Wave Tourer SUP Review | New and Improved Model for 2024

In the ever-evolving world of outdoor adventure, it’s always exciting to get a firsthand look at the latest gear before it hits the mainstream. I had the unique opportunity to test the pre-release version of Wave’s new and improved Tourer for 2024, a stand-up paddleboard designed to elevate the paddleboarding experience for enthusiasts of all levels.

As Wave continues to redefine what’s possible in water sports, the Tourer 2.0 model promises to bring a fresh perspective to stability, durability, and enjoyment on the water, securing its position on our list of the Best Budget Paddle Boards.

Join me as we dive into the specifics of this innovative SUP, exploring its features, benefits, and why it might just be the perfect addition to your outdoor adventure lineup.

Quick Overview

The Wave Tourer 2.0 is an inflatable stand-up paddleboard (SUP) designed for a wide range of paddlers, from beginners to intermediate enthusiasts. Offering enhanced stability and a user-friendly design, it’s ideal for extended sessions on the water.

This latest iteration features a fresh design and comes equipped with all necessary accessories for immediate water adventures, including a premium padded backpack for convenient transport and storage.

Available in several stylish designs, the Wave Tourer 2.0 is built to deliver a superior paddleboarding experience, emphasizing ease of use, durability, and fun on the water.

Who Is the Wave Tourer 2.0 for?

The Wave Tourer stands out as an excellent choice for both beginners and intermediate paddleboarders, embodying the perfect blend of stability, quality, and affordability.

Priced between £230 and £250 depending on size, it represents a fantastic entry-level SUP that doesn’t skimp on quality, making it a wise investment for those new to the sport.

Its superior stability is especially beneficial for beginners, instilling confidence as they learn to navigate various water conditions. However, the Wave Tourer’s appeal extends beyond novices; intermediate paddleboarders will also find its performance and features conducive to honing their skills further.

At the core of Wave’s philosophy is the belief that paddleboarding is as much about enjoyment and fun as it is about physical activity. This ethos is reflected in the design of the Tourer, which ensures that every outing is an opportunity for adventure, regardless of skill level.

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Wave Tourer 2.0 Features & Specs

The Complete Package

The Wave Tourer 2.0 comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including a premium padded backpack, adjustable aluminium/nylon paddle, coiled safety ankle leash, quick-slide fin, dual-action high-pressure pump, and a repair kit. This all-inclusive package ensures you have everything to get straight out on the water.

I’ve shared an image from Wave to show the full set of accessories which will be received in the package as I’m currently using the pre-release versions of these items.

Price

The Wave Tourer 2.0 is competitively priced, offering an excellent balance between quality and affordability, making it an accessible option for both beginners and seasoned paddlers.

Plus, with the discount code STEVECLEVERDON10, you can save an extra 10% off the Tourer!

Weight

The board’s lightweight design ensures it is easy to carry and manoeuvre, enhancing the overall paddling experience and making transportation effortless. At just over 8kg, it is one of the lightest on the market, ideal for paddlers who frequently travel to different paddling locations or need to carry their board over longer distances.

Multiple Sizes and Weight Capacities

Available in 10’3ft and 11’3ft sizes, with specific weight capacities, the board accommodates different rider preferences and sizes, ensuring a tailored paddling experience for everyone.

Enhanced Stability

The Tourer 2.0’s new design significantly improves stability, perfect for extended water sessions. It’s designed to boost confidence across all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and more experienced paddlers.

New-Style Bungee Straps

The Tourer 2.0 introduces new-style bungee straps, featuring an innovative design that includes three wide, elasticated straps at the front of the board for secure storage. Integrated within this system is a convenient bottle holder, offering easy access to hydration.

12 D-Rings

Equipped with 12 strategically placed D-rings, the Tourer 2.0 offers ample options for attaching accessories and gear. Four of these D-rings are positioned mid-deck, perfectly placed for attaching a kayak seat, enhancing the board’s versatility.

Rapid Inflation

The Tourer 2.0 boasts a rapid inflation system, allowing it to inflate and deflate in under 5 minutes, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the water and less on setup. Most importantly this means that you won’t be exhausted from pumping before you even hit the water!

High-Pressure Construction

With the ability to inflate up to 15 PSI, its high-pressure construction delivers unmatched rigidity and stability, ensuring a solid, responsive platform for paddling.

Diamond Grooved EVA Non-Slip Foot Pad

Featuring a diamond-grooved EVA non-slip foot pad, the board provides exceptional grip and comfort. This reduces slipping risks and enhances control, improving both safety and performance.

Wave Military Grade PVC Material

Built with tough, military-grade PVC, the Tourer 2.0 is designed for durability, capable of withstanding various water conditions and frequent use, ensuring longevity and reliability.

UV-Stabilised Resistant Coating

Its UV-stabilised coating offers protection against sun damage, maintaining the board’s condition over time. This protective layer ensures the board remains durable and high-performing, even with regular exposure to the elements.

Super-Reinforced Drop-Stitch Core

The board’s core is reinforced with high-fibre drop-stitch material and PVC rails, enhancing rigidity. This construction maintains the board’s shape and performance, offering a sturdy foundation for paddlers.

Wave Tourer 2.0 Pros and Cons

Pros

• New-style bungee luggage straps with water bottle holder
• Rapid inflation and deflation in less than 5 minutes
• Improved durability and stability make this SUP perfect for beginners
• The board weights 8.1kg making this one of the lightest on the market
• Great build quality all for a very reasonable price

Cons

• Advanced paddlers might find the board lacks the performance features desired for more challenging conditions.
• With maximum weight capacities of 130kg/140kg, those planning to carry significant gear might need to consider a larger or different model.

Save 10% with discount code: STEVECLEVERDON10

My Experience with the New and Improved Wave Tourer 2.0

Having the chance to try out the pre-released Wave Tourer 2.0 was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. When it arrived one soggy Sunday afternoon, I wasted no time tearing open the box and laying everything out on my living room floor.

Upon initial inspection, the board’s new luggage strap system caught my eye. Instead of the usual crisscross cord, this new Wave SUP features three wide elastic straps at the front, including a nifty bottle holder within the bungee setup. Although I was curious about this design change, its real test would come once it hit the water loaded with gear.

The board boasts 12 D-rings in total, with four positioned centrally, perfect for attaching a kayak seat for those preferring a sit-down experience.

A small yet significant detail is found at the valve, which now has helpful icons indicating the correct positions for inflation and deflation. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s worked up a sweat pumping a board to the correct psi only to disconnect the hose and have all that air come blasting out. Hopefully, this little detail will spare us from such moments.

Similarly, a guide marking on the board’s underside for the first fold helps ensure a perfect pack-up every time, avoiding the hassle of re-rolling.

Since I received a sample version, the accessories included were preliminary. In my package, I received a carry bag with padded shoulder straps, a pump, a coil leash, an all-rounder fin, and a two-piece paddle. A repair kit will be added to the final product. Should Wave send over the final versions of these accessories, I’ll be sure to update this piece and share my thoughts.

Given it was mid-February, venturing out took a bit of planning, but come Friday, I was on my way to a chosen spot, a decent walk from where I parked my van. The board’s lightweight and compact design, tipping the scales at just 8.1 kilos (12 kg when counting all the accessories), made the trek surprisingly easy. The carry bag was impressively comfortable thanks to its wide padded shoulder straps.

Setting up was straightforward, and I quickly appreciated the easy inflation and practical design. Attaching the coil leash and securing the fin were effortless. The real test of the luggage straps came when I loaded them with gear (2 large dry bags plus the carry bag and pump). They proved to be a genuine improvement, offering secure and spacious storage.

Once I manoeuvred the board into the water, the stability was immediately noticeable. Even when intentionally trying to rock it, it felt secure, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

The journey down the River Ouse in Sussex was a fun paddle, greatly enhanced by the board’s reliable stability and smooth handling. These features gave me the freedom to confidently navigate and experiment with different stances.

In summary, the Wave Tourer 2.0 has left a strong impression on me. Its thoughtful design, combined with practical features and improved stability, makes it a standout choice for both beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. I’m eager to see how it holds up over more adventures and will keep updating my thoughts as I go.

Wave Tourer 2.0 Alternatives

Now let’s see how the Wave Tourer 2.0 stands out from the competition by comparing it with some of the best budget-friendly inflatable paddle boards available today.

Bluefin Cruise

The Wave Tourer 2.0 and the Bluefin Cruise both offer exceptional experiences on the water, yet they appeal to different user needs and budgets.

The Tourer 2.0, weighing in at 8.1kg for the 10’3″ model, is celebrated for its lightweight design and ease of setup, offering remarkable convenience at an attractive price point. In stark contrast, the Bluefin Cruise, though it features robust ESL fused PVC construction for enhanced durability and versatility on various water adventures, comes at twice the price of the Tourer.

This significant price difference makes the Tourer 2.0 an appealing choice for those seeking both value and performance, without compromising on essential features like the user-friendly quick-slide fin. Meanwhile, the Cruise’s comprehensive package, including a kayak conversion kit on select models, might appeal to those willing to invest more for added versatility.

Goosehill Sailor

When comparing these two boards, the Tourer 2.0 again distinguishes itself with an unbeatable price, offering significant savings without compromising on quality. Its competitive pricing and user-friendly features, such as lightweight design and stability, make it a preferred choice for beginners and intermediate paddlers alike.

On the other hand, the Goosehill Sailor, while positioned at a higher price point, sets itself apart with a robust 3-year warranty plus you can save 10% with the code: STEVECLEVERDON. This extended warranty underscores Goosehill’s commitment to durability and customer satisfaction, assuring paddlers of their investment’s longevity.

Itiwit X100 Touring SUP

Targeting beginners with its exceptional stability and user-friendly design, the Itiwit X100 stands out for those prioritizing comfort and ease of transport. While possibly more budget-friendly, especially when on sale for around £150, however, surprisingly the package does not include a paddle, so bear in mind, that this oversight may require additional investment, somewhat offsetting its initial low cost.

In comparison, the Wave Tourer 2.0 is celebrated for its perfect blend of affordability and comprehensive features, delivering a robust all-around package for paddleboarding enthusiasts. Offering stability, ease of use, and a complete set from the get-go, the Tourer 2.0 ensures enthusiasts have everything they need for a rewarding experience on the water.

More Inflatable Paddle Boards

Take a look at my Best Budget Paddle Boards list to compare how the Wave Tourer 2.0 compares against others.

More Wave Tourer 2.0 Photos

Final Thoughts

The Wave Tourer 2.0 emerges as a top pick for those seeking a blend of value and performance in paddleboarding. Ideal for beginners and intermediate paddlers, it offers stability, ease of use, and affordability. This paddleboard is a practical choice for anyone looking to enjoy water sports without breaking the bank.

For those ready to explore further options or seeking advice on budget-friendly paddleboards, check out our guide to the best budget paddle boards. It’s packed with insights to help you find the right board that fits your needs and budget.

Save 10% with discount code: STEVECLEVERDON10

Learn More

If you loved this, well you’re in luck as I’ve got a bunch of other great resources for you to explore here…

• How To Paddle Board: Complete SUP Guide for Beginners
• What To Wear Paddle Boarding
• 19 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Paddleboarding
• 16 Best Paddle Board Accessories
• The Waterways Licence Explained
• 7 Best Dryrobe Alternative Robes for Watersports

I was kindly gifted the Wave Tourer 2.0 to test and review. My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own unbiased opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you. You can read my affiliate disclosure in the privacy policy.