Thurso Surf Max Multi-Purpose In-Depth Inflatable SUP Review

The Thurso Surf Max Multi-Purpose is the board you want if you need extra stability and space to load it up with lots of weight be it gear, kids or dogs.

The larger 34” width provides a very stable platform and we have found that the Max is able to handle just about anything.

This board can be used for cruising around on lakes, ocean bays or rivers, water fun with the family, SUP yoga, overnight expeditions or even for fishing.

The Max is truly a multi-purpose board as the name implies. This is an ideal family paddle board with some great features and it is a lot of fun to use!

It can handle multiple dogs or kids so you can bring out your whole SUP crew!

We did a fair amount of dog training on the Max and as you can see below my friend is working with my dogs and her big golden doodle to be comfortable together on the board. – This was her 8 month old pups first time on a paddle board. 🙂

Need an extra stable board? Keep reading and we’ll dive into some more details!

SPECS

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MOST IDEAL FOR:

• Those who need extra stability.
• Families – Paddling with kids and dogs.
• Carrying lots of gear.

Below is a really quick video showing us doing some easy paddling on the Thurso Surf Max with our dogs.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

Included in the Thurso Surf Max Multi-Purpose ISUP Package is:

• Max Inflatable SUP
• 3-Piece Carbon Shaft Paddle
• 3 Quick Lock Removable Fins
• Double Action Hand Pump
• 10’ Coiled SUP Leash
• Roller Backpack
• Repair Kit

The accessory package is high quality and gives you everything you need to get on the water except for your PFD.

Below we will take a closer look at the deluxe accessories.

3-PIECE CARBON SHAFT PADDLE

Thurso Surf includes a 3-piece light weight carbon-shaft paddle in their ISUP packages.

The paddle is fully adjustable from 68” – 84” and stores inside the backpack when broken down into 3-pieces.

We find that this paddle feels great to use and the light weight design will allow you to paddle further with less effort.

ROLLER BACKPACK

The Thurso Surf backpack with integrated wheels is perfect for travel or for easily getting your board to and from the water.

The backpack has padded shoulder straps, waist strap and a chest strap for added support. However the Max is quite heavy at 33 lbs. and I definitely found it a bit heavy to be carrying on my back so really appreciated the wheels.

The integrated wheels make it easy to pull the pack to and from your destination.

The bag unzips on three sides making it easy to place the board and accessories in the bag as well as get them out. I had no trouble fitting the board and all accessories inside the bag with a little room to spare.

DOUBLE ACTION HAND PUMP

The hand pump is able to inflate as well as deflate the board.

With the integrated pressure gauge you can watch your progress as you inflate the board up to 15 PSI.

It took me just under ten minutes to inflate the Max paddle board with the hand pump to 15 PSI.

3 REMOVABLE FINS

The 3 Quick-Lock removable fins slide into the fin boxes and then clip down easily into place. It only takes seconds to install them.

You can choose to simply use the larger centre fin or all three. With this particular board I personally preferred the tri-fin configuration (all three fins).

With the three fins attached the tracking is greatly improved and the board feels extra stable.

10’ COILED SUP LEASH

Included in the package is a 10’ coiled SUP leash. The coiled SUP leash is ideal for paddling on calm water.

Attach one end of the leash to the back D-ring on your board and then velcro the other end around your ankle.

The leash will keep your board from being swept away from you if you should fall in the water.

The coiled leash as opposed to a straight leash is ideal for flat water paddling and will not drag in the water or get in the way of your feet.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

FRONT & BACK BUNGEES

There is lots of bungee space on this board for securing gear.

The large bungee at the nose of the board is perfect for storing a dry bag or securing a cooler.

The smaller back bungee cords can be used for securing smaller items such as shoes or another dry bag.

PADDLE HOLDER

The side paddle holder is unique to the Thurso Surf inflatable paddle boards and in my opinion is a really cool feature.

The two velcro straps on the side of the board can be used to secure your paddle when not in use such as when carrying the board or when doing SUP yoga on the water.

It works great, the paddle stays where it should and is out of the way yet easy to grab if you should need it.

3 CARRY HANDLES

Besides the centre carry handle there are also handles at the nose and tail of the Max.

Being a larger board the Max is fairly heavy at 33 lb. If it has to be carried any distance it’s nice to use the front and rear handles and carry it with a friend.

However I had no trouble carrying it myself to the water a short distance with the centre carry handle.

MULTIPLE D-RINGS

There are a whopping 15 stainless steel D-rings on the Max ISUP.

6 D-rings are being used with the front bungee cords and 4 are being used by the back bungees.

There are also 2 on each side of the middle traction pad that can be used for securing a seat or extra gear. Thurso Surf sells a great kayak seat that can attach to your board and is ideal for paddling the board kayak-style or for paddling with a child.

Then there is one D-ring at the tail of the board for attaching your SUP leash as well.

LONG TRACTION PAD

The EVA traction pad basically takes up the entire length of this paddle board.

The centre of the board has a diamond groove traction pad for added grip while paddling.

The nose and tail of the board have a smooth lined traction pad that is really comfortable for kids or dogs to stand or sit on.

I really like this extra long traction pad because it really helps with added grip and comfort for your SUP passengers.

Considering the Max was designed as a multi-purpose family SUP, this traction pad is well thought out and overall very comfy!

OPTIONAL KAYAK SEAT

Thurso Surf sells a great kayak seat that can be attached to the centre D-rings on this board.  With the seat attached you can paddle it kayak style if you choose.

Or it can also be used for a child to sit on while you stand up and paddle!

PERFORMANCE

Stability is where the Max ISUP excels. We took this board out in some extreme wind and choppy conditions with my two dogs on board and I was very happy to be on such a stable SUP.

The wider width creates a slower ride and when taking this board out with other leaner ISUP’s I definitely noticed that I had to work really hard to try and keep up.

So you will be a little slower moving through the water and it does take a little more effort to turn on the Max Multi-Purpose but you’ll be steady and safe even when loaded right up with lots of weight.

On calm water it cruises along nicely and makes for a very comfortable ride!

The three removable fins definitely help to keep it tracking straight and help with performance.

CONSTRUCTION

The Thurso Surf Max inflatable paddle boards are constructed with double layer military grade PVC with triple/quad PVC coatings on the deck and side.

I have never had any issues with any of the Thurso Surf paddle boards. They are built strong and durable.

With proper care they should last a long time.

SETUP

Setup is very simple, just follow these steps:

Take the board out of the rolling backpack and unroll.

2. Take off the valve cap and push in the pin so that it pops up. When the pin is in the ‘up’ position no air can escape the board.

3. Attach the hose to the pump then secure the hose to the valve. Begin pumping and continue until it gets too hard to continue. Then flip the red switch on the pump to single action mode, which will make it easier to keep inflating the board up to 15 PSI.

4. Once the board is inflated you can attach the 3 fins and put your paddle together. Secure your SUP leash to the back D-ring and your good to go!

The whole process takes me about ten minutes to inflate the board and attach the accessories.

If you find using the hand pump is taking too much energy I highly recommend using the Thurso Surf Electric Pump. Then you can save your energy for the water!

WARRANTY

All Thurso Surf boards come with a great 2-year manufacturer warranty against defects.

SUMMARY

We have definitely enjoyed paddling the Thurso Surf Max Multi-Purpose when out with our pups. It’s a great board, nice and big for families to enjoy together.

Although a little heavy and slower to paddle, it has a really great design with nice colors and well thought out features. Just about anyone can feel super comfortable on this board right off the bat!

The Max is a really fun all-around multi-purpose paddle board!

WHERE TO BUY

Live In The US? Click Here For The Best Deal On The Thurso Surf Max Multi-Purpose ISUP At ThursoSurf.com.

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