For our latest review of the WaterWalker paddle board click here.
The WaterWalker paddle board by Thurso Surf is a fun all-round ISUP that packs away into a backpack and can be taken anywhere.
We have already reviewed the 11′ version of this board and just got the opportunity to try out the slightly smaller 10’6″ option as well.
What I love most about this ISUP is the fact that it is so versatile.
It is one that can be paddled on just about any type of water and by any person, no matter the skill level.
We also found it to be surprisingly nimble. It takes very little effort to get this board moving and it turns quickly with ease. Yet it doesn’t feel like a lightweight. It holds its own even in wind and chop.
I personally really quite like the smaller size. It is not so small that it feels flimsy and it is not so large that it feels heavy. The 10’6″ length is really nice for easy paddling, quick turns and versatility.
All in all the 10’6″ WaterWalker is a ton of fun, highly portable and stable enough to support you plus your dog if you have one that tags along for the ride like mine does. 🙂
Our experience with the Thurso Surf company has been all good and we love that they include so much in their package.
Besides the board you will also get:
- Backpack Carry Bag
- 3-Piece Carbon Shaft Paddle
- 3 Removable Fins
- Coiled SUP Leash
- Deck Cooler Bag
- Hand Pump
- Repair Kit
Specs For The Thurso Surf WaterWalker
There are two size options for this board, 10’6″ or 11″ long. The difference between the two are that the 10’6″ WaterWalker is a little easier to turn and maneuver and takes less effort to get moving.
The 11″ one offers more space for gear, kids or dogs, greater stability and more rigidity for heavier loads.
Below are the specs for the smaller board.
- 10’6″ long
- 31″ wide
- 6” thick
- weighs 24 lbs.
- can hold up to lbs. 280 lbs.
Material Two-layer construction, Military Grade PVC layer on top of a drop stitch internal fabric layer. The material is very durable.
Best Suited For: Lakes, Ocean, Rivers – Allround Versatility
Pros: Easy to maneuver, stable, easy to paddle, tri-fin configuration for versatility, can hold a lot of weight, quick to inflate, easy to carry, comes with great accessories
Cons: No kick tail
More In-Depth Info
This is another great addition to the Thurso Surf paddle board family. We had a lot of fun reviewing this ISUP.
A good portable all-round design is hard to beat. This is a board that anyone could feel comfortable on, from beginners to advanced, from old to young.
For that reason it is ideal for sharing amongst family members or taking out with friends.
We found it easy to paddle and fun to use. It can easily hold one large dog or two smaller dogs and there is decent room for storing gear under the bungee deck cords.
We like the wood-grain color of the PVC deck material as well that is standard for all Thurso Surf ISUP’s. It gives the board a natural look even though it is still an inflatable made with PVC material.
Important Features
Bungee Deck Cords
Deck bungees are quite common these days on inflatable SUP’s and they are very handy for storing gear such as a dry bag, PFD, water bottle, shoes, etc.
The size of the bungees can vary by board and some cover a larger space than others. I don’t like when they are too small as it becomes difficult to store much.
The bungees on this board are a good size. You can easily fit a dry bag, a PFD and a water bottle.
They are very functional and are attached securely to stainless steel D-rings.
D-rings
There are 9 D-rings in total.
- 4 are being used up front by the bungee cords.
- There are two spaced out on either side of the traction pad.
- Then there is one at the tail end of the board that is ideal for attaching your leash.
Fins
New for 2017 Thurso Surf has included three removable fins instead of one.
There is one large center fin as well as two smaller side fins.
All three fins are removable so you can customize it as you wish depending on the type of water you are in.
The fins are very secure once attached and a great help with tracking and turning.
They each feature the Quick Lock system so you can lock them down without using any tools or fear of losing any extra little parts.
Carry Handle
The center carry handle has a neoprene removable cover that makes it very comfortable to carry.
You can open the neoprene cover and use it to secure your paddle to the board.
This is a great feature that can be used when carrying your board and paddle to the water or even for those times when you need to be hands-free and you don’t want to risk your paddle falling into the water such as when doing stretches, yoga, fishing, etc.
There is also a handle at the nose of the board as well.
Traction Pad
The traction pad is comfortable to stand or kneel on and really helps to grip the board with your toes.
The traction pad goes from the back of the board right up to the front bungee decking.
It is a decent length for moving around and positioning yourself where you need to be to paddle efficiently.
Included Accessories
Deck Cooler Bag
The deck cooler bag that comes with this package is awesome.
The insulated bag can hold 10 cans and there is also a zippered mesh pocket on the outside for storing easy access items.
The bag is water resistant but not completely waterproof.
Even with splashes I have never had anything get wet that has been stored inside. However to play it safe I would suggest storing items that absolutely can not get wet like your phone or camera inside a separate dry bag.
The heavy duty zipper on the outside seals it tight and the inside is insulated so it helps to keep your food and drinks cool.
Included with the bag are four suction cups with hooks and four bungees to attach the bag to your board.
However I find it just as easy just to secure the bag under the front bungees as it fits well.
SUP Leash
New for 2017 Thurso Surf has added a coiled SUP leash to their package (as opposed to a straight leash that was offered last year).
It is an important safety item that is really nice to have.
You attach one end of the leash to the back D-ring on your board and the other end around your ankle or calf.
If you should fall off your SUP, the leash ensures that you won’t end up too far away from your board.
The coiled leash won’t drag in the water like a straight leash does eliminating any drag or risk of getting it caught on debris.
3-Piece Paddle
Quite a few inflatable SUP’s include a paddle in their package but this one is better than most.
The cheaper aluminum paddles that are most commonly included in ISUP packges are super durable but often a little on the heavy side.
The Thurso Surf 3-piece paddle has a carbon shaft and therefore is lighter allowing you to paddle further with less fatigue.
It is nowhere near as light as a full carbon fiber paddle but it is definitely a step up from what I usually see.
When broken down into three pieces it easily fits inside the backpack carry bag for convenient storage and portability.
Another cool feature of this particular paddle is that you can use it as a 2-piece paddle as well. If you insert the handle directly into the blade it will create a short paddle that can be used by beginners who prefer to kneel or sit on the board.
Pump
The double-action hand pump works great. It takes roughly 6-8 minutes to inflate the 10’6″ WaterWalker.
If you prefer not to break a sweat before getting on the water then you could always invest in a good electric pump to do the work for you.
I don’t mind using the hand pump to inflate one board but now that I have an electric pump, it’s hard to go back to the manual effort of pumping 😉
Backpack
The backpack that comes with the Thurso Surf ISUP is a good one.
It has a heavy-duty zipper that zips around three sides of the bag making it very easy to get the board in and out.
The adjustable padded shoulder straps make it easy to carry and the waist and chest clips provide added support.
There is a clear zippered compartment on the outside of the bag to hold small essentials.
We could fit the board, pump and paddle all inside the backpack fairly easily.
Repair Kit
All inflatable SUP’s come standard with a small repair kit that includes a patch, glue and a valve tightener.
Setup
In order to setup the WaterWalker first take it out of the bag and unroll.
Press down and twist the valve tip so that it ‘pops up’ then attach the pump. Inflate the board until it gets to 15 PSI.
Next attach the three fins and your leash. Realistically it will take you ten minutes to fully set up from the time you arrive until you get on the water.
Once you are finished paddling, remove the fins and leash, dry the board off with an old towel and deflate.
Roll it back up and place it along with the paddle and pump inside the carry bag.
It is a super fast process and after you have done it once, it will be a snap.
Versatility & Performance
I didn’t find the WaterWalker to be that fast but I did find it very responsive. It takes little effort to paddle and turns quickly.
It plows through waves and chop nicely and feels stable and secure without being sluggish or feeling any drag.
We had no issues with the performance and loved the versatility.
We particularly loved cruising around on the WaterWalker with our dogs on flat water lakes and rivers. It has a really nice feel.
The Negative
There are two negatives to point out and neither is a big deal.
The first is that as I have mentioned above it is not that fast.
However if you want a faster board you would be better off going for a touring SUP with a pointier nose such as the Thurso Surf Expedition (pictured below on the right).
L – WaterWalker R – Expedition
All-round ISUP’s are known for versatility not speed so it is hard to even call this a negative.
The second is that there is no kick tail… Again not a big deal, lots of boards don’t have them. I just happen to like them for playing around doing pivot turns but it certainly is not critical.
Where To Buy
Overall the Thurso Surf WaterWalker is a fantastic board and a lot of fun. You get a lot for your money and we feel most anyone would love this ISUP package.
Click Here For The Best Deal On The Thurso Surf Inflatable SUP At ThursoSurf.com.
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Thurso Surf Expedition Touring Inflatable SUP In-Depth Review
Thurso Surf Max Multi-Purpose In-Depth Inflatable SUP Review
Thurso Surf 11′ WaterWalker Review
Wakooda 10‘6” Inflatable SUP Review
Hi
I’m trying to decide between the 10’6″ and the 11″. Does the extra inch in width and 6 inches in length make a huge difference for a 65 – 85kg rider?
Kind regards
Hi Paul, The extra length and width doesn’t sound like much but it will make a big difference in the stability of the board. For a rider 65-85 kg you could really go with either size and likely feel comfortable. The 10’6″ will be a little faster to turn and maneuver and will take less effort to move. The 11′ will feel more stable especially in wind and choppy water. If you have no SUP experience you might want to go with the larger board as it will feel more comfortable right off the bat. If you are fairly athletic and confident with your stability then you’ll be just fine with the 10’6″ Waterwalker. Cheers.
Thank you!
Hi! Still only February but I find myself thinking about getting out on the water and researching ISUPs! I’m looking for a versatile ISUP for use at LBI on the Jersey Shore with the bay on one side and the ocean on the other with about 1/2 mile separating the two. The reviews on the Thurso Surf 10’6 and Tower Adventure 2 both sound good and I’m having a hard time deciding between them or if I should also consider another brand, model or length. The board will be used mainly by two riders at 6′ and 6’4″ with a max weight of 195lbs. Primary use will be in ocean for morning sunrise rides past the breakers and playing in small waves during the day (3-4 ft max for me!). Will also be used for occasional rides in the bay and packed up and may also be brought home in trunk for a try on local lakes. Any help, guidance, direction is greatly appreciated!
Cheers!
John
One clarification… board will be used solo by different riders at a time!
And… how do the Thurso Surf 10’6 and Tower Adventure 2 compare to the Red Paddle Co 10’6″ at almost twice the cost (since we’ll likely be buying a second board if we get as much out of the first one as we hope!) That’s it for this request; have to stop looking! Your site is VERY informative, material laid out great, and offers so much content and board compares in a single site. Thank you!
Hi John, Thanks for your kind words! Between the Thurso Surf and the Tower Adventurer 2 I prefer the Thurso Surf. I think the Thurso Surf is a little more durable (I have had issues with the Tower boards in the past) also the Thurso Surf boards come with higher-end accessories. All that being said I think the Tower Adventurer 2 moves a little faster than the Thurso Surf WaterWalker. Another option for you might be the new Thurso Surf Expedition. It is slightly longer and one inch leaner making it glide faster, it’s a nice board. The WaterWalker is slightly slower but better suited for surf. So just depends on your preference.
As for the Red Paddle Co 10’6″ Ride the performance in my opinion is not that different from the other two. Whether the MUCH higher price tag is worth it is debatable. It is a really popular board and they market very well. Red uses the new MSL fusion technology, which creates a slightly stiffer and lighter weight board. They also provide extras like the RSS Batons that slide into pockets on the side rails to create more stiffness – only really necessary to use if the board is loaded up with a lot of weight. They also have a slightly more rugged and durable backpack and the deluxe Titan Pump, which inflates the board faster. All these things up the price considerably and I have to admit that I have always been happy when paddling their boards and I have never had any issues with them. However I don’t necessarily think that you have to spend that high of a price tag to get a great board. Just my thoughts 🙂
Hope that helps! Good luck with your decision and happy paddling!!
Hello,
I purchased a Thurso Surf 11′ inflatable board and love it for all purpose paddle boarding here in South Florida. I especially like the wood look and get a lot of great comments on it. As some of my friends also have larger touring boards (Bote Traveller), I’m also interested in getting a SUP touring board for times when I want to go faster and farther with them. However, I’m kind of limited to getting an inflatable SUP at this point in time. I’ve seen a couple of pics and comments referring to a Thurso Surf 11’6″ Expedition board, however, I can’t find out much about the product. Is this a product that will be released, and is there a time frame on when this will get released? Also, as for isup touring boards, do you know if Thurso Surf is working on any 12’6″ to 14″ designed touring boards? I’m very happy with my 11′ from Thurso Surf both from performance and aesthetics, and would like to stay with that brand. I’m also looking at the Red 13’2″ Voyager+ MSL touring isup, but it comes at a hefty price. Any comments or review of this board would be much appreciated as well.
Hey, so I’ve been trawling the net for iSUP reviews the past few months as I saved up for my own, and I’ve cut it down to two: This 10’6″ Thurso Surf and the ISLE 11′ Explorer (the same 19.1 lbs board you guys reviewed on this site, not the newer model in the ISLE website). They’re both the same price on Amazon right now and in my budget.
For some background, I’m no expert, but it’s not my first time SUPing. My main experience, however, is on the 9’8″ board from Decathlon. I’ve survived paddling with kids on the board, so I’m guessing I can paddle with my dogs just the same. I’ve narrowed it down to these two options but I still can’t decide.
I like the ISLE Explorer for its size, weight and look. It’s below 20lbs at 11′ while the Thurso is at 24lbs at 10’6″. I’m not hiking a trail with the SUP on my back but I’m a 5’1″ girl who still needs to lug this around a bit.
On that note, the Thurso has a way better paddle and has all 3 fins removable. I’d like to stick with the single fin in calm water (for less drag), but be able to switch to the 2 small ones or trifin setup on certain conditions.
While I like the amount of D-rings and bungees on the ISLE, the Thurso has a cooler bag thrown in so it balances out to an extent there.
In your opinion: which one is faster? more stable? rides better overall? sorry for all the questions LOL but you’re one of the few sites that responds diligently and has tried out both these exact boards I’m picking between 😛
I was leaning towards the Thurso for a bit, but I’m having second thoughts if I should sacrifice the removable fins for the ISLE’s overall performance. At the same time, you pointed out the sluggishness of the ISLE quite a few times in your review so I’m not sure if you feel the Thurso rides way better because I think they’re reviewed years apart and that makes a bit of a difference haha I’d really love some feedback on a comparison of these 2 boards!! I’ve also considered the newer Nixy Newport (newer from the one in your reviews) and iRocker 10’6″ board, so any other board suggestions are also welcome (preferably in this price range).
Hi Rose, Sorry for my late reply! You can’t go wrong with either board, both have been really popular. However here’s my opinion…
I like the light weight of the Isle for ease of paddle and portability. However the lighter weight does mean you compromise a bit of durability. So even though the Thurso Surf weighs a bit more it will also be more durable and less susceptible to damage. The Thurso Surf is faster but only slightly. The Isle Explorer is slightly more stable.
I also really like that all three fins are removable with the Thurso Surf. I have found over and over again that when the two smaller side fins are attached they easily get bent, which can affect performance… So I like being able to remove them when the board is deflated and stored away. I also love the cooler bag… It’s a small thing I know but nice to have. I use it all the time. It can be bought separately on Amazon I believe if you want it but end up chooseing a different board.
The Isle is awesome for kids and dogs, lots of room and stability. You’re right they were reviewed years apart and the Isle Explorer has been much improved upon since my review. However I still personally lean towards the Thurso Surf.
The Newport is very stable but slower than the other two. The iRocker is a lot of fun but definitely less stable. Wouldn’t be my choice for dogs or choppy water.
Hope that helps and doesn’t confuse you more!! 😉
Hi. I need your help please.
Im deciding between Ten Toes weekender and Thurso Surf 10’6″ WaterWalker.
I live in Canada, and the Waterwalker is 200$ more expensive than Ten Toes Weekender.
Which will be a better option?
I’ll be riding the SUP in lake most of time, and ocean small waves time to time. might ride with 2 adults, lightweight male and female.
Which board is faster SUP?
I am not sure if that extra 200$ is worth it for the backpack, carbon paddle.
Please help
Hi Phil, The Ten Toes is fun to paddle but the smaller size is limiting. It is definitely better suited for a smaller person. Although easy to paddle it lags behind faster boards. I quite like the size and performance of the Thurso Surf personally. The extra 6″ in length and 1″ in width doesn’t sound like much but makes a big difference on the water. You have a little more stability and versatility with it. It feels more solid when the water is choppy from wind or waves. That being said the Ten Toes Weekender has been really popular, it’s still a good board. My feeling is that you will probably want to upgrade faster with the Ten Toes than you would with the Thurso Surf. Hope that helps! Good luck with your choice and happy paddling!