We paddled the Red Paddle Voyager 12’0” x 28” on various waters. It is the shortest and narrowest model in the Voyager range – an exciting option for lighter riders who want an easy-handling board without compromising on touring performance. In this review you’ll find out how the board really feels on the water, where it shines, and who it suits best.
First Impressions & Setup
Right out of the bag you notice that the Voyager 12’0” x 28” is a classic Red Paddle board – high quality with smart detailing. Thanks to the triple-action pump, inflating is quick and easy, even for lighter paddlers. The RSS battens can feel a bit tight at first, but that’s intentional – they give the board the stiffness Red Paddle is known for. The Transformer Bag is super practical when traveling; you can carry it like a backpack or roll it behind you.
On the Water
What I noticed right away: despite the narrower width, the board feels very stable. I never had the impression it was tippy, even with light gear on deck. The tracking is excellent, and you hardly need to switch sides while paddling. Especially in shallow areas, the twin-fin setup really proves its worth: less draft, fewer snags on weeds or driftwood. Over longer distances that makes paddling noticeably easier. When accelerating, the 12’0” responds a bit quicker than the larger Voyager models.
Touring Capability & Cargo Options
This board is clearly designed for touring. Up front you have the familiar three tie-down straps, and four extra D-rings at the tail if you want to add a net or extra bags. I carried a drybag at both ends and the weight balanced perfectly. The many carry handles are worth their weight in gold on longer tours – you can carry the board together with a partner, or easily portage short sections during river trips.
Ride & Comfort
The pronounced nose shape helps the board glide smoothly and evenly. Even in choppy water the bow stays steady. The wider tail adds a bit of calm without making the board sluggish. We tested the Voyager on a large lake and a flowing river – in both cases it felt efficient and relaxed to paddle over long distances. It’s not a race board, but it moves with very little effort and keeps a nice cruising pace.
Conclusion: Who is this Board for?
I’d recommend the Voyager 12’0” x 28” to lighter paddlers who want a touring board that isn’t bulky but still offers solid performance. If you enjoy paddling with some gear, on lakes, or even on the Baltic Sea, it fits perfectly. It’s stable, tracks straight, and remains easy to handle. If you carry more weight or a lot of equipment, you might prefer the 12’6” version. For me personally, the 12’0” is an ideal touring board for smaller riders – uncomplicated, efficient, and simply fun on the water.
Your Author
Kai-Nicolas Steimer is an eleven-time German SUP Champion, naval architect and co-founder of SUPstore.de. As a former professional paddler and shaper, he has helped shape the evolution of modern SUP boards. Kai has been testing boards for over a decade on rivers, lakes and the open sea – always focused on honest, real-world feedback.
