Touring
Stability
Design
Performance
Price/Quality ratio
Supplied accessories
Reading time: 10 minutes
The Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP stands out as a versatile and user-friendly inflatable paddleboard. Designed with beginners in mind, it offers a great balance of stability, performance, and convenience, making it an excellent choice for a variety of water activities.
Pro’s
- Lightweight and portable
- Stable and beginner-friendly
- High-quality build and accessories
- Versatile for different water conditions
Cons
- Pump is small and can be uncomfortable to use
- Paddle is on the heavy side
- Limited adjustability in the paddle
Most suitable for:
The Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP board is best suited for beginners looking to explore, tour, and travel. Its stability and ease of use make it perfect for those just starting out in the world of stand-up paddleboarding.
Length
Width
Thickness
Weight
Max Rider Weight
Max Air Pressure
Board type
Skill
Primary use
Exploring, Touring, Travel
Speed on the water
The Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP is designed for leisurely paddling and touring rather than speed. Its 30-inch width ensures a stable and comfortable ride, prioritizing stability over speed. This makes it ideal for beginners and casual paddlers who prefer a secure and relaxed experience on the water.
Transport
Transporting the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP is convenient due to its inflatable and lightweight design. When deflated, it rolls up compactly and fits easily into the provided waterproof carrying bag. This compact size and the bag’s ergonomic design make it easy to carry, whether you’re hiking to a remote location or traveling by plane.
Stability
The Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP excels in stability, providing a secure platform on the water. With a weight capacity of 330 lbs, it can comfortably support a paddler along with additional gear or even a child or pet. This stability makes it an excellent choice for beginners who are still mastering their balance and looking for a reliable, steady board.
My own experience
Unboxing and setting up the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP was a straightforward process. The SUP and all accessories are neatly packed in a compact box, with most items wrapped in paper or cardboard.
I was immediately amazed at how compact everything is and how functional it all appears to be. The paddle consists of five parts, and the pump is very small, making storage and transport incredibly convenient.
| Product image |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 Review | Bluefin Cruise 10’8″ Review | Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Review |
| Build | Inflatable | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Skill | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner / Advanced |
| Price | €349.00 | Price unknown | Price unknown |
| Score | 8.7 | 10 | 9.8 |
| All-round | |||
| Touring | |||
| Surfing | |||
| Yoga |
When the box is unpacked, you immediately see that it is a very complete package. Everything needed to get on the water is included: the SUP board, a five-piece paddle, a leash, a double action pump, a center fin, a repair kit, a waterproof phone case, warranty instructions, and a bag. The quality of the SUP and included accessories is impressive, with everything feeling well-made and durable.
The board itself looks sleek and well-finished, with a nice color scheme. Inflating the board took about 5 minutes to reach 15 psi, and an additional 2-3 minutes to reach the maximum 18 psi. The pump, though small, is effective but can be uncomfortable to use for prolonged periods due to its size.
On the water, the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 performs admirably. It is stable, making it easy for beginners to get comfortable quickly. The board tracks well and handles waves with ease. The included paddle, while functional, is somewhat heavy and has limited adjustability, which can be a drawback during longer paddling sessions.
Important features
Setup
- Full Deck and Base Quality: The Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP features high-quality materials and a sleek design, ensuring superior aesthetics and durability. The board is finished beautifully, reflecting the attention to detail in its construction.
- Removable Center Fin: The board includes a plastic anti-weed/race fin in a US finbox type NXT series, which is easy to install and remove, aiding in maneuverability and stability on the water.
- Integrated Cargo D-Ring: The SUP comes equipped with D-rings and an adjustable bungee cord to secure luggage or gear, enhancing its practicality for touring and exploring.
- Comfortable Handles: The board has three handles, one in the middle and two at the front and back, made for easy carrying and handling by one or two people.
- Non-Slip Deck Pad: The EVA pad provides excellent grip and comfort, ensuring a secure footing. The textured surface simulates crocodile skin for added traction and comfort.
Fins
The Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP includes one center fin, which is part of the US finbox type NXT series. It’s designed for easy attachment and removal, improving the board’s tracking and stability.
Material
Constructed from single-layer woven PVC, the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 is both lightweight and durable. This material ensures the board remains portable while providing the necessary rigidity and longevity.
Inflate / deflate
The board can be inflated to 15-18 psi using the supplied double action pump. Inflation takes about 5 minutes to reach 15 psi, with an additional 2-3 minutes to reach the maximum pressure of 18 psi.
Warranty
The Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP comes with a warranty that covers production defects, providing peace of mind and assurance of quality.
Design
The board boasts a modern and vibrant design, available in two color combinations: Sunburst-Orange and Horizon-Blue. These colors not only enhance the board’s aesthetic appeal but also improve visibility on the water. The board’s sleek finish and thoughtful design details reflect Bluefin’s commitment to quality and user experience.
In the package
The Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP comes with a comprehensive accessory package:
- SUP Board: The main attraction, made from durable PVC and designed for stability.
- Five-piece Paddle: An adjustable carbon paddle with a plastic blade.
- Leash: A coiled leash that attaches easily to the board.
- Double Action Pump: Compact and efficient, though a bit small for comfortable use.
Read my full guide on the Best SUP Pumps for 2024
- Center Fin: A plastic anti-weed/race fin with a nice color combination.
- Repair Kit: Includes two PVC patches and a valve wrench.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Allows you to keep your phone dry while paddling.
- Carrying Bag: A large, waterproof bag that fits the deflated board and accessories. The bag has extra pockets for the paddle and elastic storage on the front.
Check out the Best SUP Paddles for 2024
Difference between an Inflatable board and a Hard board
Advantages Inflatable board
- Portability: Easy to take on holiday, including on planes, due to their compact, deflatable nature.
- Storage: Convenient to store, especially during the off-season or in small living spaces.
- Cost-Effective: Generally much cheaper than hard boards.
- Improved Technology: Advances in materials and construction have made inflatable boards almost indistinguishable from hard boards in terms of performance and durability.
Advantages Hardboard
- Speed: Typically faster, which is crucial for professional paddlers or those looking for high performance.
- Maneuverability: Easier to make sharp turns on the water due to their thinner and more rigid structure.
- Immediate Use: No need for inflation; you can get on the water right away.
Choosing between an inflatable and hard board should depend on your specific needs and circumstances, including your paddleboarding activities, available storage space, and travel habits.
Other reviews of the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 Review online
A short overview of these reviews below:
Amazon.com: Rating 4/5. “I love my new cruise lite. I had the original cruise 10 8 and was a little worried the lite wouldn’t be as stable on the water but I was pleasantly surprised how well it handled the sea. Good stiff board that handles well and is fairly responsive when turning.
Love how light it is, makes a massive difference for me when getting in and out of the sea. Fully recommend this board.”
Conclusion: Should I buy this board?
In conclusion, the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP board is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore and tour. Its stability and ease of use make it an ideal starting point for those new to stand-up paddleboarding.
The board’s design is visually appealing, and the quality of the materials used is impressive for its price point. While the included accessories are functional and sufficient for beginners, the pump is small and can be uncomfortable to use for extended periods.
The paddle is also on the heavier side, which might be a consideration for longer paddling sessions. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall package offers great value for money.
The Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 is stable, easy to transport, and comes with everything needed to get started on the water. If you are a beginner looking for a reliable and affordable paddleboard, the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 is a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP Board
What is the maximum carrying capacity of the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP?
The Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP can support up to 330 lbs (150 kg), making it suitable for most paddlers and additional gear, a child, or even a pet.
How long does it take to inflate the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP?
Using the supplied double action pump, it takes approximately 5 minutes to inflate the board to 15 psi, with an additional 2-3 minutes to reach the maximum 18 psi.
What material is the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP made from?
The board is constructed from single-layer woven PVC, which is both lightweight and highly durable, ensuring ease of transport and long-lasting performance.
How stable is the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP?
The board is very stable, thanks to its 30-inch width and 4-inch thickness. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners and those new to stand-up paddleboarding.
Can I use the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP for yoga?
Yes, the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 SUP’s non-slip deck pad provides excellent grip and comfort, making it suitable for yoga and other activities that require stability.
What do you think about the Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 and its popularity? Is it sought after so much for good reason, or are there better boards for this money? Let me know in the comments what you think about this board.
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Review written by:
Tom
Hi! My name is Tom. During the year I try to be on a paddle board as much as possible. By reading this blog you'll stay updated on everything I test on the water :)
Questions? Ask me anything.
