In order to get the most out of your iSUP, proper care and maintenance are required to extend the life of the board. Fortunately, basic care and maintenance doesn’t take a lot of time and it is something that you can easily do on your own.
One of the most important things you should know is that you should never leave the paddle board in direct sunlight after it has been used. Instead, keep the board in a shady area to prevent damage from UV light. Sometimes the sun’s rays are hard to avoid, such as during transport. Since even mild sunlight can cause damage from the UV rays, try to put the bottom side up when sun exposure is inevitable or cover it with a tarp.
Another thing that you definitely should do when it comes to sun protection is apply a 303 protectant spray to your board. I haven’t found anything better than this when it comes to UV protection. Applying the spray is easy – just follow the instructions on the bottle and be sure to wipe off any excess spray on the board so that it is not slippery. And you’ll want to re-apply it every month or two, depending on how often you’re actually using your board.
After you have enjoyed a ride in the water, rinse the board with fresh water to remove sand and salt. Store the board in a cool, dry place to maintain its resilience. The best way to maintain a paddle board is in a dry place. The board must be thoroughly dry before rolling it for storage in order to avoid mildew and mold damage. If you do get some mold and mildew on the board, use vinegar to remove it.
Before taking your paddle board into the water make sure the air valve is tightened. No defamation allowed when you are in the water. After gliding across the waters on your board gentle loosen the air valve to release pressure. Air valves should be inspected regularly for wear and tear. If undetected a torn air valve can be dangerous. A valve wrench may be used to tighten the valve in a clockwise motion.
The inflatable stand up board is a compact design that is convenient for storage and travel. There is no need to carry the board on top of a vehicle. Because the board lacks weight it may easily lift off the vehicle top. Safety is crucial when transporting an inflatable board. Sharp objects such as knives or scissors should be kept away from the board to prevent punctures. Stay clear if items that produce heat such as camp stoves, lighters and propane tanks.
When using the pump to inflate the board the pump should be well lubricated. Regularly clean the pump’s air filter to ensure proper maintenance. Coil leashes that are used to carry the inflatable board must be properly slipped through loops and pulled. Removing the leashes after use is recommended to avoid unintentional snags.
Always be conscious of avoiding sharp objects and debris when you’re carrying your board. These things are ultra durable, so you might be tempted to drag it into the water or over some rocks – don’t do this! While your board can probably handle it without any damage, doing this repeatedly will wear down the material over time.
Ben says
Hey,
I’ve managed to get some water inside my inflatable SUP and was wondering if you had any suggestions?
Kind regards, Ben
Alex says
Hrm, haven’t had to deal with this myself yet. If you have a patch kit, then I think I’d make a small hole to drain it and then repair that hole with the patch kit. Not the best plan, but it’s the only idea I have. Good luck!