Bluefin Cruise 12’ - Review 2023

Review

• DiveIn Score: 4.7/5 
• Construction: 4.7/5
• Stability: 4.9/5
• Maneuverability: 4.7/5
• Portability: 4.5/5
• Price/Quality: 4.7/5

The Bluefin Cruise 12’ SUP board is the needle in the haystack that shines with its versatile design and a beginner-friendly performance. It includes everything a board in the all-arounder category is supposed to have and more. To put it simply, there are (almost) zero shortcomings that would make you doubt the purchase. Read on to find out more about it.

Features

• First things first: the Cruise with the length of 12 inches is equipped with a diamond grid crocodile pad. This is very nice to stand on, to step back on, while you go on longer excursions
• The kick pad placed at the tail of the board comes in handy every time you step back to make a pivot turn
• The 3 handles, along with the 2 safety handles at the front give you what you need to get to the water
• We love that the 2020 model has the 2+1 smart-lock fin system. It makes packing so much easier. Stacking too, for that matter. Removing the side fins to increasing turning prowess is great to try when upping your skills.
• ‘Paddle. Camera. Action’ is the perfect order for the functioning of the built-into-the-board GoPro mount.  No harsh waves or inexperience in paddling will come in the way of you creating the memories of a lifetime.
• There are 9 D-rings attached to the Cruise 12’ SUP board. Whether you need to attach the kayak seat that comes with it or a dry bag with an extra change of clothes, you’re got plenty of options.
• The bungee chords are tied and locked under a rubber enclosure, ensuring you don’t lose your precious cargo in the middle of the deep blue sea.

Accessories

There’s more to the board than meets the eye. In fact, there’s a lot more to the board. We’re talking about the fiberglass shaft paddle, the dual-action pump, the coiled leash, the travel backpack, the kayak seat kit, the repair kit, and the waterproof phone case. Doesn’t sound too bad for the price tag of the bundle, right?

• Paddle: Starting off with the tool that is so central to paddling, we have a fiberglass shaft paddle with a PU blade. Though the handle on the paddle is one area Bluefin could improve the weight of the unit makes up for it nicely. Good thrust and feel.
• Pump: The single-chamber dual-action pump won’t impress, but with a lot of people opting into an electric pump it maybe doesn’t matter. No matter what, you’ll get your SUP pumped up to the recommended 15-18 PSI without too much struggle.
• Leash: A coiled leash with Neoprene band? Yes, please! Bluefin Cruise 12’ comes with one and we couldn’t be happier about it. There’s also a Nylon loop on a swivel attached to the end of the band with velcro for quick removal. It’s a whole package.
• Backpack: The backpack you can store your essentials in is oversized. This is great – you’re not restricted to bringing just the bare essentials with you. Stuff it up to the brim in the multiple pockets the backpack contains and you’re good to go.
• Kayak seat kit: Perhaps the best accessory included in the bundle is the kayak seat kit. In other circumstances, you’d have to purchase it separately, which is why it makes it so much more special to have the kit as a freebie.
• Repair kit: It’s always good to have a couple of quick-fix solutions with you whenever you are dealing with outdoor adventures. The repair kit that’s included in this accessory bundle features exactly that – a valve wrench and a few PVC patches. Better be safe than sorry.
• User manual: Paddling beginners who have never maneuvered a SUP board before, this one will pleasantly surprise you. The user manual that comes with the board eliminates the need to search for youtube videos (that aren’t often there to begin with).
• Waterproof phone case: This one is an unexpected but nevertheless exciting bonus. In the digital age of today, the chances of you leaving your smartphone at home are super low. Bluefin considered this and included a waterproof phone case for your electronic device to stay safe at all times.

Stability

You probably already know (and if you don’t, keep on reading) that wider SUP boards provide paddlers with the best stability. Bluefin Cruise isn’t an exception. With 33 inches, it’s as stable as any board designed to withstand 330 pounds of weight can get. The strength of the PVC stitching makes it rigid enough to withstand up to 28 PSI.

Maneuverability

We found Cruise 12’ to be an ideal SUP board for recreational paddling. Whether you decide to bring your child with you or explore the surroundings by yourself, the board will be your best friend.

Surely, you might not be able to go all out and catch big waves with it, but this isn’t applicable to, say, fishing or yoga anyway. What you will be able to do is navigate your way around the calm waters at your own pace while enjoying the views that smoothly interchange in front of you.

Portability

How portable is Bluefin Cruise 12’ SUP board? Very, if you ask us. The bag is big enough to easily handle all the accoutrements of the package without struggling to mash them in. It’s also comfortable enough to bike with, a test that not every board passes.

And even though the board is on the heavier side, wheels make rolling your way to the water almost a pleasure.

Price/Quality Ratio

We can’t stress enough how impressive this board’s price/quality ratio is. Costing less than some of the other high-quality boards on the market, it’s an interesting alternative in terms of the price tag when considering the kayak seat and waterproof phone bag comes as standard.

This is justifiable too. When you take the high-end drop-stitching technology and the multitude of accessories into consideration, you get a nice deal that is too hard to pass.

Do we recommend it?

If looking for an inflatable SUP board with plenty of accessories, Bluefin Cruise 12’ might just satisfy your requirements. It’s an investment that will pay off sooner than later. Neither quality nor the features of the board are compromised, meaning that you’ll be getting a great deal by definition.

Are stability and the bonus of a kayak seat kit your priorities? Then go ahead and bookmark this board before it goes out of stock.