal paddling, strong wind or heavier kit carrying, you may want a stiffer premium touring board.
Can I carry kit on the Fanatic Ray Air Pure?
Yes. The front bungee is useful for a dry bag, spare layer, water bottle or small day-trip essentials. It is not designed as a heavy expedition board, but it works well for light touring.
Can I test the Fanatic Ray Air Pure before buying?
Yes. You can book a session at The SUP Company SUP Test Centre at Woodmill, Southampton, where you can compare different paddleboards on sheltered water and get advice from the team.