Top Tips To Care For Your iSUP

sAOver time inflatable SUP’s can get dinged, scratched, stained and dirty. To keep your board strong, clean, looking good and functioning as it should there are a few simple steps to follow.
Below I will cover how to properly clean your paddle board and store it.


 
PROPER CLEANING
STEP 1: RINSE
Rinse the entire board with fresh water to remove dirt, gravel, and debris.
*You do not need to rinse your board after using it each time if you are paddling in fresh water unless you want to quickly clean off debris.

However, if you are paddling in salt water it is important to rinse your board with fresh water to remove the salt. Salt can corrode the material and weaken the seams over time. Rinsing with fresh water will prolong the life of your board.

 
STEP 2: CLEAN
To clean the PVC material on your ISUP you can use any natural biodegradable cleaner. There are specialist cleaners available but anything without chemicals should be fine to use.


However, if your cleaner is not doing the trick one that is quite effective plus environmentally friendly is SUP Scrub or August Race SUP-A-Clean. August Race also have a UV protector.



To help remove stains on the traction pad there are a few options. Again, any natural soap can be used or either of the two above mentioned products can be used.


Pro Tip: When cleaning the traction pad (the pad in the middle of the board that you stand on) be sure to scrub very gently so as not to shred the pad.

 

STEP 3: RINSE AGAIN
Then rinse thoroughly with fresh water after cleaning to remove all soap residue.

 
DRY COMPLETELY
After cleaning your board or after paddling let the board dry completely.
It is best to let your board dry off as much as possible before packing away. If you are paddling very regularly, don’t worry too much about making sure it is completely dry.

Dry the board as best you can then deflate it and pack it away.

HOWEVER, if your board is going to be stored away for a longer period then definitely make sure the board dries properly.
Leaving it wet will promote the growth of bacteria and mold as well as weaken the seams.


 
STORAGE
One of the best things about inflatable stand up paddle boards is that they can pack away into a storage bag or backpack and be stored in a small space.

When the board is dry, deflate it, take off the fins and the leash, roll it up and pack it away inside the storage bag. Keep the bag stored away from the elements and out of direct sunlight.


 
ROLLING TECHNIQUE
One word of caution is not to roll the board too tightly when packing it away. I often see people rolling the board as tight as possible to put it into the backpack storage bag.

However, it is better for the seams if the board is rolled ‘loosely’ as opposed to tight.

(Here are iSUP Hire, we made a video of how to pack away your SUP. Check it out here)


 

LEAVING THE BOARD INFLATED
Many people ask whether they can leave their board inflated instead of deflating it after each use. The answer is yes you can BUT please store it away from the elements, in a cool area out of direct sunlight and ideally off the ground.
All inflatable paddle boards will lose some air pressure over time if the board is left inflated day after day. Therefore, before taking the board out again, it would be wise to quickly check the air pressure with the gauge on your pump as you may need to top it up.

 


 
AIR EXPANSION
In extreme heat the air pressure will expand. Therefore, if your board is left inflated in very hot weather let out a little air pressure to leave room for expansion.


 
SHOW SOME LOVE
Finally show your inflatable SUP a little extra love! Don’t drag it over gravel, drop it on the ground, sit on the board when the fin is on land – this is a quick way to break your fin.
Of course, stuff happens and for the most part these boards can withstand a fair amount of abuse. With a little extra care your inflatable SUP should last for many adventures!!


 
- This blog was written by our friend Paul at SUP Services. 

 

For more information and advice all things SUPs, go to our SUP Advice Page

 

 

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