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. 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, 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.How inflated should paddle boards be? The recommended inflation level for most inflatable paddle boards is between 12 to 15 PSI, but always consult your board’s manual for specific guidelines. Using a reliable pump with a gauge will help you achieve the correct pressure.The time required to inflate an inflatable paddle board varies based on the pump type, experience, and target PSI. Manual Hand Pump: Approximately 4-7 minutes for most users. Electric SUP Pump: Around 7 minutes or less, offering a hands-free experience.When the PSI is too low, your board will feel floppy, unstable, and drag in the water. But when it’s properly inflated? You’ll feel solid, balanced, and way more confident with every paddle stroke. Most quality inflatable paddleboards should be inflated to a minimum of 15 PSI.
Do you inflate paddle board up or down?
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.Inflating the Packraft. Unroll your packraft on a clean, abrasion-free surface and locate the Bravo valve, which is typically positioned near the stern. Remove the valve cover to expose the inner portion of the valve. You should see a white-tipped, spring-loaded plunger that opens and closes the valve when pressed.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.The valve pin should be in the up position when inflating. When it’s in the down position it deflates. You must push down on the pin and rotate to get it in the up or down position.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.
Should the valve be in or out to inflate a paddle board?
The valve needs to be in the closed position which is done by putting the spring loaded pin in the up right position before you begin pumping to avoid the air coming out when you have finished pumping. The lack of pressure buildup is caused by a lack of lubricant in the pump or unevenly distributed lubricant. If the pump won’t build pressure all you need to do is add some sort of lubricant, like Vaseline. Unscrew the top of the pump and add a glob of lubricant to the cylindrical piece on the inside.
How many pumps to inflate a paddle board?
It is going to take at least a few hundred pumps to get it to the desired psi for your inflatable paddle board to be fully inflated. It is a bit of a workout before your actual workout as we like to say. I would say 10-15 minutes depending on the size of your board, the size of your hand pump, what pressure you inflate to, and your ability. It takes about the same amount of time to inflate your paddleboard with an electric sup pump, but there is no physical labor involved.