You may be an SUP enthusiast, and getting the best touring paddle board will undoubtedly give you the most optimal water experiences. This type of board is for covering long distances, expeditions, and coastal cruises. Also, a touring paddle board is right for you if you want speed, covering more ground, and competing in SUP races.
A touring paddle board is similar to a kayak in which it features a pointed nose. This touring board’s attribute lets you track straight, go faster, and cut through the water efficiently. Plus, the best touring paddle board gives you confidence, tracking, stability, and storage capacity. It is suitable for all capability levels.
Here are the eight top-rated touring paddle boards today. Also, at the end of this online discussion, you can get more significant insights about SUPs and how you can best relish this fascinating water-based leisure pursuit.
Table of Contents
Top 8 Best Touring Paddle Board Reviewed
- Hala Gear Carbon Nass-T 14 Inflatable Paddle Board
- Endurance VFT Paddle Board for Touring by Pau Hana
- Bluefin Inflatable Sprint Stand-up Paddle board
- Peak Expedition Stand-up Paddle board
- Hydro-Force Oceana Inflatable SUP by Bestway
- Expedition Touring Inflatable SUP by Thurso Surf
- Sea Eagle NeedleNose 126 Inflatable Stand-up Paddle board
- Hobie Mirage Eclipse 12.0 Pedalboard
#1. Hala Gear Carbon Nass-T 14 Inflatable Paddle Board
Specifications:
- Height: 14 feet tall
- Width: 28 inches wide
- Thickness: 4.75 inches thick
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Volume: 350 liters
- Construction: Carbon construction and Fusion Bi-Layer Drop Stitch
- Designed for: Touring, Distance paddling, Racing, Exploring wetland areas, Ocean touring
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Weight Capacity: Up to 350 pounds
You can feel assured that you availed of the best touring and racing paddle board with the Hala Gear Carbon Nass-T 14 Inflatable Paddle Board. This product is an elite racing inflatable paddle board made to be incredibly speedy. You can feel secure that you can accelerate and win in the competition with this touring board.
Hala Gear’s inflatable paddle board guarantees excellent performance and rigidity. The manufacturer constructed this unique stand-up paddle board using Carbon technology and Fusion Bi-Layer Drop Stitch material. This 14-feet-tall watercraft has the contour ideal for touring and racing. You can start training with it effectively and cover miles quickly.
The inflatable paddle board by Hala Gear also comes with a 1.5-inch stomp pad. This advantage enables you to achieve precise maneuverability and control while paddling. Besides, the square tail delivers stability and responsiveness. With the Hala Gear Carbon Nass-T 14 Inflatable Paddle Board, you can feel confident that you will bag the top prize in the race or enjoy your touring session as it also gives you peace of mind with its durability.
This top-of-the-line inflatable touring paddle board is portable and sturdy. In flex testing, it is thrice more rigid compared to standard SUPs. Hala Gear’s watercraft is undoubtedly an elite board that you will benefit considerably from because it is fast, touring and racing-perfect, and comfortable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unparalleled responsiveness and glide | A little tippy at the start |
| Rigid and stiff | |
| Great features |
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| Very fast |
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#2. Pau Hana Endurance VFT Touring Paddle Board
Specifications:
- Height: 12 feet tall
- Width: 32 inches wide
- Thickness: 6.5 inches thick
- Weight: 34.5 pounds
- Volume: 265 liters
- Construction: Vacuum Formed Technology or VFT
- Colors: Olive/Burnt Orange, Teal/Sea Foam
- Designed for: Touring, Multi-day camping adventures
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
You can relish fast and fun paddleboarding moments with the Pau Hana Endurance VFT Touring Paddle Board. It is fast and glides smoothly in the water. Besides, it is easy to paddle even if your overnight equipment gets it loaded completely.
The 12-feet-long and 32-inches-wide touring paddle board by Pau Hana is easy to carry and pull out of the water because of the tail, and nose grab handles in its rear and front portions. You can also engage in touring paddleboarding with peace of mind because of the Vacuum Formed Technology or VFT construction that makes this touring board extremely sturdy.
You get more comfortable in your long expeditions with this touring paddleboard because of the 19 SeaMounts. This best touring paddle board’s manufacturer strategically placed these features, so you can attach your accessories and have your belongings held securely.
The other features you can benefit from with this product are the leash cup, the center carrying handle insert, and the 5-millimeter, extra-soft ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA deck pad. They all add to your convenience as a stand-up paddleboarding enthusiast. These perks of owning the Pau Hana Endurance VFT Touring Paddle Board assures you that you get great value for your hard-earned money.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredibly versatile and can be for racing, touring, and family fun | Heavy |
| Highly durable |
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| Beautiful finish | |
| Very stable |
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#3. Bluefin Inflatable Sprint Stand-up Paddle board
Specifications:
- Height: 14 feet tall
- Width: 30 inches wide
- Thickness: 6 inches thick
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Skill Level: Beginner to expert; Teenagers to adults
- Weight Capacity: Up to 353 pounds
- Other features: Lightweight Aluminum paddle, Detachable fins, Dual-action, high-pressure pump, Carry bag, Two bungee storage areas, Kick pad feature, Fixed GoPro camera mount, Five-year warranty and 60-day money-back guarantee
If you love joining high-speed stand-up paddle boarding competitions, you should avail of the Bluefin Inflatable Sprint Stand-up Paddle board. This 30-inches-wide and 14-feet-tall watercraft delivers excellent performance. You can depend on it in touring SUP contests because it is speedy and capable of gliding remarkably.
The Sprint comes with a streamlined contour. It is narrow, long, and with a pointed nose, which are the ideal attributes of a touring paddle board. These features also facilitate it to minimize resistance. In flatwater, you get more tracking, thanks to this product’s big central fin.
Moreover, Bluefin’s inflatable SUP is sturdy. You can depend on it because the manufacturer used military-grade, triple-layered Polyvinyl chloride or PVC material and the densest Drop stitch pattern. Therefore, you have an awesomely rigid touring board that can last a long time. Also, this watercraft is highly stiff, and you will not get inconvenienced by wobbliness or flex.
The inflatable Sprint stand-up paddle board by Bluefin can hold paddlers of up to 353 pounds. Besides, it comes with loads of features for your convenience. You can use the extra D-rings to fasten a kayak seat or your cooler. Plus, the four-point bungee storage at the rear is for your belongings. You can find the eight-point bungee storage at the front, which you can utilize for your essential items as well.
You can feel assured that you will never get disappointed if you purchase the Bluefin Inflatable Sprint Stand-up Paddle board. It is because, aside from its speed, durability, and stability, it is highly versatile. You can use it whether you are an intermediate rider, a seasoned stand-up paddleboarder, or a novice.
Besides touring, you can enjoy this fantastic watercraft in various water-related activities, including exploration of seas, lakes, estuaries, rivers, and canals, and overnight stand-up paddleboarding expeditions. Plus, you can enjoy Bluefin’s product for long-distance paddleboarding, surfing, high-adrenaline wave riding, white water paddle boarding, Pilates, leisure paddling, and yoga.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Features a massive grip deck with kick pad | Manual inflation of the touring paddle board can be challenging |
| Unfailingly durable construction |
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| Outstanding glide and speed |
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| High-quality accessories |
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#4. Peak Expedition Stand-up Paddle board
Specifications:
- Height: 11 feet long
- Width: 32 inches wide
- Thickness: 6 inches thick
- Weight: 19.5 pounds
- Volume: 238 liters
- Construction: 6-inch, sturdy, military-grade, Polyvinyl chloride or PVC; Drop-stitch
- Colors: Coral, Moss,
- Designed for: Touring, Fishing, Spearfishing, Recreational paddling, All water conditions
- Skill Level: All skill levels
- Weight Capacity: Up to 275 pounds
If you seek perfection, you may say that you have found it in the Peak Expedition Stand-up Paddle board. It is because it is durable, easy to transport, comfortable, versatile, packed with relevant features, and above all, worth your hard-earned money.
The stand-up paddle board by Peak’s outer shell is sturdy and puncture-resistant. The manufacturer utilized durable, six-inch, military-grade Polyvinyl chloride or PVC and drop-stitch materials. Therefore, you can feel assured that your authentic watercraft is safe against unwanted damage or dings.
Furthermore, this best touring paddle board is lightweight and easy to carry from your car to the lake because of the tail and nose carry handle. The maker of the Peak Expedition touring board undoubtedly created this product for your convenience. You can enjoy this touring paddle board with a friend, your beloved dog, or your cooler aboard, making you feel pleased and cozy.
The touring paddle board by Peak also features a non-slip grip and stability, giving you a steady experience. Plus, the comfortable foam top lets you kneel or stand on the paddle board. Putting this watercraft away is also effortless, thanks to its property of rolling up and fitting into a portable backpack. You can keep it on your getaway golf cart or your car’s roof quickly as well.
You will genuinely love the Peak Expedition Stand-up Paddle board as an adventurous paddleboarder who has the penchant for water explorations. This 11-feet-long and 19.5-pound-light touring board cruises smoothly in all types of weather and water conditions.
Aside from touring, Peak’s product is ideal for recreational paddling, fishing, spearfishing, and snorkeling. As you can see, shelling out a little over $600 is not a bad option since you genuinely get tremendous value for your hard-earned money with the Peak Expedition Stand-up Paddle board.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with inflatable stand-up paddleboarding accessory bundle | The manual pump makes this touring paddle board a little challenging to inflate |
| Sufficient bungee straps |
|
| Virtually indestructible | |
| Glides smoothly |
|
#5. Hydro-Force Oceana Inflatable SUP by Bestway
Specifications:
- Height: 10 feet tall
- Width: 33 inches wide
- Thickness: 6 inches thick
- Weight: 35.3 pounds
- Volume: 320 liters
- Construction: Drop Stitch and TriTech materials
- Colors: Aqua Journey, Oceana, White Cap
- Designed for: Touring, Relaxation in the water, Small wave conditions, Flatwater environments, Ocean adventures, River and lake expeditions
- Skill Level: All skill levels
- Weight Capacity: Up to 287 pounds or 130 kilograms
You will find it unbelievable, but there is a touring paddle board that also doubles as a kayak: The Bestway Hydro-Force Oceana Inflatable Stand-up Paddle Board. This top-rated touring board allows you to sit down, explore new water bodies, and relax. On the oar, this product comes with a two-blade section for kayaking. You can also enjoy the footrest, backrest, and the detachable seat installed for your pure paddleboarding comfort.
Bestway’s 10-feet-tall touring paddl eboard is also versatile because paddlers of all skill levels can use it. That is right. Experts, children, novice paddlers, and adults of up to 287 pounds can relish this watercraft.
You will also love the balance and total directional stability that this stand-up paddle board’s broad base offers. It is lightweight, highly maneuverable, more stable, and smooth, thanks to the thick Drop Stitch and TriTech materials used for its construction.
Furthermore, the sturdy and highly rigid inflatable SUP by Bestway features a non-slip traction pad. This advantage lets you paddle water bodies without slipping and adds to your comfort and stability.
Bestway’s touring paddle board is, indeed, all-around because you can use it in various water environments, including the flat waters, rivers, oceans, lakes, and shorelines. Besides touring, the Hydro-Force Oceana inflatable SUP is perfect for catching waves, adventures in small wave conditions, and relaxation on the water.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with plenty of useful accessories | A paddle not a part of the package |
| Easy to convert to a kayak | A little too narrow |
| Easy to inflate and deflate |
|
| Highly stable | |
#6. Expedition Touring Inflatable SUP by Thurso Surf
Specifications:
- Height: 6 inches and 11 feet tall [11’6” tall]
- Width: 30 inches wide
- Thickness: 6 inches thick
- Weight: 28 pounds
- Volume: 300 liters
- Construction: Double-layer construction; Quad or triple, military-grade Polyvinyl chloride or PVC coatings; Drop-stitch core
- Colors: White, black, and pink hues in the body
- Designed for: Touring, Fast paddlers, Multi-day or long trips
- Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced
- Weight Capacity: Up to 330 pounds
If you are a fast paddler who wants stable and smooth glides in the water, you should try the Thurso Surf Expedition Touring Inflatable Stand-up Paddle board. Although this touring paddle board is shorter than other stand-up paddle boards at 11 feet and 6 inches tall, you will feel impressed with its numerous capabilities.
This excellent touring paddle board by Thurso Surf can glide at an unprecedented pace. Even in waters that are not calm, you will feel wowed because it can perform very well. The manufacturer of the Thurso Surf touring board made it for speed. Therefore, you will surely appreciate buying it if you are a fast paddler. You will relish more exciting, long, or multi-day trips with it as well.
Aside from its remarkable speed and capabilities of slicing through the water quickly and seamlessly, this touring board with a pointed nose and narrow tail delivers a lifetime’s stability. The Thurso Surf touring paddle board’s three fins guarantee that you get optimal stability in rough waters. Plus, with a 30-inch width, you can paddle as quickly as you want and still experience outstanding balance.
The Thurso Surf Expedition has a sleek design and a streamlined contour. It is very sturdy because of its Drop stitch construction. Plus, it features the triple or quad military-strength, Polyvinyl chloride or PVC coatings, and double-layer construction on both the touring and deck sides.
These advantages contribute tremendously to the touring paddle board’s stability, preventing wobbliness, sinking, dragging, or bending. The Thurso Surf Expedition Touring Inflatable Stand-up Paddle board will undoubtedly not disappoint you in your desire for quick and stable paddles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast, streamlined, and narrow | A tail grab handle is not a part of the package |
| State-of-the-art construction |
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| Premium-quality accessories |
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| Beautiful design | |
#7. Sea Eagle NeedleNose 126 Inflatable Stand-up Paddle board
Specifications:
- Height: 6 inches and 12 feet tall [12’6” tall]
- Width: 30 inches wide
- Thickness: 6 inches thick
- Weight: 31 pounds [14 kilograms]
- Volume: 254 liters
- Construction: Reinforced Drop Stitch – 1100 Decitex
- Designed for: Touring, Fishing
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Weight Capacity: One person; Up to 225 pounds
- Other features: Fishing Rig – Universal Swivel Seat, Two pieces of Universal Scotty Rodholders, Four-part, AB30 double-bladed paddle, Carry-all backpack, Repair kit, Hand piston pump, Deck mounts
The Sea Eagle NeedleNose 126 Inflatable Stand-up Paddle board lets you paddle faster and more effortlessly. Thanks to its breakthrough design, this inflatable touring paddle board is one of the best touring paddle boards that allow you to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding and fishing while seated or standing up.
Moreover, this marvelous touring paddle board by Sea Eagle features heightened flotation and a more extensive and stable platform compared to its predecessors. It places you precisely in the middle. Besides, this 12-feet and six-inches-tall touring board has the ideal touring contour, straight-line hull, and custom performance kicktail.
At six inches thick, Sea Eagle’s inflatable stand-up paddle board also delivers quite well with its diamond pattern deck pad and patent-pending wave-piercing bow. Buyers have lauded it tremendously as the best tracking, inflatable touring paddle board in the world.
The NeedleNose 126 touring board is ideal for you if your weight is 225 pounds or below. You can bid farewell to your anxieties about flotation and rigidity. It is because this touring paddl eboard performs quite well through its Swivel Seat Fishing Rig feature, whether you prefer to use it while standing or sitting. Plus, the inflatable stand-up paddle board by Sea Eagle is easy to inflate, and you can complete it in less than ten minutes.
Finally, this 31-pound, commendable touring paddle board deserves more of your praise because of its durable construction. Its manufacturer utilized 1100 Decitex Reinforced Drop Stitch and quadruple overlap seams to give you peace of mind as you paddle.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable inflatable seat | Could use a waist belt |
| Fast and easy to assemble |
|
| Stable and fast | |
| Easy to carry |
|
#8. Hobie Mirage Eclipse 12.0 Pedalboard
Specifications:
- Height: 12 feet tall
- Width: 35 inches wide
- Thickness: About 6 inches thick
- Weight: 48 pounds
- Color: Solar Yellow 12, Lunar Blue 12
- Designed for: Touring
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Weight Capacity: Up to 275 pounds
Thrilling, fast, and stable rides await you with the Hobie Mirage Eclipse 12.0 Pedalboard. On the water, this sturdy and lightweight watercraft lets you stand tall, taking stand-up paddleboarding to an entirely new stage.
You can relish all-day comfort in the water with the Hobie Mirage Eclipse 12.0 Pedalboard. As one of the world’s first-ever watercraft, it features soft cushioning via the high-grip, ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA deck pads.
You will not have a hard time transporting the Hobie Mirage Eclipse 12.0 Pedalboard, thanks to its stern and bow carry handles. Also, it is swift to disassemble and set up. You get the option for side carrying handles as well.
Moreover, you can bring your favorite hobbies and items with you. This top touring paddle board has bungee tie-downs on its rear. You can keep your cooler or gear there securely. This product is full of relevant and useful advantages you can get: the carefree kick-up rudder, the height-adjustable handlebars, bow handle, and gear tie-downs.
You will love the endless choices you get with the Mirage Eclipse 12.0 Pedalboard by Hobie. When using it as a traditional stand-up paddle board, you can lock the removable kick-up rudder into place. You can also pedal this touring paddle board using your legs through the MirageDrive leg power, facilitating incredibly stable water journeys.
With the Mirage Eclipse 12.0 Pedalboard by Hobie, you can take pleasure in exceptionally fast paddleboarding by yourself or with your friends and family members. You, indeed, can look forward to a powerful, stable, and controlled water experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Suitable for different age ranges and strength levels | A bit on the heavier side |
| Effortless to set up and disassemble | |
| Very easy to use |
|
| Stable | |
Our Favorite Touring Paddle Board
For less than $800, great value comes if you buy the Bluefin Inflatable Sprint Stand-up Paddle board. This best touring paddle board is competition-grade fast. You will relish your stand-up paddling moments because this product’s manufacturer designed it for high-speed, SUP contests.
Also, the excellent stand-up paddle board by Bluefin has all the features of a genuine touring board: It is 14 feet tall and 30 inches wide, features a pointed nose, and capable of superb tracking with minimal resistance. This speedy inflatable touring board can glide excellently as well.
You will undoubtedly not regret buying this touring paddle board due to its outstanding sturdiness. The manufacturer utilized military-grade, triple-layered Polyvinyl chloride or PVC and the densest Drop stitch pattern to produce a powerful stand-up paddle board. This product will save you considerable amounts of money for being long-lasting. Plus, it comes with useful and highly relevant features.
The Bluefin Inflatable Sprint Stand-up Paddle board is very versatile. Aside from SUP competitions, you can use this 29-pound, blue touring paddle board for overnight stand-up paddleboarding expeditions. It is also perfect for long-distance paddleboarding, high-adrenaline wave riding, and surfing.
Moreover, you can enjoy it in doing Pilates, white water paddleboarding, leisure paddling, and yoga. The inflatable Sprint is also perfect for exploring various water bodies like canals, seas, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. As you can see, with all of these tremendous benefits you can get, your hard-earned money can give you considerable value if you select the Bluefin Inflatable Sprint Stand-up Paddle board.
Buyer’s Guide to Touring Paddle Boards
Purchasing the best touring paddle board for the first time may be tricky. You may wonder which factors are significant for you to consider. The following dimensions offer you some insights on what makes a touring paddle board the suitable one for you:
1) LENGTH
Touring paddle boards have standard lengths between 11 to 14 inches long. The length determines how the watercraft slides and tracks on the water. The longboards ease your worries about making more strokes and going off path merely to adjust the direction.
On the contrary, you cannot make a single and robust paddle stroke with shorter boards. These watercraft requires you to make plenty of strokes because you have to maintain the direction. Plus, your slide’s length will be shorter, unlike with the standard-sized, long touring paddle board.
2) WIDTH
The best touring paddle boards typically have the standard widths of 28 to 32 inches wide. The board’s width is the determinant of the touring SUP’s stability. But the wider the board is, the more you trade stability with pace.
Therefore, the touring paddle board you will avail of has to have a good ratio of width and length. For a touring paddle board, 32 inches wide is a favorable blend of stability and speed, assuming that it is about 12 feet tall.
3) THICKNESS
Six inches is the standard for the thickness of touring paddle boards. The thicker these boards are, the stiffer and the lesser they flex and become wobbly.
Touring paddle boards that are as stiff as hardboards give you peace of mind. You do not have to feel anxious about the touring board flexing or bending while you are in the water.
The touring paddle board’s length, width, and thickness are three of the fundamental factors you need to consider before buying your water sports equipment. They influence your performance and safety in the water, so you should pay close attention to them when you go shopping
Conclusion
The best touring paddle boards abound in brick and mortar and digital shops today. This brief guide lets you learn about eight of the highly-rated watercraft. These touring boards offer impressive speed, durability, stability, and versatility that are the main attributes of the optimal stand-up paddle boards. Also, they are lightweight, packed with features, and offered at reasonable prices.
Touring paddleboarding is a must-try activity. It is thrilling, and you will hone your water sports skills more. You can avail of one of the best touring paddle boards and begin engaging in the popular water-based pursuit anytime you are free.
You can feel sure that you got the optimal product if it can perform in various conditions, including extended distances, windy weather, small currents, large water ripples, and carrying your belongings.
You should remember that the goal of using touring paddle boards is for you to feel confident and energetic, regardless if you paddle forward for several minutes and long distances. Above all, the best touring paddle board gives you extensive and smooth rides on various water bodies and allows you to relish your natural environment.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Which is better, an all-around stand-up paddle board or a touring paddle board?
ANSWER: Comparing an all-around stand-up paddle board with a touring paddle board is like telling apart oranges and apples. It is because these famous stand-up paddle board classifications have their place. Therefore, in each circumstance, it is impossible to remark that one is better than the other.
The touring paddle board is the ideal option if you are specifically searching for watercraft for touring and uninterested in other paddling activities like fishing and stand-up paddleboarding fitness. On the other hand, the all-around stand-up paddle board is right for you if you want a more versatile watercraft.
Q: What is the best size of a touring paddle board?
ANSWER: Tracking and paddling speed are significant in touring or stand-up paddleboarding. Hence, you should get the best value if you avail of long touring paddle boards.
The best length is between 11 feet to 14 feet tall. Meanwhile, the ideal width is between 30 to 32 inches wide.
Q: Where is touring paddleboarding popular?
Touring paddleboarding is popular in several hot and happening locales around the world. You can enjoy this well-known water-based activity in these international destinations:
- Hawaii, USA
- California, USA
- Florida Keys, USA
- Costa Rica
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- New Zealand
- Slovenia
- Mexico
- Portugal
- Canada
These locations possess picturesque natural allure. They have unparalleled natural resources and spectacular and verdant or highly blue lagoons. Therefore, you need to add touring in these pristine locations to your bucket list.
Related Resources
- Paddle Board Brands
- Whitewater SUPs
- SUP Foils
- Walmart Paddle Boards
- Body Glove Paddle Boards
- Jimmy Styks Paddle Boards
- Costco Wavestorm Paddle Boards
G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home, Indonesia. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely coffee and rock climbing, and am also a regular rowing content contributor.
