* Please see our updated 2020 review of the Hero SUP Crusader here.
The Hero SUP Crusader is one of my favourite inflatable stand up paddle boards that I have reviewed in awhile.
This board is in the all-around category and it is what I would consider as a jack-of-all-trades and one that performs quite well.
We have particularly enjoyed paddling it with our dogs as we found it to provide decent stability without dragging through the water.
I have had this board for a year now and we have spent many lovely days cruising on flat water lakes and tackling waves and chop on ocean bays.
It has come on road trips with us and we’ve explored some pretty cool areas on the Crusader.
It handles really well each time out, takes little effort to move and turn and the dogs (we have three!) all seem comfortable and happy when riding on this board.
Have you ever hit heavy wind while out paddling? I have and on one particular occasion the wind snuck up on me while out on a remote mountain lake.
It hit hard and my arms were burning as I made my way back to shore. I got back safely but it took a lot of effort. I was very thankful to be on the Crusader which kept going strong and steady. It has proven its reliability to me many times over.
SPECS
| LENGTH | 11'2" |
| WIDTH | 31" |
| THICK | 6" |
| WEIGHT | 23 LBS |
| MAX LOAD | 300+ LBS |
| PRICE US | CHECK PRICE |
| PRICE CANADA | CHECK PRICE |
MATERIAL: Military grade PVC material, double layer Air Fusion construction with reinforced side rails.
BEST SUITED FOR: All-around design can be used for cruising on flat water lakes, rivers or ocean bays and light surf. Ideal for families, fitness, yoga, paddling with dogs and carrying large loads. Also great for traveling because it is so versatile.
PROS:
- Nice width to length ratio provides good stability without being sluggish.
- Comfortable large traction pad provides good grip and plenty of room for maneuvering your feet or practicing yoga.
- Large front bungee area for securing cargo and paddling essentials such as a PFD, water bottle, dry bag, etc.
- Front and back safety D-rings for securing leash or for towing.
- Removable neoprene covers on center and back handles provides more comfort when carrying any distance.
- Sturdy 9” removable touring fin and two 5” removable side fins help with stability, tracking and versatility. The tri-fin configuration keeps the back end steady and the nose tracking straight.
- Back kick tail ideal for pivot turns and quick maneuvers.
- Nice high-end accessories package.
- 2 Year Warranty
CONS: No center D-rings
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 11’2” inflatable paddle board
- Rolling travel backpack
- 3-piece fiberglass paddle
- 10′ Coiled SUP leash
- 10L dry bag
- Dual action hand pump
- Repair kit
SETUP & PERFORMANCE VIDEOS
Don’t feel like reading the whole review? Check out our quick videos below.
In the first video you can see the whole setup process. In the second video you can get a good sense for how well the board handles and performs.
MORE DETAIL
The Crusader is quite efficient at paddling around on flat water and we have found it to be a lot of fun when riding small waves and tackling wake and chop from larger boats.
It has a really nice length to width ratio that keeps it performing well and fun to ride.
All-around boards typically have a rounder nose and provide more stability than a streamlined touring SUP.
Width wise they are often either 32” wide or else 30” wide. The 32” wide boards tend to get quite slow. Although stable, they take more effort to paddle and turn.
They feel good initially because they make you feel stable and secure but as your skill level improves they can feel sluggish, heavy and dare I say ‘boring’.
The 30” boards are faster and provide better glide but they can sometimes feel not as stable for a larger person or for those who want to use their board in choppy water or bring their dog or kids out paddling with them.
What I like about the Crusader is that it provides enough length to pile on the gear, dogs, or kids without being too long and heavy.
Plus it has a nice in-between width of 31” that provides a little extra stability without too much compromise in the performance or the all important fun factor. 😉
I often have people ask me for an all-around board that is stable enough to take their dogs out with them but not so stable that they feel like a slug plowing through the water.
This board fits that criteria really well plus it is highly portable and comes with a great package deal.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
FRONT BUNGEES
The front bungee cords are attached to 4 stainless steel D-rings. The bungee section is large enough to easily store your PFD, dry bag, water bottle, shoes and other essentials.
For paddling with a cooler you can use the D-rings and bungees to secure the cooler to the board.
I personally really appreciate where the bungees are located – right at the tip of the traction pad.
They are easily within reach from standing position at the center of the board and there is ample room still up front for my small dogs who tend to love riding shotgun at the tip of the nose.
LARGE EVA TRACTION PAD
The diamond groove EVA traction pad is a decent length that goes right from the front bungees to the very back of the board.
The traction pad provides good grip for your feet and is comfortable to kneel on. There is ample room to do stretches or attempt a little SUP yoga.
KICK TAIL
I love when all-around boards include a kick tail (the raised back end on the traction pad).
It isn’t critical and many won’t use it but for those who dare to attempt a pivot turn or other fancy maneuvers it is great to have!
The kick tail provides a little extra support and guidance for your feet when stepping back and pivoting your board.
On a warm day when you don’t mind ending up in the water it is super fun to practice different moves with that kick tail and we highly recommend giving it a go!
Check out the video below of Darryl bravely practicing his pivot turns in cold Vancouver ocean water. He is much braver than I! 🙂
CENTER HANDLE WITH NEOPRENE COVER
The nylon centre handle seems durable and strong. The removable neoprene handle cover makes a huge difference in comfort when carrying the board.
If you have ever had to carry a paddle board any distance with just a nylon handle then you likely know how uncomfortable it can get.
The padded neoprene cover adds a little cushioning so your hand doesn’t get so sore.
It can also double as a paddle holder when your paddle is not in use such as when you are carrying the board to and from the water.
BACK GRAB HANDLE WITH NEOPRENE COVER
The back grab handle can be used to grab hold of your board if you fall in the water or to pull your board into shore. It also has a removable neoprene cover for added comfort and durability.
BACK & FRONT D-RINGS
The back stainless steel D-ring is ideal for securing your board leash. The front stainless steel D-ring is underneath the nose and good for towing if ever needed.
3 REMOVABLE FINS
To add to the versatility of the Crusader there are three removable fins allowing you to customize it for the type of water you are paddling in.
When out in shallow water such as shallow moving rivers you can simply use the two smaller side fins.
When in open water it is recommended to use either all three fins or you can just use the 9″ touring fin.
The large 9” center touring fin makes a huge difference in the tracking and overall stability of the board.
I just finished reviewing another ISUP that only had three small rubber fins (no touring fin) and I really noticed the difference in the performance and stability.
Without a large touring fin the back end can get wobbly and unstable in open water. With all three of the Hero SUP fins attached the board feels solid and tracks well.
I especially like that all thee fins are removable. Besides being able to choose which ones you want to use it also eliminates the common issue of dealing with bent fins from being rolled up and stored in the carry bag.
I see it often with ISUP’s that have attached rubber fins. They easily bend when the board is rolled up and consequently it ends up affecting the performance – super annoying.
With the Crusader the 2 side fins easily click into place. The 9” touring fin secures to a US fin box with a little bolt and screw (no tools necessary).
AIR FUSION CONSTRUCTION
There are a few different types of inflatable SUP construction these days.
These are the 3 most popular types of technology used:
1. Single layer construction – Not as durable but keeps the price down.
2. Double layer construction – The most common, very durable but tends to be heavier.
3. Laminated double layer – New technology in the last couple years, very durable, creates a stiffer board that is up to 2kg lighter.
More and more companies are using the third type of construction as there are so many benefits to it.
Besides creating a more rigid board, the lamination technology removes the need for using toxic glue. Hand glueing errors on paddle boards are not uncommon so no hand glueing means you get a cleaner and more aesthetic looking board. It is also better for the environment.
Hero SUP uses this laminated double layer construction technology (Air Fusion Construction) so their boards feel very rigid, look great and are super tough.
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
1. ROLLING BACKPACK TRAVEL BAG
The backpack that comes with this package is awesome. It has a heavy duty zipper that opens on three sides allowing you to easily get the board in and out.
It has padding and inner straps to secure the board when traveling.
The padded adjustable shoulder straps, waist strap and chest clip provide ample support and comfort.
There is a velcro pouch at the back of the bag where the straps can be tucked in so they are completely out of the way if traveling by airplane or bus (so nice!)
The two wheels allow you to pull it like a suitcase, making it ideal for travel and easily getting to and from the water.
There are also four grab handles, one on each side, one on top and a small plastic grab handle on the bottom making it easy to pick up the bag in any situation.
Lastly there is a clear ID holder at the top back-side of the bag that can be used if traveling.
This is one of the more comfortable and functional ISUP backpacks we have tried.
2. 3-PIECE FIBERGLASS PADDLE
Most SUP packages come with an aluminum paddle or no paddle at all. This one comes with an upgraded lighter fibreglass paddle.
The paddle comes apart into three pieces allowing you to store it inside the backpack. It can be adjusted from 67″ to 84″ depending on your height.
Tip: Wondering how to find the right paddle length for your height?
A quick and easy way to measure is to stand with your arm straight up in the air. The top handle on the paddle should be right around your wrist level for flat water touring.
For surf or whitewater you may want the paddle to be a little shorter.
3. SUP LEASH
The 10’ coiled SUP leash is an important safety item that more and more companies are including in their package deal.
It’s a must have so it is always nice to have one included so you don’t have to go out and spend extra cash to buy one.
The one that comes with this package has a nice quick release loop so it is easy to pull off. The coiled cord keeps the leash on your board as opposed to dragging in the water.
4. 3 REMOVABLE FINS
The three fins are included in the package and easy to install and remove. No tools required.
5. 10L DRY BAG
A dry bag! Rarely do you see SUP packages that include a dry bag and let’s face it we all need to use one.
Have you ever dropped something important in the water? I have a few times – including my iphone (twice!) . Hopefully you don’t make the same mistakes I have. Always bring a dry bag!
All Hero SUP boards come with a 10L dry bag with shoulder strap. It can fit your phone, camera, keys, and snacks etc.
A nice added touch for sure! We also find it convenient to store all of the small accessories in the dry bag when not in use.
For example we keep the leash and fins in the dry bag inside the backpack to keep everything in one spot. Tip: Let the leash dry out first before storing it away.
DUAL ACTION HAND PUMP
The dual action hand pump works well. Use the double action setting until the board takes shape then push in the button to switch to single action mode to make pumping easier.
Depending on how fast you pump you can have the board inflated in 5-8 minutes. It usually takes me between 6 and 7 minutes to inflate the Crusader with a few breaks to give my arms a rest.
With the integrated pressure gauge you can watch your progress as you pump. You won’t normally get a reading on the gauge until you reach roughly 5 PSI or more.
The needle on the gauge moves very slowly for the first half of the inflation process but moves much faster for the last half.
This pump is capable of inflating a board to well over 25 PSI. However 15 PSI is truly all you need.
A smaller person can get away with only 12 PSI but for most I would recommend an air pressure of 15 PSI, at which point it will be very solid and able to hold a ton of weight.
Only thing this package does not include is an electric pump.
Although the hand pump in this package works quite well you really can’t beat the ease of using an electric pump.
I find this is something most people splurge on after a certain point and once you try one, it’s hard to ever go back to manually pumping.
Click here for our Top 3 Electric Pumps for ISUP’s.
REPAIR KIT
The repair kit includes a valve tightener, waterproof glue and a couple of PVC patches for repairs.
SETUP
All inflatable paddle boards are easy to setup once you know what you are doing.
The whole process can be explained in five simple steps:
1. Unzip the backpack and remove the rolled up board.
2. Unroll the board flat on the ground.
3. Remove the valve cap. Push the valve pin in and twist so that it is in the ‘popped up’ position. Once in this position no air will be able to escape when you are pumping.
4. Attach the pump hose to the valve, twist so that it is locked in tight and start pumping. Stop when you reach 15 PSI.
Although this board has the ability to hold more air pressure (up to 25 PSI), 15 PSI is as high as you need to go. Any more air pressure than that won’t make much difference in performance or rigidity.
5. Secure your board leash to the back D-ring and attach your three fins.
That’s it! Now grab your paddle, PFD and dry bag and get out there.
The whole process takes no more than 10-12 minutes regardless if you are using the hand pump or an electric pump.
At the end of your paddling day, dry the board off well with an old towel, remove the valve cap and push the valve pin and twist so that it is in the ‘down’ position for the board to deflate. You will hear a large gush of air initially as the air escapes the board .
Remove the fins and your leash. Then roll it back up and place it inside the backpack carry bag for storage.
PERFORMANCE
Okay finally on to performance…
Like I mentioned this isn’t a speedy touring board but considering the versatile all-around design it glides nicely and doesn’t feel sluggish.
We found that the rounded nose really plows through waves quite well and consequently it is super fun to take out in smaller ocean swells.
It is stable in wind, even with the dogs on board. It feels steady and the nose stays solid and straight.
The size of the board makes it quick and easy to turn.
This is a SUP that the whole family can use but it is also ideal for those with fitness in mind.
Outdoor board workouts are getting more and more popular and this ISUP is well suited for that.
BOTTOM LINE
We feel that any person of any age or skill level could have fun on the Crusader.
It has a unique and versatile all-around design and with the highly portable rolling backpack it can be taken just about anywhere.
The Crusader comes with a two-year warranty should last for a long time. It is ideal for exploring, adventure, fitness, paddling with dogs, kids or loading up with gear.
Pictured above: My favourite paddling spot with my two best furry pals! The Crusader ISUP is on the left. On the right is the Hero SUP Dynamo, which is their faster touring board.
WHERE TO BUY
Live in the USA? – Find The Best Deal On The Hero SUP Crusader At HeroSUP.com.
Live in Canada? – Find The Best Deal On The Hero SUP Crusader At HeroSUP.ca.
Did You Know?
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Bought two of these to take on vacation with us this winter. Used them daily for a good couple months in Hawaii and had so much fun! The rolling backpack made traveling with them easy. Seriously best purchase. Thanks for your help and great blog!
Two months paddle boarding in Hawaii sounds like a dream! So glad you were happy with your purchase and found the blog helpful! All the best.
Thank you for your great reviews! They were instrumental in helping me make a decision on which board to buy. I ended up purchasing the Hero SUP Crusader and I could not be happier, your review is bang on. I was a little concerned about stability because I’m over 6′ tall but I’ve had no issues and have even been playing around with it in light surf. I’m hoping to take it with me traveling next year to explore some different areas. Cheers.
Thanks Josh that’s so nice to hear! It’s a great board for sure, hope you have a lot of fun with it!
I ordered this package and it did not come with any instructions. My first use, the PSI gauge on the hand pump didn’t work. Did I hook it up wrong? Could it be broken? I do know that I under inflated it. Does the gauge not start to read until a certain point? Could I have just not pumped it up enough? Also, i could figure out how to hook in the big fin. Do you have any advice to offer? I am a newbie. this is my first board. I could contact the company but I thought I’d ask for advice here, first.
Thank you for the recommendation! I already love this board and have only been out once with it under inflated.
Hi! The gauges on these hand pumps normally don’t register a reading until you get to around the 6 or 7 PSI mark. It’s really common for people to think the gauge doesn’t work but usually you just have to keep pumping. I can normally inflate a paddle board in 6 – 8 minutes with steady pumping and a few breaks. I would suggest keep on pumping for that full time and if you still don’t see a reading then get them to send you a new pump. With the Hero SUP pump make sure the little push button is in double action mode when you start, then when it becomes hard to keep pumping push the button in for single action mode at which point it will be much easier to finish off and reach 15 PSI.
The touring fin attaches to the US fin box… This is the best type of fin system (common for most paddle boards) but always takes a bit of figuring out first time. However once you know what you are doing it’s easy. There are numerous youtube videos if you search how to attach fin to US fin box which might be helpful. Also Hero SUP has an article that explains it with pictures… https://herosup.com/blogs/info/how-to-install-hero-sup-centre-touring-fin.
Hope that helps!! Happy paddling! 🙂
I’m looking for some advice on choosing between the Hero Crusader and the Starboard Blend Zen. I am most interested in having a board that is stiff, fun to paddle, has excellent performance. We have done some surfing on our hard boards and touring in the San Juan islands and local Pacific Northwest inland Waters with a Starboard hard touring board and Riviera Voyager. I recently sold the Voyager because it felt almost too stable and it wasn’t holding up well. I enjoy my husband’s Starboard more.
We would like an ISUP for more durability from dings and scratches, travel be plane and car, paddling some with our dog, and to eventually play in the water with our new daughter. We also want to load it up with stuff on occasion. I know neither of these will be as fast as what we’re used to because they are all around boards and inflatable, but I want it to feel fast and firm!
Our budget is $1000, preferably less, and the paddle is not a deciding factor. I would love to know if the Starboard Blend in the Zen model is really much better than the Crusader to justify the difference in price. Also if the less than 6 inch thickness on the Blend will be noticable in a negative way. Any advice you have would be appreciated!
Heather
Hi Heather, These are my two favorite all-around boards, they actually feel quite similar performance wise. It’s really hard to say whether the Blend is worth the extra cost. I feel the quality is similar and both will hold up well to dings and scrapes. Typically an inflatable SUP that is less than 6″ thick will be a little more responsive, which can be good for paddling in surf. However with the added width of the Blend it kind of cancels that out and I actually think the Crusader is just slightly more responsive and easier to turn and maneuver. I tend to like the 6″ thickness for loading up with lots of gear. It provides a little more rigidity for heavy loads. You’re right that neither of these will feel as fast as what you are used to but they both are quite versatile. Both come with good packages for traveling and both are good with dogs and kids.
If you want to go for an even faster board Hero SUP has a touring board called the Dynamo. The 12’6″ version provides enough space and stability for dogs and kids but still rolls up into a small package for traveling. I have been getting a lot of positive feedback on that one. Hope that helps a little. Truthfully I don’t think you can go wrong either way. I feel pretty confident in both of those boards.
Hello. Your website is such a great information resource. Keep up the great work! And thank you. I could use some additional advice on the Hero line. We are a family of 4: my wife and I, and our two sons (ages 10 and 7). We have rented SUPs when on vacation to the New Jersey shore and the Great Lakes. We are now ready to buy. I am torn between buying a Crusader and a Spark versus a Crusader and a Dynamo since we have lakes, rivers, and ocean available to us, I’d like to have two boards that cover a lot of options between them, but still have some overlap so that two family members can paddle at once. Our 10 year old is already paddling solo so the Spark seems ideal for him and his brother. I weigh 173lbs and I am the largest member of the family. I am thinking the Spark may also be fun for me in the mild Atlantic surf. Is this accurate?
Hi Serge, Thank you for your kind words, I am so glad you are finding the site helpful! Yes you are totally correct the Spark would be great for your sons to paddle now and they would also grow into well as they get older. Plus it would be a lot of fun for you to use in mild surf, it’s super responsive. I was actually just paddling the Spark last night and it really is a fun little board.
The Crusader would be a little harder for your son’s to paddle, doable but it would take more reach and more effort. If you went for a Dynamo you could really go for either size. The longer 12’6″ one feels more stable and offers more space for double riders but it’s just personal preference. They both move through the water nicely and would be ideal for your lakes, calm rivers and ocean bays.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂
Wish I could buy all three!
Ha for sure, all three would be ideal! 🙂
Hi, thanks for your reviews I’m finding them so helpful! I’m looking to buy my first sup and I’m leaning towards this Crusader. I like the size of it and the package looks nice. Would a total newbie be okay with this board? I don’t really want to get a board any wider because I feel like it will be way to slow once I get better at it.
Hi John, So glad you are finding the site helpful! I think you can’t go wrong with the Crusader and it will be great for a total newbie. It is stable enough to let you get comfortable with paddling but not overly wide that you’ll get bored of it too fast. It should last you for a long time. Good luck and happy paddling!
Hi, I’m looking for a board to take traveling. I will be in all different areas, different water. I like the look of the Crusader and the versatility and the backpack with wheels. My question is how will it do in different temperatures? Some of the areas I’m going will be quite hot and humid?
Hey Natalie, The whole package is ideal for traveling for sure and the Crusader would be great for exploring different areas. As far as heat and humidity the board will be totally fine as long as you allow it to dry completely before packing it away and store it out of direct sun or exposure to the elements. If it is extremely humid you might want to leave it out of the backpack when not in use just to allow it to breathe a bit more. If you end up leaving it inflated for a couple days or more I would suggest letting out a little air pressure as the heat can cause the air to expand. Have a great time and send us a pic if you have the chance! 🙂