If you’re a proud owner of an inflatable paddle board, it’s important to know how to properly inflate and deflate it to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the water. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps of inflating and deflating your board, as well as provide some tips and tricks to make the process more efficient. So let’s get started!
Inflating Your Paddle Board
Inflating your paddle board is a crucial step to get it ready for your water adventure. Follow these steps to ensure a proper and efficient inflation process:
- Prepare the Surface: Find a smooth and clean surface to lay out your board. Make sure there are no rocks or sharp objects that could potentially damage the board during inflation. Grass or sand can be ideal surfaces for this purpose.
- Unroll the Board: Take your board out of the bag and unroll it completely on the chosen surface. Ensure that the valve pin is in the upright position before you start inflating. This will ensure that the valve seal is closed and won’t leak air when removing the pump hose.
- Attach the Pump: Depending on the type of pump you have, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the pump hose to the valve. Twist the hose into the valve counter-clockwise to secure it properly. If you’re using an electric pump, set it to stop at the recommended PSI (usually 12 PSI).
- Begin Inflating: Start pumping air into the board using a hand pump or electric pump. Keep an eye on the PSI gauge and make sure it reads at least 7 PSI before continuing. If you’re using a hand pump, remove the red cap to switch from dual action to single action, making the pumping process easier as you reach higher PSI.
- Reach the Recommended PSI: Continue pumping until your board reaches the recommended PSI, which is typically between 12-15 PSI for maximum performance. It’s important to reach the recommended PSI to ensure proper rigidity and stability on the water.
- Secure the Valve and Fin: Once your board is fully inflated, carefully twist off the pump hose and replace the valve cap to prevent any air leakage. Insert the snap-in rear fin and secure it with the small thumb lever. Now, your board is ready to hit the water!
Deflating Your Paddle Board
When it’s time to pack up and head home, it’s important to deflate your paddle board properly to store it safely. Follow these steps for a smooth deflation process:
- Rinse and Dry: Before deflating your board, rinse it off with fresh water to remove any debris or dirt. Dry it completely to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
- Open the Valve: Remove the valve cap and push down on the valve pin while twisting it to lock it in the open position. This will allow the air to escape from the board. You may hear a hissing sound as the air is released, which is normal.
- Let the Air Escape: Allow the board to sit for a couple of minutes to let most of the air escape naturally. This will make the deflation process easier and quicker.
- Roll from Nose to Tail: Starting from the nose of the board, begin rolling it up tightly towards the tail. This will help push out the remaining air from the board as you roll. Keep in mind that you should roll around any attachments or fins on the board rather than rolling them up.
- Close the Valve: Once most of the air is pushed out of the board, close the valve to prevent any air from entering during the rolling process. This will ensure a tighter roll and easier storage.
- Secure with Strap: Use the included strap to secure the rolled-up board tightly. This will prevent it from unrolling and make it easier to transport.
- Store in Bag: Place the rolled-up board, along with the paddle, fin, pump, and leash, into the designated carrying bag. Make sure everything fits properly and the bag is securely closed.
By following these steps, you can easily inflate and deflate your inflatable paddle board, allowing you to enjoy your time on the water and easily transport your board when not in use. Remember to always handle your board with care and avoid using any tools or methods that could potentially damage it. Happy paddling!
