How To Prepare Your Inflatable SUP Board For Summer

Aussie summer is an incredible time to bring out your inflatable SUP board and head out on all kinds of paddleboarding adventures. But before you hit the water, you’ll want to give your board the attention it deserves. Proper maintenance helps SUP boards perform better and last longer.

Here’s our guide on how to get your board ready for summer SUP.

Unpack Your Board And Give It A Thorough Inspection

After spending some time put away, it’s a good idea to make sure your inflatable SUP board is in good working order. Unroll it fully in a clean area to avoid any damage and give yourself plenty of room to inspect the whole board.  Inflating it will make it easier to spot any problems. You’re looking to make sure there aren’t any leaks (listen for any hissing sounds or try the dish soap trick) or other wear and tear. Make sure the valve is still seated firmly and doesn’t wobble too.

Time For A Good Clean Before Getting It Back In The Water

Give your board a cleaning to get rid of any unnoticed buildup of salt crystals or mildew. A mix of warm water with mild soap is ideal, and make sure you’re using a soft sponge to avoid wearing down the board more than necessary. Pay particular attention to the deck pad, fins and valve as these tend to be spots on SUP boards with the most build-up. Finally, make sure the board is totally dry before putting it away again. Trapped moisture can lead to mould.

Check Over Your Paddle And Accessories

Your inflatable SUP board isn’t the only piece of kit you need to prepare before you head out paddleboarding - your other equipment needs checking over too. Some tips include:

• Paddle - Make sure your paddle extends out and locks properly. If it’s stuff, a silicone spray lubricant should get it working properly again.
• Safety Leash - Make sure the cord isn’t stretched, frayed or otherwise obviously damaged. You need your leash to perform properly in an emergency.
• Board Bag - Check over your board bag and ensure that it isn’t damaged. Check zips and straps to make sure they’re working properly.

Be Extra Careful Not To Overinflate Your Inflatable SUP Board

Summer is an especially risky time to overinflate your board. When air heats up, it expands quite a lot. If you’ve already overinflated your board, then the air will have nowhere to go and can cause serious damage. Always inflate SUP boards to the recommended PSI for the model, and don’t leave them lying around in the sun, as this will massively increase the risk of damage.

Make Sure You’ve Got Storage Sorted For When It’s Not In Use

A hot summer is lovely, but not so great for an inflatable SUP board. Don’t leave it exposed to the sun for prolonged periods, as this will stress the seams by increasing internal air pressure. Instead, find somewhere indoors to store it, make sure it’s fully dry and roll it up loosely instead of tightly. This will prevent the material from degrading while it's not in use.

If you need any tips on caring for your SUP boards, then why not ask for some guidance from the Red Paddle Co team? Our team members are always happy to lend their expertise to help you get the most out of your SUP experience, so get in touch!