You love your stand up paddleboard, and you only want the best for your board. But are you giving it the TLC it needs every time you get out of the water or head out on your next grand adventure? There are a handful of things you should always do to maximize the life and reliability of your inflatable SUP board. Whether you’re using it, traveling with it, or storing it, keep these tips in mind.
Care in Use
After a fun day of paddleboarding, it’s always a good idea to give your inflatable SUP a quick rinse with clean, fresh water. Rinsing the board helps clean the surface of debris, which in turn prevents scratches and mildew buildup. This is a step you’ll especially want to take if you’ve been paddleboarding in saltwater. Saltwater can dull any graphics on your board, and it can even dry out the exterior material protecting the board. Over time, this drying can lead to pitting and cracking. Keep in mind, leaving your SUP in the sun for extended periods of time can also have a similar effect, so make sure your board is in the shade when not in use.
Aside from regularly rinsing with clean water, don’t forget to clean your board with a mild soap and water every once in a while (once a week during peak season is a good rule of thumb). This helps prevent the buildup of film, mold, mildew, and other gunk.
Traveling Near or Far with Your SUP
When you’re traveling with your paddleboard, there are a few different things to keep in mind. This is the most important one: Avoid putting an unprotected blow up paddle board on the top of a moving vehicle, even if it’s properly tied down. Inflatable SUPs don’t have the same rigidity as hard boards and could be irreversibly damaged by the wind.
While the paddleboard won’t necessarily fly away (this can and does happen when boards aren’t properly secured), it can warp, bend, and become misshapen. When you hit the water with a misshapen board—even if the damage is visibly subtle, you’ll feel it. Specifically, you likely won’t have the same control you once did, making for a frustrating experience out on the water.
When traveling with inflatable boards, many manufacturers recommend traveling with them deflated, so don’t forget your air pump. This not only makes traveling a little more convenient, but it also keeps the boards safe and secure, which extends their life.
Storage Tips: Because Even Paddleboards Need Rest
Another successful season of paddleboarding has come to an end. While it’s no fun saying goodbye to a dear friend, the right storage habits will keep your paddleboard in great shape for the next season.
First, clean the paddleboard with a mild soap in warm water and wash it from end to end, including behind the fins. Make sure it dries completely before heading to storage. Once it’s fully dry, deflate and store your paddleboard in a carrying case or protective bag. Finally, keep your SUP away from excessive heat or cold to help maximize its life.
About iROCKER
Founded in 2013, iROCKER was built on the idea of making the great outdoors even more accessible. The brand is defined by the love for all things water— from oceans to lakes, rivers, and ponds. They offer a diverse selection of top-quality gear, including paddleboards, inflatable docks, and a full assortment of paddleboard accessories. iROCKER is also your resource when it comes to getting more out of your paddleboarding experience. Whether you’re a stand up paddleboarding newbie or you’ve been doing this a while, iROCKER is ready to help you make the most out of your next adventure.
Check out the latest stand up paddleboards at https://www.irockersup.com/
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