From: Original price was: £690.99.£525.00Current price is: £525.00.
Paddle board stability, rigidity and carrying capacity, this McConks McConks Go Explore 12’8i Grande Tourer (GT) inflatable touring SUP is aimed at progressive paddlers who want to carry lots of weight, in variable and challenging conditions, as efficiently as possible, and keeping your gear safe and stable.
The redesigned 12’8i GT inflatable paddleboard is a purebred touring machine. The performance-driven 32″ wide board has a longitudinal profile and waterline that promotes glide and efficiency. The speed release hard tail and parallel fin boxes reduce drag, and the industry leading V-nose technology and rocker ensure that the nose cuts through chop and swell with confidence.
Offering unrivalled stability in the toughest of conditions, the Go Explore 12’8’i GT is made of 6″ thick MXW (1) drop stitch material offering unrivalled rigidity to weight ratio. And the waterline and rocker of this board have been designed to maximise balance and minimise the impact of wind.
With a generous 412L of volume, this touring inflatable paddleboard is perfect for heavier riders and load-carrying.
The 2+1 fin system has been slightly tweaked from the 2023 model to improve efficiency and speed, and unlike most touring boards, gives you the ability to maintain tracking and stability even in shallow river environments.
As adventurers, we know how important it is to be able to carry the board, and with multiple handles, this board is designed for access and egress in the most difficult of environments. And with a surfeit of D Rings, this board can carry enough gear for unsupported multi day adventures.
As always, we know our gear has been built for adventure and is made to last. So is fully backed with a solid no-quibble 5-year warranty.
If you’re a touring paddler who wants a board that can take on all challenges and all environment, no compromises, then this is board for you.
If you’re a beginner paddleboarder wanting the ultimate compromise of stability and cruising, then this is the board for you.
If you’re an experienced paddler wanting a touring board with excellent stability and enough storage and lashing points to cope with multi day unsupported adventures, this is the board for you.
Board Length 12’8′ 380cm
Board Width 32″ 8cm
Board Depth 6″ 15cm
Board Volume 379l
Board weight 11.6kg
Board carrying capacity 200kg
Board storage 8 x nose D ring storage (compatible with McConks touring deck cover), 6 x tail d-ring storage. 6mm diameter shockcord with quick release clips.
Board nose type V nose hull with nose runner
Board tail release Low profile hard edge Rail for 30% of tail of board. Significantly improves trim and efficiency over boards without a tail release
Bag size 100cm x 40cm x 40cm.
Bag volume 180l
Fins 2+1 fin system. All fins parallel to centre line of board to improve efficiency and reduce drag. Centre fin is a full length US box in two pars to allow the board to rolled more easily. The 2 x side fin boxes are low profile click fit with 4 x FCS grub screw. The 2+1 fin arrangement allows you to ride single fin, twin fin or 3 x fins to cover all environments from deep water to shallow rivers.
Deckpad 5mm thick EVA formed from different colour sections. This makes the deckpads more resistant to fading and visible damage from scratching compared to cheaper printed one piece deckpads.
Paddle options
Choose from our standard carbon 10 paddle (indestructible nylon blade, 10% carbon composite 3 piece shaft), our fibreglass honeycomb carbon 30%, (0% carbon composite 3 piece shaft), or our 100% carbon elite 3 piece paddle
Complete package weight (Board + Bag + fins + leash + QR belt + repair kit) 14.6kg
Max pressure 28PSI
Recommended Operating Pressure 15-20PSI
Device mounts 2 x M8 threads compatible with the full range of RAM Mounts accessories. Adaptors available to convert to M6 and 1/4-20 (ISO standard tripod thread)
Kayak conversion attachment Yes. 4 x marine grade stainless steel d rings to attach kayak seats, and multiple D rings to allow ankle or foot brace to be attached
At McConks, sustainability and ethics aren’t just marketing hype. They’re at the very heart of everything we stand for. As a family of two environmental scientists and two young eco activists, we haven’t flown on holidays for over 5 years. So we practice what we preach as a family, as a well as a company.
We know the environmental cost of plastic, so wherever possible we remove plastic from our supply chain. Where we still need to use plastic, we try to only use reclaimed or recycled plastic.
But when it comes to the material for our boards, only virgin plastic is good enough to make the boards strong enough and durable enough to last for at least as long as their five year warranty. And our very low warranty rate is proof of the pudding. All of our products are packaged plastic free.
We maintain a well stocked repair shop, where everything from valves, bungees, fin boxes, paddle clasps and a whole lot more, can be purchased to keep your board going for as long as possible.
New for 2024, we are also offering a free MOT with SUP services in the third year of your boards’ life to make sure everything is performing as it should be.
All good things must, eventually, come to an end. And at the end of a boards life, all of our board fittings are fully recoverable. Sadly, the boards themselves aren’t recoverable because they contain a mix of materials.
However, even if you don’t think you can repair your board, we’re sure that it can be repaired enough for a second life with a charitable cause. So we offer a FREE END OF LIFE recovery, where if you ship the board to us, we will do everything we possibly can to keep that board in use.
Find out more about our sustainability and ethics here.
We don’t talk marketing BS. We just make the best boards, with the right material, that does the least damage to environment, at the best price. Find out more here.
If you find a cheaper board of a similar specification, then we can 100% guarantee that something has been compromised along the way. Whether this be less effort spent in designing, poorer specified fittings (such as handles that detach or deckpads that lift), cheaper accessories, or, as is often the case, lower quality drop stitch and/or poor Quality Assurance (QA), what you end with is a board that either is lower performance, or that simply doesn’t last as long.
As we keep saying, our boards really are made for adventure and built to last. You don’t see many other brands boards still being used in a commercial setting five years down the line!
Drop stitch material – we only use the very best, industry leading machine X Woven double skin fusion drop stitch across our entire range. The same base material as Starboard, Gladiator Elite and a very small number of other brands. This really is the best compromise between paddleboard stability and paddle board weight.
Rail technology – again, only the very best. We join our drop stitch material together at the rail, then cover with one rail piece, and a second rail piece. We use heat weld technology on all seams.
Handles – all of our handles are rated for 75kg of load.
D rings – all of our D-rings are rated for 75kg of load, and made from marine grade stainless steel.
How to store your paddle board
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| Max carrying capacity | 200kg |
|---|---|
| Max recommended height | 6'2 |
| Max pressure | 27PSI |
| Operating pressure | 15 – 20PSI |
| Board only weight | 11.6kg |
| Board volume | 379l |
| Length | 12'8 380cm |
| Depth/thickness | 6" |
| Width | 32" |
| Nose type | V Nose displacement hull |
| Warranty | 5 year retail, 3 year trade |
| Inflatable technology | Double layer machine X woven drop stitch |
| Weight | 3 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 30 × 40 × 70 cm |
| Weight | 3 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 30 × 30 × 50 cm |
| Upgrade | Package upgrade, pump only |
| Weight | 3 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 90 × 25 × 10 cm |
| Blades | |
| Shaft | |
| Combined carrying capacity / weight | |
| Type of paddling | A bit of everything including surfing, Micro adventures and day paddles, Whitewater, River surf, Yoga SUP, Multi person and group paddling |
| Type of paddle |
| Weight | 2 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 90 × 30 × 10 cm |
| Blades | |
| Combined carrying capacity / weight | |
| Type of paddling | Micro adventures and day paddles, Multi day touring and cruising |
| Type of paddle |
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15 × 10 × 5 cm |
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Pete Gilbert –
I’ve had my 12’8 for a few months, so I thought it was time to say something about it. The board, carbon paddle and the service was brilliant. If you need advice give them a call – they’re really helpful and honest.
My other board is a Red 10’8, and as far as I’m concerned the McConks is as good quality and far better value.
So if you’re reading these reviews thinking about get one, do it. You won’t regret it.
Merlin –
I was nervous about getting such a long board as my friends who paddle board all have 10.8 or 10.6 boards. I received my 12.8 a few months ago and have honestly never looked back.
As a bit of a geek I researched every brand I could find and I never came across anything as good as McConks for the product, service and value. Their boards are superbly well made and I take mine out whenever I can.
I live between London and Cornwall and wanted to make sure I had a board with the versatility for all environments. So far I’ve taken her out on the Thames numerous times where she glides far faster than any board and keeps all of my kit and myself dry through her excellent ride line. I’ve paddled for 34kms down the River Tamar in one day and lugged her through blackthorn and over rapids. I’ve also taken her out on some Cornish lakes with a Labrador and a 3 year old on all at the same time with no dramas. I’m gearing up next for some sea expeditions to go and explore the coves and beaches that no one else can find. A picnic hamper and the dog will definitely be accompanying on the front and back!
Product aside the best part of buying McConks has been the fantastic customer service. When, like an idiot, I managed to snap or lose all of my fins on the Tamar rapids, Andy wasted no time in sending me a full set of new fins, river fins and sea fins so that I could be back on the water as soon as possible. It was the kind of help and care that is far too rare these days.
My friends all seem to just have a board whereas I feel far more that I’ve joined a community where support, guidance, care and a great team all come as part of the package.
mattheleonleo –
I ordered my board after a great lesson on one. As a beginner wanting to share my board with 50kg of dog. I needed something forgiving and very stable. This board is all that and more. Reading the other reviews I feel this board will still suit my needs as my skills improve.
Purchasing was easy, delivery very prompt, and emails about further accessories promptly answered. Since I have purchased mine two people from our training group have purchased, again for use with large Dogs. Would recommend the brand to anyone
Barry Murphy –
Here are my thoughts and opinions on the McConks 12 8 Go Anywhere Explorer which hopefully will be useful for those in the market for an inflatable sup. This is only part one of my review as I have not had the chance to use the board much to date.
Firstly a word on McConks the company or should I say Andy as he was my only point of contact. Andy himself is very helpful. I didn’t have many questions or issues but any questions were answered promptly. There is no hard sell and Andy will even throw in his opinion on competitors boards if asked pointing out the good and bad. Once I ordered my board on line it arrived in Ireland within a matter of days which was amazing. There was no delivery charge.
My view on the price. My opinion on the price of inflatables is that they are generally way overpriced in particular the high end brand names. I dithered along time about my purchase from McConks mainly because of budget but a recent price reduction and special offer in April made up my mind. The McConks range in general seems to fit between the budget and higher priced brands. I use these terms only in relation to price. With regards to value for money McConks are at the higher end as initial impressions are the quality of the product is very good.
This leads me on to the package. First thing you see when you open the box is the carry bag. This gives a great first impression. The bag is stylish, well made, feels like it will last. Solid straps everywhere, big wheels for easy pulling of the bag over various surfaces. There are carry handles at the top and side of the bag for easy maneuvering in and out of cars etc. There is a large front pocket which holds all your bits and bobs. The bag is plenty big with absolutely no problem getting your board, paddle and pump back into it after use.
The pump is fine. It is dual action and works perfectly. Very similar to a lot of other pumps so not a whole lot to differentiate it one way or another.
You do get a repair kit but there was no glue included. Not sure if this was an accidental omission?
A quality coiled leash is also part of the package which was nice. First time out I was on the flat sea but there was an odd tiddler of a wave and you will find the coiled leash a bit short if you come off your board. I know it is a flat water leash and the board is a touring board but no harm to mention if you decide to try out in some small surf.
I went for the standard three piece paddle as I already have a carbon paddle. The shaft is glass with a plastic blade. The shaft was light enough but the paddle blade seemed to me to be on the larger side and you felt you had this heavy weight on the end of the shaft. I would not like to be doing any distance paddling with it. The shaft is pieced together using the clasp system. It felt solid enough and didn’t twist but I haven’t given the paddle a full work out yet. My experience with such a system is that they tend to loosen and twist with time. But we will see. It is also difficult to line up the paddle handle with the blade as there are no markings to help with this. Likewise there are no height adjustment markings which are always useful especially if there are going to be different people using it. However this is still probably an above average starter paddle.
The board once inflated looks great. I went for this board because it literally had everything I was looking for. Usually you might have to make a compromise. There are loads of carry handles, front, side, back and center. This is important if doing any river paddling and have a lot of gear on board. There are stowage bungees front and back of the board. There are rings to add a kayak seat which I wanted. I am not the fittest and on those windy days I am not ashamed to say I will use a seat to make some progress into a strong headwind if required. It will also be useful when fishing. There is a camera mount on front. The board comes with real fin boxes, two side fins and the center fin. A key is not supplied for attaching the side fins but I already had one. It would be worth including one with the package.
The board is light enough to carry which is great for a 12 8 board. I previously had an RRD all rounder which seemed heavier even though it was two feet shorter. It was a thinner board and had some extra pvc strips for stiffening it up which adds weight. The McConks at six inches thick and pumped to 15 psi felt plenty rigid. It can apparently be pumped to 27 psi which I haven’t tried. But you can easily enough pump to 17 or 18 psi if needs be perhaps if carrying a lot of kit. The board decking is reasonably comfortable and has a small kick pad at the tail to help with turning(another nice touch). Everything seems to be solidly glued and sealed.
My first time on the water was open sea and not completely flat. I have to say I found the board a bit tippy at first. This is more because I have been used to a rigid board the last few months and sitting lower in the water. It didn’t take long however to feel comfortable on the board. Glide wasn’t bad and tracking was excellent. I even tried to snag a few small waves with some success. I got the board for touring so am still looking forward to testing it on flat water. I will be interested to see how it performs as a single fin versus the tri fin.
Overall my initial first impression of a McConks board is very positive. It seems to be a quality product with great attention to detail, while the service also seems top notch. Now you really get to know about service if there is a problem down the line. I don’t expect there to be any issues but based on my experience to date I think Andy and his company would do whatever they could to help you out.
I plan on providing more info in a couple of months after the board has been well used as there seems to be very few longer term reviews of boards. Hopefully someone has found my observations of some use. As someone who found it difficult to test out boards here in Ireland you rely a good bit from feedback on social media etc and it is hard to find honest independent reviews. This is one.
Nik Middleton –
Having ordered my paddle board, any queries I had were answered promptly and in a very professional and friendly manner by Andy. The customer service really has been 2nd to none from start to finish.
When the board arrive I was really impressed with the quality of the board and all the parts that come with it. I took my board out to try it the very next day.
It took about 10 minutes to inflate and once on the water I was happy with how well the board tracked compared to other boards id tries. the balance of the board is really good, I knew within minutes I’d made the right decision going with the McConks board.
Victoria –
Great SUP, perfect for the whole family. In fact I struggle to get my children off it!
Chris Wood –
From start to finish I received great help and advice from Andy. Nothing was too much trouble and offered an unbiased opinion to help me understand different boards and brands. After looking at all the recommendation I decided to chose the McConks 12’8 Go explore board with carbon/ bamboo paddle. Great board with good feel and a lot faster on the water than the all round board I learnt on.
Everything included in the package is well made with intuitive design elements to make it easy to get straight out on the water even for a beginner like myself.
The boards is a great product at a fair price which sells itself but the fact I feel I can trust the brand is a rare thing to find.
Tim Harries –
Hi Andy
A quick update, coming up for three years from purchase. So:
My granddaughter age 6 loves it.
My children love it,
My son in law loves it (he’s getting one from you shortly).
My wife is even contemplating going it!
Not a sign of wear anywhere, despite some pretty lengthy excursions and rough handling. Handles really well on the sea. Tracks straight, suffers fools and novices with impeccable manners
I’ve upgraded to the HP3 pump which is well worth the money for this board – although one of my daughters is also looking at the compressor… The HP3 fills it to 20psi in about 12-15 minutes tops.
The bamboo paddle is still a work of art. Because of my height (195cm), Andy fashioned a carbon fibre extension for me which added another dimension. The standard paddle if you’re below 190cm, I’d say (which I think is about 6’3″ in old money).
And finally, the seat is great for my granddaughter to come with me – she feels like she’s a princess in a Disney movie. Which I think makes me a servant. She has her own child’s paddle which she uses as a fantastic way to make grandad work harder.
All in all I can’t recommend the board enough. Excellent value.
Cheers
T
Emma Hadley –
I bought this bought late last summer it has been fantastic. I’ve used it on the sea and the lakes, stable and smooth, love it. So much so we are going to be buying another this year.
Nicola G. –
Amazing service from the McConks team and the iSUP is excellent. Quality and attention to detail is superb. Would highly recommend.
Alan C. –
We have not tried these yet but will be in the next week or two
Anonymous –
Stable board which turns well not too hard to inflate , good deck area
Dave H –
My family enjoy holidaying on and near the water. Late last year we tried out paddle boarding and were hooked. I spent quite some time investigating options to buy and I found the whole world of inflatable SUP to be quite confusing with everyone claiming they had the perfect product at the cheapest price.
Over time I started to work out what the key features were that really mattered and narrowed down to a few brands. I then made enquiries with McConks with some questions, possibly silly ones, and was so pleased to receive patient and detailed responses to my queries, without any kind of pushiness.
Following these discussions, I bought one of their boards. I am yet to use it (not brave enough in the current weather) but the quality of the equipment is great. McConks pride themselves on working very carefully on the details of the design and it does show. The board itself is great but the accessories are as well – really well thought out (particularly the bag) and high quality.
A post-sale enquiry was handled just as efficiently as all my pre-sale questions – that is the sort of thing that separates the men from the boys when it comes to true customer care.
I thoroughly recommend McConks. If anyone else is at that same point of indecision that I was at, I would strongly suggest getting in touch with them for some pressure-free advice.
actionflack –
One of the best boards I’ve used. There’s a nice teardrop shape and great features. It’s clearly been well thought out in the design stages. The bag provided is one of the best I’ve seen – plenty of storge space and ventilation – which I think is often overlooked with sup packages.
The boats inflates nicely, tracks well on the water and having the choice of different sized fins (optional extras) really opens up different areas of exploration. As all
3 fins are removable it makes transporting several boards on a roof rack etc really easy as they all stack together.
Highly (and regularly) recommended as an all rounder board…
Kevin L. –
Excellent SUP for a hesitant beginner. I am +6′, 100kg and yet the board is very stable. When you inflate it, it is surprisingly solid yet weighs very little. Plenty of capacity for lots of stuff, shoes, kids, wives etc and the odd thing is the stability remains the same. It is a fairly broad board so manoeuvring is maybe a tad slow, but probably perfect for the beginner. McConks give nothing but excellent service. I had a problem with the board and it was sorted by McConks within a day – I really could not fault their customer service, they really want you to get the best out of the product and will go the extra mile to help. Can only praise McConks SUP products and their general service.
Anonymous –
Barry Edwards –
I purchased the 10ft 8 go anywhere board after looking around different companies and trying out both Red and Jobe boards. I found the customer service excellent and delivery was quick. I have used it twice in Cornwall now in both good and awful weather, and found it to be an excellent board. I upgraded to the high power pump and the board takes about 10-15 minutes to inflate and probably 10 minutes to deflate. Next week I will try it out in Weymouth on a 121 lesson with Elaine Farquharson (Sup coach) but I am sure it will be great. Great board
Bethan –
Super stable. Have since upgraded to something a little quicker.
chrisalowe –
Excellent bit of kit.
Took my new Go Explore out earlier in a good 15-20 knot breeze with 0.5m chop with the seat on the front for the kids.
The seat worked really well with a 6 and 3 year old taking turns. The front of the board was awash most of the time but the seat held the kids in place and I didn’t have to worry that they’d move and tip both of us off!
They both loved it and a special seat for them has gone down really well.
Barry Edwards –
Tried the seat on my 12-8 go explore in Cornwall November 21, it comes with no instrado is a little fiddly to set up, but once done it is easy to fit again. The back rest gives excellent support, however if you have it placed centrally, the standing is more difficult. I wouldn’t use it long distance as a Kayak wold obviously be better, but as a short term seat in tougher conditions it is great, or as a front seat for children.
Lea-ann –
Tim Harries –
Hi Andy
I first wrote to you last year (2018) but didn’t get round to posting the content in the reviews. (Ok, so I couldn’t be bothered to look how to do it – but hey, I was on holiday!) So for what it’s worth, this is what I wrote last year.
“Like so many of your reviewers I’m sure, I agonised over the decision before taking the plunge with you. I’d been on Red boards before, liked them but balked at paying four figures for what I wanted.
I wanted to tell you I’ve just had a great day out on a board in the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro [come in, I wrote this last October – it was warm then!]. The weather was great (26C), water clear and sky blue. Nigh on perfect. I was on a Starboard 12’ or something like that. So why am I writing to you?
Well at home in cold and autumnal Suffolk I’ve got my new(ish) 12’8” Go Explore and I wish it was here.
When I got my Go Explore I had it out in our estuary quicker than I could fall off it. Which was quickly – I’m a 56 year old newbie after all. It went where I wanted it to, tracked well and wasn’t knocked off course by crosswinds. My daughter said “this is easy” then fell off – that’ll teach her – but she really liked the simplicity and the ‘point and go’ ease of manoeuvring.
So back to Montenegro and the first chance for a comparison paddle since taking delivery from you. Well. Ok, so the Starboard was a hire board, but it was well cared-for and well-inflated for my weight of 95kg. And I had a carbon paddle (remarkably similar to mine at home, except I’d gone for the bamboo facing).
As for handling, well it wandered around like a Spaniel following a scent, despite a similar three fin set up. My stroke is not the culprit; the instructor told me it was very good. But the board was distracted by gusts and cross chop; it felt less refined. What?! I can’t quite put my finger on it; I think it’s a similar thickness to my Go Explore but the rails seem to bow out and as a result it just felt a bit lardy. Not a technical term, I know, but how else do you describe paddleboard bloat?
So the Go Explore is much stiffer, much lighter and much better-behaved while still managing to be a long way more than £300 better value than either the Red or Starboard equivalents. “
So here I am 5 months down the line. A UK winter and a few excursions on the board older. Still love the board, still love the concept of buying direct and still giving out the website to anyone interested.
If you’re thinking of buying a SUP, but aren’t quite ready to commit to McConks, just do it. You won’t regret it.
More power to your elbow Andy!
John Banbrook –
Got to use my new Go Explore SUP last weekend and I’m completely addicted. Even got up at 6am yesterday to squeeze a cheeky session before work. The Board and package is simply first class as was the advice and service from Andy.
If you are looking for a high quality SUP at a sensible price, I would not hesitate to highly recommend McConks. Thank you
davetparker –
McConks 12′ 8″ Go Anywhere Explorer iSUP.
After taking the advice from a few mates and chatting to Andy McConk (Andy was really helpful and enthusiastic about iSUP’s) I decided to go for the McConks 12′ 8″ Go Anywhere Explorer as I live next to a couple of large coastal lagoons and wanted something that would be good for both exploring and fishing.
I’ve been out on it a few times and I’m really happy with the build quality and performance. Before I bought the board I was a bit worried about the build quality but my qualms were totally unfounded as it’s bombproof and rock solid. Performance wise the board glides and tracks in a straight line very well (even in a choppy cross sea) but is still easy to manoeuvre.
10/10 for a top quality board at a sensible price with great customer service.
Andy Oughton –
Fantastic smooth and quick board. Very well made, lots of attachment points and handles. Good grip on the deck and paddles so well. Very stable considering its width. Often chosen by paddlers over the other boards I have.
Thomas Adams –
Incredibly stable and fast. Looking forward to taking it on some big adventures!
Barry Edwards –
I used this board for the first time yesterday on a 5.72 mile round trip from Lulworth cove to Durdle Door, Bath hole and back and found it to be an absolutely awesome ride. Very stable and tracking was excellent. It also handled to slight swell with comparative ease. It was a real pleasure to paddle and I cannot wait to get back on it
Gillian –
Just love it! Nice stable board and a bag that you can wheel about and big enough for additional kit into
Toyah Tomkins –
Anonymous –
Solid and stable. So much better than an entry level 10″6. I love this board and feel like I can travel smoother, further and faster. So much more stable; I now (mostly) only fall off when I want to! I can be a lot braver when having a go at stepback turns now!
Dennis briggs –
On my 3rd board this 12.8 is by far the best board so happy with it and I’ve tried other boards took my time which I preferred this won hands down build quality is perfect too and speedy and glides tracks all I wanted love it ?????
Dominic O’Connor –
Delivered yesterday and I was on the water within an hour. Love my new Go Explore 12 8. It glides and tracks beautifully. Going to get a load of use for sure. Thanks
Sven –
Excellent quality and a pleasure to use. Been using it regularly all year round and still in very good condition and no issues.
Mark McConnell –
Signed up to SUP lessons last year, and got to try lots of different boards, and by far this was my favourite.
Bought my own when the lessons ended and been out constantly with it in the open water, and would recommend it to anyone.
Neil Cumming –
My first board was a McConks 10’6” Go Anywhere – really nice board, but after a while I decided that something bigger and more focused towards touring would suit my paddling better. Having been very happy with the Go Anywhere (and the support from McConks when I bought it) I sold it to a friend and bought the Go Explore.
Really enjoying it. It’s a well-built robust board, with the build quality I would expect from a premium manufacturer like McConks. The design is well thought out, with well placed handles and plenty of storage space front and rear. It glides and tracks well, so is great on longer trips. It is very stable even when there’s a bit of chop on the water. The accessories that come with it (leash, bag etc) are also great quality and well designed.
The only downside is that being a bigger board than my last one, it takes a bit longer to pump up! I’m very happy with this board and would recommend it 100%.
Jonathan Barnard –
Ideal touring board; stable but with good glide. Plenty of handles for carrying/ manoeuvring. Comes witha top quality bag. I have x2 of these boards; bought one for my son after he lusted after my board, also bought a whitewater sup. I have x2 of these boards; bought one for my son after he lusted after my board, also bought a whitewater sup.
Same quality as the more expensive brands and much better than boards of a similar price.
McConks give great service as well; swift delivery, easy contact, prompt replies and very helpful. Genuinely a family operation.
McConks;My “go to” choice.
Daniel H. –
The board is fantastic, quick, stable, smooth through the water and more than capable of handling a bigger paddler like me along with capacity for camping kit.
Fergal –
Love this board! I bought a 12′ 8″ for my wife a few years back and she loves it. We were swapping back and forth on it and it was so smooth through the water that I decided to get a second one for myself. I had used other brands previously (my friends) but honestly the shape and length of this suited me perfectly. I use it on lakes, rivers and the sea and it is equally brilliant in each case. I even use it for surfing in white water and it is so much fun. Build quality is excellent and proven by a close encounter with a bus one day when I was carrying it to the beach and a bus clipped it, sending it flying down the road. Nothing but a scuff from where it hit the tarmac on landing, and that cleaned up! Next step I am considering a inflatable sail to see how it handles windsurfing – All in all a brilliant board. I have been a fan of McConks since they started up and even as a small family business, they stand up against the multinational brands. I research the bizingo out of anything I spend hard earned money on and they are of the best quality. Yes there are cheaper boards out there and more expensive to, the cheaper are generally poor quality, will be line a banana on the water and literally blow up if over inflated. McConks are rated to 27PSI which is MASSIVE! in SUP terms. Rock solid on the water, top construction internally which is what all the top boards use. The cheap boards are basically an expensive lilo, you see them at the beach and they are rubbish. MCConks will last a lifetime and maintain their value. Don’t hesitate!
Cameron Nicholls –
I bought this last year it is amazing board I’m a heavy guy and carry a lot of kit on the front deck as I am training to be a paddle sports leader. It tracks beautifully and I find it very stable with so much deck space available even when loaded up there is plenty of room to move to trim the board for the conditions. I paddle in mixed group in terms of craft so if it goes on the water and is paddle it’s in the group. Nothing quite like two people and a 17-foot canoe on your paddle board so you can drain the water out and get the paddler back in their craft dry and safe.
on the see, rivers or the lake district it has performed over and over again stability, control, tracking and speed are all exceptional without having multiple boards for different days.
Ian Jefferyes –
Have used this board many time over the last year since I bought it. Very stable, glides well and good quality materials. Have used it both on canals and the sea in France. Buying direct, also means great service.
Paul Engstrom –
I have had this board for 2 years and I am very, very pleased with it. In terms of features and build quality I think it is equivalent to (or better than), other boards costing significantly more, a fact which has made SUP’ing friends with more expensive boards quite jealous! I have done several long coastal paddles around Pembrokeshire and the Gower, the board is very stable, well balanced and tracks well, all contributing to greater range. The removable side bite fins add flexibility to the set up allowing adjustment to the conditions. I have also done numerous river and lake trips, here the board glides with minimum effort, a 23km paddle down the Charente earlier this year was a pleasure! Having a board with this many handles is a real advantage when it comes to getting it in and out of the water. The transport bag is excellent, plenty big enough for the essentials and more without a squeeze (I got 2 x wet suits, a spare paddle, and buoyancy aid in there as well during the trip to France). I think this board represents excellent value for money, pair it with the right paddle and you’ll go a long way!
Sarah Pybus –
Decided to buy this board after using it in my beginners’ lessons. I’m fairly tall so wanted to have a longer board. It handles well (it was pretty windy last time I went paddling!) and the accessories are all of good quality.
Julie –
This is a cracking touring board. I’ve used it on the coast is reasonable swell 1m + and wind and its good, stable, tracks well, lots of space for gear and doesn’t weigh too much.
Duncan Jack –
Bought a pair for myself and my son last year for paddling on rivers. Very stable but still with a good turn of speed. Son’s even done an amount of what water on his, Yat on the Wye and Derwent down into Matlock. And it came with a leash and belt so super easy to paddle safely without the leash getting in the way. And te solid carry case has kept them in excellent condition.
Andrew Robinson –
We’ve owned our go explore board for a few years now. Our boys were 5 and 8 at the time and they both took to paddle boarding like a duck to water. The board, the support from McConks and the experience have all been superb. I rarely recommend to other people, but McConks is the exception. We all love paddling our paddleboard, on the sea, lake or a river. Sometimes we go two up without issue, even with my slightly excessive weight. Highly recommended.
Barry Edwards –
Having now had this board for over a year, I can safely say it is an absolutely amazing board. I have used it on numerous 5-6 mile coastal trips in a variety of conditions, including a skill session in 6ft swell and 20 mph winds, and it has been brilliant. I stopped using the 2 side fins about 8 months ago and it doesn’t feel any less stable. I have also upgraded to a full carbon paddle as well. The board tracks well and is pretty quick for a wide board. Highly recommended
Chris Goldfinch –
I’ve had a surfboard for years, and as a family we used to go surfing with the kids during the summer months. As the kids grew up and left home the poor surfboard sat there in the garage unused, and quite possibly feeling unloved. Years passed and it never got used. Skip to this summer (2022) and a chance visit to South Devon. We went to the beach and there in front of my eyes, were paddle boarders. All shapes and sizes but they had these boards that, unlike my hard surfboard, could be inflated and deflated at will and easily transported in a bag. Not only did it look easy to transport, but it also looked easy to do. It was then I had an epiphany, I want a paddleboard. It would certainly be easy to transport, and I could do it at the seaside, in local rivers and on local lakes. I was sold!! I went home and immediately sold my surfboard and went in search for a board.
after a lot of searching, researching and head scratching, I found a board I liked and went and did a lesson/tour in Bath with a company that used them. Loved it!! This was the board I wanted however, the chap taking the lesson said get yourself a good fitting Buoyancy aid so I did, and after chatting to a chap at the shop, excitement got the better of me and I bought a board that wasn’t the one I had intended on buying. Whilst it felt ok, and looked pretty good, there was something about it that just wasn’t right for me.
I started to wonder about it and started looking around again. As a member of a lake that has McConks boards as rentals, I had seen them but had never thought about them as an option.
One day my son hired one and we went out together. It seemed a pretty sturdy board and had everything on it that the first board I’d seen had, wide, thick and plenty of storage space PLUS a GoPro mount!!!
I started to research them and found them to be a local company with good environmental ethics and a great board package.
After speaking to them for a bit, I couldn’t make up my mind on the 11’4 or the bigger 12’8. After speaking to Mr McConk himself, we decided as I was going on holiday very soon, to try the 12’8 and if I wasn’t happy I could swap it for the 11’4. Deal done.
I ordered the board, it arrived very quickly and, surprisingly to me, it came with a paddle in a separate bag!!! Not what I’d expected at all. Unpacking it, everything was really good quality with attention to detail. Everything about it felt quality.
I took it on holiday to Salcombe, with my sons, and we paddled up and down the estuary and I felt it easy to paddle and really stable and safe on it.
Whilst this board was a little pricier than my original one, it is far superior to the 11’4 I bought and I feel you get what you pay for and I happy with it.
I would also say, the other thing with McConks is the support I’ve had from them and the community they have. I feel like I have bought a fantastic product and have become part of a family. The information and articles shared within the community make it feel special and that I’m definitely part of a family.
I love my McConks 12’8 Go Explore, wish I’d bought it first as it is my forever board.
If you’re looking for a great board, great service and be part of something bigger buy a McConks. You won’t regret it.
My only regret is I didn’t find them sooner.
Stuart Williams –
I got the 12.8 last year and Waited to get a full season befor reviewing
Firstly the board. Love it! Top quality in the build.
Used it numerous times on the sea, lakes and rivers and never let me down. On a sea trip I even had a foldable BBQ, charcoal and food all secured in a dry bag, fun paddle then a beach BBQ. Great that storage straps front and back.
Nice and stable except for when the kids play “let’s knock Dad off his board”
Storage bag has ample space so never an issue to pack away. Also impressed that comes with a quick release belt so right from the start they are already taking your safety seriously.
McConks – Excellent service. I got mine when the all the decent manufacturers were having supplies issues due to COVID. They kept me in the loop and always came back to me within a reasonable time. Yes I had to wait but if you wanted quality that was the market at the time.
Also did something for me which totally shows the customer service. In a rookie error I forgot to fasten the valve cover and lost it on a paddle. I asked Andy via email how can I go about getting a new one. Could have got one from Amazon but wanted a genuine one so the colours march. Expecting them to come back with a price, he found a used one and sent it in the post. They took the time to look and and send one out free. Still on my board and jus that little things showed the right customer service ethos.
I went on to buy a dry bag and carbon paddle.
In summary, great board with service to match. I also own another McConks board and would thoroughly recommend the 12″8, the 11″6 and McConks
Anna Geyer –
I bought the 12’8 as my first paddle board in September 2020 after a lot of research and dreaming. I wanted a board that was ethical in production, performed well and was value for money. I spoke to Andy directly, took his advice and visited the demo centre in the Cotswolds. It ticked all the boxes. I ordered it on a pre order and couldn’t wait to get out on it.
I’ve not looked back. It is stable, glides smoothly over the water. It is perfect for long paddle adventures. In fact I love it so much I’ve recommended it to friends and friends of friends who’ve also bought from McConks.
We are now a 3 board family (all 12’8s).and have now had 2 full years of year round paddles.
The customer service has been excellent and any issues have been handled efficiently. I would highly recommend any of the McConks products – and the board selector feature on the website is a great way of finding out which board is right for you – so helpful if you’re starting out as a complete newbie to all things SUP.
Hugh Bennett –
This has to be the go to board for use on rivers , lakes and sea. Copes well in anything from surf to a day’s touring on the river.
The bag makes transporting the board easy and there is a practical pocket on the front is a great addition.
Pre sales advice was excellent without feeling pressured to buy. Fast and efficient delivery.
When I lost a fin, thorough my own mistake it was replaced promptly and with no quibble.
Would buy again!
Jim hammond –
V stable board delighted with purchase
Keith Ambrose –
I have had my Mc Conks “GO Explore” 12’8 for 2 years now and from the very first time i stepped on it i understood the benefits of a quality Board vs lower quality ,not necessarily cheaper boards.
For the first time hitting waves on the sea was not a problem this board is so super stable and gives you great confidence.
I bored my mates so much that after having a go on mine they both bought their own and they rave about them too.
The build quality is clearly top notch with lots of little details that show Mc Conks know what a great SUP should have ,like plenty of storage ,great carry straps, camera mounts and nice grippy platform.
Almost forgot to say that the storage bag is the best that i have seen ,easy access ,strong with shoulder straps and wheels.
Buy with complete confidence.
Jenny –
We decided to buy a SUP back in the early summer of 2020 when everything was a little bit crazy. A friend had recommended McConks kit to us so we started chatting with Andy by email to identify which would be the best board for us. The 12’8” seemed the best fit for us and McConks kept us informed through all the delivery uncertainties at that time and managed to deliver the board just in time for our eagerly awaited holiday.
Two and a half years later, and I can confirm that the board is everything we hoped for and more. We’ve used on our local river, on some big lakes and on the Welsh and Scottish coast. It’s very versatile, covering distance easily on flat water, feeling reassuringly stable in big seas and it handles well for some fun in the surf. We haven’t tried touring yet, but there would be plenty of space for camping kit.
The build quality seems excellent, both of the board and the rest of the package. We went for the carbon paddle upgrade and it is certainly a pleasure to use through a long day. The triple action pump upgrade is worth it too; this is a big board with a lot of volume to fill. Even the dry bag seems to be higher quality than many similar products out there. We’ve lost a small fin and bolt or two due to careless kids’ use, but McConks replaced them very quickly for us.
Looking forward to many more adventures!
Nick Vincent –
A perfect board for touring or fir just short trips. Extremely stable and quick through the water. Very well made and comes with a selection of leashes for your safety on various waters.
I even use this board to teach persons for Improver Sessions.
Sarah –
Amazing boards. Had ours for a few years now and use them loads. Great for river day trips which what we do most but definitely capable of more. Also great for messing around with small people on holiday and doing shorter picnic adventurers. Andy was so helpful when we bought – lots of advice, no pressure to decide. He’s also super helpful when consumables need replacing or if you lose a fin! All round great product from great company.
Matt Jones –
Peter Pearson –
Very happy with this board, purchased after having lessons on the go anywhere, tried a few other makes but didn’t like them as much. Went for this as I find its great for a couple of hours on the sea or a full day out on the river. Nice and stable, moves well through the water and able to carry enough kit for a day out and more. Add to this the great customer service and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.