5 Best Thurso Paddle Boards To Buy In 2024
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A Thurso paddle board is one of the most commonly overlooked SUPs on the market. They are truly amazing! When most people think of a paddle board – names like Tower, ISLE and ROC come to mind.
But it’s my goal to change your impression of these paddle boards in this article. Because I genuinely believe that Thurso makes some of the best SUPs on the market.
This article will pick out and detail five top-of-the-line models that you’d be crazy not to consider right now.
Let’s get into it 🙂
| Looking for our best paddle board product recommendations? Check the Paddleboard Insiders Buyer Guides |
Table Of Contents
Who Is Thurso Surf?
Thurso Surf is a company that specializes in creating high-quality paddleboards designed for a wide range of paddlers and SUP activities. Founded by Shenglong You in Toronto, Canada, in 2017, the company has quickly established itself as one of the leading paddle board companies in the world.
Shenglong You’s background in mechanical engineering and fluid dynamics has significantly influenced the design of Thurso Surf paddleboards, making them not only aesthetically pleasing but also high-performing on the water. They are constantly driving towards improving their boards, and like I said before – they are some of the best out there.
Let’s talk about the Thurso paddle board options you should look into now.
5 Best Thurso Paddle Board Options In 2024
| Category | Thurso Paddle Board |
| Best Everyday SUP | Waterwalker 10’6″ |
| Best Multi-Purpose SUP | Max 11’6″ |
| Amazing For Touring | Expedition 12’6″ |
| Great For Teens | Adept 9′ |
| Best For Kids | Prodigy 7’6″ |
Let’s go through each of these one-by-one so you understand which is right for you.
#1: Thurso Waterwalker 10’6″ (Best Everyday SUP)
Where To Buy: Thurso Surf
Specs & Features:
– Dimensions 10’6″ x 31″ x 6″
– Volume 270L
– Weight Capacity of 300 lbs
– Weight of 23.7 lbs
– Comes with a 30 day guarantee & 2 year warranty
| PROS | CONS |
| – The board is quicker than expected, it has a narrow plan shape from tip to tail and this helps keep it going in a consistent line in the water. – Really good package deal – it comes with an electric pump and accessory pouch. – It’s lightweight (23.7 lbs) and easy to carry when inflated even for women and teenagers. – Really competitive pricing compared to other similar paddle board models. | – The carry handle is slightly off center which makes it slightly unbalanced when carrying it. |
Details:
The THURSO Surf Waterwalker 126 is a top choice for everyday SUPs in 2024, combining innovation and versatility for water sports enthusiasts. Featuring a new woven reinforcement material, it offers improved performance and lighter weight. This all-around inflatable paddle board is perfect for a range of activities, from paddling and surfing to SUP yoga and fishing, thanks to its hybrid shape that blends traditional and touring board features.
It’s designed for all skill levels, ensuring a great experience whether you’re a beginner or more advanced. With a carbon shaft paddle, roller backpack, rechargeable electric pump, and coiled leash included, this deluxe package provides everything needed for the water. Durability and performance are unmatched, thanks to double layer construction, military-grade PVC, and carbon-reinforced rails.
Additional features like a GoPro mount, tool-less fin setups, and expandable bungees for gear storage enhance versatility and enjoyment. This is 100% my favorite Thurso paddle board on the market.
| Check Price ➡️ Thurso Surf |
#2: Thurso Max 11’6″ (Best Multi-Purpose SUP)
Where To Buy: Thurso Surf
Specs & Features:
– Dimensions 11’6″ x 34″ x 6″
– Volume 340L
– Weight Capacity of 370 lbs
– Weight of 29 lbs
– Comes with a 30 day guarantee & 2 year warranty
| PROS | CONS |
| – This paddle board is wide and extremely stable, which gives you the option for many activities without worrying about balance. – Comes with a really nice set of accessories including a carbon paddle and high quality accessory bag. – There are multiple cargo areas, tie down points and paddle holders that make it versatile. – High construction quality and durability – this SUP will last a long time if you look after it. | – It does not come with mounts for fishing racks, they will need to be bought separately. |
Details:
The THURSO Surf Max is a standout choice for 2024, designed to excel in a variety of activities including fishing, yoga, and paddling. Optimized for stability and speed, its deck is fully covered with a traction pad for comfort in any position, even when wet. Suitable for all paddlers, the board’s large size can accommodate multiple riders or a hefty load, making it versatile for various adventures.
Constructed with double-layer PVC and reinforced with carbon rails, it combines durability with performance. The package includes a carbon shaft paddle, quick lock fins, a leash, a pump, and a roller backpack, offering great value. Its unique wood graphic, inspired by nature, adds to its appeal.
Additionally, the board features a rechargeable electric air pump for easy inflation and a roller backpack for convenient transport. THURSO SURF’s commitment to quality is evident in their two-year warranty and comprehensive package, making the Max one of the best multi-purpose SUPs on the market in 2024.
| Check Price ➡️ Thurso Surf |
#3: Thurso Expedition 12’6″ (Amazing For Touring)
Where To Buy: Thurso Surf
Specs & Features:
– Dimensions 12’6″ x 31″ x 6″
– Volume 360L
– Weight Capacity of 400 lbs
– Weight of 26 lbs
– Comes with a 30 day guarantee & 2 year warranty
| PROS | CONS |
| – Really fast on the water, with the narrow shape and pointed nose cutting through even choppy seas. – Love that they include storage space on the front and the back of the board so that you can attach a cooler and your bag. – High quality construction with the drop stitch technology and carbon fiber rail reinforcements make this board stiff and durable. – Large weight capacity makes this a great board for heavier riders. – The upgraded roller bag is really nice. | – It is more of an intermediate paddle board. Because of the narrower width, it is less stable than other SUPs. – Heavier than other boards (26 lbs) making it a bit harder to carry. |
Details:
The THURSO Surf Expedition is widely recognized as one of the best touring SUPs available, designed for adventurers who crave long-distance paddling. Crafted for high performance, its sleek shape ensures efficient coverage of water with each stroke, making it ideal for coastal cruising and navigating ocean swells, as well as excelling in flat water conditions. Its construction features a double layer of PVC with a woven drop-stitch core and carbon reinforcement rails, ensuring durability, rigidity, and lightweight handling.
This SUP is complemented by a deluxe package that includes a carbon hybrid paddle, a US touring fin for superior tracking, a dual chamber pump for quick inflation, a roller backpack for easy transport, and a leash for safety. The board also boasts unique additions like a GoPro mount and side D-rings for kayak seat attachment, enhancing its versatility.
With its nature-inspired wood graphic, extra traction and comfort deck pad, and a kick tail for improved maneuverability, the Expedition Touring SUP combines aesthetic appeal with functional design, embodying top engineering and premium materials.
| Check Price ➡️ Thurso Surf |
#4: Thurso Adept 9′ (Great For Teens)
Where To Buy: Thurso Surf
Specs & Features:
– Dimensions 12’6″ x 28″ x 4.7″
– Volume 190L
– Weight Capacity of 120 lbs
– Weight of 19 lbs
– Comes with a 30 day guarantee & 2 year warranty
| PROS | CONS |
| – It has a similar shape and structure to the Waterwalker, which makes it a stable and well designed paddle board. – It has a decent weight capacity that teens won’t grow out of too quickly, and even many women could love this SUP. – Really competitive pricing for a high quality paddle board. – Comes with high quality accessories that will get you out on the water fast. – It’s also a good board to get for younger kids so that they can grow into it. | – This board also carries a slightly off center carry handle that makes it a bit awkward to carry. |
Details:
The THURSO Surf Adept is a really nice paddleboard designed specifically for teens, making it one of the best SUPs for this age group. Unlike other kids’ boards, the Adept’s shape and size cater to the unique needs of teenagers, ensuring a balance between stability and maneuverability. Crafted from premium PVC, it mirrors the high-tech construction of adult paddleboards, promising excellent performance and durability. This lightweight board is easy for teens to carry and handle, accelerating quickly and making it ideal for those learning to paddle.
The Adept comes as a complete package with accessories tailored for youth, including a carbon hybrid paddle, a manual pump, a roller backpack for easy transport, and a coiled leash, among others. It also features front and rear rigging and multiple D-rings for attaching gear, enhancing its versatility. An action cam mount adds to its appeal, allowing teens to capture their water adventures.
THURSO Surf’s commitment to quality is evident, offering a two-year full warranty, ensuring that this board is not just a toy but a fully functional SUP for young enthusiasts looking to explore the waters.
| Check Price ➡️ Thurso Surf |
#5: Thurso Prodigy 7’6″ (Best For Kids)
Where To Buy: Thurso Surf
Specs & Features:
– Dimensions 7’6″ x 30″ x 4″
– Volume 150L
– Weight Capacity of 80 lbs
– Weight of 19 lbs
– Comes with a 30 day guarantee & 2 year warranty
| PROS | CONS |
| – It is lightweight and easy to carry for kids. Weighing just 19 lbs this is really nice because you won’t need to carry it for them. – It has a large deck pad that allows lots of space to move around. – This is a wide and thick paddle board that makes it extremely stable – allowing kids to build confidence as they learn to SUP. – Really nice price. | – This board would benefit from a larger center fin to make it easier for tracking and stability purposes. |
Details:
The THURSO Surf Prodigy is specifically designed for young paddlers, making it one of the best SUPs for kids on the market. Tailored to junior paddlers of all levels, this 7’6″ board combines stability with maneuverability, ideal for those weighing up to 165 lbs. Though it doesn’t come with a pump, its double-layer construction with military-grade PVC ensures durability and performance akin to a hardboard. The adjustable carbon shaft paddle, included in the package, is lightweight and can be transformed into a kayak paddle, offering versatility.
The board’s design features three removable fins for adaptable setup options to suit various water conditions, enhancing stability or tracking as needed. THURSO Surf’s commitment to quality is evident in their comprehensive analysis and testing process, ensuring that this product not only meets but exceeds expectations for junior paddlers.
With a two-year full warranty, this SUP package promises confidence in its enduring value and performance, providing everything a young enthusiast needs to start their paddling adventures.
| Check Price ➡️ Thurso Surf |
Other Thurso Accessories
Here are a few other accessories that are really nice from Thurso and will enhance your paddling experience.
| Here are my top accessory recommendations for 2024 The 23 Best Paddleboard Accessories That You Need In 2024 |
Recommendation 1: Thurso SUP Kayak Seat
Where To Buy: Thurso Surf
This is a high quality polyethylene seat that will transform your paddle board into a kayak.
So if you ever get tired or just want the chance to sit down on your board comfortably, then this will work out great for you.
Recommendation 2: Thurso SUP Electric Pump
Where To Buy: Thurso Surf
This is a really nice electric paddle board pump that will help you with inflating your SUP.
Specs:
Voltage = 12V
Flow Rate of 78 L/min
Type-C Car Connector
How To Choose The Right Thurso Paddle Board
Choosing the right Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) involves considering several key factors, including the type of board (inflatable vs. solid), volume and weight capacity, length, width, thickness, fin setup, and additional features like deck pads and leashes.
Type of Board:
Inflatable SUPs are great for those with limited storage space or who travel frequently, as they can be easily transported and stored. Solid SUPs offer more stability and are better suited for wave riding but require more storage space.
Volume and Weight Capacity:
The volume, expressed in liters, indicates the board’s buoyancy and how much weight it can support. It’s crucial to choose a board that can support your weight plus any gear you plan to bring along. The weight capacity is usually listed in the board’s specifications. All of the Thurso paddle board options are extremely transparent about their volume and weight capacity to help you out.
Length:
Boards under 10 feet are agile and suitable for surfing and kids. Medium-sized boards (10’ to 12’) offer versatility for all-around use, SUP yoga, and are easier for beginners. Longer boards (12’6” and above) are designed for speed, touring, and long-distance paddling.
Width:
Wider boards provide more stability, which is beneficial for beginners, SUP yoga, and recreational use. Narrower boards are faster and offer better maneuverability, preferred for racing and experienced paddlers.
Thickness:
The thickness of the board affects its volume and weight capacity. Thicker boards can support more weight and provide higher primary stability, while thinner boards are more agile.
Fin Setup:
Fins enhance the board’s tracking and stability. A single large fin is ideal for flat water paddling due to its good tracking and minimal drag. The 2+1 fin setup, with one large and two smaller side fins, is preferred by surfers for better maneuverability. Some inflatable boards come with non-removable side fins, known as side bites, for added stability.
Additional Features:
Look for SUPs with comfortable deck pads for standing or kneeling, carry handles for easy transportation, and a leash for safety. The leash keeps the board attached to you if you fall off, which is crucial for safety.
When selecting a SUP, consider your intended activities, body type, skill level, and personal preferences. Beginners might prefer wider and more stable boards, while experienced paddlers may opt for narrower, faster boards. Additionally, consider the board’s construction, materials, and any included accessories to ensure you get the most value and enjoyment from your purchase.
Conclusion:
The Thurso paddle board lineup of paddle boards presents an impressive range of options that cater to various paddling activities and skill levels. From the everyday versatility of the Waterwalker 10’6″ to the youth-specific design of the Prodigy 7’6″, Thurso Surf proves to be a formidable competitor in the SUP market, often overlooked but highly deserving of consideration. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and performance, backed by a solid warranty, positions them as a top choice for paddlers seeking reliable and enjoyable gear for their water adventures.
| Looking for insider guides to some amazing paddle boarding locations? Check the Paddleboard Insiders Location Guides |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a Thurso Surf paddle board over other brands?
Thurso Surf paddle boards stand out due to their high-quality construction, innovative designs influenced by mechanical engineering and fluid dynamics, and a wide range of models suited for different activities and skill levels. Their boards offer a great balance of aesthetics, performance, and durability, making them a valuable choice for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
What makes the Waterwalker 10’6″ the best everyday SUP?
The Waterwalker 10’6″ is considered the best everyday SUP due to its all-around design that offers a perfect balance between stability, speed, and maneuverability. It’s equipped with features like a carbon shaft paddle and a roller backpack, making it versatile for various activities such as paddling, surfing, and SUP yoga.
Can the Max 11’6″ be used for activities other than paddling?
Yes, the Max 11’6″ is designed as a multi-purpose SUP that is exceptionally stable and wide, making it suitable for fishing, yoga, and even bringing along a pet or child. Its design and included accessories, like the carbon paddle and multiple cargo areas, enhance its versatility for a range of activities.
Is the Expedition 12’6″ suitable for beginners?
The Expedition 12’6″ is more suited for intermediate to advanced paddlers due to its narrower width and touring design aimed at long-distance paddling. Beginners may find it less stable than wider, shorter boards but it’s ideal for those looking to progress to faster paddling or touring.
How do I choose the right Thurso Surf paddle board for my needs?
Selecting the right paddle board involves considering your intended use, skill level, body type, and personal preferences. Beginners may prefer wider, more stable boards for easier balance, while experienced paddlers might opt for narrower, longer boards for speed and touring. Assess the board’s volume, weight capacity, and additional features such as fin setups and deck pads to find a board that aligns with your paddling goals and style.
