Since beginning our paddle board journey in 2016, we’ve tested over 100 boards, and the Bluefin Cruise Lite has caught our attention with its lightweight and compact design.
Our hands-on experience reveals that this unique SUP truly stands out from the crowd.
The Bluefin Cruise Lite is making waves with its stiffness, portability, and ease of transportation.
Let’s dive into our Bluefin Cruise Lite review.
Table of Contents
📹 Video
📊 Data & Facts
| Board Type | Inflatable (iSUP) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bluefin |
| Skill Level | Beginner and Intermediate |
| Price Range | Middle-Class |
| Intended Use | Cruising-Board (Cruiser) |
| Maximum Paddler Weight | 10′: approx. 80 kg (176 lbs) 11’4″: approx. 95 kg (209 lbs) |
| Length | 10′: 305 cm (10′) 11’4: 346 cm (11’4) |
| Width | Approx. 76 cm (30”) |
| Thickness | Approx. 12.7 cm (5″) |
| Volume* (estimated) | 10′: 230 – 250 Liters 11’4″: approx. 280 Liters |
| Weight | Board: approx. 8 kg, entire set approx. 12 kg |
| Accessories | Compact and waterproof SUP backpack 5-piece Carbon Paddle Double-action air pump (Swift Mini) Touring Fin (US-Box-System) Coiled Leash (spiral safety line) Waterproof phone case Repair kit |
🔄 How did the Bluefin Cruise Lite change over time?
With the Cruise Lite series, Bluefin has responded to the rapidly increasing demand for lightweight SUP boards with compact transport dimensions. There are several changes and innovations in the Cruise Lite models:
- Shape: The contour of the Cruise Lite series is slightly less pointed and broader in the front area compared to regular Bluefin Cruise Boards, yet it is not a classic rounded all-round nose.
- Dimensions: With a width of 30″ (about 76 cm) and a thickness of 5″ (about 12.7 cm), the Cruise Lite boards deviate from the known standard and are a step towards a compact board. The lengths, however, vary significantly between the two models: 10′ x 30″ x 5″ (305 x 76 x 12.7 cm) and 11’4 x 30″ x 5″ (346 x 76 x 12.7 cm).
- Construction: Bluefin opted for a radical approach in making the Cruise Lite boards lighter. From the board’s construction to its equipment and special accessories, every aspect has been optimized for maximum lightweight construction and effortless transport.
- Features: Some of the new features include a double-split deck pad for space-saving rolling, three lightweight carry handles, a cargo net, two available D-rings, and a split-box US-box fin system for weight-saving and tight rollability.
👍👎 Pro & Con
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- High-quality construction and materials
- Easy to transport and handle
- Available in two sizes (10′ and 11’4″)
- Features a unique split-deck pad for easier folding and rolling
- Comes with specialized and compact accessories
Cons
- No D-rings for attaching a kayak seat
- Swift Mini pump is small and low, making inflation less comfortable
- Not as load-bearing as the regular Bluefin Cruise models
🛠 Built & Material
The Bluefin Cruise Lite models use a single-layer Drop stitch construction that focuses on providing a lightweight board with minimal packing space requirements. To achieve the necessary stiffness and durability, the boards feature a woven Dropstitch core.
This core is made up of interconnected polyester threads that are processed into a fabric shell. A double stringer, which is a reinforcing strip running along the center of the board, adds additional support and stability.
This construction results in a board weighing around 8kg, making it significantly lighter than the average board and allowing for effortless transport over long distances.
While the lightweight construction and reduced thickness may limit the board’s stiffness and load-bearing capacity compared to multi-layer constructions, Bluefin has successfully provided a great compromise between a lightweight design and adequate rigidity.
This makes the Cruise Lite models ideal for those who prioritize easy transportation and handling while still benefiting from a solid board performance.
⚖️ Weight Limit
There are two sizes for the Bluefin Cruise Lite inflatable SUP, each with its own weight limit:
- 10′: Maximum paddler weight around 80 kg (176 lbs)
- 11’4″: Maximum paddler weight around 95 kg (209 lbs)
These weight limits are crucial to consider as they play a significant role in keeping the board’s performance and stability optimized. It’s essential not to push these limits to their maximum to have the best riding experience.
Based on our testing, we recommend the following weight ranges:
- 10′: Up to 70 kg (155 lbs) for optimal use
- 11’4″: Up to 85 kg (187 lbs) for optimal use
Going beyond these recommended weights may affect the board’s performance, but as long as you don’t approach the maximum weight limit, it should still be manageable.
🏄♂️ Intended Use & Riding Characteristics
The Bluefin Cruise Lite SUP boards are designed for easy transport and handling, making them ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers looking for an all-around and touring board. The riding characteristics of these boards can vary due to their size:
- 10′: The shorter model offers greater maneuverability, making it perfect for those who prioritize agility in their paddling experience. It’s suitable for lighter paddlers or for those who prefer a smaller board for easy handling.
- 11’4″: The longer board provides more straight-line tracking and stability, ideal for touring and longer distances. It’s great for heavier paddlers or anyone who wants a more stable platform for a relaxed gliding experience.
Both sizes come with a single Touring fin, ensuring excellent tracking and a streamlined glide. The Cruise Lite boards might not have the high weight capacity of Bluefin’s regular Cruise boards, but their lightweight construction and sleek design make them perfect for paddlers who value portability and convenience.
🎨 Design
The Bluefin Cruise Lite sports a stylish modern design, featuring a harmonious color gradient progressing from a deep dark blue at the board’s tail end to a lighter hue towards the nose.
The three-sectioned deck pad, adorned with the model’s name and graphic elements in two different shades of grey, includes a pattern of alternating paddles and triangles that transitions into a dot pattern towards the rear.
The manufacturer’s logo, motif, and board details are printed on the side panels, while a double-layered stringer can be observed along the center and geometric shapes connected by thin white lines on the board’s surface.
Overall, this design is contemporary and visually appealing, making the Bluefin Cruise Lite a definite head-turner on the water.
⭐ Features
- Deck pad: On the top of the board there is a non-slip EVA deck pad divided into 3 areas. The diamond structure is complemented by a crocodile skin surface and therefore offers twice as good grip and optimal water drainage.
- 3 Carrying Loops: There is a handle at the rear, in the middle of the board, and on the side of the board tip. All 3 are made of webbing material embroidered with the Bluefin lettering and padded with neoprene. There are long flags with warm warnings under the central carrying strap, which I find unattractively placed, at least visually.
- 2 free D-rings: There are 2 D-rings on the boards for flexible attachment of a SUP leash. One at the very back at the rear, and one at the front, between the base and the luggage net.
- Single Touring Fin: The Bluefin Cruise Lite features a single touring fin that uses a split US-box fin box for easy installation and removal. This fin design offers improved straight-line tracking for smoother glides on the water.
- Removable luggage net: In the front area there is an elastic cover net that is stretched crosswise at 4 plastic attachment points. The elastic band is a little thinner than usual. The elastic rope can also be completely removed using a carabiner.
- Action cam holder: There is a screw-in thread on a small base at the very front of the nose. Almost any commercially available action camera can be attached here.
🎒 Accessory
- Bluefin Cruise Lite Manual: A comprehensive guide on setting up, using, and maintaining your Bluefin Cruise Lite is included for easy reference.
- Bluefin Cruise Lite SUP Backpack: This ultra-compact and waterproof SUP backpack features a roll-top closure and comes in a sleek grey and black design. It is specifically designed to accommodate the lightweight and compact Bluefin Cruise Lite board and accessories. It also functions as a dry bag, ensuring your belongings stay dry during your paddleboarding adventures.
- 5-piece Bluefin Cruise Lite Carbon Paddle: This lightweight and adjustable paddle (179 cm to 195 cm) is made with a carbon shaft and durable nylon blade. It can be disassembled into five pieces, making it perfect for easy storage and transport.
- Bluefin Cruise Lite Dual-action Pump: The “Swift Mini” pump included allows for quick inflation, with a dual-action mode filling most of the volume quickly and a single-action mode for easier pumping as you reach higher pressures. The compact size of the pump ensures it fits easily into the Bluefin Cruise Lite backpack.
- Bluefin Cruise Lite Touring Fin: The single touring fin is easy to install and enhances the straight-line performance and stability of the board.
- Bluefin Cruise Lite Coiled Leash: The spiral safety leash can be securely fastened around your ankle or below the knee, keeping the board close in case you fall into the water.
- Bluefin Cruise Lite Waterproof Phone Case: A waterproof case that not only protects your phone but also allows for touchscreen functionality, keeping your device safe and accessible during your SUP adventures.
- Bluefin Cruise Lite Repair Kit: The repair kit includes color-matched PVC patches, a valve wrench, and other essential components needed for minor repairs.
💬 FAQ
How long does it take to inflate the Bluefin Cruise Lite?
Inflating the Bluefin Cruise Lite takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on the board size and the user’s pumping speed.
What pressure should I inflate the Bluefin Cruise Lite to?
Inflate the Bluefin Cruise Lite to a pressure of 15 PSI for optimal rigidity and performance.
Is the Bluefin Cruise Lite good for beginners?
Yes, the Bluefin Cruise Lite is suitable for beginners due to its stable design, user-friendly features, and versatile size options accommodating different skill levels.
What’s the weight limit of the Bluefin Cruise Lite?
The official weight limits for the Bluefin Cruise Lite are 176 lbs (80 kg) for the 10′ model and 209 lbs (95 kg) for the 11’4″ model. However, for optimal performance, we recommend 155 lbs (70 kg) for the 10′ model and 187 lbs (85 kg) for the 11’4″ model.
Conclusion
The Bluefin Cruise Lite is an exceptional SUP board for those valuing lightweight and compact design.
Its innovative construction offers impressive performance without compromising on maneuverability and portability.
Choose from two sizes that cater to both beginners and intermediate paddlers for an optimal experience.
Enjoy an array of features and accessories specifically designed for the Bluefin Cruise Lite series.
Backed by a 5-year warranty, this board is perfect for those looking to effortlessly explore the water.
