Bluefin Sprint Review (2022) iSUP Paddleboard

The Bluefin Sprint is a 14 feet (427 cm) race paddle board.

The British manufacturer Bluefin is otherwise known for allrounder and touring boards like the Bluefin Cruise, but delivers with the Sprint a mixture of inflatable touring and race SUP board.

The board is primarily aimed at advanced paddlers who can have fun with the elongated shaped board.

Compared to other race SUPs on the market, however, the Bluefin Sprint also offers good tipping stability, which is why even sporty beginners will quickly get to grips with the board.

If you are looking for a paddle board for the whole family, however, you should rather take a look at the Bluefin Cruise. See all Bluefin boards in comparison.

Check out our Bluefin Cruise test video:

Short on Time? Here’s the Most Important:

The Bluefin Sprint is quite narrow with approx. 77 cm (30″) and with 427 cm (14′) also significantly longer than the other Bluefin boards. Thus, it clearly has the edge in terms of speed and glide. The very pointed and streamlined racing shape cuts smoothly through the water and stays confidently on a straight course.

Of course, there are clear deductions in basic stability and maneuverability. Complete beginners will certainly reach their limits when keeping their balance on the Sprint and will need good stamina. On the other hand, it plays to its strengths on long and fairly straight stretches at high speeds.

Not for nothing is a popular saying in the SUP scene: “Length runs!”. With the 3 removable fins in the Smartlock system, you can adjust the setup and running characteristics by switching between single fin (good straight running) and 2+1 setup (more stability and maneuverability).

The features include a double-structured deck pad, 2 luggage nets, 5 carrying straps, 7 free D-rings and an action cam mount, allowing for variable use. The accessory package can also convince and includes the following equipment:

Instruction manual, SUP backpack, fiberglass paddle, double stroke air pump (reversible), 3 removable fins (Smart-Lock system), coiled leash (spiral-shaped safety line), waterproof cell phone case and a repair kit.

Bluefin Sprint Review in Detail

In this board review, we will first discuss the board and its features. Then we briefly look at the accessories that come with the board, and finish with a section where we answer frequently asked questions about the Bluefin Sprint.

Among other things, we also discuss the differences between the Bluefin Sprint and the Bluefin Sprint Carbon and answer the question of who should choose which model.

If you have any further questions or uncertainties, just leave a comment below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Board Type	Inflatable
Brand	Bluefin
Skill	Advanced and Professionals
Area of Application	Race
Length	427 cm (14′)
Width	77 cm (30″)
Thickness	16 cm (6″)
Volume	–
Weight	13 kg (29 lbs)
Accessories	Instruction manual, SUP board bag, fiberglass paddle, double action pump (reversible), 3 removable fins (smart-lock system), coiled leash, repair kit

Construction

The Bluefin Sprint is a typical race paddleboard with a length of 14′ (427 cm). The Race from Bluefin is built for the extreme length with a width of 30.5” (77 cm) for a race paddle board quite wide, which ensures a safe stand on the board. Even very ambitious newcomers will quickly find their way with the board.

Because of the 30.5” (77 cm) width, the water resistance is lower than most allrounders, but not as low as other Race SUPs, which are even narrower and therefore perform better, but are also more unstable.

The Sprint is 6 inches thick, which provides more stability and also allows more air to fit into 6 inch (15 cm) thick boards than boards that are only 4 inches (10 cm) thick. This provides more buoyancy and much more stiffness.

Load Capacity

The Bluefin Sprint is designed for a maximum load of 350 lbs (160 kilograms).

Therefore, two light adults or an adult including a child can paddle on the board from Bluefin at the same time. Also, the Bluefin Sprint wonderful to be used for paddle boarding with dog.

Especially in somewhat rough water, however, two adults have difficulty standing on the board.

Here, the narrower design of the Race SUPs becomes clear. Those who want to ride most of the time with two people and also plan longer tours should therefore definitely take a look at the Bluefin Cruise Tandem, which was built exactly for this purpose.

Areas of Application and Driving Characteristics

The elongated shaped board Bluefin Sprint easily achieves good speeds. Race SUPs can reach top speeds, which is why boards of this class are almost exclusively found at competitions.

Many experienced paddleboarders and real SUP professionals use the board especially for longer distances or multi-day tours. The biggest advantage of the elongated design is the extremely low water resistance and high tracking.

The board deviates only slightly from the direction of travel, so the paddle side has to be changed less often than, for example, with the Bluefin Cruise. Together with the narrow design, this makes it possible to build up higher speeds.

As mentioned, the Bluefin Sprint isn’t the narrowest race SUP, which is why it’s not as fast as a few other inflatable race SUPs or hardboards. However, I like the Bluefin Sprint’s compromise of stability, which thus allows for riding in suboptimal conditions, and speed.

The fact that all 3 fins are removable further emphasizes the adaptability of the model. With the classic 2+1 fin setup, stability and maneuverability are at their best.

If you opt for the single center fin, the already strong straight-line stability is further emphasized. The board then stays on track very nicely in a straight line and you can implement a fast paddling rhythm, resulting in higher speeds.

In shallow water, it is also possible to use the two side fins alone. This minimizes the draft. In practice, however, this setting is usually not very useful, as it makes the board difficult to steer.

Material and Weight

The Bluefin Sprint is a double-layer paddle board whose PVC layers are woven together using the modern dropstitch process.

The production process ensures particularly stiff, tear-resistant and durable boards. The shells of Bluefin’s Race SUP are extremely strong and can withstand an internal pressure of up to 28 PSI. At an air pressure of almost 2 bar, almost all boards from other manufacturers give way.

Furthermore, we liked the high-quality edges. When inflated, these are very stiff and allow for abrupt turns.

With a weight of only 28 lbs (13 kilograms), the Bluefin Sprint is quite light compared to other race paddle boards. Transporting the board is easier here than with other Race SUPs.

The great advantage of inflatable Race SUPs boards is that with these after a tour simply the air can be deflated, the board rolled up and stowed in the (included) backpack. The backpack also offers additional space for accessories and other equipment.

We would have liked a backpack with wheels, however, as this is also included with the Bluefin Sprint Carbon.

Workmanship

In terms of workmanship, Bluefin plays in the top league with their boards.

For a really fair price you get with the Bluefin Sprint a very well processed boards including many accessories that also last long.

Design

The board is colored in different shades of blue and turquoise. The design underlines the sporty claim of the Bluefin Sprint Carbon. The deckpad in light gray and black has many design elements and the name of the board. In the area of the tip, the manufacturer has applied its logo.

The underside is designed in matching colors and with oval decorations. In the middle runs a design band that has the words “Bluefin SUP”. I like the look really well, but who likes rather plain designs is certainly of different opinion here!

Other Features

There are a number of features we would like to touch on, at least briefly:

• Luggage Net: The Sprint has two large luggage nets (front with eight D-rings and rear with four D-rings) with extra neoprene cords that can be used to attach drybags, attach water bottles, or carry other gear.

• EVA deckpad: The Bluefin Sprint comes equipped with a large EVA deckpad. The gray deckpad has a honeycomb-like structure that provides a good grip and thus ensures a secure footing even in wet conditions.
• Central carrying handle: The carrying handle in the center of the board is located in the center of mass of the SUP and is quite comfortable. In addition, the carrying handle can be converted into a paddle holder.

• Additional carrying handles: The Sprint is equipped with four additional carrying handles. One handle each is located at the front end, the rear end and both sides.

• 3 removable fins: The Bluefin Sprint features three removable fins. The two side fins are also removable. The Bluefin proprietary Smart-Lock fin system is used, where the fins can be attached super easily within 5 seconds per fin.

• 7 free D-rings: There are 6 D-rings on the side of the stand to which, for example, a kayak seat can be flexibly attached and positioned. At the rear there is another ring for the leash.
• Kickpad: The deckpad is raised in the rear area. If you shift your weight to the kickpad, the top lifts a bit, making it easier to turn. With practice, the pivot turn works almost on the spot.
• Action cam mount: In the front area there is an action cam mount, in which all common action cam models can be mounted.

Accessories

The scope of delivery of the Bluefin Sprint includes the fins, a fiberglass paddle, a coiled leash, a double action air pump, a waterproof cell phone case, a repair kit and a carrying backpack. So everything is included for the first tours. Compared to buying it individually, the accessories included alone would cost 200€ or more.

• Bluefin Sprint Paddle: Included with the Bluefin Sprint is a fiberglass paddle. Fiberglass paddles are also known as paddles made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and are not a mere trinket. The light weight, high level of stability and good workmanship make it a full SUP paddle boarding. Other manufacturers either don’t include a paddle at all or only an aluminum model, which often doesn’t last long, is heavy, and in some cases can’t even float.
  The fiberglass paddle included with the Sprint is height adjustable and can be disassembled into two individual pieces for transport. Maximum length of the paddle can be adjusted to 7’1” (2.15 meters), making it suitable for people up to 6’7” (2 meters) tall.
• Switchable Bluefin Sprint double action pump: The air pump is a high-quality double-action pump. If you lock the air intake with the plug, air is pumped into the board both when pushing down and when pulling up. The assembly time is correspondingly shorter.
  If the plug is removed, air is only pumped when the handle is pressed down. This takes a little longer, but is also less strenuous.

• 3 removable Bluefin Cruise fins: Both side fins and the large center fin are removable and are attached to the board via the so-called Smartlock system. For mounting, the desired fin is simply inserted into the rail, pressed down and fixed with a small, integrated lever.
  The system is very fast and convenient. Unfortunately, the market for spare parts is also in the hands of these companies. Here you can find a guidebook that goes into detail about how to get Smartlock fins.
• Bluefin Sprint Coiled-Leash (spiral safety leash): Included is a 10′ coiled-leash that only expands to its full length if you fall into the water. This is important because simple surf leashes can easily snag on underwater plants or rocks.
• Bluefin Sprint SUP Backpack:The carrying backpack is equipped with a padding in the back area and heavily padded shoulder straps, which ensures a good wearing comfort. In addition, the backpack has a waist strap and chest strap. Overall, the backpack looks valuable and can be used on for other purposes.

• Waterproof Bluefin Sprint cell phone case: In this transparent case your smartphone finds a protected place and can even be operated through the film. With the loop you can hang your phone around you and have it quickly at hand when needed. A very useful gimmick.
• Bluefin Sprint Repairkit: This small set in the blue screw box consists of 2 PVC patches, a small tube with glue and a valve wrench. Small defects you can repair yourself and check or replace the valve.

FAQ

Finally, we answer some frequently asked questions about the Bluefin Sprint.

Conclusion

The Bluefin Sprint is one of the best race paddle boarding boards on the market. The high-quality workmanship, the extensive accessories and the uncompromising focus on maximum speed are the biggest arguments for the board from Bluefin.