A brand new model in this year’s impressive lineup, the 2018 Red Paddle Co 13’2″ Voyager+ is the ultimate inflatable touring SUP. Replacing Red Paddle’s Explorer line, the company’s new Voyager range features three exciting new boards in 12’6″, 13’2″, and 15′ lengths.
While not as mainstream as all-around models like the Red Paddle Co 10’6″ Ride, inflatable touring SUPs continue to increase in popularity as more and more people are discovering just how fun these boards are for exploration, camping, long distance paddling, and more. Packing a perfect blend of speed, stability, and durability, touring boards give you the ability to bring along a ton of gear for multi-day paddling excursions.
Despite the fact that the maturing inflatable SUP industry is becoming much more competitive, Red Paddle Co is one of a handful of companies that continues to stand out from the pack. Driven by a desire to produce a lineup of the world’s best inflatable paddle boards, Red Paddle Co paddle boards are always on the cutting edge when it comes to iSUP materials and construction technology.
In this review of Red Paddle’s 2018 13’2″ Voyager+, we’ll discuss this board’s construction, features, specs, performance, warranty, and what’s included. We’ll also share currently active Red Paddle coupon codes and tell you exactly where to go to find the best prices and selection on this year’s Red Paddle Co boards.
2018 Red Paddle 13’2″ Voyager+ Review: Board Overview
A standout in the world of inflatable touring boards, the Red Paddle 13’2″ Voyager+ is a brand new model that is packed with great features. Measuring 13’2″ x 30″ x 6″, the 13’2″ Voyager+ weighs in at 25 pounds and is able to support up to 330 pounds of weight.
Red Paddle’s 13’2″ is not just a larger version of the Red Paddle 12’6″ Voyager — this is a completely different board. With a different shape, longer length, and narrower width, this is a better-performing model that is fast and incredibly fun to paddle. There is a slight trade-off when it comes to stability due to the narrower board width, but the 13’2″ is still plenty stable.
Construction
Red Paddle refers to their proprietary construction process as “Tec Air”, and their MSL Fusion technology plays a big role in that process. Using highly-advanced machinery and a unique construction technique, Red Paddle Co has been able to remove human error from the equation and deliver a board that is lighter, stronger, and more consistent. MSL Fusion-constructed boards are also better looking, without the wrinkles and blemishes seen with other brands.
Red Paddle also incorporated their RSS system (“Rail Stiffening System”) which gives the 2018 13’2″ Voyager+ a significant boost in the rigidity department. The company added a pocket to both rails, enabling you to slide the included battens into the rails to increase stiffness. Even when fully packed out with tons of gear, the 13’2″ Voyager is extremely rigid and performs very similarly to a hard board.
Features
Up top, the 2018 13’2″ Voyager+ features a diamond pattern, multi-colored deck pad that provides outstanding grip. Mid board is a center carrying handle as well as two additional handles located near the board’s rails.
The nose of the board has an oversized bungee cord storage area that provides plenty of on-board storage space for dry bags and other gear. The bungee cord is secured with six high-quality D-rings, and there’s a Ram Mounts/Railblaza-compatible accessory mount built in to one of the D-rings.
The tip of the board’s nose features an additional grab handle with another Ram Mounts/Railblaza-compatible mount, perfect for a GoPro camera, fishing rod, or other accessories.
At the tail of the 13’2″ Voyager+ is another bungee storage area with four D-rings for additional deck storage. Red Paddle incorporated a third accessory mount into this area, and there are grip strips applied to the deck of the board to keep your gear from sliding around.
Also located at the rear of the board is a high-quality Tec Air inflation valve and a fifth handle which features a built-in leash D-ring.
On the bottom of the board is a large single FCS fin that is removable. There are also three runner fins for improved tracking ability — one at the nose, and two at the tail.
2018 Red Paddle Co 13'2" Voyager+ Rating
- Construction
- Stability
- Features
- Versatility
- Speed
- Warranty
Specs
| LENGTH | 13'2" |
| WIDTH | 30" |
| THICKNESS | 6" |
| WEIGHT | 25 lbs |
| VOLUME | 350 L |
| MAX CAPACITY | 330 lbs |
| PRICE |  |
What’s Included
Red Paddle includes a super nice bundle of SUP accessories with their boards. Included with the 2018 Red Paddle Co 13’2″ Voyager+ is the company’s impressive Titan Pump, wheeled travel backpack, repair kit, and water resistant phone case.
The Red Paddle Titan Pump is one of the nicest pumps on the market today. It features a super efficient, dual chamber design that reduces the time and effort needed to pump your board up to the recommended PSI. The pump also has a built-in pressure gauge.
Red Paddle Co’s SUP backpack is also one of the best around, featuring twin roller wheels for added convenience, ultra-durable construction, and a foil lined interior that is designed to keep the bag’s contents cool.
While all of the included accessories are top notch, we’d really love to see a SUP leash and paddle added to Red Paddle’s accessory bundle in the future.
Warranty
Previously, all Red Paddle Co boards were covered by a 12-month warranty. New for 2018, Red Paddle has now doubled the duration of their warranty coverage to a full 2 years.
Where to Buy it + Red Paddle Coupon Codes
If you’re looking for the best deal on the new 2018 Red Paddle 13’2″ Voyager+, there are a few places we’d recommend ordering from…
Pumped Up SUP currently has the new 2018 13’2″ Voyager in stock and ready to ship. Additionally, they’re throwing in a free travel paddle, free pressure gauge, free shipping, and no sales tax (unless you’re in Maryland).
Green Water Sports also has the 13’2″ Voyager+ in stock and ready to ship, and you can use the promo code IBFREELEASH when checking out to get a FREE Vamo SUP leash (a $30 value). Just add the board to your cart, then choose your leash from the options in the drop down menu. Enter the promo code IBFREELEASH at checkout and you’ll see a $30 credit applied to your order to cover the cost of the SUP leash upgrade. GWS is also throwing in a free 3-piece travel paddle, free shipping, and no tax (unless you’re in Florida).
Final Thoughts
We’re really excited about the new Voyager line, and the 13’2″ is our favorite of the bunch (with the 15’0″ Voyager Tandem multi-paddler model coming in a close second). This is a really well-built board that glides well and is the perfect platform for paddling long distances and loading up a ton of gear.
We really like the graphics and eye-catching color scheme of the Voyager boards, and the 13’2″ is loaded with features that serious paddlers will appreciate such as plentiful bungee storage, three accessory mounts, five handles, and triple runner fins for outstanding tracking performance.
The rigidity of this board is exceptional thanks to the 6″ thickness, MSL Fusion construction, and RSS rail stiffening battens. The 2018 Red Paddle Co 13’2″ Voyager+ is an inflatable paddle board that delivers a paddling experience that is very close to that of a hard board.
Of course, the main downside of the 13’2″ Voyager is the premium price tag — not everyone can afford one of Red Paddle’s high-end inflatables. If you happen to be looking for a fun touring iSUP at a much more budget-friendly price, we’d recommend checking out the 11’6″ THURSO SURF Expedition.
If you’re on the hunt for one of the best inflatable touring SUPs that money can buy, this year’s new 13’2″ Voyager+ is one of our top picks. This board really ticks all of the boxes when it comes to build quality, features, paddling performance, and overall fun, and we love the fact that the 2018 lineup includes an extended-length 2-year warranty for even greater peace of mind.
Hi Jason, wow… great in depth review! I love it!!! I’m in the midst of deciding which SUP to get. I’m undecided between getting the 10 6’ vs. 13 2’. I have one Hobie Adventure Island, and an Epic V7 Surfski SOT Kayaks. I’m 5’ 7”, 180lbs, fairly fit and not afraid to get wet. I would be using this SUP for Ocean with minor surf, choppy and some windy conditions as I live on Vancouver island on the Westcoast which is prone to wind! I would like to use it on vacation to remote lying areas with the occasional camping experience and some fishing. Some rivers if possible and flat lakes. Which board would you recommend? The shorter one is more maneuverable, and how slow is it in comparison to the longer one? 2 to 3 feet ahead? Or a full length? Is it Beto just opt for the shorter board for recreation and use the Hobie if I go on multiple days of Kayak camping? Thank you kindly for any information you can provide.
Hi Stephen, thanks a lot for your comment. Personally, I’d go with the 13’2″ Voyager as it’s a much faster board that tracks better and is far more enjoyable when it comes to paddling longer distances, cutting through wind and chop, camping excursions, etc.
Thanks for the review. I was hoping you could help me? I am trying to decide between the red 13’2 voyager and the 11 sport. I am only 5’2 120# and am unsure on how the thickness and length would affect a smaller rider, is bigger really better? There’s lots of info for larger riders but nothing on choosing a performance board for smaller riders. I’m intermediate and looking for a fast, nimble board that can handle smooth, wind chop, and small waves along with being able to carry some gear for decent treks. Any info would be so greatly appreciated before I commit some decent money on a quality board.
Hi Heather, thanks a lot for your comment. The additional thickness and length of the Voyager results in a faster, more stable board. Red Paddle’s 11′ Sport features a simpler design and is a really fun board for smaller, more experienced paddlers who want a speedy touring-style board for cruising around. The Voyager model incorporates a lot in terms of features and is really designed for longer, multi-day paddling excursions where it’s essential to bring along plenty of gear.
If you don’t really need the additional buoyancy, storage capabilities, and features of the Voyager, I’d go with the Sport…