Have you been enjoying your inflatable stand up paddleboard (iSUP) and are curious about how to properly maintain it? If so, you’re in the right place! You have made the investment in a quality high end paddle board and you know that regular maintenance is important to take care of your iSUP and to make the most of the lifetime warranty. In this article, we’ll discuss the top things you need to do to keep your iSUP in top condition.
Keep it Clean:
To avoid any damage to your iSUP, it’s crucial to keep it clean. This involves using cleaning products specifically designed for inflatable paddle boards. We recommend using blue goo to remove any tough grime, deck pad cleaner to clean the deck pad and neoprene handles, and applying extreme cream UV protectant to keep the PVC soft and strong. Cleanliness is next to Godliness and if you want your board to last, this is the most important step. At the bare minimum, at least rinse your board off with fresh water before storing and let it dry. If you head home with a wet board, no problem. Open the bag when you get home and set your board up on the side in a loose roll with a fan nearby to get it dried off and avoid getting that mildew stank. If you forget, you can pick up another bottle of DPC- also great for getting wet dog stank off your EVA pad.
Secure Your Leash:
When carrying your board it’s important to properly secure your leash to prevent it from dragging on the ground. Not only does this keep you from looking like a dweeb, this will keep it from getting tangled or caught on any objects. We recommend always keeping it secured to the D ring at the back of your board near the valve, and put the ankle side around the board handle or your wrist when walking out to the water, or back to shore.
Tighten the Valve:
The valve is a crucial component of your iSUP. It needs to be tightened 1-2 times a year with the funky looking Halkey Roberts wrench to ensure that there are no leaks. If you ever feel like your board is not holding air, 99.8% of the time this is the reason. You will find it in that orange cylinder that should live in the bottom of your bag. ¼-½ a turn until its hand tight. The frequency of needing to do this really depends on how much your valve vibrates- if you always use the electric battery pump to inflate, you might need to do this more often than if you leave your board inflated to store.
Lubricate Your Pump:
Your pump needs to be lubricated with silicone grease to keep the rubber O-ring
inside soft and not dry out and crack. This will keep your pump running smoothly and ensure it lasts for years to come. You just unscrew the top and you will see that black rubber ring that seals to the inside cylinder of your pump. Smear a small amount of silicone grease on there and it will make its way around inside to where it needs to be. You will know this needs to be done if your pump is getting hot after using it or if you hear a squeak noise or if it just doesn’t seem to be working smoothly.
Clean Your Bag:
Your bag should be cleaned out regularly to prevent mud and sand buildup. This will keep your bag in top condition and ensure it continues to protect your iSUP during transportation. If its full of sand, then your board and all the accessories will be getting rubbed in all the wrong ways when you are transporting it- literally getting sanded down. Take your bag outside and give it a good dump upside down and see all the treasures you’ve collected from you last journey, you might be surprised!
Rinse Your Paddle:
Saltwater can be harmful to the metal components of your paddle. Rinse and dry your paddle regularly to prevent saltwater from seizing it up. Even if you are paddling in fresh water, there are tons of little micro-organisms etc that you don’t want swimming around inside your paddle reproducing until you carry them back to your next paddle location. Take your 3 piece paddle apart and give it a good rinse to show it some love.
Tighten the Screws:
The screws in your paddle should be tightened from time to time if they are loose. When they are loose they don’t hold your clamp with the proper pressure to keep your handle from sliding down and losing it’s length when you are paddling. You want them tight enough to give a snug fit upon closing your clamp. There is lock tight put on the screws when your paddle is built, but they will get loose over time so check them regularly, so you don’t lose them!
Use Your Lithium Ion Battery Pump:
The unavoidable thing about the amazing Battery Powered lithium-ion battery electric pump is, Batteries lose life over time and that is just the limits of this sweet technology. Just like the one in your cell phone, over time they lose the ability to hold a full charge, so it’s essential to use and drain it regularly to prolong its life. Unlike the G1 Optimus Prime Transformer action figure that you left in the package up on the top shelf- Sitting on the shelf is not great for the longevity-and also remember to clean out the intake port in case any leaves or sand are stuck to the sponge filter in that intake hole. Click here to see how to use your pump correctly.
Regularly Ride Your iSUP:
Lastly, the best way to keep you in top condition is to regularly ride your iSUP! Not only will it keep you happy and healthy, but it will also keep your iSUP in top condition because you will have it out to do your regular maintenance.
In conclusion, proper maintenance is crucial to the longevity of your inflatable stand up paddleboard. By following these tips and taking good care of your iSUP, you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come. Remember to keep it clean and store it dry, secure your leash, tighten the valve, lubricate your pump, clean your bag, rinse your paddle, tighten the screws, use your lithium-ion battery, and regularly ride your iSUP. Happy paddling!