All-Around vs. Touring Paddle Boards: What’s the Difference?
If you're shopping for a paddle board, you've probably noticed two popular types: all-around and touring paddle boards. While they may look similar at first glance, these boards are designed for very different experiences on the water. Picking the right one can make all the difference in your paddle boarding adventures.
If you're shopping for a paddle board, you've probably noticed two popular types: all-around and touring paddle boards. While they may look similar at first glance, these boards are designed for very different experiences on the water. Picking the right one can make all the difference in your paddle boarding adventures.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between all-around and touring paddle boards to help you figure out which one is best for you.
What Is an All-Around Paddle Board?
An all-around paddle board is the jack-of-all-trades in the SUP world. It’s versatile, stable, and user-friendly—making it the go-to choice for beginners and casual paddlers.
Key Features:
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Shape: Rounded nose and tail with a wide center for stability.
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Length: Typically between 10 to 11.5 feet.
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Width: Around 32–34 inches for extra balance.
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Best For: Beginners, families, yoga, recreational paddling, and light surf.
All-around boards are built for comfort and flexibility. Whether you're paddling on a calm lake, cruising a lazy river, or playing around at the beach, this board has your back. Many inflatable all-around boards, like those from Glide, also come with kayak seat attachments—giving you even more options on the water.
What Is a Touring Paddle Board?
Touring paddle boards are designed with distance and efficiency in mind. If you’re looking to paddle farther and faster with less effort, this is your board.
Key Features:
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Shape: Pointed nose (displacement hull) for cutting through water.
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Length: Usually between 11 to 14 feet.
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Width: Narrower—around 28 to 32 inches—for better glide.
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Best For: Intermediate to advanced paddlers, long-distance paddling, fitness, and adventure trips.
Touring boards are made to track straight and glide efficiently, making them perfect for paddlers who love to explore or want a solid cardio workout. The trade-off? They’re usually a bit less stable than all-around boards, especially for beginners or in choppy conditions.
All-Around vs. Touring Paddle Boards: Side-by-Side
| Feature | All-Around SUP | Touring SUP |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Rounded nose, wider body | Pointed nose, streamlined body |
| Stability | Very stable | Less stable, especially for beginners |
| Speed | Moderate | Faster and more efficient |
| Tracking | Good, but can wander slightly | Excellent, goes straight with ease |
| Best Use | Casual paddling, yoga, surfing | Long-distance, fitness, expeditions |
| Experience Level | Beginner-friendly | Best for intermediate or advanced |
Which One Should You Choose?
The answer depends on how you plan to use your paddle board.
Choose an all-around SUP if:
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You’re new to paddleboarding.
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You want something fun and stable for lakes, rivers, or beaches.
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You like versatility—maybe even a little SUP yoga or paddling with a dog.
Choose a touring SUP if:
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You want to paddle faster and farther.
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You're planning longer trips or SUP fitness sessions.
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You already have some experience on a board and want to level up.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're in it for leisure or adventure, picking the right board shape will set you up for a better experience on the water. At Glide, we design both all-around and touring paddle boards built to last, perform, and inspire your next journey—wherever that may be.
Still not sure which board is right for you? Contact us or check out our board guide to get expert help finding your perfect match.
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