Having an inflatable paddle board is super convenient, except for the time that it takes to inflate it each time you want to take it out on the water.
But do you really need to re-inflate that iSUP every single time you go paddle boarding?
Or can you just leave your paddle board inflated all summer long?
Yes, you can leave your paddle board inflated, but only for a short period of time.
Keep reading to learn more about keeping your SUP inflated.
How Long Can You Leave An iSUP Inflated?
As a general rule of thumb, you should really only leave your paddle board inflated for a couple of weeks.
If you attempt to leave it full of air for longer than that period, then you do run the risk of damage to the iSUP.
It’s also important that you are not trying to transport the iSUP while it is inflated over that two week period!
When transporting an inflatable paddle board, you should always deflate the SUP instead of transporting it full of air.
While leaving the paddle board full of air, make sure to not store anything on top of of the board because over time the board will lose some air and the weight of the items on top of it will end up deforming the structure of the iSUP.
Also note that if you attempt to store your paddle board inflated for more than two weeks (even though you shouldn’t), then be sure to let some of the air out as to reduce pressure on the seams of the board.
Tips For Storing Your Paddle Board Inflated
As mentioned above, it’s not ideal to store your inflatable SUP with air in it for more than two weeks, but if you end up needing to do this, then there are some best practices to follow.
First, make sure that the inflatable SUP is both clean and dry before attempting to store it inflated.
To clean it, you’ll want to rinse of any salt water or other debris and then leave it to completely dry.
Be sure to not place the SUP in the sun to dry, because the UV rays can damage the exterior of your iSUP.
When choosing a place to store the iSUP while it is still full of air, look for a location that is dry, moderate in temperature, and not damp or in the sun.
If the iSUP is store in a location that gets incredibly hot, then you can expect the air inside to expand and even pop the paddle board.
You don’t want to store the iSUP in a location where something may leak and get it wet, such as next to the hot water heater, because you don’t want mold to grow on the paddle board.
And store the inflated iSUP lying flat instead of standing up on one end or leaning up against the wall.
This is important so that you have even weight distribution across the paddle board.
Should You Deflate Paddle Boards?
Yes, it is always a good idea to deflate your paddle board when you’re not going to be using it.
This enables to extend the life span of your iSUP by practicing good care with the deflation and storage in its bag.
Do remember when deflating an inflatable SUP that you must first remove any fins, D-rings, or other attached accessories before you roll it up to put away in the storage pack or bag.
Deflated stand up paddle boards should be stored flat instead of standing up on one end as to properly distribute the weight.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of An Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board?
With the cost of some inflatable SUPs exceeding $1,000, it is natural to wonder how many years of enjoyment you can get from your purchase.
If you’ve bought yourself a quality iSUP from one of the top paddle board brands, then you can easily expect is to have a life span of 10 years or more.
However, if you’ve opted for a cheaper iSUP with lower quality workmanship, then you may only get a few years of use out of it.
Do keep in mind that regardless of quality, you may need to do minor repairs as components degrade over time.
Final Word
As you can see, you can store a paddle board inflated, however this is really only something that should be done on the short term.
With some precautions, you can often successfully do long term storage of an inflated paddle board, but it is not a good idea.
By following the best practices above, your inflatable stand up paddle board should last you for several years to come.