How do I know if my paddle board is fully inflated?
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. 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.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.How long does it take to inflate a paddle board? If you are using a hand pump and have some experience, it takes about 15 minutes to get a board tight and hard to the touch at 15 PSI. If it is your first time, it may take you 20-30 minutes. Electric pumps can inflate a board easier and faster at about 10 minutes.
What happens if you under inflate a paddle board?
An under-inflated SUP is likely to flex in the middle and will struggle to hold your weight and this could lead to balance and stability issues. Ultimately, this will make it harder for you to refine your paddling technique and will require you to expel excess energy to cut through the water. Is paddle boarding a good workout? Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is more than just an exhilarating outdoor activity—it’s a gateway to a multitude of impressive health benefits.Utilize a Paddle Float If you have a paddle that isn’t inherently buoyant, consider adding a paddle float. These devices attach to the paddle and provide additional buoyancy. They’re commonly used in kayaking but also for SUP paddles.Check the PSI of your inflatable paddle boards If the air pressure in the board is too low, it will be unable to support the weight of the rider and will sink. To avoid this issue, make sure to properly inflate your board before each use, and check the pressure regularly.Paddle boarding, also known as stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), involves standing on a wider, more stable board and using a paddle to propel yourself through the water. One of the brilliant things about paddle boarding is that it can be done on a variety of bodies of water, from lakes and rivers to bays and oceans.An unstable paddle board is one that has a greater risk of capsizing. This is because the more weight you add to the board, the less buoyant it becomes. After a point of time, the buoyancy of water is going to exceed the buoyancy of your SUP board, which is when it’ll start to sink.
How to inflate a paddle board without losing air?
Inflate your Paddle Board You want the valve stem in the closed position with the valve stem up. This is what will prevent all the air from escaping when you remove the pump hose later. 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.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.
Can I leave my 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. There is no rule saying you can’t leave your paddle board inflated; however, we strongly recommend that if you’re leaving your paddle board in storage for long periods of time, you should deflate it to keep it in its best possible condition.Do I need to deflate my paddle board after each use? Deflating your SUP board isn’t absolutely required, especially if you’ll be using it again in the near future. However, deflation does offer advantages such as saving storage space and minimizing the risk of long-term inflation damage.There is no rule saying you can’t leave your paddle board inflated; however, we strongly recommend that if you’re leaving your paddle board in storage for long periods of time, you should deflate it to keep it in its best possible condition.Do I need to deflate my paddle board after each use? Deflating your SUP board isn’t absolutely required, especially if you’ll be using it again in the near future. However, deflation does offer advantages such as saving storage space and minimizing the risk of long-term inflation damage.How Long Can You Leave a SUP Inflated? You can leave your inflatable paddle board inflated indefinitely, as long as you store your board correctly. If you release air, keep your board out of sunlight, and in a cool, dry place, your inflatable board can remain inflated, and little to no damage will come to it.
How much should I pump my paddle board?
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. Generally speaking, we’d suggest aiming for 15-22 PSI. This should ensure that your board reaches the levels of stiffness required for optimum stability, without you having to exert too much effort inflating your board or battle resistance from the valve when deflating it.