Going out on the water with your inflatable stand-up paddle board gives you an extraordinary feeling of freedom. Due to their portability, toughness, and the simplicity of storage, these boards have totally changed the watersports scene. Nevertheless, the ride that shakes you and makes you irritated, or the one you enjoy, depends primarily on your gear setup. If you know your way around inflating and deflating, you are sure to have more fun every time.
Getting Ready for Inflation
A good location is everything if you want to inflate without stress. Carefully spread out your inflatable stand-up paddle board on a level, clear surface free from stones, leaves, and other debris that could tear the material. Turn the board over, and find the inflation valve.
Most importantly, always check the valve pin. Do not forget to check that it is in the “up” or closed position before you connect the pump to the valve; otherwise, when you disconnect the hose, there will be a blast of air. Insert the pump hose into the valve and twist until it is firmly locked.
Inflating Your Board
Without a pump, you have to wait a whole day for a big enough wind to inflate a board, but how to pump on a board is also very important. So, place your feet parallel to each other below your shoulders, and keep your hands near your pants pockets or at your sides. Next, with your arms almost fully extended, exert more pressure on the downstroke with your legs and body weight than with your back.
The pressure gauge should not be ignored. Generally, inflatable stand-up paddle boards require a pressure of 12 to 15 PSI for optimal performance. When the pressure is too low, the board will sag and drag in the water, but when the inflatable stand-up paddle board is properly pressurized, it is as firm as a hardboard. Then, follow the steps to remove and screw the hose fast, and seal the valve.
Deflating Your Board
Once your paddling is over, the first thing you should do is wash the SUP thoroughly with fresh water to remove any salt or sand that might have stuck to it. After opening the valve, gently push the pin down to allow the air to escape. You might have to turn the pin around so it stays in the open position. The sudden whoosh of air that you hear is just normal, so don’t be scared!
You can also use a pump with a deflating option to vacuum out the remaining air to achieve the flattest pack. Roll your inflatable stand-up paddle board firmly and closely, starting from the front (or nose, which is opposite the valve), while pressing out any remaining air between each layer.
Storage Tips
If you want your inflatable stand-up paddle board to last, the best thing to do is take care of it. It is best to keep your deflated SUP in a cool, dry place. Leaving your inflatable stand-up paddle board in the sun for a long time without using it is something you should avoid because UV rays and high temperatures can deteriorate the material and the glue in the seams over time. Besides that, having a separate storage bag will help protect your board from scratches if you carry it around.
Conclusion
To set up your gear smoothly and efficiently means getting on the water faster and more safely. These easy-to-follow instructions can make the usage of an inflatable stand-up paddle board so natural that almost unconsciously, you will find yourself being ready for your paddle session, which is not only a sport but also a pleasure.