Is the Thurso Surf Waterwalker 126 Paddleboard Worth It? Here’s My Full Review

BySam Hill Updated Gear Sponsored
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There’s nothing I love more than spending a sunny day out on the lake, paddle in hand and no real plan except to relax… or check out all the things. There’s no in between. 😂 This year, I upgraded my board to the Thurso Surf Waterwalker 126 paddleboard and I’ve been having so much fun on it already!

If you’re after an inflatable paddleboard that’s easy to set up, comfy for all-day lounging but also speedy when you want to cover some distance, a Thurso Surf board might be your perfect match. It’s quickly replaced my old paddleboard!

Like I always say in all my reviews, I’m just a regular gal who loves being outside. I’m far from a pro reviewer, I just share what works for me and what doesn’t so that you can make an informed decision.

With that in mind, let’s chat about why I’m loving this paddleboard!

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Disclaimer: Thurso Surf sent me this board for free, but they didn’t shape or sway my thoughts about it. If I didn’t like it, I would have sent it back.

Why I Picked a Thurso Surf Paddleboard

When Thurso Surf reached out, I was already deep in a “should I upgrade?” research spiral. I’ve been paddleboarding for years and my very first board from Costco sprang a leak last year and had to be replaced.

I grabbed two budget Costco boards to keep me going and they’ve been fine so far, but even after a year, I can tell they’re not built to last and the padding is already starting to come off. The idea of constantly replacing them kinda grosses me out, so I’d been half-assing a hunt for something sturdier, but hadn’t pulled the trigger yet.

One of the biggest reasons I said yes to Thurso Surf is because they’re a Canadian company and they make quality paddleboards. They’re headquartered and designed in Ontario, although the paddleboards themselves are made in China.

Supporting Canadian companies is super important to me these days, so it feels good knowing my money (or in this case, my stamp of approval) is going toward a Canadian business.

Inflatable Vs. Hard Paddleboards

When you’re choosing a paddleboard, the first big question is: do you want an inflatable or a hardboard? For me, it’s an easy answer. I’ve always gone with inflatable paddleboards and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

But you might be different, I don’t know your life.

So, why inflatable? Well, they just make way more sense for my kind of Okanagan adventures. I can keep it in my SUV all summer, easily hike down to beaches with it on my back, and stash it in a closet at home. I also don’t have to deal with roof racks or awkward car rides with a giant board sticking out the back.

Hardboards might have their place, but they’re not for me. Also, Thurso Surf focuses entirely on inflatable boards, so if you’re after a hardboard, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

What’s in the Box?

When I opened up the Waterwalker 126, I was impressed with how much Thurso Surf packed into one bag. Here’s what came with mine:

  • The paddleboard (obviously)
  • A repair kit that also doubles as storage for the detachable fins
  • A rechargeable electric pump that makes setup way easier
  • The kayak conversion kit, which I was excited to see tucked right in with the board instead of shipped separately (it’s an add-on).
  • A carbon shaft paddle that’s super lightweight, plus an extra blade to turn the paddle into a kayak paddle.
  • 10′ double swivel coiled leash
  • 3 detablechable fins

It all fit neatly in the roller backpack with room to spare for a few extras like my lifejacket and snacks.

Waterwalker 126 Stats

If you’re into the numbers, here’s what you’re working with:

  • Length: 10’6”
  • Width: 31”
  • Weight: 23.7 lbs (light enough to carry solo)
  • Recommended weight range: 130-180 lbs
  • Max weight: 300 lbs (plenty for extra gear)
  • Construction: Dual-layer PVC with carbon fiber side rails for extra rigidity
  • Packed size: Fits neatly into the roller backpack for easy transport and storage

It also comes with a 30-day refund guarantee plus a 2-year warranty.

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Let’s Get Into the Review

Okay, let’s get into this review.

I’ve had the Waterwalker 126 out on plenty of adventures this summer and have tested it on calm waters, choppy, boat-filled lakes, and even during a surprise mini-storm (definitely wouldn’t recommend because it’s a freaky, but the board handled it totally fine).

This isn’t one of those quick “I unboxed it and paddled once” kind of reviews. I’ve put this board through its paces and I’ll keep using it for years. If new things pop up, you can be sure I’ll update this review.

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Why I Chose the Waterwalker 126

Thurso Surf has a whole lineup of paddleboards, so why did I choose the Waterwalker 126 over all the other options? Long story short, because it’s a great all-around board… but let’s dive deeper than that.

First off, I won’t lie, it was a hard decision. I spent a long time comparing them all.

I wanted something versatile for my style of paddling, which is relaxed day adventures with room for gear and the ability to handle a bit of choppiness when the wind picks up. I’ve been paddleboarding for a few years now and mostly sit or kneel, so I didn’t need the widest, most beginner-friendly board out there.

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Size & Weight Capacity

At 10’6”, the Waterwalker 126 is big enough to feel stable but not so long that it’s a pain to carry or handle solo. My original Costco board was 11’ and I found it awkward to carry sometimes, so anything over 11’ felt like too much for me, especially since I’m not touring or doing long-distance paddles.

I considered the Waterwalker 120 since it’s a bit smaller, but I went with the 126 for its higher weight capacity. It gives me room for my weight plus any extra gear I want to bring along (recommended for 130–180 lbs, max 300).

Since Jacob has his own board, I’m usually paddling solo and the 126 feels like the perfect size for that.

Extra Features

The Max and Tranquility boards sounded fun for yoga or fishing, but I don’t really need all the extras those boards are designed for. Plus, I don’t have a dog or kids to bring along, which are two things those boards are perfect for.

Pricing

Price didn’t factor in for me because this board was gifted for this review, but Thurso Surf does run great sales and their boards are far from the most expensive out there. The regular price for the Waterwalker 126 is $1,100, but right now (as I’m writing this in July 2025), it’s on sale for $650.

For the quality, I think they’re a pretty sweet deal and I would buy it.

👉 Check current pricing

First Impressions of the Thurso Surf Waterwalker

The Thurso Surf Waterwalker 126 showed up on my doorstep super fast. Like, within-a-few-days fast. Maybe it’s just me, but anytime I order directly from a company (aka not Amazon), I kind of expect to wait a while. So that was a nice surprise.

As for the package itself, everything was packed neatly and easy to pull out with almost no plastic in sight, which I very much appreciated. I gave the giant cardboard box and packing paper to my cats and they’re obsessed with playing with them.

The kayak conversion kit looked like it might have been used before. I can’t say for sure, but it was a little dirty right out of the bag. Maybe it was a returned item that got repackaged (especially since this board was gifted to me), or maybe it was just a bit of a factory film? I don’t know.

The kit didn’t come in its own box; it was just tucked into the paddleboard box. I actually liked the minimal packaging, less waste is always a win in my books. I’d guess if you ordered the kit on its own, it would come boxed separately.

Once I actually had the paddleboard out, my first impression was that it felt like really good quality. I don’t have much experience with fancy paddleboards (remember, I was team Costco up until now), but this definitely felt like a step up.

Rechargeable Electric Pump

A couple of years ago, I discovered the joys of electric paddleboard pumps. They’re sooo nice and I don’t want to go back to manual unless absolutely necessary. It’s such a luxury, I know.

Luckily, Thurso Surf paddleboards come with a rechargeable electric pump! The pump inflates the board quickly and even has a deflate setting to suck every last bit of air out, which makes packing it up a lot easier. If you’re off-grid, something like the EB3A portable station is perfect for keeping the pump charged (or use your vehicle).

The only downside to the pump is that it uses a full charge to inflate the board. Since it comes with the board, I’m not complaining, but if you’re off-grid or don’t have a plug-in nearby, just make sure it’s fully charged before you head out. It’ll get the job done, but it won’t have much juice left after.

Kayak Conversion Kit

I was so excited to try the kayak conversion kit. Since I usually sit on my paddleboard anyway, having a proper seat with some back support sounded lovely.

But… things didn’t go quite as smoothly as I hoped. On my first trip out, I tugged a little too hard while tightening one of the straps and, pop!, one of the clips pulled clean out of its socket and stripped it. I managed to get it back in, but it just wouldn’t stay put after that so I ended up leaving the seat at camp that first time.

To play it safe, I ended up swapping all the socket clips for carabiners later on. I didn’t want to chance the others giving out too. Now that I’ve made the switch, the seat works perfectly and I love using the paddleboard like a kayak.

Not ideal, but it’s an easy fix and I still think the kayak conversion kit is a great add-on. Just, maybe go easy on the straps.

They do have a 1-year warranty on the seat, so I probably could return it if I wanted. But do I want to go through the hassle for an issue I’ve already solved? Not really.

How the Paddleboard Does on the Water

The Waterwalker 126 instantly made me smile when I pushed off the beach. I’ll admit that was mostly because I absolutely loved the bright yellow against the blue water, but it didn’t take long to love other parts of it, too.

It’s a bit narrower than my previous paddleboards, so I’ve had to put in a little more effort to stand up and stay balanced. That said, it’s still wide enough for beginners, especially if you’re mostly sitting or kneeling like I usually do. It feels stable without being bulky and glides really nicely on the water.

One of my favourite things to do on the lake is jump off the paddleboard for a swim and this one makes it super easy to climb back on without flailing around too much. Even after floating around for a while, I can pull myself back up no problem.

I don’t know much about SUP speed, but this board moves really well. It feels smooth on the water and doesn’t get pushed around when there’s a bit of chop. It tracks straight, turns easily, and just feels easy to paddle, especially when I’m using the kayak paddle instead of the regular one.

Thoughtful Features on the Paddleboard

There are a bunch of little touches on the Waterwalker 126 that make a big difference, especially if you’ve used more basic boards like I have in the past. You can tell Thurso Surf really thought things through:

  • Four D-Rings : Stainless steel D-rings for your leash, tow rope, dry bags, or kayak seat. I’ve clipped things to all of them.
  • Bungees Front & Back: These hold everything, shoes, snacks, dry bags, camp chairs, you name it. Way more room than I’m used to.
  • Snap-In Fins: Tool-free and super easy to pop in and out. I’ve never worried about them falling off mid-paddle.
  • Centre Carry Handle: It’s padded and comfy, which makes hauling the board way easier.
  • Front & Back Grab Handles: These are a game-changer. My old boards didn’t have them and it was way more of a pain to transport the board any distance.
  • Side Velcro Straps: Perfect for strapping in your paddle when you’re lounging or hiking to your launch spot. There’s one on each side!
  • GoPro Mount: There’s an action camera mount right on the front of the board, so if you’re into filming your paddles (or just want to capture your dog looking the coolest), it’s ready to go.

The Verdict: Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. The Thurso Surf Waterwalker 126 has been such a good fit for how I paddle. It’s sturdy, easy to use, and fun to take out whether I’m floating, cruising, or packing it full of gear. It’s simple enough for beginners but still handles well if you’ve been paddling for a few years like I have.

I’ve used it all over the Okanagan this summer and plan to keep going right into the fall. It’s made my lake days way easier (and way more fun). The only downside has been the kayak kit.

Who It Might Not Be For

If you’re looking for a super lightweight board that packs down tiny for a hike into the mountains or something super sleek for speed and racing, the Waterwalker 126 probably isn’t the best fit. It’s not huge or bulky, but it’s also not meant to be ultra-compact or lightning fast.

If you need something hyper-specialized, like a yoga platform, fishing rig, or touring setup for long distances, one of Thurso’s other boards might be a better match.

Other Cool Boards in Thurso Surf’s Lineup

Thurso Surf doesn’t just stick to all-around boards like the Waterwalker, they’ve got something for every kind of paddler. They even make surfboards and inflatable kayaks which is pretty cool!

Thurso Surf has a solid mix of options depending on what kind of paddling you’re into. Have fun out there!