How to care for an inflatable paddleboard: PSI, drying, storage and repairs

TUREFF• •0

An inflatable paddleboard is tough, but it lasts much longer with a little care. Most problems, such as a soft board, mould, a stuck valve or a slow leak, come from a few easy-to-avoid habits. Here is how to look after one.

Inflating to the right pressure

Every inflatable board has a recommended pressure, usually printed near the valve or in the manual, and that figure is the one to follow. Many all-round boards are designed to be used somewhere in the low to mid teens of PSI, but boards differ, so do not borrow a number from someone else's board.

Too soft and the board bends in the middle, feels unstable and is harder to paddle.
Over the maximum and you put strain on the seams. Never exceed the stated maximum.
Check the gauge on your pump. Pump gauges often only start reading at a few PSI, so the needle may not move until the board is fairly firm.
Before inflating, make sure the valve is in the closed (up) position, or air will rush straight back out as you remove the pump hose.
Use a hand pump that suits high pressure, or an electric pump designed for SUPs.

Heat and sun

Air expands as it warms. A board left fully inflated on a hot beach or in a closed car can rise in pressure. On hot days keep the board in the shade when you are not on it, and do not leave it baking in the sun. Some paddlers let out a little air if the board will sit in strong sun for a long time. Ultraviolet light also fades and weakens the material over time.

After every session

Rinse it, especially after salt water, and the fin box, valve and handles too.
Dry it fully on both sides before rolling it up. A board packed wet is the main cause of mould and smells.
Check, clean, dry: removing plants and mud before you move to another water helps stop invasive species spreading.
Wipe off sand and grit, which act like sandpaper on the deck pad and seams when rolled.

Storing your board

Inflated is fine if you have the space: lay it flat or on its side, out of direct sun, perhaps with a little air let out.
Deflated, roll it loosely from the nose towards the valve end so air can escape, without sharp folds. Remove the fin first.
Keep it somewhere cool, dry and away from sharp objects, rodents and heat sources such as radiators and boilers.
Avoid freezing conditions if it is not fully dry, and avoid long spells in a hot loft or car.

Finding and fixing a slow leak

Losing a little pressure overnight, especially as temperature falls, is normal. A board that keeps going soft has a leak.

Check the valve first. Most boards have a removable valve core, and the kit usually includes a valve tool. A little grit under the seal is a common culprit; a valve that is loose can usually be tightened with the tool.
Spray soapy water over the board, a section at a time, while it is inflated. Bubbles show you the leak.
Mark the spot, then deflate the board completely.
Patch it using the repair kit and the manufacturer's instructions: clean and roughen the area, apply the recommended glue to both the patch and the board, wait as directed, then press firmly and leave it to cure, usually for many hours, before inflating.

Small holes in the main body are usually straightforward. Seam failures, damage near the rails or a leak you cannot find are better left to the manufacturer or a specialist repairer, especially while the board is under warranty, since a DIY repair may affect it.

Pumps, fins and paddles

Keep the pump hose and gauge free of sand, rinse fins, and check the fin box is clear before each use. Take apart adjustable paddles after salt water and rinse the joints so they do not seize. Got a care tip, or a repair that worked (or did not)? Share it in the comments.