BOARD TEST · SUPboarder
Same 14′ × 28″ — touring or racing?
▶ Comparison video · 18:56Two boards, both 14 feet long and 28 inches wide — do they ride the same? The All Star Airline and the Touring Inflatable Deluxe are swapped back and forth on flat water and in wind and chop, comparing speed and stability through to carrying gear and packing down.
- Little difference in flat-water speedAt a normal paddling pace the two boards felt similar. When pushing hard, the testers found the Airline slightly faster.
- Airline for chop and quick turnsThe testers felt stable on the Airline's wider tail and the support beside their feet. Step-back pivot turns were also easier and quicker.
- Touring for traveling with gearThe front and rear bungees and carry handles are practical. It tracks straight, so you switch paddle sides less often, and it packs down smaller.
- Decide how you'll ride before you pick a sizeIf you carry a lot and care about transport and storage, look at the Touring; for light touring mixed with racing and turn practice, look at the Airline.
Summarized from SUPboarder's test ride of these models and its English subtitles. Speed and stability depend on the rider and the water conditions.
Watch the video with the summary →
When you choose your first SUP, the great photos catch your eye first. But a board you'll enjoy for a long time has to fit your life as well as your body. Let's go through the 10 questions Starboard suggests, one by one.
01. Who will you ride with, and where?
First think about whether you'll ride alone or take turns with family. The rider's height, weight and experience are the starting point for choosing a board. If several people will share it, it's better not to decide based on just one person.
Also write down whether you want to cruise calm water, catch waves or try racing. Even within SUP, the products worth a look depend on the experience you want.
02. Think about your time out of the water, too
Do you have a place to keep the board? Picture your storage space at home, the elevator, your car and the route to the water. When storing and carrying are easy, heading out for the next ride is easy too.
Don't stop at reading the weight figure; check whether you can actually pick it up and carry it. Picture moving with the board plus your paddle and bag, and your choice becomes more concrete.
03. Include the gear you'll use with it in your budget
Even if the board you want fits your budget, that isn't everything you need. Check whether you already have the gear you need, such as a paddle, a suitable leash and a life jacket. What's included differs by product and package.
The last question is about caring for the sea. Small habits like taking home what you brought and following the rules on site are good preparation to start along with your new gear.
04. Write your ten answers on one page
You don't need a perfect answer to everything. Note down what you know, and narrow down the harder items one at a time with TIKI or by getting in touch. Recheck actual prices and what's included against the product you plan to buy.
- Who rides / Height and weight / Current skill
- Use / Where you'll mostly ride / Storage and transport
- Whether you can carry it / Total budget
- Paddle, leash and flotation / Habits that care for the sea
Sources and scope
The artwork is Starboard headquarters' original 10-question infographic. The everyday examples are Starboard Korea's editorial commentary. Linked products are a catalog for comparison, not a purchase recommendation for any particular person.
The illustration is Starboard's original artwork; the explanation is Starboard Korea's editorial guide, translated into English here. Sources checked: 2026-09-08.
