Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards FAQs
WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE STAND UP PADDLE BOARD OR SUP?
An inflatable Stand Up Paddle board (SUP) is a paddle board that is made from soft, collapsible material that becomes rigid through inflation. What this means is that an inflatable SUP can pack down super small, making it more versatile, easier to transport, and easier to store than Stand Up Paddle Boards made from conventional materials like fibreglass or epoxy.
ARE INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARDS WORTH IT?
Without a doubt! In fact, many paddle boarders prefer inflatable SUPs to traditional SUPs due to the ease with which they can be stored and transported. Advancements in inflatable construction also ensure that Bay Sports’ Stand Up Paddle Boards are super rigid, stable, and durable, and perform as well as non-Inflatable SUPs. Click here for more on Bay Sports’ inflatable construction tech, Drop-Stitch Technology.
HOW TO CHOOSE A SUP?
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a SUP. The main thing is to identify what you want your Stand Up Paddleboard for. Do you need a SUP for long-distance paddles, fitness, or to take the kids or the dog out on adventures on? Different Stand Up Paddleboard designs are tailored for different uses. Wider, bigger boards will be the most stable, while longer, narrower boards will be less stable, but faster through the water. Another important factor to consider is your level of ability. If you’re just beginning, a wide all-rounder like the 10’8 Seek or the 10’6 Mandala would be a great choice. Our SUP Product Selector is also a great tool to help you find the right SUP for the job!
HOW TO INFLATE A SUP?
Inflating your inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard is a breeze and can be done at home or down by the water. Follow these eight simple steps to get it right, every time.
- Unroll your board on a flat surface, such as sand or grass.
- Unscrew the valve cover on the board.
- Connect the pump hose to the board valve with a simple push and turn clockwise until it is securely in place.
- Starting with the dial on position 1, stand the pump on flat ground and place both feet on the footrests, then begin to pump using nice, long pushes down and up. This ensures maximum air is pumped on every stroke, whilst not overexerting yourself in the process.
- When it becomes harder to inflate (usually after two or three minutes), switch the dial to position 2, and continue pumping.
- When it once again becomes harder to inflate, switch the dial to position 3 to finish off the final stage of inflation.
- You want to inflate the board to within the green band on the pressure gauge on your Bay Sports pump (13-17 psi). 15 psi is ideal.
- You’re now ready to paddle. Get out there!
HOW TO DEFLATE A SUP BOARD?
Follow these six steps to make sure deflating and repacking your SUP is a synch after a big day out on the water.
- Remove the fin, then unscrew the valve cover on the board.
- Protecting your fingers with a soft cloth (t-shirt or towel), simply push the valve down and turn 90 degrees clockwise to lock the valve in the open/deflate position.
- The air contained within the board will immediately begin to exit. Lay down flat on the board using your body weight to assist deflation.
- After approximately 20 seconds, once most of the air has exited the board, start rolling the board from the front to the back, each fold being approximately 30cm apart.
- Once folded up, remember to close off the valve by lightly depressing and turning the spring valve anti-clockwise 90 degrees, until it pops back into the original position.
- Using the white strap, close the buckle and pull on the strap to tighten the package. This makes it easier when putting the board back into the bag.
HOW LONG DO INFLATABLE SUPS LAST?
Almost all of our inflatable SUPs come with a 3-year warranty (with the exception of 2 years for the BasiX series), but you can expect your inflatable SUP to last much longer after that. Taking proper care of your inflatable SUP– washing down with fresh water after each use, allowing to dry completely before storing, and following the user manual– will greatly extend its life. All our SUPs come with a patch kit to keep your SUP going even if you puncture it, and more repair kits can be purchased here if you find yourself with multiple punctures. While minor wear and tear is to be expected, a well looked after inflatable SUP can last a lifetime.