Two well-built boards, a similar price bracket once you account for what’s in the box, and a decision that comes down to a handful of real differences. If you’re weighing up the Aquaplanet Allround Ten vs Wave Tourer, you’re in good company — both sit near the top of the beginner-to-intermediate market, and both have a strong case for your money.
I’ve paddled both boards and reviewed each one in detail on this site. This comparison lays out exactly where they differ, who each board suits, and which one I’d point you towards depending on your priorities. Here’s everything you need to know about the Aquaplanet Allround Ten vs Wave Tourer before you decide.
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At a Glance: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aquaplanet Allround Ten | Wave Tourer 3.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 10′ | 10’3″ or 11’3″ |
| Width | 33″ | 32″ |
| Thickness | 6″ | 6″ |
| Weight | 7.8kg | 8kg–8.7kg |
| Max Capacity | 110kg | 130–160kg |
| Max PSI | 15 PSI (Recommended) | 20 PSI (Performance) |
| Construction | Heat-fusion welded seams | WST™ heat-fused PVC seams |
| Deck Pad | Gecko Grip (skateboard-style) | Diamond-groove EVA foam |
| Fin System | Single quick-release | Single quick-release |
| Paddle Included | Adjustable compact 4-piece | Adjustable 3-piece |
| Pump | Electric (12V, £80 RRP) | Double-action manual |
| Carry System | Tote bag | Padded backpack |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
| Price | £249 | £179.99–£189.99 |
| Steve’s Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
Save 5% off the Allround Ten series automatically at checkout
10% discount applied automatically at checkout.
Key Differences Between the Two Boards
On specs alone, these boards look almost identical — similar length, same thickness, both heat-fusion welded, both rated for beginners to intermediates. The differences only become clear when you’ve actually paddled them.
The headline gap is price: the Aquaplanet is £249 against the Wave Tourer’s £179–£189. But the Aquaplanet includes an electric pump with an RRP of around £80. Strip that out, and the two boards are very closely matched in what you’re getting for your money — the price difference is essentially the pump.
Beyond that, there are three differences that actually matter on the water and off it: the deck grip, the carry system, and the weight capacity. Each one will be more or less relevant depending on how you paddle, how long you paddle for, and where you’re storing the board when you’re not using it.
Design and Build Quality
Both boards use heat-fusion welded seams rather than glued seams — a meaningful quality indicator at this price point that gives them both good rigidity and longevity. Neither feels budget in the hand. One area where the Aquaplanet pulls ahead on paper is warranty: it’s backed by three years against the Wave Tourer’s two.
The Wave Tourer 3.0 inflates to 20 PSI using Wave’s Welded Seam Technology (WST), producing a noticeably stiff platform underfoot. The Aquaplanet runs at a recommended 15 PSI, which is still solid but marginally less rigid at full inflation. In practice, the difference is subtle, but the Tourer does feel the firmer of the two.
Where they diverge more noticeably is the deck pad. The Wave uses a diamond-groove EVA foam pad — soft, cushioned, and comfortable for long sessions.
The Aquaplanet uses a Gecko Grip pad, which is more like skateboard-style grip tape. It feels secure underfoot and is perfectly comfortable for most paddles, but it’s firmer than EVA and your feet notice it more quickly on sessions over an hour or two.
The real advantage of the Gecko Grip, though, is drying time — it dries in seconds after a session, whereas EVA holds water and often needs laying out to dry properly at home. If you’re regularly packing the board away quickly, that’s a bigger deal than it sounds.
It’s also the reason the board can fold in half lengthways — the thin, firm Gecko Grip allows it where an EVA foam pad simply wouldn’t, which is what enables the dramatically smaller pack-down size compared to a standard rolled SUP.
Both boards also differ in their attachment points. The Wave Tourer runs standard plastic D-rings for rigging accessories or a kayak seat. The Aquaplanet uses fabric loops instead, which are functional but fiddlier if you’re attaching anything with a clip or strap.
Performance on the Water
Having paddled both at Cuckmere Haven in similar calm conditions, the honest answer is that they’re close — closer than the spec differences might suggest.
The Aquaplanet Allround Ten is responsive and quick to turn for a 10-foot board. It felt stiff underfoot with no noticeable flex, and the slightly wider 33-inch deck gives it a planted, confident feel. Glide is decent for a recreational all-rounder — it carries momentum well, and the fin tracks cleanly with only the occasional correction needed.
The Wave Tourer has a slightly longer waterline (10’3″ or 11’3″ depending on the size you choose), which gives it marginally better straight-line glide. It also inflates to a higher pressure, which contributes to a slightly firmer, more efficient feel when covering distance. If your paddling is mostly flat-water touring rather than general messing about, the Tourer has a small edge there.
For casual recreational paddling — a couple of hours on a lake, a river session, a sheltered coastal paddle — both boards do the job comfortably and neither will leave you wanting more.
Stability and Who Each Board Suits
The Aquaplanet’s extra inch of width (33″ vs 32″) gives it a marginal stability advantage. For complete beginners, that inch can make a genuine difference in confidence when you’re first finding your feet. Both boards are stable enough that most adults won’t feel anxious standing up, but the Aquaplanet is slightly more forgiving.
The more important stability consideration is weight capacity. The Aquaplanet is rated to 110kg; the Wave Tourer is rated to 130–160kg. That’s a gap of 20kg — not enormous, and most adult male paddlers will be fine on either board. But if you’re on the larger side, want to paddle with a dog, or carry any meaningful amount of gear, the Tourer gives you more headroom. It’s worth factoring in before you buy rather than after.
Aquaplanet Allround Ten suits: Beginners wanting maximum stability and a board that’s very easy to store; motorhome or van travellers; paddlers who prioritise quick setup and a compact pack-down; anyone who already knows they’ll paddle regularly and wants an electric pump from day one.
Wave Tourer 3.0 suits: Paddlers who want more weight capacity; those who paddle for longer stretches and value a cushioned deck; anyone on a tighter budget who doesn’t need an electric pump yet; and those who prefer a backpack carry system.
Kit and Accessories
This is where the comparison gets interesting, because the headline price difference is almost entirely explained by what’s in the box.
Aquaplanet Allround Ten ships with:
- Compact electric pump
- Adjustable compact 4-piece aluminium paddle
- Coiled quick-release ankle leash with padded cuff
- Clip-in quick-release fin
- Tote bag
- Bungee storage with integrated water bottle holder
Wave Tourer 3.0 ships with:
- Double-action manual pump
- Adjustable 3-piece paddle
- Coiled quick-release ankle leash with padded cuff
- Clip-in quick-release fin
- Padded backpack
- Bungee storage with integrated water bottle holder
Both boards include a comparable paddle, leash, and quick-release fin — so the practical difference in kit comes down to the pump and the carry system.
The Aquaplanet’s electric pump is a worthwhile inclusion. Getting a SUP to pressure with a manual pump takes effort, and if you’re paddling more than a handful of times per season, an electric pump becomes one of those things you wonder how you managed without. The catch is that it runs off a 12V car socket, which means you need to be parked reasonably close to the water. If you want to see how it stacks up against other options, I’ve tested several in my best electric pump for paddle boards guide.
Personally, I’m still on the fence about which carry system I prefer. The tote bag wins on storage and transport — it takes up far less space and is easier to throw in the back of a car. For longer carries from the water though, a backpack distributes the weight more comfortably on your back. The tote bag is fine for short distances; that said, due to the Aquaplantet’s electric pump, it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to walk too far with the tote as you’ll need to inflate your board by the car.
If you’re building out your setup beyond what either board includes, my paddleboard accessories guide covers the most useful additions.
Value for Money
At face value, the Aquaplanet is £60–70 more expensive. But once you account for the included electric pump — which retails separately for around £80 — the Aquaplanet is actually slightly better value on a like-for-like basis.
The Wave Tourer at £179–£190 is one of the best budget paddle boards in the UK at that price point, and if you’re not bothered about an electric pump (or already own one), it’s hard to argue against it. You get a capable, well-built board with a solid kit for well under £200.
The Aquaplanet makes more sense if you’re planning to paddle regularly and want an electric pump as part of your setup from day one. Buying one separately later would cost you a similar amount, so getting it bundled in at the outset is the smarter move for anyone who’s committed to the sport rather than dipping a toe in.
The Aquaplanet also features in my best paddle board for beginners roundup if you want to see how it compares against the wider beginner market.
Save 5% off the Allround Ten series automatically at checkout
10% discount applied automatically at checkout.
Which One Should You Buy?
If budget is the main factor and you’re happy to pump up manually, go with the Wave Tourer 3.0. It’s lighter, has a higher weight capacity, comes with a more comfortable EVA deck pad for longer sessions, and at under £190, it’s outstanding value. It also suits paddlers who prefer a backpack carry or who paddle long enough that deck comfort matters.
If you’re planning to paddle more than a few times a season and want an electric pump sorted from day one, plus you value compact storage, the Aquaplanet Allround Ten is worth the step up. The centre-fold design is a smart solution for anyone short on space, the Gecko Grip’s near-instant drying is a real practical benefit, and the overall kit quality is excellent for the price.
Both boards scored incredibly high in both my reviews. You can’t make a wrong call here — it really does just come down to your priorities.
Aquaplanet Allround Ten vs Wave Tourer FAQs
Related Guides & Reviews
The resources below cover the basics, common questions, and related kit to help you get more out of your time on the water.
- How To Paddle Board: Complete SUP Guide for Beginners
- Wave Cruiser vs Wave Tourer: Which Wave Board Should You Buy?
- Wave Tourer vs Bluefin Cruise: Which Paddleboard Is Worth Your Money?
- Wave Tourer 3.0 vs Wave Pro 3.0: Which SUP Is Right for You?
- Electric vs Hand Pump: Paddleboard Pump Guide
Both boards featured in this comparison were provided for review purposes. See individual reviews for full disclosure details. My guide is independent of the brands and reflects only my own opinions based on real-world testing.
About the Author
Steve Cleverdon is an outdoor adventure specialist with 15+ years of hiking, camping, and paddle boarding experience. He has conquered Europe’s toughest trails including the GR20 in Corsica, walked 3,000km solo across New Zealand, and worked professionally in the outdoors industry. Steve’s gear reviews and recommendations are based on real-world testing across four continents, from coastal waters to mountain peaks. Learn more about Steve or get in touch.
