Sup touring is covering larger distances across the water on your SUP. Touring SUPs are built differently to more leisurely recreational SUPs, they are longer in most cases sitting between 12ft6 and 14ft in length. They are usually narrower as well, around 30in wide and have a more pointed nose.
Why are touring SUPs longer and narrower? They are built and shaped that way to promote easy paddling across large distances of water. They are designed to cover miles over many hours. The shape allows the touring SUP to glide faster through the water and so the SUPper can generate more speed. The shape promotes ease as there is less drag with a more streamlined shape, so the paddler doesn’t expel as much energy if they were paddling the same distance on a shorter, wider SUP.
Why are touring SUPs shaped with a pointy nose? They have this shape to displace the water, like a boat would. Because they are designed to cover large distances and use the paddlers energy in an efficient way, they slice through the water, rather than push the water out the way, like the more recreational SUPs would do.
Can I take things with me on my Touring SUP? Yes of course you can, and you’ll most likely need to if you plan to paddle from dawn till dusk. Check your SUP comes with a bungee system where you can secure items you’ll need for the day, or they might have hooks where you can attach items such as a bag to.
