New Starboard Touring Starlite and Lite Tech hardboards

Starboard’s 2026 Touring range gives paddlers two construction choices for long-distance hardboard paddling: the Touring Starlite and the 14’0 Touring Lite Tech. Both are listed in a 14’0 x 30” size with 298 litres of volume, but the boards are built differently. Starlite also comes in a 12’6 x 31” size for paddlers who want a shorter, wider option.

Starlite: full-deck wood and rail protection

The Touring Starlite uses a full deck of 0.6mm Australian pine sandwiched between two glass outer skins. Starboard also specifies woven rail protection designed to resist scratches and impacts. It is the choice to compare if you want those materials across the full deck, rather than just in the area where you stand.

Its two sizes cover different priorities: the 12’6 x 31” has 279 litres and is easier to manoeuvre and store than a 14-footer; the 14’0 x 30” has 298 litres and a longer waterline for distance paddling.

Lite Tech: reinforcement where it is most useful

The 14’0 Touring Lite Tech uses unidirectional stringer bands, additional rail and nose reinforcement, Australian pine in the standing area and reinforced inserts. In plain English, its reinforcement is concentrated in selected areas; Starlite’s wood deck runs across the full deck and is sandwiched between glass skins.

Lite Tech includes inserts for Starboard’s 2-in-1 shoulder strap, but the strap is sold separately. It also has no rear bungee inserts, so check that the front cargo area suits the equipment you plan to carry.

Which one should you look at?

• Starlite: choose this if the full wood deck and woven rail protection are central to your decision, or if you want the 12’6 size as well as the 14’0.
• Lite Tech: consider this if you want the 14’0 touring dimensions and a more focused reinforcement layout.
• Both 14-foot versions: the listed 14’0 x 30” and 298-litre specifications match, so the main choice is construction and carrying details.

These are rigid boards, so measure your storage and roof transport before ordering. A 14-footer needs room on the journey to the water as well as at home. If you are deciding between models, our detailed Starboard Touring Starlite vs Lite Tech construction guide explains the differences and who each option suits.

View the Starboard Touring Starlite 2026 and Starboard 14’0 Touring Lite Tech 2026. Product page availability is variant dependent: the current listings show backorder or sold-out messages for some selected sizes, so check the live pages or contact us for the latest delivery information.

For help comparing touring shapes and sizes, ask the team about current options at the Woodmill SUP Test Centre. It is a sheltered-water way to compare suitable boards before choosing.