PBD sales manager Glenn reviews the Cruiser 11'6"
If you had only seen pictures of the Oxbow Cruiser series, you would likely walk right by it on the beach as you wouldn't recognize it. Our website images supplied by Oxbow don't illustrate how gorgeous the board really is when you see it. The ultra glossy finish and intricate inlaid graphics make this one of the best looking boards on the water. There is no denying that performance in any sport comes partially from inspiration you get from your equipment and the Cruiser 11'6 with its glossy striking red and quality deck pad will give you all the inspiration you need for any level of performance.
Stepping on the 30" width will let anyone up to 240/250lbs feel super stable -and the wide point sustains for a good length of the rail so the stability covers a large point of the area covered by the deck pad. A lot of "freeride" or "crossover" boards get an initial surge of movement forward from each paddle stroke, and then slow quickly without much glide. However, the rail length and bottom shape of the 11'6 puts its glide on level, if not higher than several other brands dedicated flat water gliding boards. With each paddle stroke you get full transfer of power from the stroke to the board, and the glide is maintained regardless of your paddling cadence - which make the Cruiser a flat water dream and one that you can cruise the shoreline at sunset, but also take a stab at open class racing with.
Great glide combined with small or marginal surf equals catching a ton of waves. Spin the Cruiser around outside the break and line up essentially anything you want and you can turn a golf day into a fantastic surf day. A few good strokes and you are up to speed to track down any wave (even fast moving, low power inland lake boat wakes!). With most SUP's you need to have a flat water board for fast gliding, and a wave board for riding - but the the Cruiser 11'6 is both rolled into one board.
The strength of the Cruiser 11'6 is quality, versatility, stability, ease of use and performance all wrapped up in a beautiful looking package at an unbelievable price – the best value on the market.
Dear Glenn,
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for your expertise, for your patience and your recommendations. I love my Oxbow 11'6. The board performs exactly as you said it would and is more beautiful than the photo's on your web site illustrate.
I paddled the Oxbow last weekend in Sterling Harbor in flat water and I was thrilled with it's performance. I then paddled out into the Peconic Bay with conditions I can only describe as powerboat wake slop. The Oxbow handled these conditions beautifully. I could not be more impressed.
It's has been an absolute pleasure dealing with you and Paddle Board Direct.
Best Regards,
Jim C.
Port Washington
Glenn / Mike / Michelle (and the rest of the crew at PBD),
Just wanted to let you know what an awesome experience I had with the Oxbow Cruiser 11' board package I bought from you. After the very quick delivery of the board to the Deer Park YRC terminal this morning, I was extremely impressed with bubble-wrap packaging of board. It was well protected!
Upon opening bubble-wrap, I was blown away by the look of the board. The pictures on yours and bics website do not do it justice. And the back/ under-side is gorgeous. It's one of the most beautiful surfboards I've seen. And my wife loves the look too (very important!).
After installing the pad (easy), I went for a paddle in the flat waters of the Great South Bay, only my 2nd time ever on a SUP board. It was pure joy, what an amazing board. My 8 yr old son also joined me, with both of us on board and then him paddling solo. The Jungle adjustable paddle was just perfect for his paddling.
I've been an avid kayak surfer for 10 years now, yet always pined to surf but always struggled paddling out in the waves. Clearly, the rocker of the Oxbow Cruiser board will be great in the surf, my goal by the end of the week in our typical 2ft surf on Fire Island's south- facing beach. While I am not the first in my town with a SUP, I will be the first in the surf, and all my surf buddies are already lining up for a turn.
Today was just a super day for me, thank you so much for providing me with so much enjoyment, and I just cant wait to use the board and get more experience with it. More than happy to provide any direct quotes for your websites and references for your customers.
Cheers,
Jon W.
Fire Island, NY
