Starboard 12'6 Touring Deluxe Wave - 2025

Starboard 12'6 Touring Deluxe Wave - 2025

The Starboard 12'6 Touring Deluxe Wave 2025 is a fast, refined inflatable touring paddleboard for lighter paddlers, progressing SUP riders and experienced paddlers who want better glide without moving to a full race board. At 12'6" long and 28" wide, it sits in the performance touring category: quicker and more efficient than a general all-round board, but still practical for exploring, fitness paddling and longer days on the water.

The key difference with the Deluxe Wave version is its thinner 4.75" profile. Compared with the standard 6" Touring Deluxe, it sits slightly lower on the water, which can make it feel more connected and composed for lighter riders. If you are under around 85kg and want a touring board that feels efficient, lively and less bulky underfoot, this is a very strong choice.

Where it sits in the Starboard touring range

This is one of the sportier inflatable touring options in the Starboard SUP range. The 12'6" length gives better glide and tracking than a shorter all-round board, while the 28" width keeps it quick and efficient for paddlers with decent balance.

Choose this over a wider 30" touring board if you want more speed, cleaner paddle strokes and a more direct feel. Choose the wider option if you are heavier, newer to SUP, regularly paddle in rougher conditions, or want maximum stability for carrying more kit.

Who is it best suited to?

• Lighter paddlers up to around 85kg who want an efficient inflatable touring board
• Progressing paddlers moving on from a slower all-round SUP
• Fitness paddlers who want better glide without going to a narrow race board
• Touring paddlers who value speed, tracking and a cleaner paddle stroke
• Riders who want a premium inflatable board with a lower-profile, more connected feel

Who may be better looking elsewhere?

This is not the safest choice for a total beginner who wants maximum stability. At 28" wide, it rewards decent balance and a tidy paddle stroke. If you are over 85kg, regularly carry heavy kit, paddle in windy or choppy conditions, or simply want a more forgiving touring board, look at the wider 12'6" x 30" options in our touring paddleboards collection.

Why choose the Starboard Touring Deluxe Wave?

• 12'6" touring shape: gives noticeably better glide and tracking than a shorter all-round board, making longer paddles feel easier.
• 28" width: keeps the board efficient and quick, especially for lighter riders or paddlers with good balance.
• 4.75" thickness: sits lower on the water than a standard 6" inflatable, giving a more connected feel for suitable rider weights.
• Full nose and squarer tail: helps the board lift through small chop while giving reassuring stability for step-back turns and general touring use.
• Welded Rail Technology: creates a stronger, longer-lasting rail construction than traditional glued rail seams.
• Rail Edge Technology: improves water release at the tail, helping reduce drag and improve glide.
• Gear bungee system: useful for carrying a dry bag, spare layer, shoes or lightweight touring kit.
• 2-in-1 shoulder carry strap: makes the board easier to carry to and from the water and can also help hold your paddle when walking.

Plain-English performance guide

The Starboard Touring Deluxe Wave is best thought of as a quick inflatable touring board rather than a casual family cruiser. It has enough stability for confident paddlers, but the real benefit is efficiency. You get more glide per stroke, better tracking and a board that encourages cleaner technique.

The thinner 4.75" construction is particularly useful for lighter paddlers because it avoids the overly buoyant, high-sided feeling that some 6" inflatables can have. That makes the board feel easier to control in lighter wind and more natural underfoot, provided the rider is within the right weight range.

Specifications

Model	Starboard Touring Deluxe Wave 12'6" x 28" - 2025
Board type	Inflatable touring SUP
Length	12'6" / 381cm
Width	28" / 71.1cm
Thickness	4.75" / 12cm
Volume	254 litres
Tail width	17.4" / 44.2cm
Recommended rider weight	Up to around 85kg
Board weight	Approx. 9.4-9.5kg
Recommended pressure	18 PSI
Construction	Deluxe Wave inflatable construction with welded rails
Fin system	US box touring fin setup

What’s included?

• Starboard 12'6" x 28" Touring Deluxe Wave inflatable paddleboard
• Starboard travel bag
• Double-action Tiki pump
• Lightweight leash
• US box fin
• Repair kit

Paddle note: this package does not include a paddle. For the best match, pair it with a lighter touring paddle such as the Starboard Lima Carbon F35 3 Piece Paddle or browse our full SUP paddle collection.

Recommended accessories

• SUP paddle - essential, as this package is supplied without a paddle.
• Dry bag - ideal for spare clothing, keys, phone case and snacks on longer paddles.
• Electric SUP pump - useful if you paddle often or want to save effort before getting on the water.
• Buoyancy aid - strongly recommended for touring, open water and colder conditions.

Buying advice from The SUP Company

This is a board we would usually recommend to paddlers who already know they want a faster touring feel. The 12'6" x 28" outline is efficient, but it is not as forgiving as a wider board. If you are coming from a 10'6" or 10'8" all-round board and want more glide, this will feel like a proper upgrade. If you are still building confidence, a wider touring board may be the better long-term choice.

If you are unsure whether 28" is right for you, the best option is to compare boards properly at our SUP Test Centre at Woodmill. Trying boards back-to-back is the quickest way to understand the difference between stability, glide and speed.

Helpful links

• Shop Starboard paddleboards, paddles and accessories
• Shop touring paddleboards
• Book a SUP Test Centre session
• Read our paddleboard buying guide
• Read our touring paddleboard guide

FAQs

Is the Starboard Touring Deluxe Wave 12'6 good for beginners?

It can work for lighter, confident beginners, but it is not the easiest first board. At 28" wide, it is narrower than most beginner boards and suits paddlers who want efficiency and are happy to trade a little stability for better glide.

What rider weight is best for this board?

It is best suited to paddlers up to around 85kg. Heavier paddlers may be better on the standard 6" thick 12'6" x 28" Touring Deluxe or a wider 12'6" x 30" touring board for extra stiffness, float and stability.

What is the benefit of the 4.75" thickness?

The thinner 4.75" profile helps the board sit lower on the water, which can feel more connected and controlled for lighter riders. It avoids the overly buoyant feel that some 6" boards can have when used by smaller paddlers.

Does this board include a paddle?

No. This package includes the board, bag, pump, leash, fin and repair kit, but not a paddle. For touring use, we recommend choosing a lighter paddle to make longer sessions more comfortable and efficient.

Is the 28" width stable enough?

For the right paddler, yes. It is stable enough for confident paddlers and lighter riders, but it is designed more for glide and efficiency than maximum beginner stability. If stability is your top priority, choose a wider touring board.

Can I try this type of board before buying?

Yes. Our SUP Test Centre at Woodmill, Southampton is designed for exactly this. You can compare boards and paddles on the water and get practical advice before choosing.