Over time inflatable SUP’s can get dinged, scratched, stained and dirty. To keep your board strong, clean, looking good and functioning as it should there are a few simple steps to follow.
◆PROPER CLEANING
STEP 1: RINSE
- Rinse the entire board with fresh water to remove dirt, gravel and debris.
- You do not need to rinse your board after using it each time if you are paddling in fresh water, unless you want to quickly clean off debris.
- However if you are paddling in salt water it is important to rinse your board with fresh water to remove the salt. Salt can corrode the material and weaken the seams over time. Rinsing with fresh water will prolong the life of your board.
STEP 2: CLEAN
- To clean the PVC material on your ISUP you can use any natural biodegradable cleaner. Use the natural soap or anything without chemicals should be fine to use.
- Pro Tip: When cleaning the traction pad be sure to scrub very gently so as not to shred the pad.
STEP 3: RINSE AGAIN
- Then rinse thoroughly with fresh water after cleaning to remove all soap residue.
◆DRY COMPLETELY
After cleaning your board or after paddling let the board dry completely.
It is best to let your board dry off as much as possible before packing away.
HOWEVER if your board is going to be stored away for a longer period of time then definitely make sure the board dries properly.
Leaving it wet will promote the growth of bacteria and mold as well as weaken the seams.
◆STORAGE
One of the most awesome things about inflatable stand up paddle boards is that they can pack away into a storage bag or backpack and be stored in a small space.
When the board is dry, deflate it, take off the fins and the leash, roll it up and pack it away inside the storage bag.
Keep the bag stored away from the elements and out of direct sunlight.
◆ROLLING TECHNIQUE
One word of caution is not to roll the board too tightly when packing it away. I often see people rolling the board as tight as possible in order to put it into the backpack storage bag.
However it is actually better for the seams if the board is rolled ‘loosely’ as opposed to really tight.
◆LEAVING THE BOARD INFLATED
Many people ask whether they can leave their board inflated instead of deflating it after each use.
The answer is yes you can BUT please store it away from the elements, in a cool area out of direct sunlight and ideally off the ground.
All inflatable paddle boards will lose some air pressure over time if the board is left inflated day after day.
Therefore before taking the board out again it would be wise to quickly check the air pressure with the gauge on your pump as you may need to top it up.
◆AIR EXPANSION
In extreme heat the air pressure will expand. Therefore if your board is left inflated in very hot weather let out a little air pressure to leave room for expansion.
◆SHOW SOME LOVE
Last but not least show your inflatable SUP a little extra love! Don’t drag it over gravel, drop it on the ground, sit on the board when the fin is on land – this is a quick way to break your fin.
Of course stuff happens and for the most part these boards can withstand a fair amount of abuse. With a little extra care your inflatable SUP should last for many adventures!!
