tldr; Multi-purpose iSUP with good stability and features, versatile option for various activities.
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Best praise vs top criticism for Thurso Surf Max
“Normally this type of post would need to be in the monthly board buying thread, but I think it's important to bring up the point about sup weight capacities and what they do and do not mean. Will the 11' AA work for you? Technically yeah it has enough volume, but it's going to feel very unstable. Cheap boards on Amazon will be worse than the all around 11, even if they claim a high weight range. That's because weight capacities are often inaccurate and are often manipulated for marketing purposes. Weight capacities are usually either a "rider weight" limit where it's a recommended maximum rider size; a "performance" limit where it's the most weight before the board doesn't work as intended, or a "failure" limit, where that much weight will effectively swamp the board. The cheaper the board, especially really cheap ones, the more likely it's a "failure" limit and the more likely the brand isn't taking into account really critical things like shape and rigidity - both extremely important for stability. And sometimes weight limits are just pulled out of thin air. So while you might be able to find a board for very cheap on Amazon that claims a 300-400lb weight capacity, you'll likely end up with something that is going to feel like paddling a piece of wet lasagna and be extremely unstable. Right now the [Thurso Max](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/thurso-surf-max-review/) is on sale for $650 and comes as a complete kit. It's essentially the same size and shape as the Blackfin XL. It's very rigid and would work well for you. If you do still want the Blackfin XL instead of the Thurso, by editing the kit options to get the older model paddle and no bag, that brings the price down to about $675. But the Thurso would be a better overall purchase at essentially the same price since you would get the full kit and a nicer paddle.”
“Desired Board Type: Inflatable • Your Height and Weight 100kg 193cm (220 lbs 6’4). Will bring a bag always (water, spare clothes, snacks etc) Maybe will include a dog 15kg/30lbs beagle depends how he manages. Tried to follow a diving duck last time. • Desired use/uses: Mostly chilling on calm days, anchor and nap,possible fishing attempts. Mostly around walking paced river speed/lakes. • Experience: have rented a cheap board 3 times, would say not a complete beginner. 10 mile trip one time. • Your budget: Europe mainland, up to 1000€ • What board(s) you current have or have used: no board previously owned, tried couple cheap all around rentals. 11’ 34” Probably looking something around 12 ft and 32-36 wide. Found that on the cheapest rental i had to focus on balancing a lot more than another model. While switching boards with 10cm shorter and 30 kg lighter friend - he did not notice a difference in stability whereas i started struggling. Europe doesnt have all the models available, lot of thurso max recommendations for my size but on their website & on this subforum are quite a few mentions of D ring glue coming loose and this is a concern for overall quality. Aqua marina doesnt seem on par with competition. Bluefin seems more racy than my usecase Red pricing is a bit steep & lacking mount points but i will still consider their boards Honu? I am biased towards more quality products considering my size I know I can’t get way with cheap no-name brand to feel comfortable. I really like fishing style sups with lot of accessories options, i like to have options if i really wanted to mount a cooler and try a kayak paddle or just different storage securing options. Though most of these manufacturers are not availible directly in europe and i would like to avoid import fees from US. Thank you for your time & consideration”
115 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 2/24/2026