One of the key benefits to purchasing an inflatable paddle board over a hard board is the storage aspect. Many people don’t have room to store a full sized paddle board in their home all year round.

By deflating your paddle board when you are not using it, it means that you can store it in a much smaller space than keeping it inflated. But how do you safely deflate and inflate it to ensure that you do not damage your paddle board?

Inflating your paddle board

  1. Unroll your inflatable paddle board onto a smooth surface, free from debris or rocks, grass or a clear patch of beach will work well and then unscrew the valve cap.
  2. Check that the valve pin is facing upright before you begin to inflate, this helps to make sure the valve seal is closed and air will not escape when you remove the pump hose.
  3. Insert and twist the pump hose into the valve anti-clockwise, connect the other end of the hose to the “out” port on your pump
  4. Begin pumping to the board’s recommended PSI, if using an electric pump you should set it to stop at 12 PSI, remember the gauge will not read until it reaches minimum 7 PSI.
  5. You should expect around 10 minutes for your board to inflate
  6. When you reach around 10 PSI, remove the cap on your pump to make the final 2-5 PSI easiest to inflate (removing the cap changes the pump from dual action to single action).
  7. Most inflatable paddle boards will have a minimum PSI of 12 for maximum performance.
  8. Next, twist off your pump hose and replace the valve cap on to your inflatable paddle board, you are now ready to paddle!

Deflating your paddle board

  1. Make sure you give your inflatable paddle board a quick but thorough rinse with fresh water before deflating, this can be done with a garden hose. Then allow the paddle board to dry completely.
  2. Do not use the valve wrench to deflate your paddle board as this can cause serious injury.
  3. Firstly, remove the valve cap and with your finger push down on the valve pin.
  4. Whilst pushing down on the valve pin, twist it to lock it into the open position.
  5. If this has been done correctly you should hear the air starting to be released.
  6. You do not need to keep your finger pressed down on the valve pin.
  7. Once the majority of the air has been released from your inflatable paddle board you should begin rolling it up, from the nose to the tail with the fin box on the outside.
  8. Rolling your board from the nose helps to squeeze out the remaining air.
  9. Once fully rolled up and deflated use the strap to prevent your board from unravelling.
  10. Once the board is strapped up tight you can put it in your chosen method of storage e.g. backpack, now you can go home!

Inflating and deflating your inflatable paddle board properly will help to ensure it stays in great condition and prevent injury to yourself, be sure to research the details specific to your own paddle board. 

Zoe Kickhefer
zoe@everydaylifes.com