Hardboards are often praised after a test ride on a board in this category. Whether it's a touring, race or wave board, hardboards offer a more direct, lively feel for the specific requirements of stand-up paddling, which can increase the fun factor.
The Norden Touring is no exception. At 14.5 kilos, it is naturally heavier on land than an inflatable touring board, which is partly due to Norden's more robust construction; it is also available in a "Carbon Ultra Light" version, which is said to weigh over three kilos less and is therefore extremely light. But even the standard design is easy to manoeuvre on land with the integrated carrying handle and feels more lively on the water than comparable, lighter iSUPs. The board has a discreetly attractive design with the slight longitudinal deflection typical of displacement boards and a slightly rounded bow on the underside. The front area is voluminous, followed by a lowered deck in the standing area, which rises slightly towards the rails. You are virtually standing directly above the water level in a slight hollow. The tail of the board ends with a sharp edge. The high-quality GRP fin is firmly anchored in the US box.
On the water, the tipping stability of the board, which is only 29 inches wide, is impressive. Not only is it generally stable, but the noticeable stop point, when the board hardly tilts any further to the side, also conveys a great deal of safety. The low stance close to the surface of the water makes this possible, and when the foot reaches the side of the water when tipping, the righting moment increases significantly, making the board appear much more stable than an equally narrow, inflatable board with thick, round edges.
Norden Touring 12'6 "x29": Displacer with good acceleration
When paddling, the board accelerates smoothly; the slim displacement hull lies in the water for almost its entire length and is well suited for paddlers weighing between 60 and almost 90 kilos. Depending on the stance position, heavier paddlers can trim the nose of the board directly into the waterline in shallow water or create more freeboard for choppy waves in rougher conditions by taking a small step back. Even if waves wash some water over the bow tip, the dome-shaped bow deflects most of it sideways before it can reach the cockpit. You are not only stable there, but also largely dry.
The board convinces with very good directional stability, which allows many paddle strokes on one side. If you want, you can support the course with light foot steering. This puts pressure on the opposite side that you want to steer towards, which further improves directional stability and - with very good technique - makes changing sides almost superfluous. What I particularly like is how the board continues to glide after each paddle stroke, enabling a very good average speed. Turns where you stop in the middle are already quite successful, although not as fast as with inflatable boards that float high on the water like a pontoon. But turns with two steps to the tail are a lot of fun in comparison: the tail can be pushed noticeably into the water, but remains stable, so that you can navigate around buoys or simply circle on the spot with a slightly steeper board.
SUP conclusion: The Norden Touring 12'6" x 29" is a sporty touring board that should also appeal to fitness paddlers - they could even treat themselves to the particularly light carbon edition (surcharge 500 euros) if required. The board runs very straight, the low stance ensures a secure feeling and very good tipping stability in relation to the width. The board costs €1999 and should provide many years of enjoyment. If you want to know who is behind the Norden brand and the hardboard enthusiasm, you can find out more here the interview with Norden founder Andy Wirtz.
