Hero SUP Crusader All-Around Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Review

I love this board. The Crusader is the perfect all-around shape and size.

It’s not too big and bulky so that you feel like you’re dragging through the water and not so lean that you feel wobbly at the slightest wave.

I use the Hero SUP Crusader A LOT!

MOST IDEAL FOR

The length to width ratio is ideal for all-around versatility, easy glide and recreational paddling. It’s the ideal board for paddling with dogs or bringing out the kids along for the ride.

It has been a popular ISUP and for good reason. The Crusader will suit a wide variety of people from beginners to more advanced riders.

This board is equally at home on flat water lakes, cruising along ocean bays, plowing through chop or tackling some small waves.

SPECS

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NEW FOR 2023

So excited for the latest 2023 Crusaders.  This years colours are:

• Camo Blue
• Camo Green
• Camo Purple
• Or Regular Blue

Check out the colours below.

Also included on the new boards are two more D-rings on each side in order to attach a seat, which many will appreciate as well as an added grab handle at the nose of the board.

Hero already includes a great accessory package with their boards and I have to say I love the lightweight carbon-shaft SUP paddle included in the package, it feels really nice to use and the rolling backpack is SO convenient.

VIDEO REVIEW

For a quick overview check out my video below for the basic details and what to be aware of with this paddle board.

CAMO CRUSADERS

I love the Camo pattern and I’ve heard a lot of really positive feedback on this board.  Hero SUP is known for having one of the best first responder & military discounts in the industry.

I think the Camo board makes sense for them plus it’s a really nice design and a cool addition to this line.

EXTRA D-RINGS

The 2022 models include several D-rings including more side D-rings to make it easier to attach a seat so you can sit down and paddle kayak-style if you want.

Extra D-rings are always a good thing. You never know when you might want to use them.

BUNGEE TIE DOWNS

There are plenty of bungee tie downs for storing gear. There’s a large bungee area up front and an extra set of bungees has been added to the back of the board.

 

So there’s plenty of space for securing a dry bag, water bottle, cooler, snacks or any gear you want to bring along.

REMOVABLE FINS

With the three removable fins you can customize the performance based on which fins you use.  I personally like all three fins attached.  I find the backend feels extra stable, the tracking is great and the board turns easily with all of the fins secured.

The two side fins securely click into the fin boxes and the 9″ touring fin is exactly what you want for touring and more speed.

The touring fin secures into a universal US fin box, which allows you to customize where you want the fin positioned in the fin box.  This also allows you to switch out the fin for a custom fin if you choose.

DIAMOND GROOVE TRACTION PAD

I’ve always liked a diamond groove traction pad. It provides good grip when standing yet still feels comfortable when kneeling or sitting.

BACK KICK PAD

You don’t often see a kick pad these days. Some boards have them, many don’t bother with them.

It’s a really cool feature to have. A kick pad is used for foot placement when doing pivot turns.

Basically you put one foot back on the raised kick pad and press down to pivot the nose of your board for a quick turn.

It’s really fun to practice, just make sure you’re okay with ending up in the water. 😉

D-RING UNDER NOSE

This is another feature you don’t always see on inflatable SUP’s but in my opinion it’s an important one to have.

A D-ring under the nose of the board can be used for towing if you ever need to be pulled safely back to shore for any reason.

You might never use this D-ring but if you ever need to be towed you’re going to be very thankful it’s there.

CENTER HANDLE WITH NEOPRENE PADDING

Center carry handles are typically just made of strong nylon.

The Crusader has this same strong nylon handle but they’ve added some padded neoprene. This padding makes carrying the board WAY more comfortable in your hand.

FRONT & BACK GRAB HANDLES

There is another handle at the back tail of the board and one at the nose of the board that can be used to grab if you are in the water or to pull it into shore.

BACK D-RING FOR SECURING LEASH

Standard on most paddle boards, including this one is a back D-ring at the tail that is used for securing your SUP leash.

PERFORMANCE & STABILITY

With the all-around design and rounded nose of the Crusader it isn’t made for fast touring.

Instead it is made for versatility, quick maneuvering and easy paddling.

I see many all-around designs that are extra wide for more stability.

I really like that this one is 31” wide as opposed to 32”, it really helps the board to paddle more efficiently.

It is still very stable and I think most beginners will feel quite comfortable on it.

However it isn’t so wide that it takes a lot of extra effort just to keep it moving through the water.

It also isn’t so wide that you get bored paddling it. The 11’2” length and 31” width keep it gliding smoothly. Consequently it just feels really great to paddle.

This ISUP also handles well when dealing with small waves and wake from boats.

With the center touring fin attached the tracking is really good. With the 2 side fins attached the back end feels extra solid and easy to turn.

PADDLING WITH DOGS

I often take my 3 little pups out riding with me and the Crusader is one of my favourite boards to take them out on.

No problem taking out a larger dog as well.  I know of multiple people who paddle the Crusader with a large dog.

The board is wide enough to provide decent stability but it still moves well when loaded up with the extra weight of the dogs.

My little guys tend to walk around the board, which isn’t a big deal as they are small.

If you have a large dog do what you can to train them to stay seated or lying down in one spot.  Not only will it help you stay stable but it will help protect the EVA traction pad as well.

YOGA & FITNESS

This is not a yoga board but I have actually used it to do some basic SUP yoga moves and stretches -that’s not me in the above picture. 😉

I really like taking a few minutes during my paddling sessions and doing some stretches on my board if possible. I find it extremely relaxing.

Although a yoga board is typically quite a bit wider I don’t find it that hard to do a few basic moves on the Crusader.

I wouldn’t say it’s ideal for yoga but if you wanted to add a little in once in a while it’s certainly doable.

DELUXE PACKAGE

Hero SUP includes a great package with their inflatable SUP’s.

• 11’2″x31″x6″ Inflatable Paddle Board
• 10L Dry Bag
• 2 Clip -In Removable Side Fins
• 1 9″ Removable US Touring Fin
• 10′ Coiled SUP Leash
• 3-Piece Carbon-Shaft Paddle
• Deluxe Backpack With Wheels
• High-Pressure Dual Action Hand Pump
• Repair Kit

INCLUDED WITH THE CRUSADER IS:

ROLLING BACKPACK

You can’t beat a good rolling backpack. This board isn’t that heavy but it sure is nice to be able to pull the backpack on the wheels to get it from your vehicle to the water or from your home to your vehicle.

The wheels are sturdy and roll nicely.  There is a grab handle on the top, both sides and even one of the bottom.

The rolling backpack is also ideal for traveling. I have taken my Hero SUP paddle boards traveling with me a few times.

My Crusader has made it to Hawaii twice at this point and the rolling backpack made bringing it along a breeze.

I was able to check the backpack like a regular piece of luggage and roll it through the airport like a suitcase.

If you want to travel with your inflatable SUP, a rolling backpack is the only way to go.

The backpack holds the board and all of the accessories.  When I took it traveling I was able to add in a few items of clothes, a pair of shoes, toiletries and even a nutribullet – For smoothies on the go! 🙂

It was definitely packed tight with all the extras but I made it work.

10’ COILED SUP LEASH

The leash is an important safety item and it’s always nice to get one included in the package.

A coiled leash – as opposed to a straight leash- will keep from dragging in the water or getting in the way of your feet.

Attach the leash to the back D-ring and to your ankle. If you fall in the water the leash will make sure your board doesn’t get swept away from you.

HIGH-PRESSURE DUAL STAGE HAND PUMP

The 2-stage SUP hand pump is probably the most durable hand pump out there. It works great.

You’ll start inflating the board in dual stage mode and pump until you reach roughly 7 PSI. Then with the little switch to single stage model to make inflation easier until you reach 12-15 PSI.

It takes me just over 7 minutes to inflate the Crusader with the hand pump.

3-PIECE CARBON SHAFT SUP PADDLE

The paddle comes apart into 3-pieces, floats, fits inside the storage bag and weighs only 30 ounces.

The paddle is adjustable from 65″ to 85″and it floats.  When broken down into 3-pieces the longest piece is 34″ long.

Usually you will want your paddle to be 8-10 inches taller than you.  An easy way to figure out the right height is to place the blade on the ground, lift up one arm and lengthen the shaft until it reaches your wrist.

Then you can adjust it as you see fit depending on what feels right to you while paddling.

10L DRY BAG

Hero SUP is the only paddle board company I know of that includes a dry bag with their package.

I aways use a dry bag so to me it’s a necessity. Love that it’s included and I don’t have to buy one elsewhere.

The dry bag includes a shoulder strap and can hold a towel, change of clothes or can just be used to store your keys, phone and a snack.

3 REMOVABLE FINS

There is one 9” touring fin that greatly helps with tracking and efficiency.  It screws in easily and you can adjust the position based on your paddling needs.

There are also two 5” side fins that quickly clip into place to help with maneuverability and back end stability.

IN SUMMARY

If you want a great all-around versatile board that still glides nicely and is a lot of fun to paddle, the Crusader is an excellent way to go.

It’s hard not to love this board. It feels great to ride, is very portable and lightweight and comes with a nice package.

Also included is a 2-year warranty and I have heard over and over again how great their customer service is.

I will hopefully be taking my board on another trip… Once Covid is under control. Here’s hoping the world goes back to ‘normal’ real soon. ☺

NEED AN ELECTRIC PUMP?

The Shark II Electric Pump is the best one I’ve tried and it works perfectly with the Hero SUP boards. It’s easy to connect by plugging into the 12V DC connector in your vehicle.

It has an active cooling system, which is extremely important as it helps this pump to not overheat when inflating multiple boards – A very common issue with electric pumps for ISUP’s.

It also has a digital display and auto-off function so it works completely hands free.

WHERE TO BUY THE HERO SUP CRUSADER

DEAL ALERT: Hero SUP has a great sale on right now.  Click the links below for the US or Canada store to check out the sale!

Live in the US?

Click Here For The Best Deal + Free Shipping On The Crusader At HeroSUP.com.

Live in Canada?

Click Here For The Best Deal + Free Shipping On The Crusader At HeroSUP.ca.

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