The Bluefin Cruise 10’8 is a versatile inflatable SUP for paddlers of all skill levels. Its SUP package is one of the things that make it stand out. It comes with more than just the basic accessories. The manufacturer claims that the Bluefin Cruise is the toughest and most rigid inflatable you will come across. They also say that everything in the SUP bundle is of premium quality. How true are the claims? We are about to find out in this in-depth Bluefin Cruise 10’8 SUP review.
A little information about the manufacturer…
Bluefin SUP Boards company was founded in 2013 by Will and Charlotte. They both love water sports and this was a project they enjoyed doing. The founders wanted to make high-quality paddleboards for the whole family. So far, they are doing a fantastic job. All their SUPs, including the Bluefin Cruise 10’8, are proof of that.
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Let’s quickly look at the pros, cons, and board specs before we dive in.
Pros
- Full SUP package and kayak conversion kit
- Outstanding construction, super tough and rigid
- Paddle comes with an ergonomic shaft
- Kick pad feature for quick turns
- Comfortable and durable Thermo sealed crocodile deck pad
Cons
- Side fins are not removable
- No universal fin box
Paddle Board Specs
- Length: 10’8 (324 cm)
- Width: 32” (82 cm)
- Thickness: 6” (16 cm)
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
Who Should Buy The Bluefin Cruise SUP?
The Bluefin Cruise 10’8 is suitable for beginners and any paddler seeking an all-around SUP.
No beginner wants to spend a ton of money when getting started. You most probably don’t know what you like, yet, and what kind of board would be best for you. It would, therefore, be wise to buy a SUP that can do everything. The Bluefin Cruise is an all-around board and you can explore all SUP variations with it.
Additionally, the paddleboard is super durable and you will be using it for years to come. Don’t forget it comes with SUP accessories and even a kayak conversion kit. You only need to get a life jacket and you’re good to go.
Another thing that makes the Cruise 10’8 great for newbie paddlers is its size. It is of medium length and width. SUPers will find it very stable and easy to control. Learning how to attain and maintain balance as a beginner can be a challenge. It is advisable to get a wide board and 32 inches is just right.
Most paddlers are not into anything in particular. They may decide to do yoga on one day, cruise around with their pet on the next, explore a SUP spot on the other side of the country, etc. For someone like that, the Bluefin Cruise 10’8 would be perfect.
It is rugged enough for any kind of SUP adventure. Once deflated and packed, you can travel with it anywhere in the world.
Performance
a. Stability
The Bluefin 10’8 is remarkably stable and rigid. It rides above the water and doesn’t feel wobbly.
The width, thickness, and construction quality of a SUP are important when it comes to stability.
For maximum stability, you are advised to go for a wider paddleboard. The surface is larger and it becomes easier for you to balance. However, you don’t have to buy the widest SUP on the market. There are 36-inch boards but they are not for everybody. The Cruise 10’8 has a 32-inch width— it is neither too wide nor too narrow.
Another feature that makes the Bluefin stable is its thickness. Thicker inflatable paddleboards have a higher volume and this usually means they can handle more weight. They tend to be rigid and buoyant. You don’t want a paddleboard that bends in the middle or sinks. Not only is this annoying, but it also interferes with stability. The Bluefin Cruise is remarkably rigid and buoyant.
The construction of the Cruise 10’8 is impressive. You will be amazed at how stiff it is once inflated. It is awesome to be able to roll up your SUP and put it in a bag. But when paddling, you want it to be as solid as a hard paddleboard. If the iSUP is soft, you won’t have an easy time. The board will flex and that will be a very unstable ride.
ALSO READ: Why are paddle boards so expensive?
b. Maneuverability
The Bluefin Cruise 10’8 is quite maneuverable— I’m impressed.
One of the things that affect maneuverability is the length of a paddleboard. The longer it is, the more effort it will take to handle it. Paddlers, especially short ones and teens, will have a great time controlling the Cruise 10’8. The kick pad feature helps you make quick, sharp turns.
c. Tracking
This inflatable paddleboard tracks really well. It is frustrating to paddle a SUP that won’t maintain the course. Thankfully, that is not something you have to worry about with the Bluefin Cruise. It comes with a large center fin and two side fins. The central fin is largely responsible for keeping the board in line. The longer the fin, the better the tracking. The Cruise 10’8 has an 8-inch one that does a fantastic job.
d. Speed
The Bluefin Cruise glides with decent speed. Its pointed nose helps it cut through the water. I also love that it is not too wide. While wider boards are great for stability, they tend to be slow because of more resistance. So the wider a paddleboard is, the slower it will be. The Cruise 10’8 has a width that allows it to be both stable and fast enough.
Check Price of the Bluefin Cruise 10’8
Build Quality
This Bluefin inflatable paddle board comes with a five-year warranty. That says a lot about their construction quality.
The company claims to be the only one using Pro Weave Dropstitch technology and 1000D laminate PVC. The paddleboard is so sturdy you can inflate it to 28 PSI. (The recommended PSI is 15 to 18). This iSUP’s double layer rails are heat welded and reinforced using PVC fabric. The deck is UV proofed.
The Bluefin Cruise 10’8 inflatable paddleboard is one of the toughest SUPs in the market. The construction and materials used are of high quality.
Tougher inflatable paddleboards are more rigid and stable. They also last longer.
Any adventurous paddler will love the Bluefin Cruise. If you are the kind of SUPer that goes where the wind blows, you’ll need a SUP that can withstand anything. There is no condition too rough for the Bluefin Cruise. It won’t get dings or dents.
Design
The Bluefin Cruise has a rounded square tail and a pointy nose. It is shaped more like a cruise paddleboard but its overall design makes it versatile. There are no color options but the paddleboard is gorgeous.
Board Features
1. Fins
The Cruise 10’8 has a three-fin setup: a large center fin and two side fins. The central fin is removable and features a smart lock system. We would have loved to see a universal fin box but we’re not complaining. The Bluefin lock system makes detachment and attachment very easy.
Removable side fins would have been nice too so the board would fold compact. However, the Bluefin Cruise folds just fine.
2. Deck Pad
The paddle board comes with a croco-diamond deck pad. It is very comfortable—whether you are standing or kneeling. And it is pet-friendly.
The thermo-sealed deck pad offers traction to prevent you from slipping when your feet are wet.
3. Handles
The Bluefin Cruise 10’8 comes with three grab handles; at the front, center, and rear. The center handle is for carrying your board solo. It also helps you know where to stand, especially if you are a complete beginner.
4. D-rings and Mounts
This paddle board has several D-rings. Four of them are at the front and have a bungee cord attached for your luggage. There is another one at the rear for your leash. The rest of the D-rings are placed conveniently for your kayak seat attachment.
There is a fixed action camera mount at the front. It is compatible with most cameras.
SUP Board Accessories
The best thing about the Bluefin Cruise 10’8 is probably its package. For the affordable price, you get a bag, paddle, pump, leash, smartphone case, repair kit, and kayak conversion kit.
a. The Pump
The single-chamber dual-action pump makes your work easier because it inflates on the downward and upward stroke. It is slim and lightweight with an ergonomic grip. It slips nicely into the bag, thanks to the compact design.
b. The Paddle
The Bluefin Cruise paddle has a fiberglass shaft and polyurethane blade. It is 45% lighter than your average aluminum paddle.
The blade is impeccably strong—it will not warp or chip. It also has a no-flutter design for efficient strokes.
This paddle is adjustable and collapsible.
c. The Bag
It is large and fits all the accessories plus the paddleboard.
The premium quality backpack has extra padding on the straps and back for comfort. The straps are wide so they won’t dig into your shoulders. There are several outside pockets and reinforced zipper webbing.
d. The Leash
It has a neoprene band to keep you comfortable the entire time. You will even forget that you’re wearing a leash. The coils are dense to minimize drag and the Velcro is reliable.
e. The Kayak Conversion Kit
This kit consists of a seat and a kayak paddle end. The seat is comfortable and padded. After you’ve adjusted the straps once to their proper lengths, you can literally attach the seat to the D-rings in a matter of seconds. Pull out the top end of the paddle and replace it with the second blade and you’re good to go.
What Users Are Saying
A SUP beginner on Reddit was asking for opinions about a certain less-known SUP brand.
Someone responded saying that they don’t know about that brand, but the original poster should look at Bluefin Cruise SUPs. Another Redditor replied that he just bought the 10’8 Cruise. Although he hadn’t used it at the time, the quality impressed him. In his opinion, it is worth the price. He also loves that the oversized backpack has hip straps.
Check Price of the Bluefin Cruise
Hellen and her husband decided to buy the Bluefin Cruise boards. They love paddleboarding but they are also kayaking enthusiasts. The Bluefin 10’8 is just perfect because they can switch from SUP to kayaking in an instant. They say that the paddleboard is stable and maneuverable, even in tricky areas. The customer service was awesome. They highly recommend the iSUP.
Kris was a beginner when she got the Bluefin Cruise 10’8 and she’d never owned a SUP before. She loves the included accessories and the fact that everything fits into the backpack. Once inflated, she says the board is super stiff and stable.
Irene and her husband got two Bluefin Cruise paddleboards. She agrees that the customer service is commendable. She contacted them more than once and they were so nice. The husband uses the Cruise for fishing and they are happy with their choice.
Nick was on a tight budget but he still wanted a quality iSUP. He decided to get the Bluefin Cruise 10’8. The kayak conversion kit and the price caught his attention. He managed to inflate the SUP in only 5 minutes. If it takes longer for you, he advises reading the manual so you know how to plug in the pump. The quality of the Bluefin is impeccable. Although his pump came with a broken gauge, he highly recommends the board.
Bluefin Cruise Alternatives
Bluefin Cruise 10’8 Vs Atoll Inflatable Paddleboard
The Atoll is another popular iSUP and it’s one of the best inflatable SUPs on the market. So let us see how it compares to the Bluefin Cruise.
The Atoll paddleboard measures 11’ x 32” x 6”. It weighs 21 pounds and has a rider weight capacity of 400 pounds. (It has been tested at 700 pounds with multiple paddlers). The board is available in four colors. It has a six-point bungee cord at the front for luggage and 9 more D-rings for extra gear attachment.
The inflatable paddle board is constructed using Korean Dropstitch technology and machine-laminated PVC. It has a tri-fin system and the center fin is removable. The Atoll comes with all the basic accessories. The paddle is made using carbon fiberglass and has a nylon blade.
The Bluefin offers a kayak conversion kit and it costs less than the Atoll. It also has a five-year warranty while the Atoll has a two-year warranty.
The Atoll paddleboard can hold way more than the Bluefin, which has a weight limit of 330 pounds.
Atoll has found that hard-to-find balance between speed and stability.
You get color options if you decide to buy the Atoll. The storage area is also a bit bigger and you can bring more luggage. Notice that the Atoll has more D-rings too.
Both the Atoll and the Bluefin are great boards. Choose the Atoll for the higher weight capacity, the performance, and the color options. Go with the Bluefin for the included kayak kit and the lower price.
You may also like our Freein Explorer stand up paddle board review.
Conclusion
The Bluefin Cruise 10’8 is an outstanding inflatable paddleboard, more so if you’re on a budget. Its quality is great and it comes with a five-year warranty. Everything you will need to get started with SUP is included in the package, with the bonus of a kayak conversion kit. In this price range, you have to give it to Bluefin for offering high-quality accessories, especially the fiberglass paddle.
Do you have any questions about the Bluefin Cruise 10’8? Let us know below. We will be happy to answer them.
