Frequently Asked Questions About Paddleboards And Accessories
How Long Can I Keep My Paddleboard Inflated?
Inflatable Paddleboards are made of some extremely durable material. You could leave your paddle board inflated for as long as you want. The only thing I would recommend is releasing a small amount of air when not in use and store the board in a shaded area. You should never leave a fully inflated ISUP sitting in the sun unused and out of the water for too long. The air in it can expand from overheating and potentially damage your board. For tips on how to store a paddle board click here.
Can I Use an Electric Pump on My Paddleboard?
Yes! Most boards have a Halkey-Roberts valve which is compatible with electric pumps. If your board does not have a Halkey-Roberts valve attachment are available to attach an electric pump to your board. Usually what I do is attach my board to an electric pump until it is mostly inflated, then use my manual pump with a gauge to pump it to the correct psi. To fully inflate a paddle board you need a special kind of electric pump that can reach a high psi, you can check out the best electric pumps for ISUPs here.
How Do I Store My Paddleboard?
I would recommend rinsing off your board after every use. After rinsing let it dry off completely before rolling or folding it up and putting it in its bag. You can also store your board inflated, but it is recommended to not leave it fully inflated when not in use and never leave it in direct sunlight. For more information and tips on how to store an ISUP, click here.
Will a Paddleboard Fit in a Prius or Small Car?
A full-sized epoxy paddle board will not safely fit in a Prius or a small car. A rolled-up inflatable paddle board will though. That’s the magic of inflatable paddle boards. You get all the fun of a paddle board with the convenience of being able to roll it up and put it in a small bag that will fit in the trunk of any car and even can be taken on an airplane as a carry-on.
Will Inflatable Paddleboards Pop?
Inflatable paddle boards are made with heavy-duty PVC and can withstand all kinds of abuse, but they are not invisible. A weak seam can spring a leak or a really sharp hard object can sometimes puncture your paddle board. This is very rare and will never happen to most paddle boarders but the occasional accident can happen. Sometimes a seam can burst if the paddle board is left in direct sunlight fully inflated and builds pressure that the seams were not designed to hold up against.
The good news is PVC is inexpensive and easy to patch. In fact, a lot of paddle boards are sold with included patch kits. Here’s a helpful article with step-by-step instructions on how to patch an inflatable paddle board.
Can Inflatable Paddleboards or Paddleboards Be Used for Surfing?
Yes, they can!
Epoxy or “solid” paddle boards are the best for paddle board surfing but inflatables can do it too.
Surfing on an inflatable paddle board is a totally different experience that can be fun and rewarding in its own way. You can learn more about surfing with a paddle board in this article.
If you think you want to give paddle board surfing a try here are the best inflatable paddle boards for surfing options on the market today.
Can a Paddleboard Be Stored Outside?
An inflatable paddle board can be stored almost anywhere, especially if it is rolled up and placed in its bag for protection. If you need to store it outside inflated or not it’s important to keep it out of direct sunlight and away from the elements. For more information on storing ISUPs, click here.
Epoxy or “solid” paddle boards are another story. They can’t be rolled up and thrown in a closet so you have to get a little more creative when storing them. There are two main factors to think about when storing your board inside or outside, sunlight and moisture.
Sunlight is the slow killer for lots of things. The harsh UV rays eat away at anything and paddle boards are no exception. Keeping your paddle board away from direct sunlight and high temperatures is vital to it staying in good condition.
Moisture is another silent killer. Moisture can cause mildew and molds to grow which can potentially eat away at your board ruining the finish and causing cracks. It’s a lot of work to clean that stuff off so it’s better to make sure it’s in a dry place, to begin with. For more information on storing a paddle board outside check out this great article.
Can Paddleboards Be Stored Outside in the Winter?
Yes, they can but you have to be extra careful to keep your board dry. Keep it in a place where snow will not collect on it. Wrap it in a tarp to protect it from the elements. Cold temperatures do not bother boards as much as hot temperatures but you still need to keep your board dry. For more information on storing a paddle board outside check out this great article.
Can Paddleboards and Inflatable Paddleboards Be Repaired?
Inflatable paddle boards are easy to repair. A lot of paddle boards even come with repair kits. Here’s a helpful article with step-by-step instructions on how to patch an inflatable paddle board.
Epoxy paddle boards can also be repaired but may require a little work depending on how bad it is. For detailed information here’s an article and video that does a good job explaining it.