Inflatable stand-up paddleboarding , or SUP, appeals to you, and you want to take the plunge and get equipped for the coming summer or spring. But once you've taken the leap, you wonder, "How do I inflate an inflatable paddleboard? "
Inflation problems, while minor, are very common. Follow this article carefully and you'll be sure to avoid these minor inconveniences.
An under- or over-inflated paddleboard presents a problem:
- Underinflated, it risks “shaping up” and deteriorating rapidly due to the various folds that this causes.
- If overinflated, your SUP risks having its PVC welds come unglued, or even its drop stitch (the internal part that connects the deck and the hull and allows you to keep a paddle flat), at the risk of it becoming a sausage.
We will therefore start by checking your equipment together, then go over the key points of preparing your paddleboard before inflation and finally some additional advice just after seeing the inflation itself.
The necessary equipment
What equipment do we need to inflate your paddleboard? Approximately everything that's in the package you ordered. That is:
- SUP (that goes without saying)
- The high-pressure pump
- The fins
- The valve removal key
Prepare the paddleboard for inflation
First, it's important to find a suitable place to inflate your SUP. Avoid areas that could damage it, such as rocks or asphalt, if you have to inflate it in a parking lot. (If you have no other option, use the storage bag to protect your paddleboard from ground abrasion.)
Also, choose a place sheltered from the wind when it is strong, to prevent your paddleboard from flying away and potentially injuring someone or being damaged.
Before you begin inflating, unfold your SUP and check that it's in good condition. Also check that your pump is working properly and that your fins fit correctly in the designated slots on the hull of your SUP. Using the valve removal tool, check that the valve is properly tightened, as a loose valve could cause leaks.
Steps to inflate a stand-up paddleboard
Your paddleboard is now deployed, in a secure location and your equipment is functional.
- Start by connecting your pump to your SUP . To do this, check that the valve preventing air from escaping is in the inflation position, meaning the central part is popping out. If it isn't, turn it a quarter turn while gently pressing it to put it in the correct position.
- Next, connect the pump hose with a quarter turn clockwise . Be careful, as the pressure on the hose may cause it to rotate in the opposite direction. In this case, you will need to pre-tension the pump hose in the other direction before connecting it so that it stays in place without your assistance.
- You can now inflate your paddleboard to the pressure indicated around the valve or in the user manual. Start with the pump in mode 2 and then switch back to mode 1 when mode 2 becomes too difficult.
- Once the recommended pressure is reached, disconnect the pump from the SUP and close the valve cap . Finally, check that your paddleboard is rigid and that it has no protrusions that could indicate a potential breakage.
SROKA's tip:
The pressure on your paddleboard varies depending on the activities you want to do and your weight. For example, if you're going downwind SUPing, slightly lowering the pressure will allow you to better roll through the waves and thus avoid nose-diving and slowing down between swells.
Additional tips
To ensure an exceptional lifespan for your stand-up paddleboard, never leave it in the sun when not in use, especially during the summer when temperatures soar. For your information, the human pain threshold is around 60 degrees Celsius, or slightly below. On days when you can't touch a dark surface (like a car), the temperature of your paddleboard in direct sunlight could cause it to overheat and become damaged by UV rays.
Conclusion
In short, choose a location where you won't risk damaging your equipment, check it thoroughly, and be careful with the pressure you apply to your paddleboard. Once inflated, beware of the sun, which can cause significant damage in the summer.
Finally, always practice safely. Avoid very windy or very cold days if you are not properly equipped. Also, be aware that summer doesn't always mean warm water; even when it's 30 degrees Celsius outside, hypothermia is still possible when the water temperature is 17 degrees Celsius, as is often the case in windy regions.
How do you inflate a paddleboard? Now you have the answer. All that's left is for you to head out and enjoy yourself on the water. Many other articles are available on our website to help you with your paddleboarding, so feel free to take a look!
The SROKA team.
If you still have questions about this, or for any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us !