The 13.2 is a great touring board. It's big and robust with plenty of features suited to long paddles (loaded up). For messing about at a beach I use smaller/lighter boards. I particularly like the width at 30" which makes for efficient paddling and good speed while being remarkably stable (possibly because of the square tail).
The V hull raises the nose and gives a satisfying bow wave and means there's less water comes over the nose. When it does it will pool in the recessed deck under the bungees so make sure you've a good dry bag!
The 13.2 tracks amazingly straight. On a small, bendy river it requires some effort from the paddle to steer it round. Turning is considerably aided by stepping back - this is a long board with a slightly boat like hull. Wind does really effect the Voyager but that's to be expected with it's size and height. Downwind the board is excellent.
The twin fins are great for keeping the board level to load up and the reduced draught (from a twin setup) is useful. I wonder if the fins even have to be 8" deep - the board's shape tracks so well? I'm not convinced by the toe in on the fins. I understand Red have extensively tested this but I wonder if the board could feel a bit more lively with a simpler set up?
The backpack is extremely high quality and cleverly designed. The high quality Red leash supplied is a bit short for this board, annoying when walking with the board. The centre handle position is ok if board is lightly loaded at the front but…
