Are you wondering how to best store your inflatable SUP? You’re not alone!
We’ve been getting many questions about this lately. One question that seems to be popular is whether or not it’s OK to leave an inflated board in storage while on vacation.
As long as you follow a specific procedure, you can leave the SUP board inflated for a long time without much damage.
Therefore, we will go over the ins and outs of inflating and storing an inflated board to help you better understand how it works.
What Is A Safe PSI level For An iSUP?
Depending on its construction technology and materials, every inflatable SUP will support a range of PSI levels.
Typically the ideal PSI level is anywhere between 12-15. A board with 12 PSI or more will operate almost like an epoxy SUP.
In addition, a higher PSI will make the board more stable and rigid. This extra air pressure is beneficial if you plan to paddle in colder waters.
On the other hand, an inflatable with below 10 PSI will be unstable. It may even become bent when the rider stands on it.
However, you may still want to stay in a safe PSI range when it comes to inflating your board. After all, overinflating will also lessen the lifespan of your SUP significantly.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to check the maximum PSI level before choosing your SUP. Afterward, keep the PSI level a bit lower than the upper limit to be safe.
How To Properly Inflate A SUP Board?
Inflating a SUP board may sound pretty straightforward, but there’s more to it than just using a pump and hose.
To properly inflate your iSUP, you will need to follow a few steps.
Let’s take a look,
- Unroll the entire board on the ground.
- Open the cover of the air valve.
- Turn the pin counterclockwise. Ensure that the pin inside the valve is in the upright position.
- Attach the inflation hose to the pump.
- Afterward, connect the hose to your board’s opened air valve.
- Now you are ready to start pumping up your SUP.
If you own a double, triple-action SUP pump, you will be able to inflate your board quickly. But, you may need to switch to the single-action mode when you reach 10-12 PSI to make the strokes easier.
Moreover, when inflating your board for the first time, you may panic when the high-pressure gauge does not react. You need not worry. It’s common for most PSI gauges to start reading after the board goes over 7 PSI or more.
However, remember to check the PSI gauge from time to time to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
Typically, it takes about 8-15 minutes to inflate a Sup board of standard size entirely. In addition, using a manual pump is also a great way to get your heart rate up before taking the SUP board out in the water.
Nevertheless, if you paddleboard frequently with your family and friends, you may want to get an electric SUP pump for better efficiency. It’ll save you a lot of time and hassle.
If you choose to go with an electric pump, consider its requirements first. For instance, some electric pumps only support car lighter or batteries.
To learn more about these pumps, check out the Best SUP Pumps.
Where To Store The Board And How To Keep It Safe?
When inflated, your paddleboard will take up more space. Also, you won’t be packing it up in a SUP backpack, so you will need to be a bit more careful about storing it.
To safely store it, inflate your board to about 8-10 PSI. Keep the pressure under the maximum PSI limit for your board.
This way, the construction integrity of the SUP won’t be damaged by air that has expanded due to heat.
Rinse the board with water to get rid of any dirt or grime. If you skip this part, the substances will harden over time or may even cause molds to appear.
However, try avoiding strong solvents when washing the SUP to prevent damage.
It’s especially essential to wash the board with fresh water if you paddle it in the ocean. Saltwater has corrosive properties. So, you need to rinse the SUP board even if it looks relatively clean.
Find a clean and dry place to store the board. Ensure that the space is not too cramped to avoid accidental impacts.
Place the board in a way that evenly distributes its weight. Otherwise, it may become damaged over time.
Afterwards, secure the board with cordage or locks that support a SUP. Using the attachment point for the safety leash will make this task easier.
Moreover, you can use a protectant or UV spray to keep it safe from the sun’s rays.
The Advantages & Drawbacks Of Leaving An Inflatable SUP Inflated
Typically, inflatable SUP’s are pretty durable and versatile. So it’s possible to leave them inflated for a long time.
However, initially, these boards were meant to be deflated and packed up before storing. Therefore, there are several advantages and drawbacks to leaving an inflatable board inflated.
Main Advantages
- It takes less time to prepare the board for paddling.
- Reduce the chance of creases.
- You can keep an eye on the boards and do quick repairs if needed.
- If you run a rental, it will help the clients to pick their board quickly.
- The majority of the iSUPs make for excellent decorations.
Main Drawbacks
- It takes up a lot of space compared to a deflated and rolled-up SUP.
- You won’t be able to put it in the backpack, so it’s less portable.
- Keeping the SUP board inflated for too long will reduce its lifespan.
- Sharp spikes or fall of the temperature can easily ruin the board’s durability.
- You will need to protect the board from the elements.
VERDICT:
If you are an experienced paddleboarder, then it’s OK to leave your inflatable board inflated.
Bottom Line For Is It OK to Leave an Inflatable SUP Inflated?
It’s essential that you take care of your board from time to time, whether you keep it inflated or deflated.
You can leave your SUP in the open while inflated, but it is best not to do so for an extended period. After all, even the toughest SUP can wear out with time and exposure to the elements.
However, if you have a large selection of iSUPs in your quiver and you use them frequently, it is a good idea to store your boards while they are inflated.
Therefore, regardless of the method you choose, we wish you the best of luck protecting your inflatable SUP and having fun paddleboarding!
