Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Review

Overview
All-round
Touring
Pets
Family
9.8
9.8
Our score
Stability
10
Design
10
Performance
9
Price/Quality ratio
10
Supplied accessories
10

The perfect all-around Stand Up Paddle Board does exist!

The Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ is the perfect versatile board suited for all all-around paddle boarding. The board is incredibly hard and almost unbreakable, unlike any inflatable ever seen. This amazing board comes with a convertible carbon paddle, coiled leash, kayak seat, triple action pump, and more. A purchase nobody will regret!

Before we go into the review, I want to let you know that there are 3 different sizes of the Bluefin Cruise Carbon. Although here I’m talking mostly about the 10’8, the features are the same for all three, and the only difference is the length which, of course, changes the way you perceive and use the board. Throughout this text, you will also see pictures of all three, so you have a better understanding of what you’re getting.

This year Bluefin released the new&improved Cruise Carbon, and I was lucky enough to get one of the first boards to test.

We have tested the two versions of these boards extensively, and you will see a lot of personal pictures of us on these two boards. The latest Cruise Carbon 2023 version is the DARKER SUP while the old Cruise version is in BLUE. In this review below, I will show you how we experienced these paddle boards.

Let’s get to it then!

Bluefin Cruise Carbon
Bluefin Cruise Carbon test

Bluefin Cruise NEW Version Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Great price for a full package with the complete accessories pack
  • The NEW Carbon is now 24lbs or 10.9kg – a lot lighter than the OLD version! ⭐️
  • Extra Carrying strap in the package (and D-ring to attach them)
  • The action mount on the nose has a D-ring too
  • SUP has two compartments – AIRDUO double chamber stiffening technology which makes the board ultra-strong and packed with power.
  • Customizable fin setups for different water conditions
  • Very stable and reliable board
  • Great for beginners and advanced boarders
  • Amazing online reviews; everyone loves this board!
  • Bungee cords in front and back
  • Convertible paddle and kayak seat included
  • Very big grip deck with a kick pad for optimal stability during maneuvering

Cons

  • The OLD Carbon board is quite heavy (33 LBS) while the NEW Carbon is significantly lighter

Bluefin Cruise Carbon
Bluefin Cruise Carbon review

The Bluefin Cruise Carbon is most suitable for the following:

The Bluefin Cruise Carbon offers a complete package and the most sturdy inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard available on the market. So, this is basically recommended for everyone who wants an all-around paddle board that can be used for multiple purposes.

Only if you are looking for a paddle board for very specific purposes like fishing, yoga, or racing and don’t want to do anything else with your board, this would not be the best choice for you.

🔥Check out my FULL REVIEW of the NEW Cruise Carbon! ↓🔥

Although if you’re looking for the perfect touring board, you should surely check out the 12′ version of this board!

The board is very stable and has a length of 10’8″ long and 32″ width. So it is a very stable board, but because of the width, it is clearly not meant for racing and reaching high speeds (which is not the purpose of an all-around paddle board, anyway). But the pointy nose of the board does allow you to make some speed on this sporty model.

Bluefin cruise carbon test
Bluefin cruise carbon – behind the scenes 😅

This board offers the best value for money possible, and it will give you a very long time of paddling pleasure. Bluefin SUP offers an amazing 5-year warranty on all of their boards! (only matched by Red Paddle). They also offer 1-year manufacturing warranty on the included accessories.

So you can be sure you will love the board, and it will not break anytime soon. The insane quality and the very long warranty ensure the best of the best gear. The board is very stable and super stiff, so you will have a smooth ride every time. This all-around board is your best versatile board no matter what you want to do.

Bluefin cruise carbon test
Bluefin cruise carbon front view
length
Length
10'8" / 324 cm
width
Width
32" / 82 cm
thickness
Thickness
6.2" / 16 cm
weight
Weight
24 lbs / 10.9 kg
rider weight
Max Rider Weight
330 lbs / 150 kg
air pressure
Max Air Pressure
15 PSI
colour options
Board type
All-Around
skill
Skill
Beginner / Advanced

Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8" Review 2

Primary use
All Round / Relaxing / Touring / Pets / Family

Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8" Review 3

Speed on the water
The board is designed for every paddler with an all-around purpose, so speed is not the main focus. But because of the pointy nose it is possible to reach some higher speeds than the regular shaped all-around paddle boards. Also, the reinforced rails and stringer help to increase speed while maintaining stability.

Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8" Review 4

Transport
The NEW CRUISE CARBON SUP has a weight of 24 lbs / 10.9 kg, which is improved compared to the previous version, which was 15 kg or 33 lbs. You can take it with you fairly easily thanks to the wheeled backpack, which is a fantastic improvement to its gear!

Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8" Review 5

Stability
The 32″ width makes the board more stable than your average 30″ width board, which is good for beginners to start on. The 6″ thickness and the sturdy material offer even more stability and support.

My own experience

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 Paddleboard on the water, and I have to say, it was an amazing experience! The Bluefin Cruise Carbon is so stiff I could not believe it. As soon as I stepped onto the board, I could feel its sturdy and stable design. Despite being an inflatable paddleboard, it felt incredibly rigid and responsive, even in choppy waters.

It can be inflated up to 28 PSI, but even at the regular 15 PSI, it felt incredibly stiff because of the used material. The ride was very smooth on calm water and even the wilder sea (as far as it can get wild in the Netherlands ;-))

You can just feel the quality of this board when you touch it and sense how stiff and stable it is. The same goes for the high-quality paddle board accessories. Inflating the boards was done in about 5 minutes, and then I was ready to get out on the water.

⭐️Compare Bluefin Boards To Make The Best Choice⭐️

ProductBluefin Rogue Bluefin CruiseBluefin Nitro 14′
BuildInflatableInflatableInflatable
SkillIntermediate/AdvancedBeginner/IntermediateAdvanced
PriceCurrently on offerCurrently on offerCurrently on offer
Score9.5109.8
All-around
Touring
Surfing
Yoga 
Racing




Compare best-selling Bluefin boards

I started paddling out towards the open water and was immediately impressed by how easy it was to maneuver. The board felt incredibly agile and responsive to my every move, making it easy to navigate through the waves. I also love how lightweight it is, which made it easy to carry around.

The board gave me an incredibly stable feeling and made it extremely easy to paddle through the water. The paddle is light and sturdy, so I did not exhaust me too quickly, which happens a lot faster with an aluminum paddle.

I felt very secure and did not hesitate to stay on this board for a longer time. As the board has both bungee cords on the front the back, it was easy to take all the necessary supplies. I like to take my water bottle and some snacks to eat in the water. (I prefer some nuts for the quick energy, but also, pomegranate is great on the go!)

I like that the board has such a big and effective grip deck, that feels very soft on my feet and has a great grip so I will never slip. This did not happen during the trip once, but then again I did not fall in the water so I have honestly not experienced this with wet feet.

As said I like it on both the quiet river and on the sea (the North Sea is my only “wild” option, mostly I paddle on lakes) and it felt stable on both surfaces. I like that Bluefin did not forget to add a kick pad at the end of the board so it is easy to make turns, where this usually is a bit harder when you have a 6″ thick board. Especially on ones without a kick pad.

Because of the three fins on the bottom (of which the big one is removable) it was easy to keep a straight line without much effort. So the board did everything I wanted and I felt really comfortable out on the water.

Want to learn more? Check out the best Inflatable paddle board for 2023!

Once I got out into deeper waters, I was able to pick up some speed and test the board’s performance. I was blown away by how fast, straight line and efficient it was, thanks to its streamlined design and carbon fiber shaft paddle. It was also incredibly comfortable to stand on for long periods, thanks to the soft and grippy EVA foam deck pad.

This is the best paddleboarding experience I have had so far, and it is hard to imagine that something better will come along soon, especially for a price in this range. None of it disappoints, and there is so much included that you really never need anything again to keep paddle boarding. (Unless you break stuff, but I generally only do that only with computers;)).

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, I highly recommend giving it a try!


Important features

Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8" Review 6

Setup

  • FRS carbon composite rail, 1000 Denier Exo Surface Laminate & Pro-Weave Drop Stitch
  • The non-slip croco-diamond deck pad is comfortable underfoot, offering extra grip & traction
  • 14 D-rings. Bungee cords on front and back, one for attaching your leash, 4 for the included kayak-seat
  • 5 Comfortable grip handles for carrying, in the middle of the board, the front, back and both sides
  • Raised-tail kickpad for stability during all your tricks
  • Fixed Action Camera Mount on the front of the board
Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8" Review 7

Fins
The Bluefin Cruise Carbon board has 2 small fins and one big fin, of which the big fin is removable. The fins are high quality and very strong. The big fin is easily attachable and removable without tools due to the US Box Fin System.

Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8" Review 8

Material
The board is made out of FRS carbon composite rail, 1000 Denier Exo Surface Laminate & Pro-Weave Drop Stitch. 11200 stitches of 500 denier space yarn per square meter make for one rigid bad boy!

Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8" Review 9

Inflate/deflate
The Bluefin Cruise Carbon Paddle Board is inflated in only 5 mins with the supplied Triple Action Hand Pump. The board can be inflated up to 28 PSI, but the recommended pressure is 15-18 PSI.

Here is a (super) fast video of me inflating the Carbon Cruise.
Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8" Review 10

Warranty
Bluefin offers an amazing 5-year warranty on the board and a 1-year warranty on the accessories (manufacturing warranty for accessories)

Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8" Review 11

Design
The Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 SUP features a grey-blue body instead of the standard light blue design the old Carbon had. It is sleek and modern, with a carbon fiber finish that is sure to turn heads on the water. It also includes a detachable cargo bungee system for carrying gear, reflective D-ring mounts for added safety and visibility, and a center handle and paddle stay for convenient storage.


In the package of the OLD Bluefin Cruise Carbon

Bluefin Cruise Carbon box
Bluefin Cruise Carbon Package

Paddle

The paddle that is included with the Bluefin Cruise Carbon is a Bluefin 3-Piece adjustable and convertible paddle, which is lightweight and very strong and durable because it is made out of carbon fiber. It can not only be used as a SUP paddle, but also as a kayak paddle. Which is perfect together with the supplied kayak seat.

The Old Bluefin Cruise Comes With a Kayak Seat 🙌🏻

Pump

The Bluefin Cruise Carbon includes a very easy and comfortable triple-action hand pump. There are three different settings that can be used to inflate the board. The third is most effective because it inflates the board when pulling it up and when pressing it down.

The only reason this pump is not in my Best SUP Pumps guide is because it is not sold separately.

Leash

The Bluefin Cruise Carbon paddle board leash is a coiled leash, which is great because it only extends if you actually fall in the water. So it is never in your way when you are paddling. The leash can easily be connected to the D-ring on the back of the board.

Backpack

The Bluefin paddle board backpack is very comfortable because of the extra back and strap padding on the extra wide straps. Its design was updated again this year and now it is more comfortable and can hold a lot more.

It has some handy outside pockets, and the zippers are webbing-reinforced. This can easily hold your Bluefin Cruise Carbon paddle board and all accessories.

In the package of the NEW Bluefin Cruise Carbon

Wheeled Backpack

The NEW Cruise Carbon backpack is upgraded with wheels. That’s a major improvement! Even though the new Carbon board is now almost 10 pounds lighter, being able not to carry it on your back is a huge plus! It features padded straps and back support for comfortable carrying.

The new backpack has more space and feels more compact compared to the old one and feels more sturdy overall.

The New & Improved Paddle

This high-quality carbon fiber paddle is lightweight and durable, making it perfect for all paddlers. It’s easily adjustable to different lengths and comes in three parts: a fiberglass shaft with a PVC blade, and an extra rubber grip for added comfort.

Bluefin cruise carbon paddle
The New Bluefin Cruise Carbon paddle

The paddle can be extended from 175cm to 210cm and even converted into a kayak paddle with an additional blade (sold separately). The only downside is that some may find the blade a bit large.

Triple-Action Pump

The pump is a convenient triple-action pump, the Swift Maxi, where you can assemble the handles and base plate yourself. This is convenient for compact storage of the pump. The deflate function is very nice to use when deflating the board.

Removable Fins

Bluefin Cruise Carbon fins

This board has three removable fins in use. It includes one center fin and two smaller side fins. The center fin uses a US box fin system, for which you need a screw. Using the smart-lock system you insert the side fins.

Repair Kit

A repair kit is provided with a lever for the valve and two extra pieces of PVC material. Unfortunately, no glue is included. It does include reflective stickers though, so you ensure good visibility.

Bluefin repair kit

Safety Leash

This is a crucial safety accessory that attaches to the paddleboard and keeps you connected to it in case you fall off. The included leash is an ankle coiled leash so it won’t bother you when you put it to use.

Bluefin Cruise leash

Waterproof Phone Case

The phone case is waterproof which is very handy for supping. It is also large enough so that almost any phone will fit.

Bluefin phone case

Optional accessories (not included)

Restube Classic

Restube classic
Because extra safety measures never hurt anyone!

Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8" Review 23

Bluefin Electric SUP pump
For those who don’t want the exercise before getting on the board.


Difference between an Inflatable board and a Hard board

Advantages Inflatable board

  • Easy to take on holiday (even on the plane)
  • Easy to store in the winter days
  • Much cheaper
  • Technology has improved greatly over the past 10 years. For this reason, these boards are now almost hard to distinguish from hard boards

Advantages Hardboard

  • More speed, which is important if you are a professional
  • Easier to make sharp turns on the water because the board is thinner
  • No inflation needed, you can get on the water right away

Other reviews of the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Paddle Board online

Bluefin Cruise Carbon bungee
NEW Bluefin Cruise Carbon bungee area

The Bluefin Cruise Carbon is a popular board, which means it has a lot of reviews online.

A short overview of some of these reviews below:

Rating 9.9/10. “Buying the Bluefin Cruise Carbon is a no brainer if you’re an average-sized beginner or an experienced user who wants an extremely durable and rigid board, a 5-year warranty, and some premium features.”

Supboardguide.com

“The Bluefin Cruise Carbon is one of the best SUP boards. With the very good workmanship, the extremely robust construction, the high-quality accessories, which are significantly better than many low-cost SUP boards, and the extensive scope of delivery, the board convinced us.”

Welovewatersports.com

“Although this paddleboard is cheaper than most iSUPs, users confirm that it is still of very high-quality. All the included accessories, and especially the bag, are well made. Paddleboarders are happy that they can kayak and SUP without having to buy two different products.”

Standuppadleboardsreview.com

“If you’re in the market for an inflatable SUP, the Cruise Carbon 10’8” is a board that should be on your radar. This fun board offers unbelievable stiffness, rock-solid stability, loads of premium features, and a 5-year warranty — making it one of the most compelling iSUPs we’ve seen so far for 2021.”

Inflatableboarder.com

Rating 4.6/5. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Our experience with customer service was very positive and we highly recommend this iSUP for those who like having the option to switch easily between paddle boarding and kayaking” – Based on 450+ (!) customer reviews as of 10th of May 2023.

Amazon.com
Bluefin Cruise Carbon test
Bluefin Cruise Carbon water test

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Paddle Board

What is the size of the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Paddle Board?

Length: 10’8″ Width: 32″, Thickness: 6″

What is the maximum carrying capacity of the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Paddle Board?

287 lbs / 130 kg

What is included when purchasing the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Paddle Board?

Bluefin backpack, Convertible and height adjustable carbon paddle, Bluefin coiled leash, Triple Action Hand Pump, Kayak seat

What is the weight of the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Paddle Board?

The old version is 33 lbs / 15 kg while the new version is 24lbs / 10.9 kg

How many fins does the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Paddle Board have?

It has 3 removable fins, 2 small fins and one big center fin

How many D-rings does the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Paddle Board have?

14 D-rings. Bungee cords on front and back, one for attaching your leash, 4 for optional kayak-seat.

How long is the warranty on the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Paddle Board?

The warranty on this board is 5 years

Does the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Paddle Board have an action-camera mount?

Yes

How many handles does the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Paddle Board have?

It has 5 handles, on the front, middle, back and both sides of the board

What pressure can the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Paddle Board be inflated to?

It can be inflated up to 28 PSI, but the recommended pressure is 15-18 PSI

Update: What is the difference between the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 2023 and the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 2021?

Following the success of the regular Bluefin cruise line, Bluefin launched Cruise Carbon in 2019. The Bluefin Cruise Carbon is packed with advanced features. The Air – Duo double-action chamber inflation & FRS carbon side rails are by far the most rigid inflatable paddle board as of late. They also added a cool hip look for 2021 but now for 2023 that has been upgraded once again and it looks even better!

In the latter part of 2019, Bluefin released the all-new smart lock fin system as well as a much bolder blue and teal patterns also with enhanced durability. The improvements are not limited to the valve and deck, but you’ll also find removable side fins alongside a larger central fin. This instantly boosts versatility, allowing you to paddle easier in a variety of different conditions.


Conclusion – Should I buy this board?

This is the very best all-around inflatable Stand Up Paddle board you can purchase and is surely a must-buy! The package you get is incredible and next to the board that is made out of the strongest material you get all the best accessories and the incredible 5 year warranty to make sure you will not run into problems soon.

The list of pros of this board is a very long one. The incredibly strong and stiff board, the convertible carbon paddle, kayak seat, triple action hand pump, backpack and coiled leash, 14 D-rings, the big grip deck with kick pad, action camera mount, 5 grip handles, 3 fins (of which the big one is removable), incredible customer service and 5 year warranty…. It has everything you could possibly ever need!

No matter if you’ve been paddling before or if you have no experience, this board is the best choice for anyone who wants the best quality all-around Stand Up Paddle board. The advantages above are so extensive and the 5 year warranty shows that Bluefin really stands behind their product.

This is also one of the very few top quality boards, if not the only one, that includes a convertible carbon paddle and a kayak seat in the package. So even if you prefer sitting down on your Stand Up Paddle board or even have to because of physical problems, the Bluefin Cruise Carbon will accommodate you perfectly.

The price is not the cheapest SUP out there, but also not near some of the top boards it can easily compete with. For quality this high and a package that is not missing a single thing this is an incredible price. All the online reviews and the 5 year warranty ensure that this is not a board you will get rid of soon and it is worth the investment. The Bluefin Cruise Carbon is the best all-around inflatable Stand Up Paddle board you can buy, no matter the price range.

What are your thoughts on the Bluefin Cruise Carbon Paddle Board? Did you purchase it or ever considered purchasing it? If not, what would a reason be to get a different board?

Which boards do you think could compete with this board or do you consider as even better? Let me know in the comments, I’m wondering if there are any different opinions!

And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest updates and news on paddleboarding. We love seeing our readers out on the water, so tag us in your photos and share your adventures with the SUPworld community. Happy paddling, everyone!


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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.
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  • Top 3 Bluefin Paddle Boards
    Bluefin Cruise 10'8" Score 10
    Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8" Score 9.8
    Bluefin Cruise Junior 8' Score 8.6
  • 9 responses to “Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8″ Review”

    1. Thanks for the great review! I’m still doubting if the Carbon version is worth the $350 extra compared to the normal Bluefin Cruise, what are your thoughts about this?

      Greetings,

      Chris

    2. Hi Tom,

      Thanks for reviewing Bluefin sup board. Do you know where we can test it before we buy it in Netherlands?

      Thanks.

      Kind regards,

      Dian

      • Hi Dian,
        I’m not sure. However, I know Bluefin has a flexible return policy. Also, I would be surprised if you don’t like the board haha!

    3. Hi Tom
      in your review you show pictures of the backpack with wheels. Thats not the same backpack we can see on Bluefin web page. So, can you tell which one comes with the bluefin 10’8 cruise carbon board?
      Tks
      José

      • Hi José,

        This is indeed strange, as you can see on the pictures, I received a backpack with wheels with this board.
        To be honest I think Bluefin just copied the picture from the normal Bluefin Cruise to the Bluefin Cruise Carbon, but the normal Bluefin Cruise backpack did not have wheels and the Bluefin Carbon Cruise one did. They don’t even mention this, but with the Carbon Cruise you should get a backpack with wheels!

        Have a great weekend!

        Tom

    4. This board is indeed exquisite quality, but man this board is so heavy to carry to the water. Good that the bag has wheels, but on wet grass or sand this is a lot. Backpack is so heavy, smaller people better get the normal Bluefin Cruise!

      • Yes totally agree. The review here massively underlays how heavy this board is. I have the carbon cruise 12 and it’s horrible to carry it any distance. The wheeled backpack is rubbish and the wheels cannot support the weight and splay out making moving it even more problematic. Front pocket drags on the ground if you do roll it, and wears through in no time.

    5. I have the cruise carbon 10’8 and what a board. Backpack has wheels on it so even though I have a disability I can still move my backpack around, also has carry handle and back straps. The board itself is amazing. 15psi and as sturdy as anything. Also the deck cover is cushioned so feels nice underfoot. Paddle has 4 parts so can easily be made into a kayak paddle and the kayak seat came with it too. Great carry strap for the board when it’s inflated, making it easy to carry. I’m so glad I chose 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 :)