Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite

Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite Inflatable Paddleboard

The Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite is built for paddlers who want more glide, better tracking and a lighter, easier-to-travel-with touring SUP. It is the board to look at if you have moved beyond short casual paddles and now want something that feels efficient on rivers, canals, lakes, estuaries and sheltered coastal routes.

Compared with a typical all-round inflatable paddleboard, the Touring shape is longer, cleaner through the water and more directionally efficient. The straighter outline helps the board hold its line, while the fuller nose and squarer tail add useful stability when carrying kit or paddling in light chop.

Deluxe Lite construction keeps the board noticeably lighter and easier to handle than many premium touring inflatables, while Starboard’s Roll Technology helps it pack into a smaller wheeled bag for storage, travel and car boot use.

Where it sits in the Starboard range

This is the lightweight, travel-friendly option in Starboard’s Touring inflatable range. It is not the cheapest beginner SUP and it is not a specialist race board. It sits in the useful middle ground for paddlers who want a proper touring board with good glide, sensible stability and easier transport.

Choose this over a Starboard iGO-style all-round board if you want to paddle further with less correction. Choose the wider sizes if stability and carrying kit matter most. Choose the narrower 14’0 x 28” if you already have good balance and want a faster, more performance-led feel.

Watch our video review

Watch our review of the Starboard 12’6 x 30” Touring Deluxe Lite to get a clearer feel for who this board suits, how it paddles and what to consider before choosing.

Which size should you choose?

Size	Best for	Key spec	Our advice
12’6 x 30”	Most paddlers wanting an easy, manageable touring board	381 x 76.2 x 15 cm / 355 L / approx. 8.7 kg	The easiest size to recommend for mixed UK touring. 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 15 cm / 345 L / approx. 9.0 kg	Choose this if you have good balance and want a quicker, more efficient feel. Not the best choice if maximum stability is your priority.
14’0 x 30”	Longer distance touring, fitness paddling and efficient cruising	426.7 x 76.2 x 15 cm / 389 L / approx. 9.5 kg	The best all-round 14’ Touring Deluxe Lite size for many paddlers. Faster than the 12’6, more forgiving than the 28” width.
14’0 x 32”	Bigger paddlers, heavier kit loads and extra stability	426.7 x 81.3 x 15 cm / 409 L / approx. 9.8 kg	The sensible choice if you value confidence, volume and kit-carrying stability over outright speed.

Who it suits

The Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite suits paddlers who want a premium inflatable SUP for covering distance, exploring new routes and carrying light touring kit. It is ideal if you paddle on sheltered coastal water, estuaries, canals, rivers, lakes or harbours and want a board that feels more rewarding than a general all-round shape.

It is also a strong choice for anyone who values portability. The lighter Deluxe Lite build and compact Roll bag make it easier to live with if you are loading the board into a car, storing it at home or travelling with your kit.

Who it may not suit

If you mainly want a relaxed family board for short beach sessions, kids jumping on and off, or very casual paddling, an all-round paddleboard may be the easier choice. If you want maximum speed and already paddle at a higher level, you may also want to compare this with our composite paddleboards and race-focused options.

What’s included

• Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite inflatable paddleboard
• Starboard wheeled Roll board bag
• Double action Tiki pump
• Lightweight leash
• Starboard centre fin

A paddle is not listed as included with this board-only SUP Co listing. If you need a complete setup, view our SUP paddles or ask us for advice on the best paddle match for your height, budget and paddling style.

Useful accessories

For touring paddles, we would normally add a good paddle, a quick-release waist belt where appropriate, a waterproof dry bag, a phone case and suitable buoyancy aid. You can build out your setup from our paddleboarding accessories collection.

Try before you buy

If you are choosing between the 12’6 and 14’0 sizes, or deciding between 28”, 30” and 32” widths, it is worth trying before you buy where possible. Our SUP Test Centre at Woodmill, Southampton gives you the chance to compare boards on sheltered water with advice from the team.

Helpful buying links

• Shop all touring paddleboards
• Shop Starboard paddleboards, paddles and fins
• Compare inflatable paddleboards
• Read our best touring paddleboards guide
• Why testing a paddleboard before buying can help
• How to choose the right paddleboard for your skill level

FAQs

Is the Starboard Touring Deluxe Lite a good first board?

It can be, particularly in the 12’6 x 30” size or the wider 14’0 x 32” size if you are a larger paddler. If you are completely new and mainly want relaxed family paddling, an all-round SUP may feel easier at first. If you already know you want to cover distance, the Touring Deluxe Lite is a very sensible first serious board.

Should I choose 12’6 or 14’0?

Choose 12’6 if you want a more manageable touring board that is easier to turn, carry and live with. Choose 14’0 if you want better glide, straighter tracking and more efficiency over longer distances. Most paddlers notice the extra glide of a 14’ board, but it does feel longer to handle off the water.

Is the 14’0 x 28” too narrow?

For some paddlers, yes. The 28” width is best for lighter or more confident paddlers who want a faster feel. If you want a safer all-round touring choice, the 30” width is more forgiving. If stability is the priority, choose 32”.

Does this board come with a paddle?

This SUP Co listing is presented as a board package with bag, pump, leash and fin, but not a paddle. If you need a complete setup, add a suitable three-piece or two-piece paddle from our paddle collection.

Can I carry kit on it?

Yes. The Touring Deluxe Lite has adjustable front bungees designed for carrying light touring kit such as a dry bag, spare layer, drink, snacks or small safety items. For heavier loads, choose one of the wider or higher-volume sizes.

Can I try this board at The SUP Company?

Where demo availability allows, you can compare touring boards at our Woodmill SUP Test Centre in Southampton. This is particularly useful if you are deciding between sizes, as the difference between 12’6, 14’0, 28”, 30” and 32” is very noticeable on the water.