Inflatable stand up paddleboards are known for their durability. They’re made for adventure. But with adventure comes wear and tear. Fortunately, maintaining your inflatable SUP board is as easy as taking a few extra minutes at the end of the day to rinse and brush your board of any sand, salt or stains. It’s that little bit of TLC that will extend the life of your board—and the time you spend on the water.
What You Need to Maintain an Inflatable SUP Board
First, you’ll want to rinse your board after each use. Utilizing a board mat while cleaning and repairing your SUP, remove any lingering salt and sand and brush your board with a medium bristle brush. Give your board a thorough wipe down using a clean cloth and a premium SUP cleaner and protectant spray for lasting UV protection. For persistent stains and streaks, a scuff erasing sponge is your new best friend. Lastly, be sure to put it away dry before folding and storing to prevent mildew.
What You Need to Repair an Inflatable SUP Board
Every good repair starts with the right materials. The best SUPs often come with repair kits, so if you have one—and you know where it is—you’re off to a great start. The basic SUP repair kit usually consists of patches and an adhesive. Some brands sell adhesive separately, so you may need to get your hands on that. You’ll also need fine sandpaper, soap, and isopropyl alcohol (alcohol wipes are fine). Always be familiar with what’s in your kit. If you don’t have a kit, it’s highly recommended that you make this purchase. Be sure the adhesive is compatible with your inflatable SUP board material to avoid any surprises when it comes time to repair it.
Prepping Your Inflatable SUP for Repair
With the kit in hand, you’re ready to repair your inflatable SUP. First things first, confirm the location of the damage. For small, hard-to-find punctures and leaks, apply soapy water to the board and look for bubbles. Once identified, wipe away the soapy water and any excess grime. You don’t need to deflate the board completely, but you want the affected area as flat as you can get it. Then with fine sandpaper, slightly rough up the surface of the board. This will help maximize the effectiveness of the adhesive. Once sanded around the puncture, clean the area with soapy water to remove the dust. If possible, wipe down the area with isopropyl alcohol. You want the area as clean and dry as possible.
Making the Repair
With everything prepped, you’re ready to make the actual repair. Some repair kits come with differently sized patches, but you might need to cut one to a more appropriate size. Give yourself roughly an inch around the puncture or tear—and apply adhesive to both the patch and board. If your adhesive comes with specific instructions, follow those to the letter for best results. Many PVC adhesives require several applications over several minutes before the patch is put into place. For example, you may need to apply a layer every five to 10 minutes—up to four layers, plus a layer on the patch itself. Once every layer is in place, press the patch onto the board and hold for several seconds, ensuring it’s smooth and even.
After the Repair
Once the patch is in place, all that’s left to do is wait for it to cure and dry. Give yourself at least 24 hours before you reinflate your SUP board. After 24 hours, inflate and check your handywork. If it holds air, your blow up paddle board is ready to go! A good repair can last years or longer. Chances are, once it’s repaired, you won’t have to think about it through the life of the board, and you’ll be able to enjoy the water with complete confidence!
About iROCKER
Founded in 2013, iROCKER specializes in high-quality outdoor gear. From stand up paddleboards (SUPs) to inflatable docks, they offer what you need to get the most out of your adventure on the water. iROCKER also offers a wide selection of paddleboard gear and accessories to complete your SUP experience, including onboard beverage coolers, fishing rod attachments, and electric pumps. Want to get even more out of your new paddleboard? iROCKER is your destination for the SUP lifestyle. From their blog to their video series, they provide a number of resources for every skill level and interest. Whether you’re a SUP newbie looking for a few pointers or a SUP pro looking for a new paddleboarding adventure, iROCKER has you covered.
Get everything you need for your paddleboard at https://www.irockersup.com
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