Thanks Jason. You have already confirmed one bit of kit for me, your paddle board. I have the Cruise tandem, waiting for warmer weather. Just wasn't sure if it was going to be too big for solo use. 😊
As far as clothing goes, I just wear layers for the cold and the wind because, unless I'm going onto chunky waves on the sea and intending to surf, I assume I'm not going in the drink. Wetsuits just make you sweat and then get cold so are to be avoided unless you're sure you're going in. In the winter I pretty much always wear a pair of ski pants as they're the best at stopping you get cold while not causing you to overheat. On my feet on this trip I wore 5mm wetsuit booties, but it was an experiment and I'm likely to return to using actual boots (thinnish water resistant hiking ones) and ski socks. On top I wear a thin long sleeve technical under-shirt, again from my ski kit, with a thin hoody and then a waterproof hiking jacket for any rain. It's a good idea to get a jacket that zips up to your chin, has zips at the arm pits and velcro closing on the cuffs. The gloves I use are cheapo so-called "ski" ones. I'd never use them for skiing as they're too thin, but they're great for this kind of thing as they're water resistant and it doesn't matter if you lose them. :-)
can't wait to do this route! recently got my 10'8 bluefin cruise and getting some lessons on thursday so I can go on rivers like this one, which is very close to me! never thought of asking the rowing club for launch, seems perfect! great video guys 👍
I just got the cruise 15' (not carbon) and took it on the Thames yesterday on it's maiden voyage with my daughter. She was sitting and paddling in front, while I stood at the back. It was rock steady (though a bit of a windy day for it). One thing I'd love to see is how you got it back in the bag. haha. I struggled to fit it in the bag when it was still wrapped in plastic- seemed nearly too wide to fit. Now I am going to need to figure out how to fold it right because I am not even close to getting it in the bag!!
The key is making sure all of the air is out. I use an electric 12v pump that has a suction nozzle on it as well as a pumping one. Almost all of the widely available 20psi pumps do this, although the 15 or 16psi ones not so much. There is no "correct" way to roll them up, but I usually start at the back for a couple of folds to make sure the fin box is tidy, then I roll from the front. A hybrid way of doing it, I guess.
I know this is an old video, but how would you some up the Cruise Carbon 14. I’m debating to get either the latest Carbon 15 or the Sprint 14. I want to be able to do a bit of touring, fishing with a child on board and even some snorkelling.
Hi Jason. I'm looking for another board for myself / my family currently. We already have two 10'6 all-round boards, which are great for general paddling, and a twin kayak for two more and the dry kit. I was considering a 14' fast touring board for myself or to add to the group when we need another seat, but this 15' looks like a good option too as I often go out with just my partner when the kids are elsewhere. Maybe this with us both on one board, instead of taking both 10'6 would be both faster and more sociable? This would also be good with my son and dog and I don't need a race board. Does this sound like a good option and would it still be faster and track better than a 10'6 general board of I was on it on my own? 6', 72kg and fit By your comments here this sounds like quite a good option, but is there anything else you would suggest, or would I be disappointed not to go for something more solo focused but faster? Thanks hugely if you reply.
Hi. Great video, however i think i will go for 12' board. By the way, could you please let me know how do you organize return to your car ? Taxi, bus or ... ? Thank you
Great video! What are your thoughts on the 12 versus the 15 if you're a solo paddler riding with a kid? The kid will probably not be doing any paddling 🙂. I'm 6'2" and 180 pounds. Kid is 30-40 pounds.
Good vid ... I was thinking about the 15 foot and the 12 foot sup .. ordered the 12 foot a hour ago , if I watched this 1st I wud of went 15foot . But never mind !!
Hi Jason, great video. I’m retiring to Thailand in 18 months and want to get a board to use here before I go. I’m 5ft 10in,90kg and very active for a 52-year-old with a few lessons under my belt and one great trip down the river severn. I’ve been looking at the bluefin 12 for a while now to use on canals, rivers and lakes here and for touring in Thailand but not sure if I'll regret not getting something bigger. What would you recommend?
Sorry Terry, I've only just seen this. Would I recommend the 12 over the 15? For what you're doing, absolutely. The 15 is overkill, tbh. I'd also recommend the regular Cruise 12 rather than the Carbon version too. Not because it's better, it isn't, but because for what you're doing you don't need the extra rigidity, so you're better off keeping the money.
Hi, perhaps a silly question, but how do you sort your logistics? 2cars one at each end or do you have someone else to help? Thanks, great video, love that river!
Hey Jason, great videos, came across your channel earlier this evening. (Subscribed and liked 👍🏻) I am looking to buy either the 12’ or 15’ Blue Fin. I’m 6’1 weighing 106kg, having seen you on both boards, would the 12’ be sufficient you think? Only been on a board once before, could not get to stand up on it at all!!!However, I know now that the board I was on was far too small for me, 10’ I think and quite narrow. I am hoping to trial one, if Blue Fin allow it. Jay from York.
Sorry Jay, I've only just seen your question I'm afraid. The 12 would be perfect for you. The 15 is pretty heavy and, while extremely stable, is harder to manoeuvre if you're a complete novice.
![Bluefin Cruise Carbon Inflatable Stand Up Paddle board In-Depth Review [2021]](/img/n.gif)
Had the 15' carbon shipped to the U.S. Used it many times over the last year with the girlfriend in rivers and the Great Lakes. Absolutely love it !
Great to hear!
Thanks Jason. You have already confirmed one bit of kit for me, your paddle board. I have the Cruise tandem, waiting for warmer weather. Just wasn't sure if it was going to be too big for solo use. 😊
As far as clothing goes, I just wear layers for the cold and the wind because, unless I'm going onto chunky waves on the sea and intending to surf, I assume I'm not going in the drink.
Wetsuits just make you sweat and then get cold so are to be avoided unless you're sure you're going in.
In the winter I pretty much always wear a pair of ski pants as they're the best at stopping you get cold while not causing you to overheat.
On my feet on this trip I wore 5mm wetsuit booties, but it was an experiment and I'm likely to return to using actual boots (thinnish water resistant hiking ones) and ski socks.
On top I wear a thin long sleeve technical under-shirt, again from my ski kit, with a thin hoody and then a waterproof hiking jacket for any rain.
It's a good idea to get a jacket that zips up to your chin, has zips at the arm pits and velcro closing on the cuffs.
The gloves I use are cheapo so-called "ski" ones. I'd never use them for skiing as they're too thin, but they're great for this kind of thing as they're water resistant and it doesn't matter if you lose them. :-)
Just subbed, like seeing you use the board instead of standing next to it talking about it. Great vid.
Thanks. You're right, I can't see the point unless you're using it.
can't wait to do this route! recently got my 10'8 bluefin cruise and getting some lessons on thursday so I can go on rivers like this one, which is very close to me! never thought of asking the rowing club for launch, seems perfect! great video guys 👍
Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Good videos, keep them coming. A little explanation on the kit you take and wear would be great, for us beginners.
I'd be happy to do a video about kit in the future for you, Lawrence. 😎🤙🏼
I just got the cruise 15' (not carbon) and took it on the Thames yesterday on it's maiden voyage with my daughter. She was sitting and paddling in front, while I stood at the back. It was rock steady (though a bit of a windy day for it). One thing I'd love to see is how you got it back in the bag. haha. I struggled to fit it in the bag when it was still wrapped in plastic- seemed nearly too wide to fit. Now I am going to need to figure out how to fold it right because I am not even close to getting it in the bag!!
Finally got it in the bag. After lying in the sun for a while it was more pliable.
The key is making sure all of the air is out. I use an electric 12v pump that has a suction nozzle on it as well as a pumping one. Almost all of the widely available 20psi pumps do this, although the 15 or 16psi ones not so much.
There is no "correct" way to roll them up, but I usually start at the back for a couple of folds to make sure the fin box is tidy, then I roll from the front. A hybrid way of doing it, I guess.
I know this is an old video, but how would you some up the Cruise Carbon 14. I’m debating to get either the latest Carbon 15 or the Sprint 14.
I want to be able to do a bit of touring, fishing with a child on board and even some snorkelling.
Hi Jason.
I'm looking for another board for myself / my family currently.
We already have two 10'6 all-round boards, which are great for general paddling, and a twin kayak for two more and the dry kit.
I was considering a 14' fast touring board for myself or to add to the group when we need another seat, but this 15' looks like a good option too as I often go out with just my partner when the kids are elsewhere. Maybe this with us both on one board, instead of taking both 10'6 would be both faster and more sociable?
This would also be good with my son and dog and I don't need a race board.
Does this sound like a good option and would it still be faster and track better than a 10'6 general board of I was on it on my own? 6', 72kg and fit
By your comments here this sounds like quite a good option, but is there anything else you would suggest, or would I be disappointed not to go for something more solo focused but faster?
Thanks hugely if you reply.
Hi. Great video, however i think i will go for 12' board. By the way, could you please let me know how do you organize return to your car ? Taxi, bus or ... ? Thank you
Great video! What are your thoughts on the 12 versus the 15 if you're a solo paddler riding with a kid? The kid will probably not be doing any paddling 🙂. I'm 6'2" and 180 pounds. Kid is 30-40 pounds.
Good vid ... I was thinking about the 15 foot and the 12 foot sup .. ordered the 12 foot a hour ago , if I watched this 1st I wud of went 15foot . But never mind !!
12 ft is my go to board for general stuff. It's a great all-rounder
How are you doing with the 12 footer?
Hello Both, not sure if you can help ? Im 6ft and 24 stone, do you think the 12ft or 15ft would carry my weight ??
I'd think the volume and rigidity of the 15 would be much better than the 12, to be honest. It's like an aircraft carrier.
Thank you Jason, it's difficult asking shops because they just want you to buy what they have in stock
Is 15 foot good for 1st paddle board? I'm a big guy, I like to carry some stuff with me as well
Can I ask how you fold this board
What do you guys tend to wear for your winter sup adventures?
Check out Jason's response from 8 months ago... Its quite thorough for colder weather
Hi Jason, great video. I’m retiring to Thailand in 18 months and want to get a board to use here before I go. I’m 5ft 10in,90kg and very active for a 52-year-old with a few lessons under my belt and one great trip down the river severn. I’ve been looking at the bluefin 12 for a while now to use on canals, rivers and lakes here and for touring in Thailand but not sure if I'll regret not getting something bigger. What would you recommend?
Sorry Terry, I've only just seen this. Would I recommend the 12 over the 15? For what you're doing, absolutely. The 15 is overkill, tbh. I'd also recommend the regular Cruise 12 rather than the Carbon version too. Not because it's better, it isn't, but because for what you're doing you don't need the extra rigidity, so you're better off keeping the money.
Hi i got blue fin 15" try to pack in the bag can't ...can you tell me how you pack and send to pland thanks
Thanks.. I go 6'9"... 260lbs... I think the 15' would be perfect!!!
Absolutely spot on for you. It feels like you could land a helicopter on it.
hello, this board is comfortable to swim alone?
Hi, perhaps a silly question, but how do you sort your logistics? 2cars one at each end or do you have someone else to help? Thanks, great video, love that river!
In this case, there was a car at either end.
Hey Jason, great videos, came across your channel earlier this evening. (Subscribed and liked 👍🏻)
I am looking to buy either the 12’ or 15’ Blue Fin. I’m 6’1 weighing 106kg, having seen you on both boards, would the 12’ be sufficient you think?
Only been on a board once before, could not get to stand up on it at all!!!However, I know now that the board I was on was far too small for me, 10’ I think and quite narrow. I am hoping to trial one, if Blue Fin allow it. Jay from York.
Iv just got a 12’ n it’ll be fine for u,I’m 6.2 n 19.1/2 stone
Sorry Jay, I've only just seen your question I'm afraid.
The 12 would be perfect for you. The 15 is pretty heavy and, while extremely stable, is harder to manoeuvre if you're a complete novice.