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Hey everyone! Welcome to TotalSUP! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce to you the Sorrento 11’3, an inflatable touring SUP board launched on the market earlier this year by HONU, the Australian brand known for producing high-quality paddleboards. Now, this model is a bit of a “little sister” to the award-winning 12’6 Sorrento, offering similar performance in a smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable package. I had the chance to take it out on the lake for a fun late-summer session with a friend and our four kids, so I’ll be sharing today my thoughts on its specs, performance, and overall experience.
Let’s start with the basics: The Sorrento 11’3 measures 11 feet 3 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 4.7 inches thick, which provides a great mix of stability and responsiveness. The board has a volume of 236 liters, making it ideal for paddlers weighing between 50 and 95 kilograms or 110 to 210 pounds. Thanks to HONU’s use of X-Woven fused material, it is incredibly lightweight at only 8.4 kg, or around 18.5 pounds,. With its welded carbon rails, this board feels incredibly rigid and stable on the water.
As I pulled the Sorrento 11’3 out of its bag, I was immediately struck by how light it is—at just 8.4 kg, it’s a breeze to carry down to the water, especially in HONU’s heavy-duty 1680D Ballistic Nylon rolling bag. The bag’s sturdy design makes transport easy and convenient, even with the board and accessories inside. Plus, the internal pockets help keep everything organized and ready for the next outing—a huge plus for those of us juggling kids, gear, and snacks on the way to the water.
Now, don’t be fooled by the lightweight design—this board is built to perform. HONU’s welded carbon rails add a level of stiffness that’s impressive for an inflatable. As soon as you step onto it, you feel this strong connection to the water, which translates to a smooth, solid paddling experience. And the 4.7-inch thickness strikes the right balance for stability without sacrificing agility, making it perfect for touring.
So, my friend and I set out with the kids at Lake Soustons, at home in the South West of France, which gave us the chance to test out the Sorrento’s versatility. First, I took it out solo to see how it performed with a full-grown adult. I’m about 85 kg, and the board handled my weight without any issue.
The 30-inch width provides ample stability, but it’s also narrow enough to allow for a nice, fast glide across the water. I found that I could get some decent speed going with minimal effort, which is a testament to HONU’s materials and design. The welded carbon rails and X-Woven material seem to truly do make a difference in performance
Now, when it comes to manoeuvrability, the Sorrento 11’3 shines. Even as I shifted my weight to adjust my stance, the board responded well, staying stable and controlled. I swapped boards with my friend who was using HONU’s more surf-oriented Bondi model, and we both noticed the difference—the Sorrento is clearly designed for longer tours, with a focus on glide and ease.
After my solo paddle, it was the kids’ turn, and they had an absolute blast. Starting with one kid at a time, they paddled confidently – its 11’3 length was manageable and gave them a sense of control. Then came the real test: two kids on at once, and they still had no trouble balancing. We even tried with three kids, and the Sorrento held steady, proving it’s more than just a lightweight touring board; it’s a fantastic, family-friendly option for fun on the water.
Now, let’s talk about some of the features that make this board special. HONU has integrated an action camera mount right in the middle of the traction pad, so you can capture your adventures without any hassle. The traction pad itself is fantastic—it’s a refined EVA pad with a large tail kickpad that ensures solid footing, even for the kids. This design is both functional and comfortable, minimizing slips and keeping everyone steady on board.
The Sorrento 11’3 also has a convenient bungee cord setup on the deck, perfect for holding essentials like a dry bag, water bottle, or even snacks for a picnic. The board comes with a color-matching coil leash, which is sturdy and secure. And, here’s a nice touch: underneath the tail of the board, HONU has included a quote from oceanographer Sylvia Earle, reminding us of our connection to the water—a small but meaningful detail.
After spending the day on the water, I can confidently say the Sorrento 11’3 is an exceptional touring board that balances stability, speed, and family-friendly design. HONU has really thought about all the little details that make a difference out there, from the welded carbon rails to the ultra-light construction, and even the practical extras like the camera mount and the robust bag.
So, if you’re in the market for a board that’s lightweight, durable, and incredibly versatile, the Sorrento 11’3 is definitely worth a look. And with HONU’s 4-year warranty, you get peace of mind that this board is built to last. This is the ideal companion for anyone looking to explore the water, whether it’s for a solo adventure, a fun paddle with a child, or even an impromptu group outing with the kids. The Sorrento 11’3 from HONU has got you covered for long, lazy days on the lake—or wherever your paddling journey takes you.
Thanks for joining me on this session with the HONU Sorrento 11’3! If you’ve got any questions, drop them in the comments. For more reviews and the latest in Stand Up Paddle news, head over to TotalSUP.com
