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Bluefin Cruise 2024
(Test & Review)

by Tim

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How good is the Bluefin Cruise (Tandem)?

The BlueFin Cruise 2024 has a length of 325 – 482 cm (10’8″- 15′ feet), is up to 91.5 cm wide and about 16 cm thick when inflated. It has six sturdy carrying handles and eight rings to which the two kayak seats can be attached if required.

The ideal touring SUP board for paddling together?

Special Offer
Save up to 37%! Currently, there are great special offers at BlueFin: BlueFin special offers.

Summary of the BlueFin Cruise test – what our SUP tester Robin says:

For a reasonable price, the Bluefin Cruise Tandem offers a high-quality board (including extensive accessories). The paddle board is also very durable and the manufacturer offers a five-year guarantee.

The simple conversion into a kayak provides variety and, if you prefer, a more leisurely tour in a seated position. Another practical feature for us is the mount for a universal action camera on the nose of the paddle board. The Croko-Diamant deck pad is optimally non-slip and very comfortable underfoot.

The Cruise Tandem is particularly suitable for couples to spend a few romantic hours on the water with the SUP. But this SUP also guarantees a lot of fun on your own or with friends, family and pets. A real all-rounder!

More articles you might find: The best SUP boards reviewed.

Product details

Special Offer
BlueFin Cruise SUP Board Set*
  • Price: approx. 499 $
  • Weight: approx. 14 kg
  • Material: 500 denier PVC fabric
  • Maximum user weight: 130 kg
  • Dimensions: 325 x 83.5 x 16 cm
  • Pack size: approx. 100 x 50 x 45 cm
  • Scope of delivery: SUP board, fiberglass paddle, air pump, fin, leash, transport backpack, GoPro mount, kayak conversion kit
  • Maximum air pressure: 28 psi, 15-18 psi recommended

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Combination of touring and all-round board
  • Complete set (including fiberglass paddle, air pump, fin, leash, GoPro mount, kayak conversion kit)
  • SUP board for 2 people
  • Can also be used as a solo touring board
  • Great price-performance ratio
  • Attractive design
  • Free shipping worldwide
  • High stability
  • Carrying handle
  • Runs straight ahead well
  • EVA pad
  • Reinforced rail
  • Luggage net
  • SUP paddle can be converted into a kayak paddle
  • Luggage net
  • Rather unsuitable for SUP beginners to paddle alone
  • Less suitable for SUP surfing

BlueFin Cruise experience

Shape

bluefin_form

The Bluefin Cruise Tandem combines the aggressive characteristics of a touring board with those of an all-rounder. The board measures 482 x 92 x 16.5 cm.

Thanks to its length, the Cruise Tandem runs perfectly straight, while the high width ensures that the board is stable enough for 2 people to tip over. The light rocker cuts through waves effortlessly and improves the gliding properties of the board.

That’s what our SUP tester Robin says:

Thanks to the high internal pressure of around 18 PSI and the three fins, the paddle board has very good riding characteristics. It is stable in the water and, in our experience, it is easy to keep a straight line in calm seas without having to counter-steer too often.
Conclusion: Stable SUP all-round/touring SUP for two people.

Material

bluefin-cruise-tandem-material

In terms of materials and workmanship, the Bluefin Cruise Tandem belongs to the top class. The rails of the board are double reinforced and made of 500 denier PVC fabric. The PVC layers are welded together and not glued, which greatly improves the durability of the board.

Thanks to the Exo Surf lamination construction, the Cruise Tandem is very hard and UV-resistant. The dropstitch pattern in the core of the board is very dense and thus ensures outstanding rigidity.

That’s what our SUP tester Robin says:

Although the manufacturer takes care to reduce the overall weight as much as possible by using lightweight materials (e.g. fiberglass paddles), the large board with all its accessories is still very heavy. As soon as the SUP is in the water, however, this fact is completely forgotten.
Conclusion: Top workmanship and materials – this board clearly stands out from the competition.

Surface

bluefin-cruise-interface

As befits a tandem board, the surface of the board is equipped with a long non-slip pad. The Croko diamond deck has a diamond structure and thus ensures good grip and a firm footing.

The kickpad at the tail makes tight turns possible and serves as an orientation aid. The D-rings can be used to attach tensioning straps for accessories, such as the kayak seat supplied. There are also several carrying handles for easy transportation.

That’s what our SUP tester Robin says:

The Croko-Diamant deck pad is optimally non-slip and very comfortable underfoot. We always had a secure hold even in heavy swell on our tours along the coast of southern France.

Another practical feature on our excursions was the option of storing luggage in the luggage net provided on the nose of the board. We were able to pack provisions and even our snorkeling equipment in a waterproof bag. However, a second luggage net, e.g. at the tail, would have been practical for a tandem.

Conclusion: Everything a tandem SUP board needs: non-slip pad, carrying handle, luggage net and D-rings.

Price-performance ratio

bluefin_cruise_price_performance

The Bluefin Cruise Tandem offers impressive value for money. The board is sold as a SUP set, the scope of delivery includes: Board, air pump, fiberglass paddle, fins, leash, GoPro mount and a kayak conversion kit.

Everything you need for stand-up paddling is included here.

That’s what our SUP tester Robin says:

We liked the blue, white and anthracite design straight away. All utensils, including the individually adjustable and combinable fiberglass paddles, the dual-action pump, kayak seats and leash, were neatly packed and immediately conveyed a high-quality impression. The enclosed multilingual operating instructions answered all our further questions.
Conclusion: Great price-performance ratio, the accessories supplied are convincing across the board.

Field of application

bluefin_cruise_area of application

The Bluefin Cruise is a real all-rounder and is suitable for relaxed paddling and long SUP exploration tours. Whether on the river, sea or lake.

However, the board is less suitable for SUP surfing.

That’s what our SUP tester Robin says:

But even in somewhat rough seas and swell, the SUP rides perfectly. The experience for two doubled the fun of driving for us. Once we had found the right rhythm, we glided swiftly across the water.

Thanks to the “double” drive, we were able to reach quite high speeds and also master longer distances relatively easily. The Bluefin Cruise Tandem lived up to its name as an all-rounder among touring paddle boards. The Bluefin Cruise Tandem is also very comfortable to ride alone and is ideal for solo touring.

Conclusion: Touring SUP for paddling together, no matter where.

How long does it take to inflate?

bluefin_cruise_tandem_inflate

What our SUP tester Robin says about the BlueFin TANDEM:

We found the dual-action pump (with upward and downward strokes) to be very easy to operate. Nevertheless, in our experience, inflating the paddle board is quite a feat of strength every time. In midsummer temperatures, we worked up quite a sweat.

It took the two of us about 15 minutes to get the SUP fully inflated and ready for the water. The manufacturer recommends inflating the Bluefin Cruise Tandem to 15 to 18 PSI (pounds per square inch). Here, 14.5 PSI corresponds to approximately 1 bar of tire pressure. We usually pumped the SUP up to around 17 PSI in order to be as stable as possible on the water.

BlueFin Cruise Test Conclusion: Does SUP deliver what it promises?

bluefin_cruise_sup_conclusion

That’s what our SUP tester Robin says:

We had the honor of testing a really high-quality SUP with the Bluefin Cruise Tandem. In our opinion, Bluefin boards are in the top league when it comes to workmanship. With the Bluefin Cruise Tandem you get a high-quality board (including extensive accessories) for a reasonable price.

Customer opinions and experiences

Customers are very satisfied with the Bluefin Cruise Tandem. The outstanding rigidity of the board is particularly praised.

” Click here to go directly to the customer reviews.

Bluefin Cruise Tandem SUP FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Bluefin Cruise:

What is the load capacity of the Bluefin Cruise?

Depending on the size, the maximum user weight is between 120 and 160 kg.

Is the Bluefin Cruise good?

In any case, the BlueFin Cruise SUP impresses with its high quality and top materials.

What versions of the Bluefin Cruise are available?

The Cruise is also available with a length of 10’8” (325 cm) and 12′ (365 cm).

Is the BlueFin Cruise SUP suitable for salt water?

Yes, the BlueFin Cruise SUP can be paddled in fresh and salt water.

Who is the Bluefin Cruise Tandem for?

The board is best suited for people who enjoy SUP tours in pairs. At the same time, the Cruise Tandem can also be used as a touring solo board.

What material is the Bluefin Cruise made of?

The top and bottom are made of reinforced 500 denier PVC fabric.

What alternatives are there to the Bluefin Cruise?

An alternative would be the Aqua Marina Supertrip Tandem, for example. If you are looking for a smaller board, the Cruise models are available in different sizes. A similar all-round SUP would be the Fit Ocean Magic Glide.

Is the Bluefin Cruise good for beginners?

Definitely. Only the tandem version requires a little more practice, as paddling in pairs requires good timing.

How much does the Bluefin Cruise cost?

The Bluefin Cruise costs between $499 and $899, depending on the length.

Can I also buy the Bluefin Cruise second-hand?

Yes. Used BlueFin Cruise SUPs can be found on Ebay from time to time. However, you should always inflate used SUP boards to test them before you buy them.

Where can I buy BlueFin spare parts?

Although the manufacturer does not offer spare parts on its website, it is still worth asking directly.

How do I stow the Bluefin Cruise in the SUP backpack?

First the air has to be let out, then the board is rolled up and put into the rucksack.

What else should I take in the transport bag?

Sufficient water, sun protection, small towel, wallet, possibly car keys and a smartphone. The latter can be very useful in emergencies and for navigation.

Does Bluefin also deliver to Switzerland?

Good question! Yes, all boards can also be delivered to Switzerland.

Is the Bluefin Cruise suitable for SUP yoga?

The board is not designed for this, but as it is very wide, SUP yoga should work well on it.

Can I attach a windsurfing mast to the board?

No, that is not possible.

Tim

Tim has been surfing and paddling for over 20 years and is known from FitForFun, FreshSurf, and Zeitjung. Whether surfing in Portugal, snorkeling in Greece or wakeboarding in Germany ... one thing is certain: you'll definitely find him in the water!

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