NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
The Super Cruiser SUP is built by a company called Bounce Composites right here in North America (Oceanside California to be exact). This is a durable, yet light weight stand-up paddle board designed for touring flat water, rivers, lakes and even paddling open ocean. A displacement hull paired with an aerodynamic shape allows the Super Cruiser SUP to slice through water with relative ease. The slightly recessed deck provides added stability by bringing the paddler’s centre of gravity closer to the water. Hard rails on the side of the board, combined with a generous 32" width, helps even novice riders stay upright.
The Super Cruiser is Bounce’s flagship model and comes in two variations: the TCT, which weighs 33lb, and the H-TCT, which uses a hollow construction to shave off 5lbs. TCT stands for Thermal Composite Technology. It is this construction method that distinguishes Bounce’s SUP’s from its competitors. Bounce boards’ construction replaces traditional epoxy resin (which is brittle) with an infused thermoplastic resin, and combines it with woven fibreglass to increase impact resistance. The result is a stiff and strong SUP that paddles much like a traditional epoxy board, except it’s much more durable.
The TCT version of the Super Cruiser SUP has a foam filled hollow interior encased in a single-piece fibreglass skin. On the H-TCT model the core is left hollow (hence the “H” in the acronym) and this is where the weight savings is achieved. The Super Cruiser H-TCT is crafted in a single hollow shape with lapped fibreglass seams that reduce the chances of leaks when compared to traditional technologies. This also provides more buoyancy and flex in the Super Cruiser H-TCT SUP so it sits higher in the water and can accommodate a heavier paddler. This flex allows the board to absorb impacts from objects you may hit or bump up against (such as rocks, docks or the ground) without the fear of it dinging or denting your SUP.
Bounce Composite’s build process is considered ‘greener’ than other manufacturers since they eliminate the need for a foam blank, thus reducing waste. They also don’t sand a fibreglass or carbon fibre skin, eliminating airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the need to utilize harmful chemicals like acetone. The Bounce factory lacks the toxic chemical smell sometimes associated with board construction in off-shore factories.
The Bounce Super Cruiser SUP features an integrated Lift SUP Handle that is just wide enough to grasp securely, providing a solid anchor point to hold while lifting and transporting the board. When not in use the handle slides out of the way into a recessed area of the board deck. Similarly, the three interchangeable ConnexSUP Plugs remain hidden, keeping the SUP deck clean and free of obstacles while providing an attachment point for a leash, Go Pro or other accessories. You’ll also find two tie down points at the front of the diamond groove pad to which you can affix a dry bag for longer day or multi-day paddles. There’s also a breather valve and drain plug should you need to empty any water that may seep into the hollow hull.
Bounce also offers an 11’ Multi-Purpose, TCT construction SUP, as well as 10’6” Multi-Purpose, TCT and HTCT construction boards; so there’s something to fit everyone’s price point and paddling preference.
- Concave deck allows for a lower standing area and improved balance and stability
- Overlap construction ensures there are no seams that can fail
- 3 interchangeable ConnexSUP plugs located in the back, middle and front of the board allow for easy accessorizing with a leash and/or GoPro camera
- Diamond groove pad for grip
- LiftSUP handle makes carrying and locking up easy
- Two tie down points
- Automated breather valve and drain plug
- Reinforced hard rail adds durability, stability and tacking
- KEEL 44.4 fin
- Displacement hull cuts through water efficiently
Bounce SUP’s are a staple in many rental fleets given their proven durability and user friendly appeal. This is one of the reasons I wanted to take a closer look at the Super Cruiser SUP. I first learned of the boards two years ago at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Show in Salt Lake City. They had a baseball bat in their booth and you were encouraged to take a few slugs at one of their SUP boards, like it owed you money.
It seems like everyone is manufacturing stand-up paddle boards these days given their run away popularity. However, most are simply carbon copies of one another with little to no real innovation, and corporate mantras that value profit over passion. Bounce Composites doesn’t follow this line of thinking: They produce a very small line up of boards with just three models with a H-TCT and TCT version of each model. Bounce has found their niche and are focussed on being the very best at it. They create innovative composites that advance the sport and provide a quality consumer product.
The Bounce Super Cruiser SUP has proven to be a very versatile and fun board for me and my family. I’ve quickly become addicted to getting out on the water every few days and enjoying fast distance paddling and windy days alike. My twelve-year-old son (who has limited paddling experience) hasn’t taken a dunk yet, and is having fun playing with the board in all water conditions. I find that the Super Cruiser lives up to its name, being one of the easiest boards to track straight, and with a good glide thanks to the displacement hull. I have noticed, however, that the board scratches easily on rocks, but thanks to its limited graphics the scratches are hardly noticeable. It’s a really tough board when compared to an inflatable, but it paddles with ease and efficiently. The shape of the Super Cruiser is truly beautiful and looks fast even sitting on dry land. Considering its 32” width it can still haul ass, especially when compared to a SUP with a planing hull. Even though it has just a single centre fin the Super Cruiser’s stability isn’t compromised in the least.
This is a great all round stand-up paddle board for flat water, playing in the waves and even river running. The variety of paddling opportunities and locations are limitless no matter where you live. Take a Bounce SUP for a paddle! I think you’ll be very glad you did.
PROS:
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CONS:
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Price: $1449US
Dimensions: 345x81x12cm / 11’4” x 32” x 4.75”
Weight: 12.7kg / 28lb
Volume: 220 litres
Colour: White/Green/Red
Maximum Load: 250lb
Features 1.5/2 Construction 2/2 Function 2/2 Weight 2/2 Quality / Price 1.5/2 |
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