If you want to get the most out of your SUP, you need to make sure that it is properly cared for. Let’s explore some tips on how to maintain your paddle board so that it stays in good condition.
Paddle boards are an increasingly popular choice for water sports enthusiasts. They offer a great way to explore the open waters without having to worry about storage or transportation. However, like any other water sport equipment, they require proper care and maintenance in order to ensure that they last for a long time. There are a few simple steps that you can take to ensure your board stays in peak condition, such as cleaning it regularly, storing it properly and inspecting it before use. So let’s get to the details, shall we?
How to prepare and care for your paddle board before going out on the water
Before taking your paddle board out on the water, there are a couple steps you should take to make sure it is properly maintained.
Inflatable paddle board
- Make sure your inflatable paddle board is pumped up to the recommended PSI. This number will depend on the manufacturer. Most inflatable paddle boards can be inflated to 12-15 PSI. If this is the case, make sure to inflate it to as close to 15 PSI as you can, but not over, as this can make your board pop and cause real damage to it.
- Once it’s inflated, you need to check your paddle board by making sure there is no damage before you use it. You can do this by gently scanning your board to see if air leaking out. You can feel it by hand, or you can also do the soap and water technique if you’re unsure. This is just a recommended measure to make sure you don’t add any more injury to an already damaged board. Now, if your board is indeed leaking air, it’s best to repair it first and let it rest before you use it.
- Don’t ever drag it along the ground or beach, especially once inflated. Sharp debris can puncture your board and we don’t want that to happen!
Hard paddle board
- If you’re transporting your paddle board by car, make it a habit to use pads to lay it on. If you’re placing it on top of your car, use roof pads and straps. Be cautious when tugging the straps. Make sure the straps are tight, but not too tight that they may damage your board.
- Just like with the inflatable paddle board, it’s best to check your board for any damage. No matter how minor the damage is, it’s highly recommended that you repair any scratches and cracks as soon as possible, preferably before you use it. If you don’t, it’s possible for water to seep into unrepaired cracks that may cause your paddle board to lose buoyancy and performance.
Safety tips for caring for your paddle board in the water
We know that exploring is part of the fun when you’re paddle boarding. But it is a good idea to remain attentive to your surroundings anyway while you’re having fun. So if you’re venturing into completely unknown territory, you need to be cautious of where you’re paddling.
- If the water is clear, it might be easier to see where you’re going. Just look down and see if you need to avoid certain obstacles that are normally not visible when you’re looking straight ahead.
- Now, if the water is not clear and you can barely see what you’re paddling in, you can use your paddle by gently feeling what’s below you.
Either way, the goal is to avoid any sharp or hard objects that may damage your board. You can avoid this altogether by paddling in familiar waters only. But if you can’t do that and you prefer to explore, it wouldn’t hurt to be careful of where you’re going.
Tips on how to care for your paddle board after use
Cleaning
- Rinse your entire board using fresh water to remove the dirt. You have to do this every time you paddle in salt water since salt water can corrode the SUP’s material and weaken the seams over time. Using fresh water to wash saltwater off will prolong the life of your board.
- Soap and scrub can be used as well if there are stubborn stains that need to be removed. If you want to be safer, though, we suggest that you use any natural biodegradable cleaner. But any soap without chemicals is fine to use.
- If there are metal pieces on your paddle board and accessories (examples are buckles and bolts on your leash), it’s absolutely necessary that you rinse them off properly with fresh water. Saltwater corrodes metals at a very rapid rate, and you don’t want that to happen to your SUP
- Rinse it again once you’re done scrubbing the residues.
- We recommend that you use a UV ray protectant at least once or twice a year to protect your board from this kind of damage.
- Once done, you can use a clean towel to wipe off the excess water and let it dry completely.
Storage
- Before storing your iSUP, make sure that it’s completely dry — most especially if you’re using an inflatable paddle board and you’re planning to deflate it before storing. Although paddle boards are built to be used in the water, storing them when wet or damp won’t do them any good. Moisture or any wet environment can encourage mould and mildew that can damage the shell of your board.
- Make sure your SUP is deflated properly before rolling it up. Just remember not to roll it too tight when packing it away. It is better for the seams if the board is rolled ‘loosely’ compared to really tight.
- Store inflated iSUPs in a cool, dry space away from direct heat (such as inside your home or garage). Make sure the temperature there isn’t too cold or too hot, as this will affect your board’s PSI level. Either way, the air will naturally deplete, so just don’t forget to top off the board with more before you use it again.
- If you’re using a hard paddle board, just make sure you have enough storage. Place it somewhere it’s not going to topple over accidentally, or if you have a table you can lay it on, that’ll be better. Just try not to put anything on top of it to avoid any unexpected damage to your board.
Repairing your paddle board
The main thing you need to remember, regardless if you’re using an inflatable paddle board or a hard paddle board, is to not use it if it’s damaged. Using an already damaged board may make the damage even worse than it already is, so it’s best to repair it first and let it rest before using it.
If your iSUP is damaged, check out our guide on how to repair your inflatable paddle board. As for hard paddle boards, that’ll depend on how much damage we’re talking about. If the damage is quite big, we highly recommend that you seek a professional to fix it. But if it’s just a minor scratch or crack, you can repair it yourself by following the steps below.
What you need:
- Slightly damp paper towel
- Quick-curing epoxy (you can get this at most hardware stores).
- Paint brushes
- Disposable dish or scrap paper
Steps:
- Wipe the scratched or cracked area with a slightly damp paper towel to make sure there is no debris there. Let it dry for a few minutes until there is no moisture left.
- Since you’ll be using a quick-curing epoxy, you can pour it directly where the damage is. But if you want to have better control over the amount of epoxy you’re using, you can pour a small amount of it into your disposable dish.
- Use your brush to spread it evenly over the entire scratch or crack. This will create a seal over the crack that will prevent water from entering the board. Remember to move quickly, though, since you’re using a quick-curing epoxy. This is because you have quite a short timeframe before the epoxy starts to harden or get tacky. Once this happens, it might be harder for you to smoothen it out, so it’s very important that once you pour or place some of it in the crack, you need to start spreading it evenly right away.
- Let it sit for about half an hour and check if you need to apply a second layer. If it’s not smooth enough yet, you can apply another layer by following steps 1-3.
- Once done, just let it dry for multiple hours (ideally overnight) until completely cured before you use it.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the importance of caring for inflatable paddle boards and some tips on how to do it properly. We hope that this has helped you understand the importance of taking good care of your inflatable paddle board so that you can enjoy your time out on the water safely and comfortably. If you need more guides, you can read some of our available blogs that will surely help make your paddle boarding experience more memorable!
- SUP Safety Tips: What to Do Before & While SUPing
- SUP Checklist: How to Prepare for Your First Paddle Boarding Trip
- 10 Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tips for Beginners
- iSUPs vs Hard Paddle Boards: Which Should You Get?
- SUPing Is Really Good for You. Here’s Why
- 10 Awesome Reasons to Start Stand Up Paddle Boarding ASAP
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