Yes, the Bluefin Cruise Lite is a good choice for beginners.
Our in-depth analysis confirms its suitability for novice paddle boarders.
But what makes a good beginner paddle board?
Let’s explore the criteria and see how the Bluefin Cruise Lite meets the expectations.
Table of Contents
What makes a good Paddle Board for Beginners?
- Board Type: All-round boards are often preferred by new SUP users due to their wide standing area and rounded tips. Other beginner-friendly options include cruising and wide touring boards.
- Dimensions: A width of approximately 80 cm is ideal for beginners, as it provides stability and makes it easier to maintain balance. Although narrower boards can glide more effectively, they might be less stable. A thickness of 15 cm (6 inches) ensures optimal buoyancy and stability.
- Weight Limit: To select an appropriate board, beginners should consider a board’s volume and load capacity based on their weight. Our SUP board tests offer realistic assessments and a formula to calculate the suitable user weight according to the board’s volume.
- Stiffness: A higher degree of stiffness provides a stable standing area for the user. Double or multi-layer boards offer better stiffness compared to single-layer boards, ensuring a smoother glide and less deformation when bearing weight.
- Included Accessories: Beginner sets often include accessories such as a SUP backpack, pump, paddle, and leash. Some sets may even come with a kayak seat; however, the quality of these accessories can vary significantly between packages.
- Price: While prices can range quite a bit, they generally reflect the quality and durability of the board. Beginners should avoid extremely low-priced options, as investing in a quality board can prevent the need for early replacements.
Is the Bluefin Cruise Lite a Good Choice for Beginners?
#1 Board Type
The Bluefin Cruise Lite falls under the category of all-round boards, featuring a wide standing area and rounded tips that provide high stability.
This design is ideal for helping beginners get off to a successful start and ensures that these boards won’t become dull for more skilled riders.
#2 Dimensions
With a width of approximately 76 cm (30″) the Bluefin Cruise Lite is not as wide as an average beginner board.
The thickness of the Bluefin Cruise Lite boards is slightly below the average at 5 inches, compared to the standard 6 inches.
This results in a slightly lower volume and also reduces the weight-bearing capacity.
It offers a balanced blend of stability, buoyancy and a good gliding performance.
#3 Weight Limit
Bluefin Cruise Lite has a slightly reduced weight limit that can comfortably accommodate beginners of various weight categories.
Our recommended weight-limits for the different sizes of the boards are: approx. 80 kg (176 lbs) for the 10′ model and approx. 95 kg (209 lbs) for the 11’4 version.
#4 Stiffness
The Cruise Lite boards feature lightweight construction and a compact pack size, chosen by the manufacturer.
Consequently, this results in slightly lower stiffness. Therefore, it is advisable to adhere to our recommendations regarding weight capacity.
#5 Included Accessories
The set comes with a host of useful accessories, including a backpack, pump, paddle, leash, waterproof phone case, and a repair kit.
Beginners will find everything they need to start their SUP journey with this set, making it a hassle-free choice for newcomers.
#6 Price
Though it is not the cheapest option available, the Bluefin Cruise Lite offers great value for money.
It provides a blend of quality, durability, and a range of accessories that justify its price point, making it a prudent investment for beginners.
Conclusion
The Bluefin Cruise Lite is an excellent choice for beginner paddle boarders due to its all-round design, the suitable dimensions, and its light construction.
With a fair price and an accessory set designed for newcomers, it provides great value and a solid foundation for starting your paddle-boarding journey.
