Touring
Stability
Design
Performance
Price/Quality ratio
Supplied accessories
Reading time: 12 minutes
The Bluefin Cruise 10.8 2025 is the newest sibling in the Cruise line-up, pairing the brand’s trademark rigidity with an eye-catching refresh in both construction and accessories. Designed squarely for first-time paddlers yet capable enough for easy touring, it’s a board that promises to do a little bit of everything while remaining light, tough, and incredibly convenient to travel with.
Pro’s
- Ultra-stable 32 in / 82 cm outline—perfect for new riders
- Military-grade ESL™ single-layer PVC keeps weight to just 20 lb (9.1 kg)
- Fresh 2025 graphic package in four colorways; test model “Blue Gecko” pops on the water
- Clever extras (quick-suck bottle dock & waterproof phone case) feel genuinely useful
- Five-year warranty and a full accessory kit in the box
Cons
- Aluminum paddle is sturdy but heavy for long sessions
- Carry bag lacks wheels, making airport walks a workout
- Pump is efficient, yet taller paddlers may wish for a longer barrel
Most suitable for:
The Bluefin Cruise 10.8 shines as a first “real” paddleboard for beginners who want one board that can cruise local lakes, handle light chop at the coast, and even tag along in a motorhome or sailboat. With a generous 330 lb (150 kg) capacity, it accommodates bigger paddlers, a child up front, or a dog without drama. If your SUP plans center on relaxed exploring rather than racing, this is squarely in the sweet spot.
Length
Width
Thickness
Weight
Max Rider Weight
Max Air Pressure
Board type
Skill
Primary use
Exploring, Touring
Speed on the water
Speed is never the primary metric for an all-rounder, yet the Cruise 10.8 feels sprightly for its genre. The 32-inch beam isn’t knife-sharp, but the hard rail tapers slightly toward the tail and the new 9-inch US-box surf fin has a stiffer flex profile, giving the board a nice bit of glide once you’re in a rhythm. It happily cruises at an easy 3-4 mph without forcing technique—just enough pace for casual tours or keeping up with friends on touring shapes.
Transport
Deflated, the board rolls to a compact burrito that fits the included backpack (90 × 46 × 23 cm). At 20 lb it’s light enough for most people to shoulder for a short hike to hidden coves. Thick, padded straps and three extra grab handles make maneuvering the bag into trunks or onto luggage racks painless. We only missed wheels when tackling long airport concourses; otherwise, the minimalist bag helps keep the overall kit weight at 29.5 lb (13.4 kg).
Stability
Here’s where the Cruise 10.8 earns its keep. The 32-inch deck and 6-inch drop-stitch core create a platform that feels rock-steady the moment you step aboard. The full-length EVA deck pad, now 5 mm thicker and finished in a diamond-groove/croc-skin hybrid pattern, locks footing even when wet. From yoga poses to a curious golden retriever clambering onboard, the board shrugs off side-to-side wiggles and never feels twitchy. Even light chop or passing boat wakes are handled with calm assurance.
My own experience
Bluefin clearly listened to eco feedback: the Cruise 10.8 arrives in mostly recyclable paper/cardboard rather than plastic sleeves. Everything is laid out logically, and the neon-lime “Blue Gecko” graphics jump out immediately. The accessory bundle feels premium—from the double-action Swift Pro pump to the screw-less US fin, nothing looks like an afterthought.
| Product image |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Bluefin Aura Fit: The Latest Review | Bluefin Cruise 10’8″ Review | Bluefin Cruise Lite 11.4 Review |
| Build | Inflatable | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Skill | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner |
| Price | Price unknown | Price unknown | €349.00 |
| Score | 8.6 | 10 | 8.7 |
| All-round | |||
| Touring | |||
| Surfing | |||
| Yoga |
Switch the pump to double action and you’re at 10 psi in roughly three minutes; flick to single action for the final five pounds and the gauge steadies at 15 psi in just under five minutes total. A couple more minutes gets it to a rock-solid 18 psi. Valve hiss is minimal, and the rubberized hose threads on securely. Attaching the 9-inch fin takes seconds—drop, slide, finger-tighten the knurled screw.
Important features
Setup
Full deck & base quality: ESL™ military-grade PVC plus heat-bonded seams keep flex low and longevity high. Edges are laser-straight—no glue drips or crooked rail tape.
Integrated cargo system: Six micro D-rings anchor the forward bungee, angled across the nose for a dynamic look and more deck space.
Comfort handles: Three neoprene-wrapped grips (nose, center, tail) enable solo or tandem carries.
Fins
A single 9-inch US surf fin supplies the drive. Because the fin box is standard US size, swapping to a river or race blade is trivial. The stiffer core over previous Bluefin fins keeps tail wag to a minimum.
Material
Bluefin’s patented ESL™ (Exo-Surface Laminate) pairs single-layer PVC with a dense composite drop-stitch. Result: hard-board rigidity at inflatable weight, plus the bonus of easy repairs if you ever ding it.
Inflate / deflate
15 – 18 psi is the sweet spot; I found 17 psi delivered the best mix of stiffness and rebound on choppy water. Deflation is fast—press the spring pin, let the first rush escape, then switch the hose to “deflate” to vacuum out every last puff for tight rolling.
Warranty
Five years on materials and workmanship. Bluefin’s track record on customer service has been solid, and spare parts (valves, fins, etc.) are readily available.
Design
Available colorways: Blue Original, Blue Gecko, Orange Sunset, Red Current. Bold rails, recessed cam-mount on the removable nose handle, and the stylized Cruise logo along the deck pad give the board a premium vibe—people asked about it every session.
In the package
- Cruise 10.8 Paddleboard
- Aluminum three-piece travel paddle (adjusts 69–83 in / 175–210 cm)
Check out the Best SUP Paddles for 2024
- Swift Pro double-action pump (inflate / deflate toggle)
- 9-in US surf fin (tool-free thumb screw)
- 10 ft coiled leash color-matched to the deck
- Quick-Suck Bottle Dock neoprene holder—surprisingly secure for cans or 500 ml bottles
- IP-Rated phone pouch with lanyard
- Pro repair capsule (two PVC patches & valve wrench)
- ProBoard backpack (YKK zips, front pocket for fin & leash)
Everything fits back inside the bag after paddling; roll the board tightly, slide it in fin-box first, and stash the pump along one side.
Read my full guide on the Best SUP Pumps
Difference between an Inflatable board and a Hard board
Advantages Inflatable board
- Portability: Packs into a car trunk or checked baggage—your adventures aren’t road-limited.
- Storage: No garage required; a closet suffices for the off-season.
- Durability: Bounces off rocks where fiberglass would chip.
- Price: Typically 30–40 % less than an equivalent epoxy board.
- Evolving tech: With ESL-type laminates, performance gaps keep shrinking.
Advantages Hardboard
- Speed: Stiffer rocker lines slice water, ideal for racing.
- Instant launch: No pumping, just drop and go.
- Sharp rail control: Surfers love the bite for tight turns.
Your choice hinges on lifestyle: urban apartment dweller who loves weekend road trips? Inflatable wins. Local paddler with garage storage and a sprint-race itch? Hardboard may edge ahead.
Conclusion: Should I buy this board?
If your paddle-boarding dream list reads “learn quickly, stay dry, explore everywhere, and avoid lugging a 30-kg hard shell,” the Bluefin Cruise 10.8 2025 is an easy yes. For under the cost of most entry epoxy boards you receive a five-year-backed inflatable that’s tough, attractive, and generous with accessories. Its unrivaled beginner stability means you’ll grow confidence, yet its decent glide ensures you won’t outgrow it after a season.
Minor compromises—the heftier paddle, wheel-less bag—are fixable with aftermarket tweaks if they bug you, but many riders will be perfectly happy out of the box. In short, the Cruise 10.8 captures the Goldilocks zone for newcomers and casual tourers alike: light enough to carry, stiff enough to inspire, and built to last many summers.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bluefin Cruise 10.8 2025 SUP Board
What is the maximum carrying capacity?
Up to 330 lb (150 kg)—ample for a tall paddler plus gear, a child, or even a dog.
How long does inflation take?
Roughly 5 minutes to 15 psi with the included Swift Pro pump; add 2–3 minutes to max out at 18 psi.
What material is the board made from?
Bluefin’s patented ESL™ single-layer PVC with reinforced composite drop-stitch—light yet impressively stiff.
Is it suitable for yoga?
Yes. The wide deck and grippy EVA pad create a stable, non-slip surface perfect for poses.
Can I replace the fin?
Absolutely. The US-box accepts any standard 9-inch surf, river, or race fin—no tools needed.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes—a five-year manufacturer warranty covering production defects.
How does it compare to the Cruise Lite or Cruise Carbon
The Cruise 10.8 trades a few ounces of extra weight for a beefier 6-inch core and higher load rating than the Cruise Lite, while remaining more affordable than the Carbon’s dual-chamber build.
What do you think about the Bluefin Cruise 10.8 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 :)
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