The 12’6″ Elite MSL inflatable paddleboard is a pure racing machine, completely redesigned for ambitious paddlers who are hungry for competition. Well-balanced yet unapologetically built for speed, it’s narrow and fast, redefining what’s possible in the 12’6″ fleets. Race-tuned for rapid acceleration, blistering pace, arrow-true tracking, and mark-rounding manoeuvrability.
At just 25″ wide the 12’6″ Elite speeds through the water with minimal resistance, its square-tailed planshape extending volume into the rear for reliable stability – particularly around the turns. Built in our new ultra-light, super-stiff MSL®800 double-drop-stitch material, reinforced with RSS battens, this race-winning shape weighs remarkably little but is amazingly stiff. (So stiff, in fact, that at this length no FFC rod is required.)
Reengineered EVA rail risers promote full-power paddling and effective footsteering while the central carry handle and forward side handles are perfectly positioned for portages and transitions. For training practicality it features adjustable bungees, a bottle holder, and M6 accessory mount.
Benefits.
- Full-on fast: shaped for maximum speed and race-winning efficiency.
- Superb stability: square-tailed volume for confident paddling, tight turns, and comfort in tough conditions.
- Race-ready rigidity: built in MSL®800 double-drop-stitch with RSS battens for incredible stiffness at minimal weight.
- Firm footing: superior grip and comfort underfoot, providing a solid base for a full-power stroke.
- Training partner: flat bungees, bottle holder, and M6 accessory mount.
- Complete package: Titan II pump, RSS battens, coiled leash, US box race fin, in a Transformer ATB bag.
Specifications.
| Board Length | 12’6″ |
| Board Thickness | 5.9″ / 150mm |
| Board Volume | 262L |
| Board Weight | 8.70kg / 19.18lb |
| Board Width | 25″ / 635mm |
| Bag Size | 980mm (h) x 380mm (w) x 360mm (d) |
| Bag Volume | 134L |
| Fins | Race Fin |
| Paddle Options | Hybrid Tough, Prime |
| Complete Package Weight | 17.45kg / 38.47lb |
Sustainability.
At Red, sustainability isn’t just marketing hype – it’s at the core of what we do. As a certified B Corp (www.bcorporation.net) we champion high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Fundamentally, our boards are designed and built to last. Our quality-assured Tec Air process has an extremely low warranty rate below 0.5%. Maximising longevity minimises our impact on the planet.
Yet even durable Red kit will eventually reach end-of-life, hence our ‘design for disassembly’ approach. For example, all Titan pump components are replaceable, while using 100% recoverable virgin plastic in our fins, finboxes and RSS battens ensure they’re fully recyclable.
Our manufacturing processes, like turning the offcuts from our EVA deckpads into keyrings, aim for zero waste too, reflecting our commitment to low-impact resource selection.
Care.
How to store your board
Before storing, rinse all equipment in fresh water and let it dry completely.
To pack away, lay the deflated board deck-up and place the pump across the nose, leaving enough room to wrap the board over. Roll tightly, then secure with the strap. Use the backpack’s internal strap to secure the board inside.
Store your board in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. If keeping it rolled up, avoid excess pressure on the straps. If space allows, it’s best to store the pump separately.
You can also leave your board inflated, ideally kept on a flat surface or upright – but do reduce the board’s pressure to below 15psi if not in use for a while.
Material.
What is MSL®? Safe. Stiff. Durable.
Monocoque Structural Laminate or MSL® is the world’s leading drop-stitch material. Exclusive to Red Paddle Co boards, it’s made to our exact specifications.
Monocoque: meaning the coating is integral to the structure. MSL® drop-stitch technology integrates a highly durable, reinforced coating to the ultra-high-definition weave to form an inseparable base layer.
Structural: the high-tensile drop-stitch fibres are designed to withstand pressures in excess of 22psi, meaning Red boards can be inflated to provide unrivalled stiffness and confidence, no matter the rider weight or prevailing conditions.
Laminate: the reinforced composite coating is bonded to the textile core using machine welding that applies heat and pressure to the inner PVC layer, saving over 2kg of adhesives and reducing cosmetic and safety concerns. Produced under low tension, this process creates a torsional stiffening effect when the boards are inflated, making MSL® stiffer at lower pressures.
Gallery.
Board Profile
New board profile and new drop stitch material MSL®800 offers increased rigidity and reduced weight by up to 2KG. Due to the new material properties, we have been able to remove the FFC system from the 12’6″
Carry Handles
Central and the forward positioned handles, ideal for standing race starts. Optimal placement for race-start launching.
Cargo System
4 point cargo system with flat bungees for easy and secure storage, with in-built accessory mount, perfect for the Red Camera Mount.
Smalls Loop
Smalls loop ideal for water bottle and flip flop storage.
Rail Risers
Rail foot holds allow the rider to dig their feet into the board. This will give a rounded stance meaning more energy can be channelled into each paddle stroke.
Centre Handle
Soft-touch tubular centre carry handle with embroidered logo on balance point for easier carrying.
RSS: Patented Innovation
The Rocker Stiffening System (RSS) utilises two external pure plastic battens designed to give specialist boards up to 40% more stiffness.
Deck Pad
Super grippy ‘Red’ embossed EVA deck pad. Multi-colour and multi-texture aids user board positioning and prevents the deck from becoming slippery.
Tail Pad
Crocodile cut, ‘Red’ embossed tail pad for added grip when down-winding. Raised kick pad for assisted grip when manoeuvring.
Speed Tail Profile
Square Speed Tail shape.
Valve & Leash
Valve makes inflation and deflation quick and easy. Secure, inbuilt, marine grade stainless steel D-ring to firmly secure your leash.
