Touring vs. All-around SUP – Which Paddle Board Is Best for Me?

Deciding which paddle board to choose is less about the board itself and more about you the paddler. You could make a list of pros and cons, but that’s not the best way to think about SUP design. Fundamentally, it’s not that one board shape is better than another, they’re simply different. Each model is designed to excel in different conditions and activities. Like a set of golf clubs, a putter isn’t outright better than a driver, it’s simply a different piece of equipment. You use a driver in a specific situation at which it excels, hitting the ball off the tee, and a putter for something entirely different, taking short shots on a tightly cropped green. Although you could line up a putter off the tee you probably won’t get the result you’re looking for.

The same holds true for stand up paddle boards. They come in all shapes and sizes because there are loads of different activities you can do with them. The key is to find the right piece of equipment for the way you plan to use it. Keep that in mind as we approach the two types of SUPs reviewed in this article, the touring vs. all-around SUP.

The pointed nose of a touring board is what makes it stand out. It’s drastically pointier than all the other SUP shapes. That narrow nose continues throughout the full length of the board. This allows a touring SUP to cut through the waves by parting and directing the water to either side. Even a bit of chop on the water is no problem. With some balance and a solid stroke you can paddle through.

The touring SUP’s sharp angles and streamlined shape are a great feature if you’re paddling for top speed over long distances. Over the long haul, every little bit of drag adds up stroke by stroke. By the end of the day you’ll have no question about the benefits of a touring board. With its sharp, pointed nose, it’s easier to track straight (maintain a straight line without having to steer or paddle on both sides frequently). Increased efficiency means you’ll achieve a smoother and much more efficient glide on top of the water.

However, a pointier nose and narrower deck also mean the paddle board won’t be as stable. This can be challenging for beginners as they’re getting the hang standing on water. However, if you already have a season or two of paddling under your belt and you’re looking for a board built for speed and long distances, a touring SUP is the way to go!

The rounded nose of an all-around SUP is one of the obvious differences compared to touring boards. What makes an all-around SUP different from other rounded nose boards like yoga, multi-purpose, etc., is that they strike a balance between speedy efficiency and stability.

That makes them incredibly versatile. In fact, it’s why they’re called all-arounders. The rounded nose has a rocker to it, meaning it curves upward from the bottom to keep it out of the water. This feature, along with a wider deck helps all-around boards ride on top of the water rather than parting waves to either side. This in turn makes them more stable. All-around SUPs are a great choice for almost any conditions but there are some limitations.