Bluefin Cruise Paddle Board Review (2024)

In the world of paddleboarding, the Bluefin Cruise paddle board series has carved out a reputation for being at the forefront of innovation. With its award-winning design, this series has been on my radar for a long time, and I’ve been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to take one out on the water. Now, having finally gotten the chance to review it, I’m excited to share my first-hand experiences.

As Bluefin continues to push the boundaries of what we expect from our gear, It’s no wonder it appears high on my list of the Best Budget Paddle Boards.

Quick Overview

Bluefin Cruise 10’8ft

• Dimensions : 325 x 82 x 16cm (10’8x32x6″)
• Weight: 11.2 kg (25 lbs)
• Loaded Bag Weight: 16.5 kg (36 lbs)
• Max Rider Weight: 150 kg (331 lbs)
• Recommended PSI: 15-18 PSI
• Material: Military-grade PVC
• Warranty: 5-year warranty

The Bluefin Cruise series is a standout collection of inflatable paddleboards designed to cater to a wide range of paddlers, from beginners to the more experienced. Known for its solid construction and versatility, each board in the series is equipped to handle various water conditions with ease.

With a selection of sizes and vibrant colours, the Cruise allows you to choose a board that not only matches your skill level but also your style. Engineered for stability and smooth handling, the Bluefin Cruise makes every paddleboarding outing an enjoyable and rewarding experience, proving itself as a solid choice for anyone looking to dive into the world of paddle sports.

Bluefin Cruise Paddle Board Features & Specs

All-in-One Set

The Bluefin Cruise comes fully equipped to get you on the water immediately. The package includes a dual-action pump, a convertible 3-piece fibreglass paddle, three durable snap-in fins, and a padded carry bag. and a coil leash.

Extras include a waterproof phone case, and a repair kit to ensure you’re prepared for any adventure right out of the box.

Price

The Bluefin Cruise is listed at £599, although it is often available at a discount throughout the year. While this iSUP is priced at the higher end of its range, the noticeable difference in quality makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone who plans to paddle regularly.

To find the most up-to-date prices, click on these links to some of our top recommended retailers: Bluefin, Amazon

Weight

The Bluefin Cruise is heavier than many similar models, which could be a drawback for those who prefer a lighter board for easy transport. Carrying this board over long distances might not be ideal, but for most users, this won’t pose a significant issue.

Recognizing this, Bluefin has introduced the Cruise Carbon and the Cruise Lite versions, which are considerably lighter and cater to those seeking portability, albeit at a higher price point.

Comfy Carry Case

As mentioned above, the Bluefin Cruise is on the heavier side, however, it includes a well-designed carry case that eases transportation. The case features padded shoulder straps, a supportive waist belt, and multiple carry handles, enhancing the board’s comfort and manageability.

Additionally, the bag is equipped with ample pockets, allowing you to conveniently store accessories and personal items.

Portability

The board is equipped with three strategically placed carry handles to enhance manoeuvrability. A central handle allows for straightforward, single-handed carrying.

Additionally, there are handles at each end of the board, making it easier to manage if you have a friend to assist.

Coil Leash

The Bluefin Cruise includes a coiled leash, which is a vital safety feature for any paddleboarder. This leash keeps the board attached to you at all times, preventing it from drifting away if you fall off.

The coil design ensures the leash stretches out when needed but recoils to a compact form to avoid dragging in the water or catching on submerged objects.

Repair Kit

A must-have for handling unexpected punctures or wear and tear. This kit allows you to perform essential repairs on the go, ensuring minor damage doesn’t cut your adventure short.

Having these tools at your disposal means you can maintain the integrity and performance of your SUP, extending its lifespan and maximizing your investment.

Stability

The Bluefin Cruise excels in stability, making it an exceptional choice for beginners and all-around paddlers alike. Its solid build and wide dimensions provide a sturdy and balanced ride, while the trio of fins at the base greatly enhances its steadiness in various water conditions.

Dual Action Pump

The dual action pump included with the Bluefin Cruise is notably the best in its class found within SUP packages. This pump is designed for efficiency, allowing for quick inflation with less effort by switching from dual to single action as the pressure builds.

It can be easily dismantled; the base detaches and the handles screw off, making it compact for transport. This thoughtful design ensures the pump fits neatly into the carry bag without any protruding parts.

3 Piece Fibreglass Paddle

The 3-piece fibreglass paddle included is both lightweight and durable, enhancing the paddling experience. This adjustable paddle can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for straightforward storage and transport.

Additionally, it can be converted into a kayak paddle, providing versatility depending on your water activities. This feature is particularly beneficial for paddlers who enjoy long sessions on the water, as the fibreglass construction offers a comfortable grip and reduces fatigue.

Smartlock Fins

Every board should have these! The smartlock fins make setup a breeze. Unlike the traditional slide-in fins found on many budget iSUPs, these fins can be quickly and easily attached or detached without any tools, saving time and hassle before and after your paddling sessions.

Action Camera Mounts

The Bluefin Cruise enhances your adventure recording capabilities with three action camera mounts. Positioned strategically—one at the front centre and two near the cargo bungees—these mounts allow for easy attachment of cameras to capture all angles of your paddleboarding exploits.

Whether you’re cruising calm waters or navigating the waves, you can secure your camera for steady, dynamic footage. This feature is perfect for paddlers looking to share their experiences or refine their techniques through visual feedback.

Kickpad

The kickpad at the rear of the Bluefin Cruise SUP is a standout feature designed to enhance manoeuvrability on the water. This raised section allows paddlers to tilt the board effectively, facilitating smooth, sharp turns and quick pivots with ease.

It’s particularly useful for making directional changes and navigating tighter paths without losing stability. Ideal for both beginners learning to handle their board and experienced paddlers looking to add agility to their rides.

Kayak D-rings

Strategically placed D-rings enhance the Cruise’s versatility. These rings allow for the attachment of a kayak seat, sold separately by Bluefin, effectively converting the paddleboard into a kayak.

This addition is perfect for paddlers looking for comfort on longer journeys or those who prefer a sit-down paddling experience.

Detachable Bungees

Equipped with a detachable bungee cord, this enhances the board’s storage functionality. These cords are essential for securely attaching gear such as dry bags and extra paddles, directly to the deck.

The detachable feature simplifies the process of loading and unloading gear, offering flexibility in how you organize your essentials for each outing.

Military Grade PVC

The Bluefin Cruise is constructed from military-grade PVC, allowing it to be inflated up to 28psi for unmatched durability. This robust build ensures it can handle tough conditions without wear and tear.

Bluefin recently released an awesome video that showcases the incredible durability of their boards. Check it out here to see just how tough they really are!

ESL Technology

The Cruise features ESL (Exo-Surface Laminate) technology, ensure it remains rigid and stable under all conditions. This rigidity enhances performance, providing a stable platform for beginners and supporting dynamic manoeuvres for experienced paddlers.

Bluefin Cruise Pros and Cons

Pros

• Amazing range of colourful board designs
• 3 action cam mounts
• 5 sizes are available to choose from 9’8 to 15′
• 5-year warranty
• Premium accessories

Cons

• The Bluefin Cruise is one of the heaviest iSUPs when compared to similar-sized boards

First Impressions of the Bluefin Cruise

Unboxing the Bluefin Cruise paddle board was an immediate nod to the company’s eco-friendly ethos—everything was neatly wrapped in brown paper, no plastic in sight, which I really appreciated.

Diving into the accessories, I could tell straight away that we’re talking serious quality here. Bluefin has certainly set a high standard compared to the accessories typically bundled with other SUP packages in this price range.

The three-piece fibreglass paddle not only feels robust but can also convert into a kayak paddle with the right attachment. The three snap-in fins feel tough and durable, and the carry bag is equipped with a padded back, chest, and waist straps alongside a spacious front pocket.

My favourite accessory is the dual-action pump. It’s designed to be fully collapsible— no awkward protruding parts—by just removing the base and unscrewing the handles. It’s these thoughtful touches that make a big difference.

Also included in the pack are a coil leash, a repair kit, a waterproof phone case, and all the info you need to register for the five-year warranty.

Even though I couldn’t get it out on the water right away, I couldn’t wait and inflated the board in my living room! The sunset orange colour I picked looked amazing—really vibrant and eye-catching.

The board is super user-friendly too. It has three carry handles which make it easy to maneuver on your own or with a friend. Plus, with not just one but three action cam mounts, it’s ready to capture all the angles of your paddleboarding adventures.

There are other nifty features like the detachable cargo bungee, a kick pad for sharp turns, and well-placed D-rings for attaching a kayak seat.

Overall, the Bluefin Cruise package is a well-thought-out piece of gear that respects the environment and grows with you from beginner to more advanced levels. Its versatility, converting easily into a kayak, is just the cherry on top.

Now let’s move on and see how it performs out on the water.

My Experience with the Bluefin Cruise

Over the past few months, I’ve seized every chance to test the Bluefin Cruise, though opportunities have been scarce due to the classic wet and windy English weather.

My first real outing with the Cruise was quite the trial by fire—a SUP race called the Bewl Bash Challenge in Kent, which took place over a sunny Easter weekend. This was the perfect scenario to push the Bluefin Cruise to its limits.

Inflating the SUP with the dual-action pump was incredibly straightforward. Once it got a bit tougher to pump, a quick unscrew of a valve near the top switched it to single-action mode, making it easier to reach the recommended PSI. I also have to mention the smartlock fins—what a game-changer! They clipped in quickly and without any hassle.

When it was time for my category to head to the start line, I finally got to experience the Cruise on the water. The large deck pad, covering two-thirds of the board and ending with a kick pad at the rear, was impressively comfortable on my knees as I paddled out to the starting line.

The Bluefin Cruise is crafted with their patented ESL (Exo-Surface Laminate) technology, which ensures the SUP doesn’t sag and remains super rigid. This feature provided optimal stability and performance as I paddled with all my might across the 6km course.

Another detail that stood out was on the paddle itself—the T grip is offset from the top of the shaft, making it fit more comfortably in the palm of my hand, which really enhanced my paddling experience.

The board tracked beautifully in the water, thanks to its triple fin set-up, and felt incredibly stable even on the choppy reservoir. I wrapped up the race in 57 minutes—not last, which was my only goal!

Looking back, the Bluefin Cruise might not have been the ideal SUP for a race since it’s designed more as an all-rounder for beginners to intermediates. However, it held its own impressively well against the more specialized touring and racing SUPs.

Since race day, the Cruise has become my go-to board for more relaxed paddles down the river, thanks to its simplicity, great accessories, and rock-solid stability on the water.

Bluefin Cruise Alternatives

Now let’s see how the Bluefin Cruise stands out from the crowd by comparing it with some of the best budget-friendly iSUPs available today.

Wave Tourer

When comparing the Bluefin Cruise with the Wave Tourer, it’s clear both boards cater to different needs within the paddling community. The Wave Tourer stands out due to its lighter weight and more affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for beginners who may prioritize ease of handling and cost-effectiveness.

On the other hand, the Bluefin Cruise, while being slightly heavier and more expensive, offers a robust array of features. This makes it a superior option not only for beginners who are willing to invest in a more complete paddling package but also for intermediate paddlers seeking a board that can grow with their skills and handle a variety of water conditions.

Goosehill Sailor

The Goosehill Sailor is a solid entry-level board, ideal for those who are just getting into paddle boarding and wish to minimize their initial investment as it provides a functional setup at a lower cost, which is a significant advantage for budget-conscious buyers.

However, for those who can stretch their budget slightly, especially when the Bluefin Cruise is on sale, the additional investment is well worth it. The Cruise comes equipped with several superior features such as a kick pad for better control, a triple snap-in fin system for enhanced tracking, and high-quality accessories including a premium carry bag. These features offer greater value and longevity, making the Bluefin Cruise a more versatile and feature-rich choice compared to the Goosehill Sailor.

Itiwit X100 Touring SUP

When considering the Bluefin Cruise and the Itiwit X100 Touring SUP, it’s important to note that these boards occupy different ends of the budget spectrum in the paddle boarding market. The Bluefin Cruise is positioned at the higher end, equipped with premium features that justify its price.

In contrast, the Itiwit X100 is priced at the lower end, appealing to those who are looking for a more budget-friendly option. While it boasts excellent stability and is easy to transport—qualities that are ideal for beginners—the package notably lacks a paddle. This absence means that despite its initially attractive price point, purchasers will need to invest further to acquire a paddle, which can somewhat diminish the perceived value and cost-effectiveness of the Itiwit X100.

More Inflatable Paddle Boards

Take a look at our Best Budget Paddle Boards list to compare how the Bluefin Cruise compares against other SUPs in its price range.

More Bluefin Cruise Photos

Final Thoughts

The Bluefin Cruise has firmly established itself as my go-to board, and for good reason. It’s well-equipped to support both new and seasoned paddlers with its stable and durable design, which truly shines among a sea of options.

The inclusion of premium accessories like a high-quality fibreglass paddle, a kick pad for enhanced manoeuvrability, and an efficient triple snap-in fin system not only provides great value but also significantly enhances the overall paddling experience.

All in all, the build quality and thoughtful extras included with the Bluefin Cruise make it a great choice for anyone serious about paddle boarding.

Learn More

If you loved this, well you’re in luck as I’ve got a bunch of other great resources for you to explore here…

• How To Paddle Board: Complete SUP Guide for Beginners
• What To Wear Paddle Boarding
• 19 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Paddleboarding
• Best Paddle Board Accessories
• The Waterways Licence Explained
• Best Dryrobe Alternative Robes

I was kindly gifted the Bluefin Cruise to test and review. My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own unbiased opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you. You can read my affiliate disclosure in the privacy policy.