If you have spent any time on my website you will know that I am a big fan of inflatable stand up paddle boards.
I have been using them for many years and have tried all different brands, sizes and types.
They are awesome and have become very popular. These days I see more inflatable paddle boards out on the water than hard boards for recreational paddling.
Most ISUP’s are very durable but they aren’t indestructible and I think it’s important to be aware of the possible issues before making a purchase and know what to do about them.
I’ll go through the three most common inflatable paddle board issues below.
Top 3 Common Complaints
Seam Issues
Probably the most common complaint with an inflatable SUP is faulty seam issues.
I have seen this issue right across the board with all different brands, even with the big names.
I’d love to say if you buy from company ‘A’ as opposed to company ‘B’ faulty seams will never happen but it’s impossible to predict. I would guess that all ISUP manufacturers end up with a small percentage of boards that have seam issues.
It is a common quality control issue for inflatable SUP’s that has yet to be completely solved and maybe never will be.
Despite big advancements in ISUP technology and construction these paddle boards still have seams and you can’t get away from that.
Regardless how the seams are sealed there is still the possibility that a very small section doesn’t seal properly despite testing. Seams can also weaken in extreme heat.
How you care for your paddle board can definitely prolong it’s life but if you are in the small percentage that ends up with a new board that has a faulty seam then you have three options:
- If your board is still covered by warranty ship it back to the retailer and they will send you a new one. You’ll probably have to pay the shipping cost but you’ll get a new board and won’t have to bother trying to fix it yourself.
- If your warranty is up then you’ll need to fix it yourself. It actually isn’t that hard, I have done it successfully before by using the PVC glue that comes in the repair kit. What I did was I put glue in the seam and around the seam and then used some clamps to hold it together for a good 24 hours. Do this when your board is deflated.
- If the leak in the seam is quite large you may need to take it to a boat company to fix professionally.
Loose Valve
The valve can sometimes become loose and need to be tightened. If your valve is loose you may notice you are leaking air around the the outside of the valve.
This issue shouldn’t be a big deal and is easily fixable.
Every board comes with a repair kit and in that repair kit you will find a valve tightener. Use that tightener to give the valve a good twist so that it locks back into place.
That should hopefully solve the problem.
Tears and Leaks
Being an inflatable of course tears and leaks are going to be a concern. I don’t see them often but they definitely do happen.
In general most inflatable paddle boards are made quite strong and durable. Some of the cheaper models have less layers and are therefore more prone to tears.
However if you’ve bought a good board then it’s really up to caring for it properly to keep it in good condition.
So how do you care for an inflatable SUP properly? Follow these steps:
1. Rinse it with fresh water after being used in the ocean. Close the valve and twist the cap on to avoid water entering the chamber when rinsing.
2. Dry thoroughly before packing it away to avoid mold.
3. Don’t roll it up too tightly. The tighter you roll, the more stress you put on the seams.
4. Store it out of direct sunlight when not in use and away from the elements in a dry, cool area. Excessive exposure to sun and heat can cause the glued seams to fail.
5. Take care not to drag it too much on gravel or rocks.
6. Be careful not to bump into barnacles – these are often found on the side of docks.
7. Use a 303 protectant on your board to protect it from harsh UV rays and stains. Don’t use the 303 protectant on the traction pad or areas where you stand – it tends to make the board quite slippery.
8. Use all natural gentle cleaners and a soft scrub brush on your boards surface when cleaning and towel dry afterwords.
Care for your board properly and it will hopefully last you a long time!
I think it is important to be educated and aware of what could happen with an inflatable SUP but don’t let these issues deter you from buying one.
As a general rule they are usually very durable. They are often used by rental outfitters because they are stable and easy to paddle but also can withstand a fair amount of abuse.
As with any water activity it is recommended that you be smart and always wear a PFD, paddle with a buddy and don’t venture too far from shore if you are not a strong swimmer.
Hope these tips help you take care of your board and have many fun and safe paddling adventures on the water! Click here to read our detailed inflatable paddle board reviews.
