Are inflatable SUPs any good?
On the whole, inflatable SUPs are all about convenience and flexibility. Because they’re generally made from durable materials like military-grade PVC, these boards are perfect for paddlers who value portability without any compromise on performance. No they do not. Inflatable paddle boards offer an excellent balance of performance, convenience, and durability for water sports enthusiasts.In summary, a SUP and a paddle board refer to the same watercraft used for the sport of stand-up paddleboarding. SUP refers slightly more to the activity, of actually standing, rather than solely the board being used.Performance: When it comes to performance, rigid paddle boards tend to be better than inflatables. They’re more agile, have better glide and are easier to catch waves when SUP surfing.Yes, inflatable paddle boards can burst, but this outcome is rare and typically the result of certain conditions or misuse.
Is it OK to leave inflatable SUP inflated?
For short term storage, leaving your board inflated is absolutely fine, permitting it’s in the perfect storage spot as we outlined above. All inflatable paddle boards will lose air pressure over time when left inflated, but it’s also key to remember that air pressure expands in extreme heat. With proper care and maintenance, a well-built inflatable paddle board can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the lifespan of your iSUP may vary depending on how often you use it, the conditions in which it’s used and stored, and the quality of construction.Expected Lifespan: With regular use, basic models last about three years, while high-quality options like those from Glide can last over seven years. Comparison to Hard Boards: iSUPs offer benefits such as portability and safety, making them a preferable choice for many paddlers over hard paddle boards.How Long Do Inflatable Paddle Boards Last? We could answer this question with an arbitrary range, such as 2 to 12 years, but the truth is that the durability of an inflatable SUP will depend on the quality of the board you buy and the type of use it endures.With proper care and maintenance, a well-built inflatable paddle board can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the lifespan of your iSUP may vary depending on how often you use it, the conditions in which it’s used and stored, and the quality of construction.As we’ve shown above, inflatable boards are easy to transport and store, durable and are usually more affordable than rigid paddle boards, making them ideal for leisure paddling. But if you’re looking for a board for SUP surfing or racing, a good quality rigid board may be a better option.
What is the lifespan of an inflatable SUP?
Longevity depends on a few different factors. Maintenance is key, like any else, if you take care of it it should last you! Matter tends to expand when heated. The same is true of air inside an inflatable paddleboard. While a SUP inflated to the recommended maximum PSI is unlikely to ‘pop’, it is good practice to keep a board out of prolonged contact with direct sunlight on hot days.Inflatable SUPs require that you pump the board to the suggested PSI. They’re just as rigid as the epoxy SUP since they are constructed with layers of military-grade PVC. Epoxy SUP – Serious paddlers looking for increased speed, glide and maneuverability, will prefer an epoxy board.How Long Do Inflatable Paddle Boards Last? We could answer this question with an arbitrary range, such as 2 to 12 years, but the truth is that the durability of an inflatable SUP will depend on the quality of the board you buy and the type of use it endures.If you leave your inflatable paddle board inflated while it’s in storage, your SUP could succumb to over-expansion. Over-expansion occurs when there is too much air in the board, and the high internal air pressure causes the seams of the inflatable SUP board to burst.
Can I store my inflatable SUP on its side?
Leaning: Perhaps the simplest solution is to lean the board up against a wall. You can do so by putting the SUP down on its side or tail (never put a board down on its nose). It’s a good idea to put some padding between the board and the floor to protect your SUP. Turn the SUP board valve stem to the CLOSED (UP) position. This may seem counterintuitive, but it works because a closed SUP valve has a rubber stopper on a spring that allows pressurized air to push through the valve while preventing air from coming back out.To Inflate – Valve pin UP Press and turn counterclockwise to the UP position. This activates the non-return valve and prevents air from escaping when you remove the pump hose.
How do I know if my SUP is inflated enough?
For all Tower paddle boards, a PSI of at least 10 should be reached: You should find the last 30-40 pumps to be fairly difficult, but it’s worthwhile to get it to full inflation. Note that the gauge that comes with our pump will not register the air pressure until the board is at at least 7 PSI. Your paddle board is fully inflated when it feels firm to the touch and does not flex under pressure. Most boards have a recommended PSI, typically around 12-15 PSI, which you can check using the gauge on your pump.The best inflatable stand-up paddle board PSI level is anywhere from 10 to 15. Most people inflate their board to about 10 to 12 PSI. A higher PSI will help if you are riding in cold or choppy water. If you need a bit more stability, try increasing the PSI of your board as well.Don’t inflate more than the recommended amount, you don’t want to risk over inflating and causing damage to the seams. Pro tip: If it’s really hot outside, inflate 1 or 2 psi below the recommendation. Hot air expands and this will allow for some wiggle room so your paddleboard doesn’t become over inflated.The best inflatable stand-up paddle board PSI level is anywhere from 10 to 15. Most people inflate their board to about 10 to 12 PSI. A higher PSI will help if you are riding in cold or choppy water. If you need a bit more stability, try increasing the PSI of your board as well.Generally speaking, lighter paddlers (under 180 lbs) can inflate the board to 15-18 PSI, while heavier paddlers (over 180 lbs) should inflate to 15-22 PSI.
Is it OK to keep inflatable paddle board inflated?
Yes, you can leave your paddle board inflated for short periods, but it’s essential to regularly check its condition and inflation level. If you compare an inflatable and a hard board with the same footprint, the inflatable can have up to 20% more volume, making it that much more stable, and supporting more rider and passenger weight. With performance advances, inflatables are increasingly being used in competitions and by casual SUP racers.As we’ve shown above, inflatable boards are easy to transport and store, durable and are usually more affordable than rigid paddle boards, making them ideal for leisure paddling. But if you’re looking for a board for SUP surfing or racing, a good quality rigid board may be a better option.Getting Value from Your Purchase. A good inflatable SUP will have little or no noticeable flex and will not feel bouncy, but the price will be higher because of the expensive material required to make a board with ideal physical properties and outline shape.Inflatable paddle boards are pricey because they are made from expensive materials and require skilled craftsmanship.
Can inflatable SUP be repaired?
If you have ever used a puncture repair kit on a bike before then fixing a hole on an Inflatable SUP Board will be easy. It is simply a glue & patch job, and there are loads of instructional inflatable SUP repair YouTube videos out there to help you. Adhesive – this often comes with your patch kit. Otherwise use Aquaseal, HH-66 Vinyl Cement, Stabond PVC Boat Adhesive, or Clifton’s PVC Adhesive. Do not use PVC pipe glue, super glue, gorilla glue, epoxy, or anything not explicitly for PVC boat repair.We recommend HH-66, or Clifton Urethane Adhesive, or Stabond, or AquaSeal, but any vinyl adhesive will do. Whichever one you use, be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions on the type of glue you’re using. Note: If you don’t have a repair kit or need more patches: This inflatable sup repair kit will help.