McConks Go Explore GT14” x 32” x 412L

With input from some of the country’s top paddlers, performance improvements across the range have also been crafted.

Words & photos: Tez Plavenieks

For 2024, the long-time UK SUP brand McConks updated its paddle board range. The latest evolution looks great after testing several of the Cotswolds-based company’s stand-up paddle wares in the past. I love the revamped blue colourways. But it’s not just aesthetics. With input from some of the country’s top paddlers, performance improvements across the range have also been crafted (passionately) into these shapes.

The McConks Go Explore GT 14’ x 32” x 412L is a whopper – in a good way! Designed for ultimate, no-compromise adventure paddling, this board has much going on. Having inflated the board, I noticed one of the most notable things: the V-nosed displacement hull. This is a clever design trait. A small rail gives way to a shaped V integrated into the board’s skin. Proper shaping, as you’d find with a hard board. 

Elsewhere, on the tail, there’s a speed release rubber rail, the option to affix two side bite fins in tandem with a US Box middle skeg, plenty of options for lashing essential gear to the deck, D-rings for even more options, a grippy deck pad and recoil leash. Manufacturing is top-notch, with high-end MXM Dropstitch used throughout. It’s a tough beast akin to an off-road 4×4 vehicle you’d use to get to those off-grid backcountry locations.

On the water, the GT 14’ is extremely stable. The board’s flat deck can be danced upon, and there’s so much room. You could quite happily get all your belongings onboard and still have space! And yet, this doesn’t deter from the Go Explore’s paddling prowess.

The nose V mentioned above comes into its own when navigating chop and breeze. Tracking is superb as it slices toward your destination. And efficiency is on point, with a few strokes keeping the momentum going. Turning, it should also be noted, isn’t bad. For such a large paddle board, it’s pretty easy to change direction and alter your course. And it’ll ride a bump pretty well too!

CONCLUSION
Knowing McConks well, the Go Explore GT epitomises what the brand stands for. Adventure seekers will enjoy a SUP that can be taken to all manner of hardcore touring territory. But equally, those not quite so Bear Grylls will have plenty of fun with the 14’ paddling along their local stretches of water. The Go Explore 14’ GT is a quality iSUP built for adventure but with a lot more versatility for good measure. And the price is bang on as well! A whole lot of SUP for what you pay.

Price: £550
Info: https://mcconks.com/shop/mcconks-go-explore-14i-gt-touring-paddle-board/