If you have spent any time on my website you will know that I am a big fan hâm mộ of inflatable stand up paddle boards.
Bạn đang xem: Common issues with inflatable paddle boards
I have been using them for many years và 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 lớn be aware of the possible issues before making a purchase và know what to bởi 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 lớn say if you buy from company ‘A’ as opposed to lớn company ‘B’ faulty seams will never happen but it’s impossible khổng lồ predict. I would guess that all ISUP manufacturers over up with a small percentage of boards that have seam issues.
It is a common unique control issue for inflatable SUP’s that has yet khổng lồ be completely solved và maybe never will be.
Despite big advancements in ISUP technology và construction these paddle boards still have seams & 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 lớn the retailer & 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 lớn bother trying to lớn 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 và around the seam and then used some clamps khổng lồ hold it together for a good 24 hours. Bởi this when your board is deflated.If the leak in the seam is quite large you may need to take it lớn 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 giảm giá and is easily fixable.
Every board comes with a repair kit và in that repair kit you will find a valve tightener. Use that tightener to lớn 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 và leaks are going khổng lồ be a concern. I don’t see them often but they definitely do happen.
In general most inflatable paddle boards are made quite strong & durable. Some of the cheaper models have less layers and are therefore more prone lớn tears.
However if you’ve bought a good board then it’s really up lớn caring for it properly khổng lồ keep it in good condition.
So how vì you care for an inflatable SUP properly? Follow these steps:
1. Xem thêm: Tóc Xoăn Lọn To Ngắn - 50 Kiểu Tóc Xoăn Ngắn Đẹp Nhất 2020
2. Dry thoroughly before packing it away khổng lồ avoid mold.
3. Don’t roll it up too tightly. The tighter you roll, the more găng you put on the seams.
4. Store it out of direct sunlight when not in use & away from the elements in a dry, cool area. Excessive exposure lớn sun and heat can cause the glued seams khổng lồ fail.
5. Take care not to lớn 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 lớn 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 khổng lồ make the board quite slippery.
8. Use all natural gentle cleaners & a soft scrub brush on your boards surface when cleaning và towel dry afterwords.
Care for your board properly and it will hopefully last you a long time!
I think it is important khổng lồ be educated và 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 và easy lớn 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 & don’t venture too far from shore if you are not a strong swimmer.
Hope these tips help you take care of your board và have many fun and safe paddling adventures on the water! Click here to lớn read our detailed inflatable paddle board reviews.
